Upholstery
Our upholstered pieces are constructed with quality frames and premium cushioning, fabrics and in some cases beautiful leathers.
Fabrics
We offer more fabric choices than you can imagine, and insist that each one surpass industry rub tests designed to exaggerate daily wear. We will be glad to loan fabric swatches to help you make your decision.
Construction
Most of our upholstered pieces are made in the USA with kiln-dried wood frames, upholstered start to finish by craftsmen. The majority of our of our upholstery pieces feature eco-friendly components, such as certified sustainable hardwood frames and soy- or plant-based foam cushioning and a variety of recycled materials, such as steel and trillium.
Frames
Most frames in our upholstered Furniture Collection have a lifetime guarantee. Our frames are made using only kiln-dried woods to reduce movement, twisting and warping. Key joints are reinforced with traditional double-dowel joinery and/or corner blocks to withstand weight and stress.
Solid Woods
Our craftsmen carefully choose woods for the durability and beauty they will bring to our designs. The traditional woods we use are timbers hewn directly from cut or recycled trees. The terms below include many of the durable hardwoods and design features you will find in our collection.
Support Systems
Depending on style and function, we offer the comfortable and lasting support of traditional eight-way hand-tied springs, heavy-gauge steel sinuous wire springs or high quality webbing. Learn more below:
Eight-Way Hand-Tied Springs – A traditional, high-quality handcrafted spring system in which each spring is hand-tied eight times around the coil to each adjacent spring, forming a flexible, floating suspension.
Sinuous Wire Spring Suspension – Rows of S-shaped, zigzag springs are attached to arch across the frame at regular intervals for support and comfort.
Synthetic Webbing – Sturdy, synthetic straps are tightly interwoven in a grid for even support.
Cushions and Padding
We add extra layers of premium padding to prolong the life of the fabric and to enhance the subtle curve of a chair back. Whenever feasible, we use soy- and/or plant-based foam to reduce dependency on petroleum products. Learn more below:
Down proof Ticking – A tightly woven, cotton-muslin fabric used to encase fiber, soft down blend and all-down cushions. Its tight weave traps the air for a more “cushy” experience and prevents feather ends from pushing through the casing.
Eco-Friendly Cushions – All of our eco-friendly seat cushions begin with a soy- and/or plant-based polyfoam core. Depending on the style, many are then wrapped in either a blend of feather/down and corn-based fibers, a blend of feather/down and synthetic fibers, or regenerated, recycled or post-consumer fibers.
Fiber – Spun synthetic fiber encased in a ticking.
Loose Cushion – Cushions that are not attached to the furniture frame.
Polyfiber – Polyurethane foam core wrapped in spun synthetic; encased in ticking.
Polyfoam – Polyurethane foam core encased in ticking.
Down Blend – Fiber and feather-down blend encased in down proof ticking.
Synthetic Ticking – A manmade, nonwoven synthetic fabric used to encase fiber cushions. Due to its more porous nature, it is not used to enclose down fill.
Tight Back/Seat – Upholstered seats or backs without separate loose cushions.
Purchasing Upholstered Furniture
Stock
Stock offers the quickest delivery time and best value. The fabric color shown on display in the store is available and in stock for immediate delivery. Additional Stock choices within select collections may be available. Please ask for details.
Custom
We are proud to offer over 200 fabric options for most of our sofa styles. Everything from tweeds, stripes, florals, linens and in most cases a selection of top grain leathers. In most cases you can even bring in your own fabric (Customer’s Own Material, COM). Because these options are special orders, there are usually additional costs incurred, as well as additional production time.
Fabric Care
Rotate cushions and pillows weekly to distribute wear. Vacuum upholstery weekly using the upholstery attachment and crevice tool of your vacuum to remove loose particles. Periodic cleaning by a professional upholstery cleaning service is the only recommended cleaning method for your upholstery, including the furniture base beneath slipcovers. Annual cleaning is suggested, but this may vary depending on use. Take special care when spraying household chemicals and commercial products near upholstery. Avoid placing your furniture in direct sunlight. All fabric and leather will fade over time. Applying noncommercial scented fabric fresheners, neutralizers and fabric protectors is not recommended.
Spills and Spot Cleaning
In some cases, spot cleaning can cause a ring or fading. It is best to have the entire piece or cushion casing cleaned by a professional upholstery cleaning service to ensure uniform results. If you decide to spot clean on your own, check the standard cleaning code (below) to determine the correct type of product to use. Always blot—never rub—spills immediately with a clean, absorbent white cloth. Blot from the outside to the middle of the affected area to prevent rings. Pile fabrics may require brushing with a non-metallic, stiff bristle brush to restore appearance. Follow the cleaning code below. Always pretest cleaning agents in a small, unnoticeable area. Never use strong chemicals or detergents.
