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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Determining if a Piece of Furniture is Structurally Sound for Reupholstering

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See if you can find out what type of frame your piece of furniture has. If it has a wood frame put together with wooden pins (rather than staples), it’s more likely to be sound. If the frame is a metal frame and uses staples, there is less chance that it makes sense to reuse. Even professionals will probably tell you that it isn’t a wise idea to try to repair a piece that isn’t good quality.

Frames that are visible, often on antique furniture, are usually made of wood such as mahogany or cherry, and often don’t need to be repaired. Changing the shape of a frame is not something that an upholster can or will do. If the shape of the furniture is changed, it will change the entire integrity of the piece.

Check out the foam of the sofa. If the foam on the back and the arms is easily compressed, it’s probably sub-standard foam and is not worth reupholstering. If you find firm or even lumpy foam, chances are that the firm foam is more amenable to being reupholstered.

Additional Reasons to Reupholster

One of the aspects of upholstery to think about is if you have a piece of furniture that is sound but needs to be changed, such as raising the back of the chair. A skilled upholsterer would be able to alter the chair in such a way as to raise the back and give you more support.

You can ask the upholsterer to save the old fabric for you. You may be able to find an alternative use for it.

Last but not least, you will need to know how long it will take for them to complete the project, as well as the cost. You will want to research whether it will cost more to reupholster or to purchase new. Factors that can contribute to the cost are the number of cushions in need of repair, the type of fabric (you’ll need extra fabric for a pattern that needs elements lined up), repairing the frame or legs or adding a skirt. If you need to have your piece picked up and delivered, that will cost extra as well.

If 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 confirm.

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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Top upholstery colors to watch for in 2018 and 2019

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It’s no surprise there is a a massive shift occurring in the furniture business. The dull colors we saw in the late nineties and early two thousands are fast behind us as we awaken to a huge return to color.

 

So what are the top colors? If you’re in the market for any kind of new upholstery, here are the top trends in upholstery to keep an eye on.

Navy Blue

By far the hottest color in design right now. Navy is always a safe bet as a strong neutral, not to mention a great infusion for something other than safe beige. Interestingly enough, us designers have been doing navy for close to a decade. In fact, I recall two projects I did in 2010 that were both navy and pink. I carried that same theme into a townhouse in 2012 for a single gal painting her entire ceiling in navy. It took a bit of time to catch on but it’s here to stay. The design trade will likely move on because we never want to be boring, but don’t worry, navy is just growing legs in the consumer market.

 

Teal

I love teal. Like navy, the color teal acts as a neutral in my world and works with everything. Plus, it makes everything look better. Combined with just about any color, from red, to blue, pink to yellow or even orange, this color is like the gal who never met a friend she didn’t like.

Kale

Hands down one of the most healing colors you can have in a home, so it’s no surprise that this color is springing up everywhere. What started out as a small pop is now taking center stage in upholstery. Sofas, chairs, ottomans and the like are all green with envy.

 

Peony

This lovely blush has always been in the background and for good reason.  I include this invigorating color into every interior I do. Pink is another healing color to have in a home to help keep you calm. Plus, it’s often feared making it an unexpected pop! But if you’re in the market for upholstery this is a great hue to experiment with on an accent piece or a chair.

And I am doing a similar look for a new laundry room.

 

So where is the trend headed? Well, I wouldn’t be surprised to see blue transition into purple, and the pinks transitioning into reds. Yet again, with a trained eye these can act beautifully as a neutral and blend with just about any combination! And by the time these colors cycle back around, it will have been about twenty years since we’ve used them, making them perfect to reintroduce as a fresh option!

Personally I can’t wait to see a little more red. It’s another favorite of mine and being that it’s one of the most auspicious colors in Feng Shui, it will be a resurgence I will gladly welcome back in! Need a piece right away?

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

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

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If only our life is only black and white? How beautiful can it be?

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Things can be a lot simpler…

To keep it simple can sometimes be so hard…

 

Keeping the lines all black and white is…

Even in my dreams, it is sometimes just black and white…

But having no greys in our life makes it hard to sleep into?

So let us sit on it and let our emotions guide us.

