Category: Blog

Shopping Tips for Leather Armchairs

Whether you are shopping for reclining leather armchairs, a chesterfield armchair or chaise longue one thing that can be guaranteed is that you will be spoilt for choice. Along with the different styles and types of chair available, there are also endless options in terms of the colour and type of leather that covers the furniture. Below are a few tips to ensure you choose the correct armchair for you and your home.

Which leather armchair is best for you?

There are two broad types of leather armchair available, fixed and reclining. Recliner chairs offer adjustable seating positions for the ultimate in luxury and comfort and have a built in footrest so that you can put your feet up at the end of a long day. Fixed armchairs as the name suggests do not have a reclining action. Many people will buy a separate leather ottoman footstool so that they can then have the option of putting their feet up when required. When shopping for leather armchairs, think about who will be using them and the available space required, this should help narrow your search down and make choosing the correct leather armchairs a little easier.

Mix and matching armchairs

The beauty of buying leather arm chairs is that you do have the option of buying matching coordinating chairs or make a bold statement by choosing non-matching chairs. Different shapes and covering of both fabric and leather armchairs can be used to create an interesting and creative interior.

Where to buy?

You can buy leather armchairs online or on the high street, its best to shop around for leather armchairs to ensure you get the best possible deal, cheaper prices can be found online but in most cases you are buying without the ability to see or sit on the items of furniture first. If you can visit furniture stores on the high street and then source the items online, this is a good way of getting the best of both worlds.

Caring for your leather armchairs

Most leather furniture is relatively easy to clean and care for as well as being durable and long lasting. Always use cleaning products that are specific to the type of leather that is used on your chairs, if you are unsure, it is always good to ascertain this at the point of sale. If you are unsure about the cleaning product you are using it is always good practice to use it on a small inconspicuous area before applying across the whole of your leather armchairs.

Getting the Best Out of Sofa Shops

As a potential sofa buyer, you really are spoilt for choice when it comes to sofa shops. There are so many sofa outlets both on the high street and online catering for all requirements and budgets. With so much choice on offer, shopping for a new leather sofa can seem like a daunting task. So how do you make sure you choose the best seller and make the most out of what they have on offer?

Buying sofas on the high street.

High street sofa shops have the added advantage for the consumer of being able to try out the sofas before committing to buy. It is difficult to judge the comfort of a new leather suite without having the opportunity to sit on it first, in many cases sofas can look a little different ‘in the flesh’ in sofa shops to what you see on a computer screen. The disadvantage of buying on the high street is that prices can be more expensive when compared to those found in an online store. Sofa shop retailers will have much higher overheads than a purely online seller as they will have to cover costs such as rent and rates and pay a team of sales representatives. Online sofa shops who avoid these overheads are able to offer their products at better rates.

Buying sofas online

If you opt to buy sofas online over sofa shops, as previously mentioned, you can expect more competitive prices due to the lower overheads experienced by selling on the web. To overcome the problem of not being able to see or sit on the sofas beforehand, most online retailers will offer as much information through their website as possible including detailed dimension diagrams, lots of images, videos and swatch sample services. Try and take in as much information as possible and if there is any other details you require you can always call a sales representative to talk you through the information required. For most consumers, the ideal buying situation would be finding sofas on the high street and then sourcing them online so that you get the best of both worlds.

Review sites

Online review sites are a great way to gauge a sofa company based on previous customers experiences, there are many review web sites online to choose from each with independent reviews. Other than review sites, friends and family are another great source for recommendations on reputable sofa companies.

Its always a good idea to shop around so that you can compare the goods on offer and the prices of  different sofa sellers whether they be on the high street or online. Do your homework and don’t rush into a purchase and you should be able to find the best sofa shops to suit your furnishing needs.

 

Buying a Modern Leather Sofa

A modern leather sofa may be the perfect item of furniture to bring your interior bang up to date with the latest trends. In most cases a sofa will form the centrepiece of your living space and thus heavily influence the rest of your décor. If you are starting from scratch a leather sofa can be a good starting point when planning the rest of your room and help your choices when it comes to soft furnishings and other items of furniture. So what is in fashion at the moment and what constitutes a modern leather sofa?

