Furniture 101 FROM
FRAME
TO
FINISH
Design Knowledge You Will Use For a Lifetime
About Us
Artisan Design Studio is a full service design studio, meaning we handle everything for a project, start to finish We purchase furniture directly from the manufacturers so we can offer our clients incredible pricing & customization options We are passionate about educating our clients on furniture quality to ensure they buy appropriate quality for their lifestyle & needs
The Anatomy of Upholstery Key Elements to consider: 1. Wood Frame 2. Padding 3. Suspension System 4. Seat & Back Cushions
“A sofa is only as good as what you can’t see.” 5. Coverings a. Fabric & Leather
The Frame The Frame is the interior structure of the furniture piece that determines durability, stability & long- term comfort. The quality of the frame significantly depends on the materials, joinery & construction methods. Key Frame Construction Needs: 1. Hardwood Frame Look for: beech, oak, maple, ash, birch Avoid: Pine, spruce, fir Look for: Furniture Grade Plywood Avoid: Medium Density Fiberboard REALLY avoid: Particleboard/ Chipboard (wood particles glued together)
Hardwood Frame
2. Kiln Dried 3. Joinery 4. Corner Blocks Joinery
Joinery
Corner Blocks
The Suspension System The suspension system sits directly below the cushions and supports any weight placed on the seat. Steel springs or synthetic webbing form this layer of support, which is a factor in determining how plush or firm the sit will feel.
Luxury: 8-Way Hand Tied The Gold Standard for suspension systems Labor Intensive Lasts many years
Common: Sinuous Spring Less Labor Intensive Can still last many years when made with high quality components
The Cushions The fabric sells the sofa. The cushion determines whether you still love it a year later! Spring Down Construction Video
Seat Cushions 1. Core: Two main options: Good: High Resiliency foam - Not all foam is created equally! (look for 2.4-2.8lb +). High Density is important - low density will break down quickly Best: “Spring Down” - luxury tier - HRF with pocketed micro coils (springs) 2. Wrap: Two main options: Good: Synthetic wrap - compacts quickly & develops lumps Best: Down wrapped - can be re-fluffed 3. Casing: Good (but not really): One open pocket - materials can migrate Best: Down-proof ticking with internal baffling channels - prevents shifting or corner collapse & keeps materials evenly distributed
Back Cushions 1. Low to Mid-Grade: Fiberfill (Polyester Fiber) Soft & budget friendly Compresses overtime & cannot be re-fluffed 2. High Quality: Feather/ Down Cushion Extremely soft & luxurious Need fluffing for regular maintenance, but will retain fluffy shape for years
Important questions: 1. If looking at foam cushions, what is the foam density rating (is it considered high density foam)? 2. Is there an option for a seat cushion with springs? 3. Is the cushion reversible? 4. Do the cushions have baffle or channel internal stitching: 5. What is the warranty on the cushions? Most are 1 year, if they have a warranty. Can I get replacement cushion inserts? Vanguard has a lifetime warranty on the cushions! Red flags: 1. Cushions are very lightweight 2. Fiber filled back & seat cushions 3. No zipper access 4. Cushions are attached (ok only on recline options) 5. Avoid foam cushions that are extremely hard or extremely soft 6. Avoid down cushions with no HDF or spring cores (ie: Restoration Hardware “The Cloud”)
Good
Better
Best
Where to buy: RTG, IKEA, Macy’s
Where to buy: RH, Pottery Barn, Macy’s, Ethan Allen, West Elm,
Where to buy: Interior designers & high end independent furniture stores
Sofa: $399- $1200 Use: Light, kid areas, apartments Lifespan: 2.5 years
Sofa: $1000- $2200 Use: Medium Lifespan: 5-10 years
Sofa: $2200 + Use: High Lifespan: 10-40 years