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

Shop at: https://www.lazada.sg/shop/centrepiece-furnishing/?spm=a2o42.pdp.seller.1.44f075c1nPf3b1

 

Tips On Buying Sofas For Either Work Or Play

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Sofas are not just for the home nowadays. Many places of business, from offices to mechanic shops, have sofas for their customers to sit on during their walk-ins. What do you need to look for when buying a sofa for your business?

Durability

This has to be the most important factor to figure in when purchasing a new sofa for your business. Hopefully, you will have lots of customers so you need to make sure that the sofa you choose is durable enough to handle a heavy traffic area. Chances are that the sofas which are made well with quality material will be more highly priced than other sofas. But the extra money will be worth it in the long run when the sofa lasts you many years instead of just a few months.

You will also want to make it so that that the sofa has a material that is very easy to clean. Even if there is no drinking or eating in the area, the sofa will still tend to get not so clean from so many people sitting on it or from children climbing on it or putting their feet up. You might even think about buying a sofa with fancy fabrics, since the fabrics have patterns so spills are harder to spot and is easier to keep clean.

Size

One of the largest problems in buying a sofa for an office is the fact that while you will need a lot of space for seating, you don’t have that much space in a small office for a large sofa. If that is the case, then you might want to consider purchasing a sectional sofa. Sectional sofas can be placed into the corner of any room without taking up a lot of space. Sectional sofas can also be made into two or more loveseats or chairs.

Need for advice and guidance? Contact us at info(at)centrepiece.com.sg or shop at: Centrepiece

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

 

 

 

 

Go classy with your sofa as it sets the tone and look of your home.

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Have you been to a friend’s place and immediately recognised that they have bought their sofa from.. grasp…. Ikea, Courts or maybe some other mass market retail stores?

If you have been to enough stores and know what being respectful of your own style is, then you may feel that you need to custom made a sofa instead. Custom made sofa in Singapore will be so much more style and quality for you.

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

Whapsapps : +65 90305057

 

 

 

6 tips for that prefect sofa in Singapore

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We break down the sofa buying process so that you get the piece that is right for your needs and space

Like everything else in this era of endless choice, there seem to be infinite options when it comes to choosing a sofa. You might think you know exactly what you want, but once you walk into a shop or browse images online, the styles, shapes, and customisation alternatives can become overwhelming. Save yourself the time, money, and potential buyer’s remorse and use these tips to get a clear idea of what you want (and what you need!) before you start the hunt.

1. Consider size first
If you have a bigger living room, you’ll need to decide exactly how much of the living room you want your sofa to fill. Do you want to include other sofas or chairs? Do you want a coffee table? If so, a simple sofa, or one with a slight L-shape is probably the best fit. If you’re looking for a sofa that will be the focal point of your living room, look for rounder sofa shapes that take up a bit more room and provide a lot of seating.

If you have a small living room, odds are you’ll need a smaller sofa . With less space, any sofa or sofa is going to be in the spotlight, so it’s important to pick something that is practical, but is also of a strong design that carries and complements the rest of the space.

2. Decide exactly how the sofa will be oriented
Successfully organising a living space starts with analysing your lifestyle. What do you do the most in that space? Do you like to wind down in front of the TV? Make sure your sofa faces that direction. Love hosting game or wine nights? Create a semi circle (or even full circle) around a central table.

Does your family use the living room to lounge, relax and read? Surround your sofa with chairs and cushions to create multiple seating areas that can be enjoyed individually, or as a large group.

Browse sofas and sectionals

3. Determine which shape will suit the room best
Now that you’ve decided your sofa’s function, it’s time to figure out which shape will help it fulfilthat purpose. A clean L-shape is great for open areas that need to be divided – such as separating the living room from the dining room.

A rounder shape is a bit more conducive for a smaller space meant to serve as a gathering area for groups of people, but could also be perfect for a media room.

Does your room have a well-rounded personality?

If you want to have more chairs and tables in your living room, a chaise or a daybed could be a good alternative to a traditional sofa. It still provides seating for several people, but is compact.

4. Research upholstery materials. Which will be best for you?

Aesthetic is important, but functionality is key when it comes to choosing a material for your sofa. Some of us that would love to indulge in a plush, white suede sofa – they’re so gorgeous, but so dangerous. Suede can be a poor choice if you have pets or small children who will cause some serious damage.

