Why Your Grandmother’s Sofa Was Better (And How to Find That Quality Today)

Unveiling the Secrets of True Sofa Craftsmanship with the MadeRight CA Team

In a world of fast, mass-produced furniture, it's easy to forget that sofas used to last for decades. Proper old-school quality is a rare find! But having sold sofas for years, I can tell you that the secret to furniture that lasts is buying it custom-made.

The real magic of custom-made sofas is in their superior craftsmanship. The smaller production scale guarantees that each piece is cut, stitched, and crafted by skilled hands, creating pieces meant to last. And that’s exactly what MadeRight CA, a boutique Californian brand specializing in made-to-order sofas, delivers to their customers. 

I traveled to their LA workshop to investigate what sets custom-made sofas apart (and why they’re worth every penny).

What Made Grandma’s Sofa So Good?

It’s no secret that vintage furniture outlasts most modern pieces. But why?

• Better Materials – Older sofas often feature kiln-dried hardwood frames, hand-tied spring systems, and high-density foam wrapped in natural fibers—materials meant to last, not disintegrate.
• Craftsmanship Over Mass Production – Vintage sofas weren't made on an assembly line. Each part was individually cut, stitched, and assembled by skilled artisans.
• Designed for Repair, Not Replacement – Older sofas were built with removable cushions, replaceable upholstery, and sturdy frames that could be reupholstered rather than tossed out.
• Comfort That Aged Well – Spring-supported cushions didn’t just flatten out over time. They adapted to the body, providing long-lasting support.

This philosophy is alive and well at MadeRight CA—but with modern refinements that make custom sofas even better.

The Custom-Made Sofa Difference

Custom-building a sofa brings to life a piece that fits your precise lifestyle, home, and needs. The precision of the production process delivers a sofa that offers long-term value on every level.

Durability That Justifies The Price

Every MadeRight CA sofa has a kiln-dried hardwood frame ensuring structural integrity that lasts for decades. They offer a lifetime warranty on these frames, so customers enjoy added peace of mind knowing that MadeRight CA stands by the quality of their product. The cushions are constructed with a core made from solid foam or with an innerspring layered with high-density foam, and encased for added resilience.

According to Edgar Blazona, founder of MadeRight CA, the quality of materials is essential to setting the standard of their production: 

“We try to do it the way sofas used to be made back in the day — putting good, long-lasting materials in and not cutting corners.”

The durability also comes from the manufacturing process. Edgar’s team uses expert corner-blocking techniques, which are time-intensive but essential for preventing frame warping or loosening over time. 

It’s A Smarter Environmental Choice

Instead of relying on disposable materials or shortcuts, MadeRight CA uses a made-to-order production model. Edgar and his team avoid overproduction and reduce excess waste by tailoring each piece to order. They build with longevity in mind, so instead of tossing out a sagging sofa every few years, you’ll have a piece that stays in your home — not the landfill — for decades.

True Personalization At Every Level

Every fabric is cut by hand and adjusted for its stretch and weight. Performance fabrics, soft velvets, and structured leathers are all handled differently, with careful attention to how they’ll drape, stretch, and bounce back. As Edgar puts it, "we treat every fabric like its own project.”

Even cushion density can be customized based on client preference, ensuring that every MadeRight CA sofa not only looks beautiful but feels exactly right in your home. More on that below!

Choosing the Right Materials for Longevity

At MadeRight CA, materials matter. For a custom-sofa, the right materials do the heavy lifting for durability and comfort – everything from how they cut the fabric to their frame construction adds up to a high quality you can feel. You won’t find the same attention to detail in mass-produced furniture.

Why Fabric Quality Matters

Fabric shapes how your sofa feels, how it breaks in, and how long it stays sharp. MadeRight CA sofas feature premium upholstery, each designed to last, so no matter which you choose, you'll love the result.

“We offer around 60 different fabrics, and each one stretches differently,” Edgar says. “We cut and adjust every pattern based on that stretch, so when the cushions compress and release, the fabric returns to its original shape instead of wrinkling or sagging.”

The Secret to Long-Lasting Cushions

Good sofas stay bouncy for a reason: smart cushion construction.

MadeRight CA sofa cushions feature cores made from solid 2.5lb HR foam or with an innerspring encased by layers of high-resilience foam and natural fiber padding, ensuring long-lasting bounce.

