How to choose a sofa that lasts

Start with the frame. Lift one end of the sofa: a solid hardwood frame is heavy, and it should not creak when you rock it. Ask what the joints are. Staples are a warning sign.

Then the seat. Eight-way hand-tied springs and high-resilience foam wrapped in feather give support that lasts. Sit for ten minutes, not ten seconds.

Finally the cover. Removable covers extend the life of a sofa by years. Choose a fabric for how you live, not how it looks in the showroom.