- We encourage clients to order 10-20% extra fabric for repairs and disasters. Don’t forget to request all leftover fabric for storage purposes.
- At a minimum, try to leave welt off of cushions and arms if design permits (request weltless or french seam). Welt will break loose and/or break the fibers loose three times faster than normal fabric wear. Use welt for the body of the piece or non-contact areas.
- When in doubt, back your fabrics. Likewise, do not trust the fabric supplier’s declaration that the “fabric already has a backing on it”. Use your own judgement or ask us. Likewise, ALWAYS back your fabrics for bench cushions as these large one piece cushions tend to cause “bagging” in the center. Backing greatly reduces this.
- On custom sofa layouts, use “one-piece” bench cushions to avoid joint issues. Almost all sectionals are two different lengths. This means the cushions are rarely the same width across the face. Use of a bench cushion is almost always more visually pleasing. Additionally, no guest will have to sit on an uncomfortable cushion joint.
- Do not “overspec”. While having the “finest” or “most luxurious” is a great idea, using down cushions for family sectionals (especially with young kids) or all down cushions for club chairs is great for “look” but bad for longevity. Stay with lower cost foam and spring core cushions with fiber wraps. They are inherently anti-microbial (e.g., milk spills on them won’t sour), longer-lasting, and shape-retaining with minimal comfort sacrifice.
- Pay attention to large repeat fabrics. Logically, a 72 inch Vertical Repeat wont work on a 36 inch tall chair.
- For “family-oriented” specs, we suggest staying with non-skirted solid base designs. Use short feet (under 4"). Skirts have a high risk of tears with children and/or pets.
- The most comfortable loose back cushion is always the single welt French corner back (as opposed to the boxed bordered cushion). For pieces that do use the box, it is strongly suggested to go weltless to prevent it from causing back discomfort.
- When space allows, order sectionals in two pieces rather than three (one being the corner). This will result in less movement and more comfort and stability.
- When choosing depth, it is suggested to err towards deep rather than shallow. Pillows can always be added, but a shallow sofa can't be made deep.
- (Baker’s “10”) Whenever possible, order a dark finish for all wood surfaces. It can be touched up using a black marker and the dark surface tends to hide dents and nicks.
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