As our society tends to strive toward faster, sleeker, and cheaper, it is apparent that furnishings produced with the hallmarks of quality craftsmanship seem less abundant than they once were. These include beauty of line, pleasing scale and proportion, hand-crafted detailing and the use of time honored materials. With so much available in the marketplace today, knowing what to look for can lead to a more informed purchase. Quality becomes apparent in the details of a piece; be it furniture, upholstery or fabric.
Furniture…
When choosing hard furniture (case goods) the overall stature of the piece should be considered. The construction should be sturdy at the legs, shelves and drawers where much of the weight is carried. Doors should hang evenly, use quality hinges and open and close with ease. Drawers should be dovetailed and have metal or wooden runners on the sides and/or bottom for stability. Doors and drawer fronts tend to be made of solid wood, but the sides of case goods may be a composite or blocked wood covered with veneer. This construction reduces contracting and expanding that solid wooden pieces experience. The finish on newer pieces should be even and smooth. Antiques have more character when their patina is left intact as this showcases the way a piece has truly worn over years of use.
Upholstery…
Upholstered goods, such as sofas, chairs, and ottomans impart our desire for comfort in a room, therefore they need to feel as good as they look. Frames should be of kiln-dried hardwood with mortise and tenon joints for stability. This frame needs to be covered with enough filling to be comfortable, but not so much that it flattens and loses its shape. Cushions should be resilient, but have a soft appearance. Seat cushions with coil springs wrapped in down have a luxurious feel, while dacron wrapped foam gives a more tailored look and is less expensive. If choosing patterned upholstery fabric, it should be centered on the piece and matched at all the corners. Choose fabrics that are soft to the touch; not rough, scratchy or stiff and have an even, tightly woven appearance. This will create a more pleasant place to curl up and relax.
Fabric…
Fabrics run the gamut from lightweight and sheer to heavy and textural. Look for yard goods with a tight and even weave as they hold their shape better. Natural fabrics such as cotton, linen, silk and wool are typically perceived to be more desirable. Their naturally soft and matte appearance emanates their tactile qualities. The “hand” of a fabric should be appropriate for its intended use. Choose fabric that hangs in soft folds for curtains; is crisp like cottons or linens for blinds; remains soft and wrinkle resistant for bedding and is a heavier weight for upholstery. Dyes that would be found in nature give a timeless look and have a richer feel then ones chemically produced which tend to be sharper and less in harmony when used together.
Keeping these qualities in mind will help build a collection of pieces that can be enjoyed for many years and passed to future generations.