Characteristics: Imported No customization options Particleboard Staped joints No corner blocking (can flex when picked up by a corner) Low Density Polyurethane foam Loose Fiberfill only, no internal core
Characteristics: Imported Limited upgrade & customization options Softwood, hardwood & plywood mix Corner Blocking - Less wiggle Medium - High density foam Entry level multilayer cushion cores Can sometimes upgrade to spring cushion construction & down fill/ wrap
Characteristics: Bench made in The USA Vast customization options Hardwood Frames Mortise & Tenon or Double Doweled Joints Kiln Dried Hardwood Frame & Corner Blocks - Glued & Screwed- not stapled High RESILINCE (HR Foam) Multilayer cushions w/ springs, down fill & wrap
The Radley (Macy’s Exclusive)
Doweled, glued & stapled with 1.8lb high resiliency foam cushions & polyester wrap ***NOTE: 1.8lb is considered medium density. Density measures material mass, while resiliency measures elastic performance. Translation: the foam in the Radley is soft and a bit bouncy, but is low/ medium density, which is moderate for durability & lifespan. This means it will sit pretty well, but lose it’s shape fairly quickly
Seat and back cushions are removable and reversible (ok, so that’s good) Includes 2 toss pillows: 21" x 21" (filled with what?) Hardwood & pine frame with 100% polyester upholstery Frame: 5-year limited warranty Springs/Webbing: 3-year limited warranty Cushion Inserts: 1 year limited
For comparison, Vanguard has a Lifetime warranty on all frames, springs, webbing & cushion cores!
Fabric & Leather Coverings Furniture coverings play a critical role in durability, comfort, and long-term performance. Fabric and leather selections should be based not only on appearance, but on lifestyle, usage, and how the material will age over time.
Performance Fabric Crypton Fabric Crypton fabrics are engineered with a moisture barrier that causes spills to bead on the surface Revolution Fabric Revolution fabrics are solution-dyed, making them highly resistant to stains and fading Crypton Fabric
Sunbrella Fabric Originally developed for outdoor use, Sunbrella is now widely used indoors Topical Performance Treatments Topical performance fabrics are treated after production with a protective finish
Topical Performance Treatment
Fabric Pilling & Double Rubs Pilling Pilling occurs when loose fibers on the surface of fabric tangle due to friction A natural result of use Not a defect Not covered under warranty More common in certain fiber blends Double Rub Ratings Double rubs measure a fabric’s resistance to abrasion 15,000–20,000: Light residential use 30,000+: Heavy residential use 50,000+: Commercial use
Fabric Pilling
Leather Upholstery Top Grain Leather Top grain leather is made from the upper layer of the hide, offering strength, flexibility, and breathability Aniline-dyed Leather Aniline-dyed Leather is dyed exclusively with soluble dyes without any heavy surface coatings. It’s incredibly soft and develops patina but shows wear more readily Bonded Leather Bonded leather is made from leather scraps that are ground, mixed with polyurethane, and adhered to a fabric backing It typically contains a small percentage of actual leather
Cowhide Cross-section
Aniline-dyed Leather
Bonded Leather
Upholstery Cleaning & Care Timeless Design Deserves Thoughtful Care
Cleaning Codes: W - Water Based Cleaning Folex is a great opttion Blot gently to avoid over-saturation
S - Solvent Based Cleaning Clean with dry-cleaning or solvent-based products only Professional cleaning is often recommended
WS or SW - Water or Solvent Either water-based or solvent-based cleaners are acceptable Safe methods: Mild soap + water, or solvent cleaners
X - Vacuum or Brush Only No liquids whatsoever Safe methods: Vacuum, light brushing only
