The Quality/Price Conundrum of a Sofa

Stacey Lapuk, ASID

As a member of a business group of designers from across the country we have various discussions around what is happening in our industry. Last week we were discussing budgets, and I was struck by a comment from a designer in the Southeast. She noted her “high” version of a sofa was $5k. That surprised me. The pieces I’ve seen at that price are not something I would consider high quality.

As a member of a business group of designers from across the country we have various discussions around what is happening in our industry. Last week we were discussing budgets, and I was struck by a comment from a designer in the Southeast. She noted her “high” version of a sofa was $5k. That surprised me. The pieces I’ve seen at that price are not something I would consider high quality.

Frame: Kiln-dried hardwood is used, such as oak, ash, walnut, maple or beech. These woods are durable and will ensure stability over time. Reinforced with wooden dowels and glued and screwed corner blocks ensures durability and stability over time, preventing warping and even cracking. Dovetail joinery secures the various parts of the frame together creating strong, seamless connection that can withstand years of use, including children jumping up and down, using the backs as springboards to roll onto the sofa, animals wrestling and more. 

Softer woods such as pine are less expensive, but may warp after a few years. Frames made of particleboard, plastic or metal will find their way to a landfill quickly. 

I have a client who purchased two sofas at a well-known, higher-priced retailer, and wanted to update the leg style. The wood used for the frame was so narrow and weak, it wouldn’t have survived even simply unscrewing the existing leg and attaching an updated one

Suspension: Eight-way hand-tied springs are considered the gold standard. Each spring is individually tied to the frame by hand, offering unparalleled support and comfort.

Cushions: The fill in both the seat and back cushions is key. Typically a combination of materials, such as a foam core with a feather-down wrap for a supportive and comfortable seat, and a feather-down blend for the back cushions you can sink into and be cradled in comfort. Our clients can try out different fills, and select the exact combination of materials that will suit them best.

Design: The curves, proportions and production details, from exquisite finished, hand-carved wooden legs to decorative nailheads elevate the sofa to a work of art, a beautiful and functional sculpture.

Upholstery: This is where the aesthetics of the sofa truly shines. Beautiful, quality fabrics, such as wool, mohair, linen and silk are as varied as night and day. I have access to hundreds of thousands of fabrics, so that we can select the perfect complement to your room’s design. The upholstery is carefully hand-tailored by skilled craftsmen, ensuring precision and attention to detail. Pattern matching, expertly applied welting or piping, trim or specialty French seams add to the sofa’s long-lasting beauty.

In the end, the decision about a sofa investment must match my client’s functional and aesthetic needs as well as their budget. Consideration of all the facets the experience of a sofa offers will help guide us. An investment in a luxury product will make a statement, reflecting your own style and values, provide unparalleled comfort and style for decades to come, and may be passed along to future generations. 

Contact me for more guidance on the perfect sofa for your needs!

Stacey Lapuk, ASID

Stacey Lapuk, ASID is celebrating her 30th year with her firm. Named “One of America’s Ten Designers To Watch” by Design Times Magazine, one of the “Top 100 Interior Designer in North America” by Blink Art Resources, and the winner of multiple national design awards.  Her goal is simple: To co-create with her clients the home of their dreams with responsive and comprehensive solutions, and timeless, beautiful results. 

Her full service firm attracts clients desiring the finest workmanship, materials and custom design. Facets of work include partnering with architects on new construction, remodels, kitchen design and bath design, color consultation, custom furniture, flooring, area carpets, wall and window treatments, lighting design, art procurement and antique acquisition.  Service areas include but are not limited to Marin County, San Francisco, Napa, Sonoma, Ross, Kentfield, Belvedere, Tiburon, San Rafael, and Pacific Heights.