Clean simple lines

One of the most popular characteristics of a modern leather sofa is clean simple lines. More recent designs seem to have moved away from plush heavily cushioned sofas to those of a more simple design. Square arms and angular features provide that modern look that many people nowadays strive towards.

Chrome feet

Chrome feet or legs are another feature that can be found on many modern sofa designs, providing a sleek and stylish polished finished, you can even swap your existing wooden feet with a set of chrome or metal legs to instantly add a modern twist to your existing leather suite.

Vibrant sofa colours

Bright daring colours is another look that is bang up to date with current trends, with many different colours to choose from other than the traditional black brown and cream leather. Looking at interior design magazines is a great way to get ideas about creating the perfect modern look

Corner Sofas

Corner sofas are extremely popular at the moment offering a functional and stylish design solution for the modern home. Leather corner sofas are a great alternative to a traditional two or three piece suite and are also available in a modular sofa format whereby different sections can be added or removed to create a sofa that fits perfectly into the room of your choice.

Other features

Sofa deigns and features have really moved forward in recent years with some really clever thought out designs and stylish variations on offer. Some modern day sofas feature integrated drinks tables, built in lighting and even music docking stations and sound systems, meaning that technology seems to be playing a huge part in the development of the modern leather sofa.

With these various components and trends you to can achieve the modern look, if you are struggling for inspiration it is often wise to turn to interior magazines to see which designs are popular and which accessories and other furnishings can be used to create the perfect interior to sit alongside your modern leather sofa.

How to Get the Best Out of a Sofa Sale Online

It may sometimes seem like retailers have their sofa sale running 12 months of the year, with massive discounts across the board, for many people it can be difficult to judge how much of a good  deal they are getting  and whether the discounts on offer are genuine. In more recent years the Office of Fair Trading have become much stricter in terms of how goods are advertised and priced which does make the practice of discounting much more transparent, however there are still a few key things to bear in mind when shopping in a sofa sale.

Check the original sofa price

Retailers must legally advertise the period of time for which certain items have been sold at their previous higher price. If you see a pre-sale price advertised always check to see when and for how long that price was in place. Some retailers will advertise a sofa at a high price for the minimum required period only to drop the price to show a huge reduction that is in line with the OFT’s guidelines and regulations.

Shop around for sofas

When a sofa is advertised with a huge discount it can sometimes be tempting to part with your cash there and then, however it is always wise to shop around to see if other retailers are offering the same products at an even better rate. It is often the case when you are shopping on the highstreet that you can find better deals online. Sellers who sell solely online will have much lower overheads than those sellers on the high street so always check to see if the same products are available in a sofa sale from an online retailer at a better rate.

Discontinued and end of line sofa sales

One of the best ways to get the best deal out of a sofa sale is to seek out end of line or discontinued ranges, these sales are usually the best places to find genuine discounts as many retailers will be keen to clear out old stock to make space for new lines. It is very common for retailers to introduce new sofa collections in line with the new year so this is the best time to look for these bargains, alternatively you can always ask the question as to when lines are to be ended and be the first in line for the bargain prices.

Never rush into buying a suite, it is always best to shop around and weigh up your options before committing to buy. Bear these few factors in mind so that you can get the best out of a sofa sale.

 

 

How to Clean Fabric Sofa Sets

Fabric sofas are available in many different styles and colours as well as a mixture of different materials and finishes. Some fabrics such as microfibers are easier to clean and much more resilient  to stains and spillages than other types such as cotton or chenille. Many people will avoid buying a fabric sofa opting for leather sofas instead which can be easily wiped and do not absorb liquids, however if you care for your fabric sofas and have the right cleaning and care products to hand there is no reason why you should not buy them on the basis they are difficult to clean.

