Shopping for Upholstered Furniture

Modern upholstered furniture is an interesting combination of the casual and the trendy. Upholstered furniture pieces are traditionally chosen for their comfort and support, but modern upholstered furniture must offer more than that. When shopping for upholstered furniture, these are the guidelines to follow.

Space and Position Contemporary style is about open space, so first determine where your upholstered furniture will be positioned. "Upholstered furniture items tend to be large (the term sometimes used is "overstuffed"), but you need to strike a delicate balance between streamlined and sturdy so your furniture doesn't overshadow the room. Strong frames, lean lines, and high quality cushions are key when shopping for modern upholstered furniture. Don't equate size with comfort. If it's a quality piece, you'll still be able to sink into a stylish and contemporary upholstered chair. Style and Material The style and material of your upholstered furniture should suit the room. If you're decorating in a contemporary style, choose upholstery that features abstract and geometric patterns and is monochrome or two-tone in color.

Natural materials also contribute to a room's visual texture. Wool, cotton, and leather are natural materials well suited to modern design.

Shopping Tips
When shopping for upholstered furniture, first determine the size and style that you want. Often when you settle on a particular item, the color and upholstery material can be customized to your wishes.

Unless you're a natural, we recommend taking fabric samples home with you to better judge how the upholstered furniture piece would blend. The upholstery material should also be suitable for its frame. Particular frames will accommodate some natural materials better than others.

Finally, a 'test drive' isn't enough. An upholstered chair or sofa may feel comfortable today, but paying for quality construction and materials guarantees that it will still feel comfortable months and years from now.