O: Wash in cold water using biodegradable detergent or eco-friendly soap; air dry. Organic dry cleaning is also recommended. For spot cleaning, test a small inconspicuous area first with a biodegradable or eco-friendly cleaner.
W: Water-based cleaning agents or foam may be used. Use only distilled water; tap water may cause rings or fading.
S: Only mild, water-free cleaning solvents should be used. Never use water. Do not dry clean.
SW: Water-based cleaning agents, foam or mild water-free cleaning solvents may be used. Use only distilled water; tap water may cause rings or fading.
X: Clean only by vacuuming or light brushing to remove overall soil. Never use water, foam or liquid cleaning agents.
Note: For prewashed fabrics upholstered onto the frame, follow the S cleaning code.
Natural Fabric Protection
When you invest in a new piece of upholstered furniture, you want to enjoy it for may years , therefore we recommend that you purchase our Crypton® natural fabric protection. By providing stain resistance, microbial protection and UV inhibitors to prevent fading, it keeps your upholstery looking newer, longer. We carefully treat every fiber of your fabric prior to delivery. Free of bleach, solvents and other chemicals, this eco-friendly treatment is safe for homes with children and pets. Click here for more details.
Note: Fabric protection is not a force field against stains. Application of this product will not prevent upholstery from getting soiled or stained, nor does it eliminate the need for routine cleaning and proper fabric care. Fabric protection is not recommended for slipcovers that you intend to wash.
Leather
All our special order leathers are top-grain hides—the softest, most supple, highest quality there is. Our leather collection features sofas, chairs, ottomans, sectionals, recliners and benches in a variety of rich colors to suit all tastes. Learn more about leathers below:
Full-Aniline Leather – Leather that has been dyed all the way through the top and back surfaces, allowing all the natural characteristics of the hide to be highlighted.
Natural Markings – Often it takes several hides of leather to complete one piece of furniture. Because hides vary in color and texture, each one will have its own unique characteristics. Natural markings such as wrinkles and scars are not imperfections, but rather an assurance that you have received an authentic leather product.
Semi-Aniline Leather – Top-grain leather that is aniline dyed with additional pigment and/or other topical finishes for a more even coloration.
Top-Grain Leather/Hide – The outermost layer of the leather hide, which produces the highest-quality leather.
Care Instructions
Maintain the beauty of your leather furniture, by dusting regularly with a dry cloth and vacuum as needed. Protect from exposure to sunlight and heat, which may cause the leather to fade or lose its soft, supple feel.
Spots, Spills and Stains – In the event of an accidental spill blot liquid immediately with a clean, absorbent cloth or sponge. If necessary, use clear, lukewarm distilled water and gently wipe the spill. Wipe with a clean towel and air dry. If water is used, clean the entire area where the spill occurred (i.e., the entire arm or cushion). Stubborn stains can be washed with a mild solution of non-perfumed, undyed soap and clear, lukewarm distilled water; then rinse, wipe well and air dry. Do not dry area using a hair dryer. Butter, oil or grease spills should be wiped with a clean, dry cloth. Do not use saddle soaps, oils, abrasive cleaners, perfumed or dyed soaps, furniture polish, varnish, detergents, ammonia or harsh commercial cleaners, as they can damage and streak the leather. If you have any questions concerning your leather upholstery, contact a professional upholstery cleaner.
Wood Furniture
Certified Sustainable Frames – The majority of our frames are crafted from woods that can be traced to sustainable origins and are certified by either the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI).
Corner Block – A wood block that is screwed into the frame corners for extra stability at the joinery.
Double-Dowel Joinery – The frame sections are designed to interlock at the corners for stability and durability. This joinery is then reinforced with wood glue and corner blocks.
FSC – The Forest Stewardship Council is a nonprofit organization that encourages responsible management of the world’s forests. FSC sets high standards that ensure forestry is practiced in an environmentally responsible, socially beneficial and economically viable way.
Kiln-Dried Hardwood – Hardwood such as ash, maple or poplar is kiln-dried to remove moisture, ensuring that the frame will not crack, split or warp. All of our frames are either CARB exempt or CARB compliant.
Low-Emission Engineered Wood/Veneer – MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard) and veneers that are produced using the strictest low-emission standards established by the California Air Resource Board (CARB) as well as the European Union.
SFI – The Sustainable Forestry Initiative program oversees more than 150 million acres of forestland in North America to make sure wildlife, plants, and soil and water quality are protected during the growth and harvesting of trees.
TFT – TFT is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote responsible forest conservation through sustainable and equitable social and economic development at all points in the supply chain of the wood, from harvesting to manufacturing. All of our solid mahogany and teak furnishings are supported by TFT.