DC - Damp Cloth Use a clean, soft cloth (white cotton or microfiber) Lightly dampen with plain water Blot gently, don’t rub Allow to air dry completely
Material Specific Care LEATHER
DOWN & FEATHER CUSHIONS
TYPICALLY DC WIPE WITH A DRY OR LIGHTLY DAMP CLOTH USE MANUFACTURER-APPROVED LEATHER CLEANERS AND CONDITIONERS AVOID HOUSEHOLD CLEANERS, ALCOHOL, AMMONIA, OR SOLVENTS
SPOT CLEAN COVERS ONLY PROFESSIONAL LAUNDERING RECOMMENDED FOR INSERTS FLUFF AND ROTATE REGULARLY TO MAINTAIN LOFT
CRYPTON® & PERFORMANCE FABRICS
VELVET
TYPICALLY W CLEAN WITH MILD SOAP AND WATER MANY STYLES ARE BLEACH-SAFE; CONFIRM MANUFACTURER GUIDELINES
MICROFIBER / ULTRASUEDE® TYPICALLY S CLEAN WITH SOLVENT-BASED PRODUCTS OR ISOPROPYL ALCOHOL LIGHT BRUSHING RESTORES TEXTURE AFTER CLEANING
SYNTHETIC VELVET: W OR WS COTTON VELVET: S SILK VELVET: X BRUSH GENTLY IN THE DIRECTION OF THE NAP AFTER CLEANING
OUTDOOR FABRICS (SUNBRELLA) TYPICALLY W MILD SOAP AND WATER RECOMMENDED MANY ARE FADE, MILDEW, AND BLEACH-RESISTANT
Quick Reference CARE DISCLAIMER: Always test cleaning products in an inconspicuous area first. When in doubt, consult a professional upholstery cleaner
MATERIAL
TYPICAL CODE
POLYESTER/BLENDS
W OR WS
LINEN/RAYON
S
VELVET (COTTON)
S
VELVET (SYNTHETIC)
W/WS
SILK
X
LEATHER
MANUFACTURER SPECIFIC
DOWN CUSHIONS
SPOT CLEAN/PROFESSIONAL
CRYPTON/ OUTDOOR
W
CASEGOODS: WHAT’S INSIDE MATTERS Materials. Craft. Price. Longevity. True quality begins beneath the surface
Understanding the Foundation: Not All Wood is the Same Solid Wood Known for its durabilty & longevity Ability to be repaired & refinished Used in luxury casegoods Great for bones of furniture pieces, but can expand & contract from changes in humidity
MDF/HDF Superior paint & veneer finish substrate due to smooth surface and resistance to warping Superior dimensional stability, prevents warping Cost effective & can be produced enmasse
Plywood Superior structural & dimensional stability, prevents warping Versatility in design Sustainability
Veneer Wide spectrum of material & price points Quality casegoods use thin sheets of solid wood species glued over plywood or MDF Used in fine furniture to produce intricate wood inlay Cost effective paper or foil veneers used on mass produced casegoods
Where Quality Reveals Itself What to look for: Mortise & tenon butt joints Dovetail drawer construction ¾ Extention or Full Extension, soft close drawer glides Sanded & finished inset, secured back panels Seamless wood grain matching across all visible surfaces
Be Mindful Of:
Stapled back panels Thin laminate over particle board Visible cam-lock fasteners Hollow, lightweight construction
Understanding this distinction transforms how you shop
Investing with Intention Why Quality Commands Its Price Skilled craftsmanship Traditional master joinery techniques Material integrity Finishes that mature beautifully over time Heirloom pieces that will last generations
Investing with Intention A Thoughtful Approach to the Whole House Not every piece must be heirloom quality! Anchor Rooms with higher quality pieces (Ex. Dining table, media center, primary bedroom dresser) Use mid-level casegoods in secondary bedrooms and spaces with lighter daily wear Balance statement pieces with simpler supporting pieces for a curated, layered look A well-considered home is about thoughtful placement - not uniform expense
Care for Lasting Beauty Preserve What You Invest In Dust gently, following the wood grain Address spills promptly Avoid harsh chemical cleaners Maintain stable humidity level in the home- In winter use a humidifier Use felt pads on accessories and protective coasters under drinks Well-made casegoods do more than furnish a room - they anchor it gracefully for decades
WWW.ARTISAN-STUDIO.COM
Thank You!