Publications
From classic to contemporary – we help you find the sofa to best suit your style.
L-shaped corner unit
The L-shaped corner unit is a bestseller. This modular system allows you to combine a sofa, chaise longue and an ottoman to suit your needs. And it’s so versatile you can even use the chaise as a recliner. This configuration is popular in contemporary homes and open-plan living rooms, as it demarcates specific areas.
Contemporary
Contemporary sofas have clean, geometric lines with sharp angles, and are often either made of modern man-made materials, or embellished with a touch of chrome. Upholstered in neutral colours for a light appearance, contemporary sofas work best in a minimalist space with few accessories.
Traditional
This description applies to classic designs from specific periods, such as Art Deco, Victorian or Georgian. These pieces feature unique characteristics of their period, such as scroll arms or serpentine backs with flamboyant detailing such as boullion fringing, deep buttoning and tassels. Antiques fall into this category too. Traditional designs are best suited to houses with traditional architectural detailing, such as high ceilings with decorative cornices, ornate chandeliers, or generous bay windows with lavish window treatments.
Classic
This refers to timeless furniture that is equally at home in a contemporary or traditional setting, depending on decorative detailing such as the piping, topstitching and skirts. Classic styles are generally curved, rather than rectilinear, and the upholstery will determine the setting. Simple linen works well in a contemporary space, while damask and floral fabrics are more suited to a traditional farmhouse or country-cottage home. These days, classic furniture is often combined with traditional or contemporary pieces.
Avant-garde
A sofa that makes a style statement and that can even be considered a work of art is avant-garde. Sculptural in form, furniture of this kind can hold its own in any room, as it’s functional and beautiful from every angle. An avant-garde sofa works well in an entrance hall, hallway or contemporary living space, and can also be placed in a minimalist setting.
Slipcovers
Slipcovered sofas are especially popular with first time sofa buyers. Slipcovers are practical and can be removed to launder in a washing machine – but make sure the fabric is pre-shrunk. It’s also cheaper buying a new slipcover than reupholstering a sofa. Slipcovered sofas create a laidback, shabby-chic appearance ideal for a beach cottage or holiday home.
What makes a good sofa?
• A good frame is crafted from synthetic wood or kiln-dried timbers, generally top-quality pine. This ensures that the frame doesn’t warp.
• The suspension of the seating determines the comfort level and for how long you’ll be able to sit before it starts to sag and you get that ‘sinking’ feeling.
• A sofa that’s fully sprung at the front will prevent seat cushions from being flattened. This is particularly important as many people are inclined to perch on the edges of sofas.
• Coil springs are best for seating, followed by a zigzag system. As with a mattress, the coils should be interlinked, move in unison with your weight, and provide firm support across the entire seating area.
