First, I want to thank you for this site. The leather primer stopped us from making a stupid purchase, and we're now wanting to learn MORE! =)

We are a young couple living in a pretty small apartment, looking for a new sofa for a while now. We want something of quality, and that looks good to a mid-twenties couple. Hopefully around $1000-$1500. Would be willing to dish out more if we KNEW we were getting quality.

I would like list of things to look at when selecting a sofa, like the leather primer. So, Im going to ask about what I think is the most important:

Frame: Should be Kiln-dried, and I've been told about lifting one leg to see how much you can lift before the other leg rises above ground. Cool!

Support system: I know 8-way is considered the best. We think it makes the bottom part of the sofa ticker than we would like. Should we then go for zig-zag springs. Also cheaper. Other alternatives?

Cushions: Whats good here? Is down the only way to go? Doesn't that look saggy after a few years?

Other things we should look at?


So, brands:

Quite frankly, H&M and BY does not appeal to us. They seem too.. American.. :P (Big and bulky, probably very sturdy tho) It doesn't have to last us 30 years. 10 would be fine Designs we like the look of are http://www.artefacto.com.br/Default.aspx , http://www.tuilifestyle.com/ , restoration hardware. Clean, modern.

Is this impossible to combine with quality? We've been to Bloomingdales, and the sales reps were shockingly unknowledgeable about furniture. Are there any reasonable, quality design furniture stores in the Florida area?