 Basic cleaning

To remove a build up of dust and any loose crumbs / dirt vacuuming your sofas is an effective method, make sure you are gentle and use an attachment that has no sharp edges that could catch and pull the fabric.

For light stains and spillages a very weak solution of water and detergent can lift most marks, it is important to act quickly if you do spill any liquids on your fabric sofa, this will prevent the spillage seeping into the material which can make it harder to deal with. Start by dabbing the spillage with a soft dry cloth to lift as much of the liquid as possible from the surface of the sofa, you can then repeat the process dabbing the stain or mark with a damp cloth. Repeat this procedure as many times as needed or until the stain does not seem to be getting any lighter or reducing in size. Failing this there are other products available to deal with tougher stains that are harder to shift.

 Use the correct products

With so many different types of fabrics available it is important to use the correct cleaning solutions. You can usually determine which cleaning products are best for your fabric suite by asking at the point of sale which type is most suitable, failing this always read the directions on any cleaning solutions, these should highlight which types of fabric the product can be used on and which types it can’t. It is also good practice to test any cleaning products on a small inconspicuous area of the sofa before apply to the whole suite.

 Professional cleaning

For even tougher stains or to give your fabric sofa an all over deep clean you can enlist the help of a professional. One of the most popular and effective methods used by professional sofa cleaners is steam, steam will lift most stains, failing this professionals will have an array of stronger cleaners and the knowledge to tackle most stains.

With a little knowledge and the correct products you can keep your fabric sofa looking new for many years and tackle most household stains with ease.

How to Care For a Cream Leather Suite

A cream leather suite can add a touch of luxury and elegance to any interior. A cream leather sofas clean lines and light appearance can make a room feel more spacious when compared to a darker black or brown leather sofa which in some cases can overpower a room. The only disadvantage of a cream sofa is the fact that they can be a little more difficult to keep clean and care for. Any marks or stains will show up much more easily on a lighter coloured sofa. Cream sofas aren’t for everybody, if you have children and pets or the sofas are likely to get heavy use then a darker colour may be more suitable. If you do choose a cream leather suite there are a few steps which you can take to ensure they stay looking their very best.

 Protect your cream leather suite

There are many products available which are designed to help protect your sofas, these are available in high street stores and in most cases at the point of sale. Moisturising creams and cleaners can be applied which add a layer of protection and help prevent spillages seeping into the leather, they will also ensure that the leather remains soft and supple. Use these solutions in accordance with manufacturers guidelines, mot require regular applications for the sofas to be protected to their full extent.

 Deal with any spillages quickly

If you do happen to spill a drink, food or any other substances on your cream leather suite, try your best to deal with it as quickly as possible, this will help prevent any stains / liquids seeping past the surface of the leather, if this happens any stains and marks will be much more difficult to treat. Carefully blot any surface liquid with paper towel or a soft cloth instead of wiping which can push the stain further into the leather.

 Use a throw on your leather sofas

A throw is a great way to protect your sofas, however most people will want to show off their prized sofas. If you do have pets a throw can protect your sofas against cat and dog claws and also pet hair.

 Be careful

This is an obvious one but try to avoid using any sharp items such as scissors and knives when sat on your cream leather sofas and be cautious with any items which could stain or mark the sofas such as marker pens and other substances that are liable to stain. Be aware that dark coloured denim jeans can stain cream leather sofas, especially when they are new and unwashed.

With these few common sense tips you can help keep your sofas looking new for longer and help prevent any stains and marks. Care for your sofas and you should be able to enjoy your cream leather suite for years to come.

 

Tips When Buying a Sofa Bed

A sofa bed is a functional dual purpose item of furniture that can turn any room or interior into a bedroom or guest room. Traditionally Sofa beds were notoriously uncomfortable offering a less than perfect nights sleep for most who were to use them. More recently the quality of sofa beds has increased considerably and some models can now claim to be as comfortable as a regular bed.

It is more than likely that your new sofabed will be used mostly as a sofa so you should initially look for features that you would look for when shopping for a regular sofa. Comfort, style and size are obvious factors to bear in mind before looking at the bed aspect of the sofa bed.

