Before You Order

Before ordering custom-made furniture, ask to sit in a piece that has the same frame and structure. Most stores have an example of each piece on the floor. Without this step you'll never be exactly sure what the chair will feel like or if its proportions are comfortable for you.

Be a savvy consumer. Read warranties on frame, fabric, cushions, and fabric finish. Ask how the store deals with problems and defective products.

Ask what options are available for your sofa or chair. These might include fabric skirts, exposed wood legs, choices in arm styles, piping around cushions, fringes or trims, extra pillows, and length of the overall piece.

Most of your initial decisions will involve the size, shape, and style of your upholstered piece. Next you'll want to consider arm styles and available fabrics.

See more tips below.

 

• Check Construction. Check that frame pieces fit together tightly with no gaps. Exposed wood arms or legs should be smooth, evenly colored, and blemish-free. They should also be securely attached to the frame.
• Eight-Way Hand Tied Springs. Shop for chairs and sofas with hand-tied coils, not crimped springs. For long wear and comfort, look for coils that are tied in as many as eight places. Those tied in only four won't last as long and the springs may pop loose.
• Avoid furniture that shows buckling between parts -- cushions and frame, fitted pillow and arm, or wooden and upholstered parts.
• Squeeze padded areas to be sure that they are adequate; you shouldn't be able to feel the frame underneath the padding.
• Fabric patterns should match perfectly at seams. Fabrics should be applied smoothly and evenly across the piece without any gaps or gathers.
• Test button, tassels, and trim to make sure they are firmly attached.
• Check piping. It should be smooth, cleanly constructed, and applied evenly throughout the piece.
• Finally, before you order, be sure to take the measurements of the piece home. Double check that the furniture's size will work in your space.
• Always borrow any upholstery fabric samples you're considering so you can see them in your own home and test the colors with other rugs and furnishings you may already own. Remember that you can order most custom furniture "COM" which means that it will be covered in the customer's own material. This is a good option when you need to match other pieces, though COM orders will generally be more expensive.