How To Judge A Sofa For Quality

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The ideal way to check the quality of a sofa is to actually see the insides to scrutinize the engineering and construction aspects of it but unless you are able to find a furniture store that allows you to rip off the covers and it’s outer layers, you are pretty much limited to the touch and feel on the outside.

All hope is not lost though as we share the following tips to ensure that the sofa you are going to buy is not going to end up at the nearest recycling plant six months down the road.

The Frame

This is the most important component of the sofa as the type of wood used for the construction of the frame determines the lifetime of the sofa.

A good quality sofa uses kiln-dried hardwood, held together by industrial glue and nails, which lends to it’s sturdiness and durability, and can typically last more than 15 years! An example of hardwood are Birch, Maple, Oak, Ash, and Teak. Kiln-drying removes all moisture from the wood before construction as this helps guard against cracking. It also enables the frame to retain its shape and stability for a long time to come.

A lower quality sofa uses furniture-grade plywood several layers thick held together with staples. It’s a substitute for hardwood and costs lesser. This type of frame will typically last you at most two to three years. Some manufacturers will use plywood with a combination of other lower grade wood like Pine, which can last you about five years or less.

How to check:

• Check what type of wood was the sofa frame constructed out of. If you’re in Singapore, the quality ones are usually North American Birch, and Oak wood.
• Hold the sideframe of the sofa, and move it from side to side. Do the same for the backframe. A sturdy frame should not wobble or twist. If it does wobble, it usually means that the joints are not held firmly which can cause serious safety concerns in the future.
• Lift up the sofa and feel the weight. It should feel heavy. How heavy? As a reference, our Sofa (Length at 190cm) requires two man (Avg. height:185cm / Avg. weight: 80kg) to lift it up vertically whilst a sofa at IKEA only required one man. In general, this should not be used a sole determinant of a good quality sofa as engineered wood or plywood can feel heavy as well.
• Test the frame strength by lifting one corner or leg of the sofa up to about 15cm. If the other leg is still touching the floor, then it means the frame is weak.

 Filling

The type of filling used for the cushions determines how soft and plushy or how firm the seating comfort is.

If you like it soft and plushy, and that ‘sink-in’ feeling, consider going for 100% goose down and feather cushions. A goose down is a layer of fine feathers found under the tougher exterior feathers. Do note however, going for a full feather option is very high maintenance and requires daily attention. It is also considered a premium choice and is pricey.

Down Feather

An alternative combination that still provides you with that soft and plushy feeling but without the high costs and maintenance is the foam and feather mix which is commonly used by many designer furniture companies. The typical materials are high density/resilient polyurethane foam (35-42kg/cbm) wrapped in down feathers, cotton or polyester batting. The foam provides a bouncy feel and ‘push back’ against deformation. This makes the seating more supportive. For this combination, the more down feathers is used to wrapped the foam, the more cushy it feels.

Note: The higher the density of the foam, the firmer, and more lasting it is. Make sure you get the higher density foams as the lower density ones break down pretty quickly. Typical lifeline for the foams are:

25kg/cbm : 1 to 2 years

35kg/cbm : 3 to 4 years

42kg/cbm : 7 to 9 years

How to check:

• If you opt for a seating cushion that has the down feather material, make sure that you check the inner cover used to contain the feathers. The cover is called Down Proof Ticking and it prevents the feathers from poking through your upholstery. Check the quality as well by pulling the inner cover. If it tears easily, make a pass.
• Ask for the foam density. If you like it soft but would like it to last, ask for 42kg/cbm wrapped with down feathers, cotton or polyester batting. These are reasonably priced and very comfy.

Foam Wrapped In Down & Feather

Upholstery (Fabric)

The type of upholstery used is equally important when determining the quality of the sofa. Fabrics like cotton and linen are ideal and holds out in tropical climates with high humidity as they do not trap as much heat. However, these fabrics can snag and wear off quickly without proper maintenance. A better alternative would be to go for polyester. It’s easier to maintain, durable, and lasts longer in temperate climate.

For leather options, if you are in an environment like Singapore with high humidity, forget about getting synthetic leather; these will flake after several months. Go for genuine leather but the costs are exorbitant and is approximately 60 to 80% higher than the cost of a fabric sofa. It is also cruel to animals and damages the environment. Therefore, we prefer to use fabrics most of the time.

