"Arhaus" has an excellent article on the Fine Art of American Craftsmanship that I'd like to share with you. Bethany wrote a great post on inexpensive, moderate and custom sofas last December. The key points of custom hand made quality furniture are:
The FRAME:
- kiln dried hardwoods, double-doweled, glued and screwed and corner-blocked
- supports span the frame front to back
- lifetime guarantee on frame
- hand built arm panels secured to frame with oversized flat head nails
- mortise and tenon joinery
The SPRINGS:
- strong, heavy gauge, sinuous springs
- connected with coated metal clamps (prevents rubbing of metal on metal, eliminating squeaks)
- assure lasting comfort and durability.
- warranteed to be free from defects for life.
- eight way hand tied
the FABRIC:
- arms are wrapped in generous dense fiber to maintain shape.
- all frame parts are covered with foam and fiber prior to fabric covering
- more firm high fensity foam layer is followed by a softer plush foam to create comfortable seating
- hand sewing, hand pleating, meticulous craftsmanship and finish.
So next time you are swayed by color, style or price, look below the 'surface' ( or underneath) to see if the piece is well made. Look for a lifetime guarantee. Even though I look for bargains myself, knowing how good furniture is made, can help me find a diamond in the rough. As Suzanne and Lauren McGrath say in their fabulous new book "Good Bones, Great Pieces"- "Each and every piece you choose should have legs-if you can't see using it again ten years down the road, the it's not worth investing in."
~Nancy