Measure carefully

When buying any new items of furniture it is always really important to measure carefully to ensure that the item fits comfortably in the room in where it is intended to be placed. This is crucial when buying a sofa bed as you will need to measure twice. Once in the form of a sofa and secondly when the bed action is unfolded. It is also worth considering any other items of furniture that are in the room such as coffee tables, can these be easily moved out of the way if the space is needed to unfold the bed?

Sofa bed mattresses or sleeping areas do not conform with standard bed and mattress sizes so it is often worth bearing in mind the differences in sleeping areas between different models. If you have an idea who may be using the sofa bed, it may be possible to dismiss smaller models that may be unsuitable.

Look for a quality mattress

A quality mattress can mean the difference between a good nights sleep and a sleepless night. Thicker mattresses in sofa beds aren’t necessarily better quality or more comfortable, some thinner models can offer more support and comfort. Its always advisable to try out a sofa bed before purchasing both as a sofa and as a sofa bed.

Test the mechanism

Along with lying on the sofa bed, test out the mechanism. A quality sofa bed should have a smooth, easy to use action. Open and close the sofa bed, you should not have to strain and no part of the bed frame should catch on any part of the sofa. Any rubbing or catching could lead to tearing over longer periods of time.

Is the sofa bed comfortable to sit on?

Sofa beds are generally designed for occasional use as a bed and more often as a sofa. For this reason it is important to consider how comfortable the sofa is to sit on. Due to the internal mechanism found in sofa beds, it is not possible to offer pocket sprung or other types of seat suspension, this is a drawback of investing in a sofa bed. This said there are quality sofa beds available that can be just as comfortable as most standard sofas.

With a little forethought and prior planning to making a decision on which sofa bed to buy you can ensure that you choose and purchase the most suitable sofa bed for you and your family.

Finding the Best Leather Sofas for Sale

With so many different outlets offering wide ranges of leather sofas for sale, it can become a little confusing when trying to choose one seller over another or choose between two similar models. Trawling online stores and high street shops can be very time consuming and a little daunting with so many options and styles to choose from. Here are a few things to look for when shopping for new leather sofas.

 Recommendations and reviews

There are some really good, high quality sofas available at very reasonable prices, however there are also sofas that may not be made so well. Reading customer reviews and also obtaining recommendations from friends and family is a great way to pick the good from the bad in terms of sofa retailers and make sure you choose a reputable seller. Along with recommendations in respect of the sofas themselves it is also worth bearing in mind what kind of service is offered both at the point of sale and in terms of after sales. This is where one seller may stand out above others. At the point of sale it is important to have a sales representative who is very knowledgeable and can pass on quality advice to assist you in choosing the correct suite. When considering after sales services the main thing to look for is any warranties that may be offered along with policies in respect of returns and damages.

 Shopping around for leather sofas

Don’t rush! It is worth visiting a range of different outlets whether they be on the high street or online. Online outlets such as ebay and amazon are also great places to look for deals on sofas for sale. By shopping around you will be able to appreciate the main differences and traits in leather sofas for sale, this will ensure you will be able to pick a leather sofa that is right for you and your furnishing needs and dismiss any models which may be for whatever reason unsuitable.

 Try sofas before you buy

Wherever possible it is always advisable to try any sofas out before you buy. This can be tricky if you buy sofas online, this is a disadvantage for online sofa sellers, however many will offer either showroom facilities or even try before you buy services where the sofas are brought into the customers home and unpacked, if the sofas are then unsuitable a small fee will be retained to cover the cost of the delivery / return of the sofas.

Its natural for customers to want the best sofas for their budget so with a little time and consideration given to these few hints and tips you should be able to find the best leather sofas for sale and not pay through the roof.

 

 

How to Compare the Quality of Leather Sofas

With so much choice and so many different outlets both online and on the high street it can be daunting when shopping for a new leather sofa. You will obviously want your sofas to last for years to come so right at the top of your list of things to look for will be quality and durability. It can be difficult to make comparisons between the quality of two similar leather suites when the majority of the components are internal and therefore cannot be seen. Here are a few hints and tips to determine the differences in quality between one leather sofa and another.