How to check:

• Check the piping and the seams of the sofa. They should be straight and stitched tight.
• If you are buying a sofa for long term use, best to check if the sofa covers – including the side and back frames – are removable so that you can change to different color fabrics to match the yearly interior design themes you have planned. It is cost effective too!

Call us or email: info(at)centrepiece.com.sg to discuss your order. By calling Vince, whatapps ( 90305057 ) you can speak direct to us, we don’t have call centres or customer service departments, you speak directly to the people making your sofa.

Looking for reupholstery to change the look of your home? We will be able to assist you.

Shop: Centrepiece Lazada

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Contact www.centrepiece.com.sg or email: info(at)centrepiece.com.sg

Note: If you are a new customer, and you need the upholster to do home visit, a $40 willl apply. This is to prevent people who are not serious in getting upholstery services from abusing  the system. This not only drive the business cost up, it will also be a waste of time and resources. However, this $40 can be reimburse if the job is confirmed upon deposit. For existing customers, fees can be waived.  

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Tufted Indoor and Outdoor Patio Furniture Cushions.

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We offer tufted patio cushions for all non-deep seating applications as our standard. Tufted cushions are stuffed full with pure spun polyester. Tufts without buttons are sewn into the cushion. Tufts provide that puffy shape and hold the poly-fill in place. Typically these cushion covers do not have a zipper. However, zippers can be added for an additional charge. Tufted patio furniture cushions will fit many different furniture styles and sizes and are very comfortable. Tufted cushions provide excellent softness and style. There is no noticeable mismatch between the cushion and the product shape. Our tufted cushions fit many variations of furniture seat and back shapes and furniture styles. They always look good because they are puffy and fill the space.

We have listed many of our main selections and sizes of tufted cushion for you to choose from. Our tufted cushion are constructed using quality polyester fill which allows it to be used both indoors and outdoors. Many popular outdoor seating groups use tufted seat cushions and do not use back cushions. For chairs, settees and sofas, tufted seat cushions have rounded back corners. You can choose how many tufts you want when ordering.

Tufted wicker cushions are designed to fit most common types of wicker and rattan furniture as well as other types of patio furniture. Wicker chair cushions and love seat cushions are typical shapes and sizes for most patio furniture. The front of the cushions are straight across with squared-off front corners. The back corners are rounded-off.

A tufted cushion is one that is made using a filler rather than a solid foam. Tufting is the name given to the process of sewing small circles between the top and bottom fabric covers securing the two layers of the cushion then filling the cushion with a fiber. These small sewn circles are called tufts. The purpose of the tuft is to hold the fiber fill from moving around inside the cushion over. Tufting a cushion in this way keeps the material inside the cushion from getting lumpy or uneven. Usually, the fewer tufts you have in a cushion, the softer and thicker the cushion.

Similarly, the more tufts in a cushion, the more firm the cushion. Density of the filler also plays a part in the firmness as well. Typically, cushions with more tufts hold their shape better than cushions that have fewer tufts. Cushions covers are crafted into the desired shape having one sewn seam around the circumference of the cushion. A small section of the seam is left open in the back for the fill to be added. After the the fill is added, the cushion is sewn close.

Looking for some custom made water resistant cushions? We will be able to assist you.

Contact www.centrepiece.com.sg or email: info(at)centrepiece.com.sg

Shop: Centrepiece Lazada

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Upholstery – Sofa Restoration Tips from Centrepiece Furnishings

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What material?

Choose a cotton-and-polyester mix for durability, particularly on sofas that are subject to more wear and tear. Some people, especially in hot and humid Singapore, prefer 100-percent cotton because it breathes. When re-upholstering a décor piece, such as a hallway chair that isn’t used often, you could choose a more delicate material, such as silk.

Which colour?

Choosing a colour really depends on your individual taste. We have a range of European fabrics from classic to contemporary.

Any money-saving tips?

Go bargain-hunting. One of our clients found an amazing armchair that is at least thirty years old, and she only paid $200 for it. It has seen better days, but it will look great once we’ve restored it.

