ONCE YOU'VE spotted a sofa, chair or love seat you like, the first thing to do is sit down on it. if

the furniture isn’t comfortable to sit on, it's not for you.

Tips on what to look for
in upholstered furniture

WHEN PURCHASING upholstered furniture, you'll need
to consider more than what meets the eye. It’s just as im-
portant to know what’s undercover — the frame, the sup-
porting foundation and the cushioning — as it is to exam-

ine the fabric.

Once you’ve spctted a sofa,
chair or fove seat you like, the
first thing to do is sit down on it.
If the furniture isn’t comfortable
to sit in, it’s not for you.

Lean back against a seating
piece to make sure it provides
firm support. You should not be
able to feel the springs or the
frame when you sit, nor should
the springs squeak or the frame
creak.

Now feel the furniture all over
with your hands. You should not
be able to detect metal or wood
through the padding and uphol-
stery. Areas that are not ade-
quately padded will wear quickly.

Careful matching of patterns is
costly to the manufacturer in
terms of fabric and labor and is a

sign of quality workmanship. Also
check to see that the fabric fits
smoothly.

Be sure to look at all tailoring
details. The welt, or the cord that
may cover the seams, should be
straight and neatly sewn, with no
puckering or loose threads. Pull at
the seams gently to see if the stit-
ches are tight.

Skirts should be lined, hand
straight, and have crisp corners.
Buttons, fringes, and other trims
should be securely attached.

CUSHION COMFORT
Polyurethane foam (polyfoam)
is the most widely used filling for

liftout seat and back cushions. It
is often combined with materials

=

"ANUFACTURED IN NORTH VANCOUVER

such as down, polyester fibre or
foam in a batting of polyester or
cotton muslin for longer wear and
comfort.

To test the quality of a
polyurethane-foam cushion, pick
it up. If it is extremely light, it
may be made with low-quality or
low-density material.

As a rule of thumb, a six-inch
cushion that measures two by two
feet shouldn’t weigh less than two
pounds.

Look to see that zippers on
cushion covers are carefully con-
cealed. Zippered covers tend to fit
better and are smoother than
non-zippered ones.

Just because the covers are re-
movable, however, does not mean
they can be washed. In most
cases, the zippers exist only so the
cushion can be straightened.

See Check page 24

Custom designed to your specifications, shutters transform ordinary
windows into lively sources of ever-changing tight and shadows.
Unlike draperies, shutters enhance the decor and the moveable

louvres provide insulation, ventilation and privacy.

ie

A FEATURE LOOK AT QUALITY FURNITURE FASHI

263-9469

Sar

&

A
Specializing in Blinds and Draperies for over 7 years

4877 Marine Drive, N.Van. 084-44 04

Friday, July 19, 1991 - North Shore News - 23

Make Swedish furniture

NOP EVERYONE can hase
tare Swedish country antique
furniture pieces in their home,
but many craftspeople will be
able to make quality reproduc-
tions with the help of a new
book on the market.

Making Swedish Country
Furniture & Household Things, ‘‘easy to make’ (cutting board)
by Hans Keijser, Lary Sjoberg to ‘‘difficult’’ (gate-legged
and R. Willick, contains com- table). Aiso included are
plete plans and instructions chapters on techniques such as
needed to construct dozens of — painting and staining, priming,
items, including boxes, stools, alternatives to gold leaf and
mirrors, side tables, wall wood choice.
shelves, step ladders, Priced at $39.95, the paper-
chandeliers and = ornamental back book is published by
shelves. Hartley and Marks and

Many of the original objects distributed in Vancouver by
chosen by the authors are hun- — Raincoast Books.

dreds of years old and ure rare
museum pieces (photos are in-
cluded).

Having recorded measure-
ments and specificutions, the
authors drew up scale plans for
the modern woodworker.

Each project is rated from

‘CUSTOM

FURNITURE

* Bookcases

¢ Buffets

¢ Entertainment Centres
* Bedroom Fumiture

¢ All types of finishes

TM
WOODTHINGS

188 PEMBERTON AVE.
NVAN. 986-2747

Visit our showroom fer help with
custom design draperies,
bedspreads and accessories. We
offer FREE in-home consultation.

SHADE BETTER

892-5857

#4-38948 Progress Way, Squamish
932-6617

Whistler

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