Start with the room, not the photo
The mistake we see most is choosing a set from a photo and finding it too big or too small for the room. Measure the wall the sofa will stand against, keep a walkway of at least 80 cm around the coffee table, and decide how many seats you really need. A classic set with carving and a high back looks larger than its size, so the breathing space around it is part of its beauty.
The wood and the frame
The frame is what you do not see, and it decides how long the set lives. Ask about the type of wood, how it was dried before production, and how the joints are assembled. Well-dried good wood does not crack with air conditioning and changing humidity, and interlocking glued joints hold far better than nails alone.
Carving and gilding
Hand carving shows in the depth of its lines and the slight differences from one piece to the next. For gilding, ask about its layers and how it is protected, and about the shade: bright gold, antique gold or silver. Ask to see a sample of the same finish before approving the set, because lighting in a photo changes the colour a lot.
Fabric and upholstery
For daily use choose a durable fabric that is easy to clean, and keep delicate fabrics for the guest salon. Pay attention to the foam density, since light foam sags quickly. Ask for the fabric sample in your hand and under your own home lighting before you decide.
What to ask before production
- The final dimensions of every piece, in writing.
- The wood, finish and colour, approved with samples.
- The fabric and the foam density.
- The price and lead time, in writing.
- Delivery and installation, and who covers their cost.
