Purdue University
Agricultural Extension Service
Mimeo HE-108 August 1952(2M)
SELECTION OF UPHOLSTERED PIECES
Martha Jo Bentley, Specialist Furnishings
In buying a piece of upholstered furniture,  consider:
COMFORT CONSTRUCTION OUTER COVERING STYLE and DESIGN
It would be hard to put these in the order of their importance because they are all important. Often it is impossible to get a style you want, the best construction, most comfort, and longest wearing fabric all in one piece of upholstered furniture. The buyer usually has to sacrifice a little of one of these. Consider what is essential to your needs and what you can afford to sacrifice.
Since price doesn't terminate quality, it is up to the buyer to inform herself so that she may detect inferior quality or a superior product. As a double assurance of a good investment, buy from a reliable dealer, one who buys from reliable manufacturers who guarantee the quality of their products.
COMFORT
Chairs and sofas which are not comfortable are poor investments. Comfort is important, for if the piece is not comfortable it is of no value despite it's excellent workmanship, lasting cover and good taste in design.
Host furniture is designed to fit a person 5'8" tall for average height. A standard easy chair has a seat depth of 22 to 24 inches and is 17 inches high in front, little lower in the back. An occasional chair is 19 inches deep, 18 inches from floor in front. Arm rests are about seven inches above the seat. These are only average figures; chairs and sofas vary, so it is best to have the person sit in it who will use it most.
A well-furnished living room needs a variance of sizes to take care of guests as well as the family. A good combination might be sofa, twin easy chairs, a wing chair and w occasional chair or two. Sane homemakers feel a need for straight chairs to be included.
With television, comfort should be considered in moving a piece.
CONSTRUCTION
there's more to construction than meets the eye! You can see very little, but the manufacturer has informed you through the label. A reliable dealer can help here. Inspect a half-constructed chair of the same make if the store has one.
lowing terms and construction points to ask about and look for, will make you a better buyer.
Two pieces which may look exactly alike may differ in inner construction to make one 5 three or four times the value of the other.
examine the frame base for springs. Read label for information about springs and padding.	
Cooperative Extension Work in Agriculture and Home Economics, State of Indiana, Purdue University, and U. S. Department of Agriculture Cooperating. H. J. Reed, Director, Lafayette, Indiana.
Issued in furtherance of the acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914.