Maintenance matters

When it comes to cleaning your sofa, you can choose either machine-washable fabric or a fixed material that we will Scotch Guard to prevent staining. If you have kids or animals, go for machine-washable!

Contact us and tell us about your upholstery needs

We are a 2nd generation of sofa and upholstery makers with more than 40 years of sofa making experience in Singapore. Our Premium upholstery services that you want, will assured you with the best value for th dollar you pay. We want you to be happy with our products and services as we want to earn your referral to your friends.

Email: info(AT)centrepiece.com.sg for any inquiry or go to contact page.

Buy at Lazada from here.

Visit our showroom at the industrial estate at Ang Mo Kio in Singapore

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Contact us at www.centrepiece.com.sg or email: info@centrepiece.com.sg

Soft Sofa vs Firm Sofa

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Don’t underestimate the importance of a sofa – it is the crown jewel of the living room. We spend hours on it chatting to guests, napping on it after a long day and watching our favourite television shows, so choose the right sofa suited to your preference!

Aside from choosing the colour and the fabric of the sofa, keep in mind the quality and personal comfort. Thus arises the age-old question – is a soft or a firm sofa better?

This is a question that many of our customers have asked us. While a soft sofa might be comfortable, there are many disadvantages that come with it.

Soft Sofas

A soft sofa initially may be the obvious choice, but too comfortable a sofa may actually be ruining your back. Physiotherapists have warned against soft sofas with deep cushions as 20% of customers who have purchased soft sofas have complained of lower backache and shoulder strain. Soft sofas actually encourage people to slouch rather than facilitate good postural habits. “Soft upholstery may not give the spine and neck the support that is required,” notes Richard Evans, physiotherapist of the Back and Body Clinic, “by sitting for too long, especially in a poor postural or slumped position you can add a tremendous amount of pressure to your back, overstretch the spinal ligaments and increase the pressure on your intervertebral discs. This in turn can lead to on-going aches and pains.”

Kids and Pets

However, softer sofas are particularly popular for those with kids. Kids might not be big enough to sit fully on the sofa, so having a soft sofa allows them to lie on the seat cushion, and kids generally have lots of fun bouncing around on them. However, those with pets should note that softer sofas are more susceptible to wear and tear should your pet like to lie on your sofa a lot. A common case is an indentation in the shape of your pet forming in the soft sofa.

Firm Sofas

On the other hand, firm sofas are ideal for optimum back support. In addition to promoting good posture, firm sofas are also good for hosting guests. Sofas soften with prolonged use, so getting a firm sofa will become soft over time. However, too firm a sofa can take away the joy of sinking into a comfortable sofa after a long day of work, so ensure that you strike a balance. Adding soft cushions can boost the profile of the sofa, ensuring a good mix of softness and firmness that you can enjoy.  If your sofa would be used to host guests often, a firmer sofa would definitely be the better choice, as a soft sofa is much less durable. A firm sofa makes sitting upright and talking easier,  as compared to sinking back on a soft seat, providing a comfortable talking environment.

We’ve often been asked by our customers how firm our sofas are. Most of our sofas are made of high-quality dense foam which is slightly firmer than the average sofa cushion. Our reason for preferring such a firmness is that we want our sofas to be durable and versatile.

Customers who prefer a softer sofa can add soft cushions, or sometimes even a layer of cloth over the sofa seat to increase the amount of cushioning. However, because we are the manufacturers, we’re able to customize the firmness of the sofa. If you’d like a softer, customized sofa, feel free to contact our team and we’ll see what we can do for you! www.centrepiece.com.sg or email: info@centrepiece.com.sg

All in all, it all boils down to personal preference. Take your time in deciding which sofa works best for you!

Posted on August 17, 2017 by kwanyinma

 

 

 

 

Can you afford a custom made luxury headboard that is handmade in Singapore?

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Why make do with mass maket headboards? You know you do not need a discounted bed that tell you that you are worth less.

Why feel less unique than you really are?

Why feel less and cheap when you can afford the luxury of a designer headboad that speaks volume into your dream room.

Contact us so that you can get your bespoke headboard that fits into your room. It is easy, all you have to do is send us images of the headboard that you like and we will be able to give you an rough estimate of the cost to make one.