Familiarise yourself with the different components and types of leather that are used in the manufacture of leather suites, this way you can know exactly what to look for and also get a good idea of the features that you can expect for your price bracket. As a minimum, pocket sprung seats and a kiln dried hard wood frame will offer a sturdy base and a durable seat that will stand the test of time. Make yourself a mental checklist and ask the salesperson whether any potential sofas have these features.

 Recommendations fo leather sofas

Look for a reputable store by reading customer reviews and testimonials or ask family and friends if they know of a suitable outlet that they can recommend.

Types of leather used in leather sofas

Decide whether you would like a full leather sofa or a leather / leather match suite. The latter is a sofa which has an imitation leather to the side and back panels and a genuine leather to the wearing surfaces, this usually comprises of the seat cushions, back cushions and arms. This is in most ways a cost saving exercise, although vinyl does not wear as hard as leather this is usually not a problem as it is used on areas that do not get wear and tear.

Take a good look at the sofa paying particular attention to the stitching and upholstery, neat and uniform stitch lines with no evident loose ends or fraying are a good sign that the sofa has been made or finished well. Seat cushions will in most cases be foam filled, the higher the density of the foam the longer they are likely to last and the more supportive they are.

 Should you compare leather sofas by price?

Price is definitely not a good indicator of quality so opting for the most expensive leather suite will not necessarily mean it is of a high quality, some retailers add huge mark-ups to lower quality suites whereby other sellers sell quality leather sofas in high volumes with very little mark up at bargain prices.

Enquire as to whether the leather sofas come with a manufacturers or suppliers warranty, a company who offers a warranty on their goods will be confident that they are built to last, the longer the warranty the greater the likelihood is that the sofas are built to last.

Arm yourself with knowledge and you should be able to confidently buy quality leather sofas.

Purchasing a Two Seater Black Leather Sofa

A two seater black leather sofa could be the perfect choice of settee for a small flat or studio apartment. Two seater sofas are easy to move around and don’t take up too much space. Unlike patterned or brightly coloured sofas, a black leather sofa will fit well into most interiors and can therefore be seen as a safe bet when furnishing a property. Leather sofas come in a vast range of shapes, sizes and finishes so the chances are, if you are in the market for a 2 seater black leather sofa, the perfect model to suit your furnishing requirements is out there somewhere.

Buying Sofas Online

With the option nowadays of shopping on the internet as well as on the high street there has never been so much choice. Buying a leather sofa online can often mean a better price, however you do not always get the option to try the sofas out before buying, this is often seen as a trade off for getting the sofas at such a good price. High street stores do offer the opportunity to sit on and try out the sofas before parting with your hard earned cash, however prices are often not quite as reasonable as high street stores will in most cases, have higher overheads than purely online sellers.

Purchase Together for Better Discount

When buying a single sofa such as a 2 seater sofa it is worth asking at the point of sale whether it is likely that the same range or collection of sofas will be available at a later date, if your circumstances change and you then perhaps move to a larger property you can then add another sofa or chair to suite your new living space.

It is always advisable to measure your new sofa or sofas before committing to buy so that you know whether they will fit through any tight access points you may have and also to ascertain how much available space you will have once the sofa is placed in your room. The seating area will also differentiate between different sofas one particular two seater sofa may comfortably fit two persons whilst another may be a bit of a squeeze, if you have the choice, always try out a sofa before purchasing.

The majority of two seater sofas are constructed with two individual seat cushions, in more recent times it is now possible to purchase a 2 seater sofa which has a single seat or ‘bench cushion’ across the whole of the sofa apart from the cosmetic differences in appearance these also mean that wherever you choose to sit on the sofa you will not risk sitting on and sinking into the gap.

With these considerations to bear in mind and with a little forward planning there is no reason why you shouldn’t find the perfect two seater black leather sofa.