Leather – particularly in darker colours – is consistently in style, generally wears well with age, and can be fairly easy to clean.

Choosing a Sofa: Fabric vs. Leather

Another choice is to opt to have your couch upholstered in an outdoor fabric. Many companies now carry weather-proof fabric, which resist stains, water and fading from the sun. Many outdoor furniture companies also have outdoor sofas and love seats that are so simple and classic in design that they could easily be used indoors.

Stay sun smart with soft furnishings

5. Choose a style that complements your home
It can be a little hard to nail down your own personal style, but go with your gut instinct when picking the type of sofa that will fit naturally in your home. If your style is sleek and modern, pick something that reflects that in clean lines and dramatic colours.

If your home is an eclectic mix of colours and designs, a sofa that combines several styles (such as a vintage sofa re-upholstered in a colourful fabric, or a more modern shape with traditional accents) could be the perfect expression of your taste.

If your look is a little more traditional, a classically structured sofa in a durable and neutral fabric will stand the test of time and will work well with various colours and complementing pieces.

6. Pick a colour: bright, printed, or neutral?
Re-upholstering furniture is an option for anyone who wants to personalise a piece of furniture.

Don’t be afraid to choose a sofa with a fun or unique print! It can add a surprisingly personal touch and quickly transform the feel of the entire room.

If you’re too nervous to experiment with bolder colours and patterns in your sofa, you can always opt for a funky ottoman that can double as a coffee table. It’ll add a more subtle sense of diversity to your living room, while complementing more classic sofas and chairs.

TELL US
What do you look for in a sofa? Share in the Comments below.

Houzz Editorial Staff, Vanessa Brunner 12 October 2017.

If you are in Singapore, contact www.centrepiece.com.sg or email: info(at)centrepiece.com.sg

Is green a hip sofa colour of choice?

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This is definitely a colour that we do not see as often. Yoy may feel that it is too bold?  Too much?  Too hard to match your other decor? 

But if done right.  You will be surprise how this colour can add much uniqueness to your space. Your choice will speaks volume about what you are as a person.  Fresh,  ever vibrant and oh so cool?  😉

Contact us if you are in Singapore www. Centrepiece.com.sg or email info(at)centrepiece.com.sg

Want to add a dash of golden luck into your life? We did this upholstery: p

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Changing on how you feel about your existing life is pretty easy.  Change your furniture to this bright gold upholstery and immediately you will feel totally different!  

Contact Vince 90305057 or visit www. Centrepiece.com.sg 

High maintenance maybe require for that ultra sleek look of off-white upholstery.

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Met a lovely customer today and we r going to Reupholstery her items all to off white😱😱😱

Email and text us if you are able to maintain such a lifestyle.  Vince 90305057 or email:  info@centrepiece.com.sg 

Upholstery seats

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10 pcs of dining seats in silk fabric which may look easy to sew … but this took Vince many days to do it. Only people in our line will understand 😅. Contact:  Vince 90305057 or info@centrepiece.com.sg

Three more headboards.

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Such nice display of the Furniture that we did about 3yrs ago.. now client had moved to a new house.. Vince visited today and will do 3 rooms headboards with different designs. Stay with us for the new update. 

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Custom made items are always more costly.

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That’s why in order to get the quality and value that you want.  You need to bypass the middle man and deal directly with the manufacturer.  

We may not be as polish as the sleek well dressed sales personnel but we are definitely very knowledgeable and will know minute details of what is a good sofa and upholstery. 

In addition,  you get to view the whole process of making your sofa so you can be assured of the quality of your products. 

Email:  info(at)centrepiece. Com. Sg or visit:  www. Centrepiece.com.sg 

Is this going to be very expensive?

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I mean this is Singapore, rental and cost of transport are one of the highest in the world! With limited manpower and cost of living being relatively high, it is a wonder how we can provide you with custom made sofa or upholstery at such a good rate!

Well… to be honest it is not easy! That is why we appreciate our customers who have been so understanding towards us in keeping our business running simple.

So that we can keep any frills or extravagant expenses in check, so that such savings can translate into giving you better quality for the same amount spent.

If you live in singapore. Text us 90305057 for an appointment if you want to upholstery or custom made your sofa.

Email: info(@)centrepiece.com.sg