Can you tell the difference between an expensive, well-made piece of furniture and a piece that has been mass produced? While they may appear to be the same, there are many details that separate the high-quality item that will last for years from the lower quality piece that will wear out in a year or two.
A quality frame is important, of course. Hand-tied springs and high-quality foam rank right up there in importance. A beautiful yet durable fabric is a must. But the details that make one piece of furniture stand out from another can be readily seen (we will help you with foam, fabric, and frames).
- Button tufting: It takes time to cover buttons and place them just right on the back of a chair or sofa. While this may not be your preferred style it is a detail that appears on quality furniture pieces.
- Contrast welting: Finishing the seams of a piece of furniture with welting is an expensive detail. A welt covered in a contrasting fabric adds a designer look and turns an ordinary piece into something special.
- Pleating, ruching and ruffling: Just as these details finish off an expensive gown or a pair of draperies, they add to the look of a piece of furniture. You may decide to add ruffles to a bench placed in a feminine bedroom or pleat the skirt of a sofa in a traditional living room.
- Trim: Trim can be a simple piece of gimp trimming the cushions of a chair or it can be luxurious buillion fringe hugging the hem of a couch. Braid can be applied in place of welting and nailheads will add a rustic yet modern touch to an ottoman.