Upholstery

To help ensure you're on the right track in searching for your dream sofa, the Upholstered Furniture Action Council (UFAC) and the American Furniture Manufacturers Association offer these shopping tips:

• Color will be the first element you respond to, so look for colors that express your personal style.
• When you find a style that appeals to you, try it out for comfort.
• Bounce up and down on the cushions. Make sure it feels right to you.
• Wiggle the arms. Do they hold firm, indicating good workmanship?
• Lift the frame. Does it feel sturdy?
• Examine the fabric. Are the seams straight? Does the fabric line up properly? Does it feel pleasing to the touch?
• Measure it. You don't want the sofa to overwhelm your room, but you also don't want it to be dwarfed by other pieces.
• For fire safety reasons, look for the gold UFAC tag, indicating that the sofa manufacturer certifies it is made in accordance with UFAC methods designed to reduce the likelihood of upholstered furniture fires from smoldering cigarettes.
• After you've done all your checks, the most important thing is to follow your heart. If you love it, then it's right for you.