As custom made headboard is in high demand, we will need at least a month allowance after the confirmation and paid of deposit. Email us now and start the process.

www.centrepiece.com.sg or email: info@centrepiece.com.sg

Direct Sofa manufacturer does not mean cheap but you will get better value for your dollar!

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I know we are direct manufacturers, but seriously, are you really expecting a 2.2m, 3-seater brand new custom-made sofa with fabrics at S$900/- dollars? This is entirely Made in Singapore!

Perhaps you might be able to find it at some low budget furniture stores that offer HUGE discounts for their display set?  Perhaps you might get it from another less developed country? Or maybe you can get it at garage sales?

Whatever it is, we are unable to do it at that price!

Here are the reasons why…

1)      We only use good quality materials that are build to last therefore our profit margin is low.

2)      Everything is custom made in Singapore, naturally rental and labour cost are high.

3)      Our staffs are all trained and experienced in custom made sofas, good staffs are worth our investment and manpower cost is high.

4)      We don’t cut corners on you. We sincerely want you to get better quality material for the same amount of cost.

So please be wary of people or products that offer cut throat prices. Like the old saying that goes, if it is too good to be true, you should probably think twice! So do go to reputable manufacturers that are not only transparent in their dealings with you but also has good referrals from your friends.

For example, we have an open policy of showing you what we have at our workshop and at the same time you are able to request to view your custom make sofa at every stage of the manufacturing process. This is reliability that you can trust.

The cost of using our service at our workshop is certainly not the cheapest in the market. However, it pays to have peace of mind right? Prices really depend on the complexity of the sofa that you want. Generally the fabric choice is also what determines the cost of your sofa. Certain fabrics which are imported from Europe, Belgium and South Africa do cost more.

Prices for a single new custom made sofa may cost anything between SGD 1.9k to 4.5k. No hidden cost. Only peace of mind and a guarantee for excellent workmanship!

Whatapps at 85224619 or email to info@centrepiece.com.sg

Chair for everywhere in your house… choose with care and custom made it.

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Funky custom made to order .

Chair for everywhere in your house .

Have it custom made in that “pop of colour” for your ” special piece ”

Have a couple in your lounge , with one of our superior quality bespoke lounges. Perfect for the bedroom with matching bed headboard . This versatile piece will brighten up any space . In your home or office .

Huge range of fabric options to choose from , or supply your own fabric . The choices are endless .

Contact us at www.centrepiece.com.sg or email: info@centrepiece.com.sg

 

 

Why use outdoor foam?

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Water running through a piece of Outdor Patio Cushion foam.

• The foam has an open cell structure that is perfect for areas where your cushions get wet
• Outdoor foam dries almost immediately after exposure to: rain, salt spray, melting snow, morning dew, washing, or other types of moisture and humidity
• Recommended for outdoor seating applications such as outdoor furniture, patio cushions, golf carts, boats, or wherever cushions are exposed to the elements

Patio Cushions

Replace your flat patio furniture cushions with new outdoor foam.  eFoamstore uses outdoor foam to make new cushions to your size specifications and we’ll help you measure them as well.  The open cell structure of outdoor foam allows water to pass through easily.  This drainable property is perfect for areas in which cushions may get wet.

 

Replacing Patio Cushions with Outdoor Foam

 When measuring outdoor foam seat cushions to replace the foam there are a few things to taken into consideration:

• The new foam interior needs to be slightly bigger than your cushion cover
  This allows the foam to be slightly compacted and will help it to fill out the cushion cover properly

• If the foam interior is too small then your seat cushion cover will wrinkle when you sit on it

• If the new foam fillings are too big you may strain the seams and zip on your cushion cover and your new cushion will not look right

When replacing seat cushion foam, generally, you will need to add 1” to the cushion width, and 1” to the cushion length.  You may also want to add 1” to the depth of the cushion as well.  This will ensure that your seat cushions have a domed appearance instead of looking too flat.

Best Foam to Use for Seat Cushion Replacement?

Rectangular foam, which can be rounded at the edge, is recommended for most applications.  High density outdoor foam is recommended.

