How did IKEA transform the furniture industry?

IKEA was the first company to conceive of home furnishings as a lifestyle instead of individual stand-alone products. IKEA is not just furniture. It also includes a wide range of complimentary home furnishings related products. A simple minimalist modern styling ties all of the products together in a unified lifestyle concept. Cheap furniture was not … Read more

18 Best Recliner Brands

This blog article is outdated.   Please click here for the updated &revised article dated 7-20-2023.   All ratings and comments are based on Jeff Frank’s personal opinion and available information. The brands are listed from the highest to the lowest quality (in my opinion.) The first 9 manufacturers on this list produce higher quality … Read more

What do furniture companies mean when they say their products have “hardwood solids?”

Terminology in the furniture industry can be very flexible and can vary among different manufacturers. The term “hardwood solids” is usually used when the manufacturer either does not want to list the specific wood species, when multiple species are used or when a combination of hardwoods and other “engineered” woods (particle board, fiberboard or others) … Read more

Sofa Durability vs. Cost: How to Buy a Durable, Affordable Couch

modern sofa

How much does a couch cost that will last for 10 years? It could cost less than $1000. At the same time, $3000 sofas may last 5 yrs or less.

Furniture Glossary: A Listing of Furniture Terms 2023

sofa construction

In this furniture glossary, we’ll tackle: The different styles and qualities of leather The nuts-and-bolts of frames, materials, and manufacturing terms The differences between similar or semi-interchangeable terms Many times, the mark of an insider is knowing the right terminology. Go into your next furniture negotiation sounding like a pro and get the deal you … Read more

Will a Pirelli Webbing Foundation make my sofa sag over time?

Pirelli webbing

Webbing used on lower priced seating “stretches.” Cheap stretchable webbing stapled into softwood or engineered wood frames can break or sag within 5 – 10 years. Webbing used on high quality seating does not stretch. Top quality, non-stretchable webbing, stapled into solid hardwood frames will hold up for 20 years & more.

How are couches and sofas made?

A few decades ago most couches and sofas built in the U.S. were made in small shops with 50 or fewer employees. Products were primarily built one piece at a time by a single highly skilled upholsterer working on an entire piece. Most of the upholstered furniture seen in large U.S. chain retailers today is … Read more

Comprehensive Furniture Glossary

Furniture Terms and Descriptions Furniture Glossary Acrylic: Synthetic polymer fiber made from natural materials, such as coal, air water, petroleum and limestone. Fibers are strong, durable and resistant to strong sunlight. They make soft, bulky, wool-like fabrics and carpets. Apron: Decorative panel that connects the surface or legs of a table or chairs. Armchair: Chair … Read more