Recognizing Good Chair Upholstery and Fabric

Comfort is an important factor to take into account when considering chairs. Upholstery provides added comfort to your seats by creating a plush surface and distributing pressure while providing you with extra support.

Upholstery is not as straightforward as it sounds, and what may be passed off as upholstery may not really provide any added comfort to your seating experience. Here are some key features to look for when buying upholstered seating.

Springs

Springs provide structural support in the chair seat. The two types of springs used in chairs are coil springs and zigzag springs. Coil springs are laced together and attached to the frame of the chair and move. Zigzag springs are attached to the frame but are stationary. It is important that the springs in the seat provide adequate support; if the coils flatten out easily, it will cause the chair to become uncomfortable.

Industrial webbing

Industrial webbing provides added support to the upholstered seat. It is comprised of interwoven strips which are stapled to the base of the chair. This type of reinforcement makes the upholstery more durable and comfortable.

Cushion fill

The comfort and durability of the upholstery is dependent on the type of material that the fill is made from. Polyurethane foam and down are the two most commonly used fill materials. Although down is soft and comfortable initially, it flattens easily. Polyurethane foam, on the other hand, provides as much comfort as the density of the foam will allow. Any foam with a density less than 1.8 will flatten over time and not provide much comfort.

Fabric

Poor quality fabric will wear out quickly and expose the foam. Not only is this visually unappealing, it can also be quite uncomfortable to sit on. Consider how much use you expect to get out of the chair and how long you want it to last when choosing fabrics.

Tailoring

Not only does tailoring affect the physical appearance of an upholstered chair, it also affects its durability. Poor tailoring can be a warning sign of poor workmanship, and this type of upholstery will easily tear or come apart at the seams.

Familiarizing yourself with the components of a well upholstered chair will make you a savvy buyer and will help you choose a chair with confidence. Whether you are purchasing chairs for your home or business, it is important to invest in quality from the beginning.