If you have any questions about selecting the right cushion foam or how to measure cushions for replacement. please visit: www.centrepiece.com.sg or email: info(at)centrepiece.com.sg

Slippers chair, armchair or wingchair. Which fits your space?

Customise your home according to your wish.

Custom headboard.

5 Ways to Use Slipper Chairs This classic chair can work in any room. We show you how!

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Art, BTO, bungalow, crate and barrels, expats living, expats norway, expats school Singapore, food, great world city, Gucci, home and decor, ikea, interior design, LV, MBS, propertyguru, slippers chairs, sofa, Spaceman, tan boon liat building

How about a slipcover for your sofa?

A Versatile Piece

These armless, streamlined chairs are the chameleons of the décor world—they can be country or industrial, modern or traditional, simple or bold. While the general streamlined and armless shape stays the same, ornate details (tufting, turned legs, fabric) can give the chair personality.In this slideshow, we share how slipper chairs can work in five rooms of your home, from the bathroom to the dining room.

Choose a slipper chair with tufting to lend a touch of sophistication to any room.

Dining Room

With a petite scale and lack of arms, slipper chairs are a perfect match for dining rooms (especially small ones). They’re also handy to set aside, either in a corner or beside a buffet, for use as extra seating when company arrives.

For an eclectic look, place one at each end of the table and use your existing chairs on either side. See our ideas for How to Mix and Match Dining Chairs for more inspiration!

Slipcovered chairs are ideal for the dining room. They lend a casual vibe, plus they’re​easy to clean!

Bathroom

An upholstered chair can infuse much-needed warmth into a bathroom, which can feel cold with tile, stone, mirrored, and metal surfaces dominating the space. Bring a touch of spa-like luxury to the room with an upholstered or slipcovered slipper chair.

Opt for a slimmer chair if you’re using it instead of a vanity stool so it’s easy to pull in and out. If you have more room, choose a plush option to set next to the tub.

Tip!
Since bathrooms are often small spaces, be sure to measure carefully before purchasing a chair. If you’re worried about space, look for one with a slender profile.

Living Room

In a living space, use a neutral chair (or a couple of chairs) if you want a look that’ll last a long time. Layer on bold pillows to liven it up and match your color scheme.

Try flanking your coffee table with a pair of fun chairs upholstered in a bold pattern. If you have a small space, push two of these armless chairs together to form a versatile loveseat.

Turn an empty corner into a cute reading nook or a small vignette with just a slipper chair, garden stool, and a floor lamp.

Office

Use a slipper chair to create an elegant workspace. Slipper chairs are a great way to boost the style and comfort of any office or study set-up.

From the kitchen desk to a spacious office, a slipper chair provides a streamlined yet sophisticated seating statement. Make sure to measure your desk before choosing a chair. If you want to push the chair all the way in, opt for a slimmer chair.

Don’t be afraid of a bold pattern! The simple silhouette of a slipper chair balances out a busy, eye-catching design.

Entryway

If you’ve got a long, hall-like entryway, a console table can often seem too small for the space. Make it feel cozy by matching an end table with a slipper chair.

As an alternative for a bench in the entryway, pull up a pair of slipper chairs for a snug loveseat. It creates a comfy spot to slip on and off shoes and takes up more room.

Enough interests to add this to your home? You can contact us for an appointment to discuss further on how this could be done.

www.centrepiece.com.sg or email: info@centrepiece.com.sg

MADE IN SINGAPORE SOFA – Luxury for the discerning only.

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Custom made sofa and armchair are costly and time consuming if you are in Singapore. However, the quality and being uniquely different are something that you deserve to have in life. How many of us can say that we own a piece of sofa that is MADE IN SINGAPORE. We all know that will be expensive due to the land and manpower cost in Singapore.

But still, why work such long hours and feel that you are not able to afford the luxury of a custom made sofa that is MADE IN SINGAPORE? Be diferent from your peers and show others what you can acquire with your taste in life. Email: info@centrepiece.com.sg or whatapps: +65 90305057 now.

If you are travelling to Singapore for work, you can custom made your sofa about 2 months ahead of your arrival.

If you leaving Singapore, upholstery or custom made your sofa and have it loaded into your container for your next destination.

Whatapps: 90305057.