The Shanghai area boasts some of the world's most luxurious furniture brands. However, the quality and after-sales service of these brands remain a heavy burden on the minds of consumers. Below are four tips for selecting furniture to help you choose your perfect home fashion. Related links: Principles of selecting furniture, How to select wooden furniture.
1. Test sitting on sofas and soft beds
When choosing sofas or soft beds, pay attention to whether the surface is smooth without unevenness; the firmness should be even rather than varying in different areas; the degree of softness should be moderate, neither too hard nor too soft. The method for selecting furniture is to sit on it and press it with your hands to check if it’s flat, if the springs make noise. If the spring arrangement is unreasonable, it may result in creaking sounds. Additionally, check for any broken or skipped stitches in the quilting and ensure the density of the edges and corners is reasonable.
2. Check the seams of veneered furniture
Whether it's veneered with wood, PVC, or pre-painted paper, ensure the veneer is smooth without any bulges, bubbles, or loose seams. Inspect this against the light. For wood veneers, those that have been planed are better than those that have been rotary-cut. You can distinguish between them by observing the grain of the wood - planed veneers have straight and dense grains, while rotary-cut veneers have curved and sparse patterns. Particleboard veneered furniture must have sealed edges where they touch the ground; otherwise, it will absorb moisture, swell, and get damaged. Veneered furniture often has edges that curl easily. When selecting furniture, try gently pulling at the edges; if it peels off easily, there may be an issue with the adhesive.
3. Inspect the back of mirrored furniture
When selecting furniture with mirrors, such as dressing tables, wall mirrors, or full-length mirrors, check the reflection to see if the mirror is distorted or discolored. Also, inspect the back of the mirror to ensure there is backing paper and a rear board behind the mercury layer. Furniture without a rear board is non-compliant, and lacking the paper is also unacceptable as it could cause the mercury to wear off.
4. Check if furniture accessories are installed reasonably
Check if the door locks of the furniture open and close smoothly; large cabinets should be equipped with three concealed hinges, two are insufficient; furniture should have three screws, but some cut corners by only using one, which could lead to the furniture falling apart over time.