“When you sit down, you want that cushion to give a little and then come right back up,” Edgar explains. “That’s what makes a sofa feel fresh and supportive for years.”

They offer different cushion builds to match how you like to sit — whether firm and supportive or soft and sink-in cozy. The options include:

• Structured — Medium-firm feel with a spring core and firm foam. Minimal fluffing is needed. Lasts 13+ years.

• Foam & Trillium — Medium-soft, cozy cushion with high-resilience foam and down-alternative wrap. Some fluffing is required. Lasts 10+ years.

• California Cush — Soft yet supportive, with a spring core and plush foam. Occasional fluffing keeps it fresh. Lasts 13+ years.

• Foam & Fiber — Medium-firm with a clean, tailored look. Low-maintenance and designed to stay crisp. Lasts 10+ Years. 

Solid Wood Frames vs. Particleboard

The foundation of any great sofa is the frame. This is where shortcuts in cheaper furniture become painfully obvious. Many mass-produced sofas use particleboard or low-grade plywood, which can warp, crack, or weaken over time.

“The frame is where it all starts,” Edgar says. “If you don’t build that right, nothing else will hold up.”

At MadeRight CA, every frame features kiln-dried hardwood construction. These frames are assembled with expert joinery techniques that ensure they remain solid for decades, even with daily use.

The Art of Upholstery: A Hand-Tailored Fit

Upholstery is where craftsmanship comes to life. Even the smallest detail can make a big difference in how a sofa looks and lasts, so each cut, fold, and seam is done with painstaking care.

Precision Cutting & Stitching

There are no shortcuts or guesswork in MadeRight CA's process. Every pattern is measured and cut by hand, adjusted for how each fabric stretches and moves. 

“Straight stitching matters,” Edgar says. “It’s the difference between a sofa that holds up beautifully and one that looks sloppy after a few years.”

Each panel is sewn with care, and those strong seams help the sofa keep its shape — no sagging corners, even years down the road.

Leather vs. Fabric Handling

Leather doesn’t play by the same rules as fabric — it’s stiffer, less forgiving, and demands more skill. At MadeRight CA, they know exactly how to work with it so it feels structured but never stiff. 

“My grandmother had this leather sofa that was so firm it felt like sitting on a balloon,” Edgar recalls. “We make sure our leather has the right balance — structured but comfortable.”

The payoff? A leather sofa that starts structured but becomes comfortably lived-in.

Why Investing in Custom Made Sofas Is Worth It

Nowhere does the proverb 'buy cheap, buy twice' apply more than in the furniture industry. Sure, custom-made sofas cost more upfront, but by investing in craftsmanship and premium materials, you are securing quality, comfort, and longevity that mass-produced items cannot match.

Style That Lasts for Decades

Most mass-produced sofas are designed to last a few years before cushions sag and frames wobble. Buying low-quality is wasteful and costly in the long run. A well-crafted, custom sofa from MadeRight CA will stay in your living room and out of the trash heap.

You Get Real Comfort — and You Get to Define It

Forget the one-size-fits-all feel of big-box furniture. Custom sofas made in the USA by MadeRight CA allow you to choose cushion firmness, seat depth, and upholstery that works for your family and home. It's the kind of familiar comfort you will enjoy every single day.

It’s a Sustainable Choice

Buying cheap sofas on repeat isn’t just hard on your wallet — it’s hard on the planet. Investing in a well-made piece means fewer replacements and less waste. And honestly, it feels good knowing you’ve bought something that’s built to stick around.

“If grandma’s sofa could last 30 years, yours can too — if you invest in craftsmanship over shortcuts” Edgar reminds me.

FAQs About Custom Made Sofas and Craftsmanship

1. What makes custom made sofas better than store-bought ones?

They’re built to last. Custom couches use better materials, more thoughtful design, and craftsmanship that mass-produced furniture often just can’t match.

2. How long does a high-quality custom sofa last?

With the right care, 15 to 30 years — sometimes longer. These pieces are made to stick around.

3. Why do custom made sofas cost more?

Because you’re paying for solid hardwood frames, hand-stitched upholstery, and cushion construction that won’t quit after a few years.

4. What should I look for in a high-quality sofa frame?

Opt for kiln-dried hardwood like alder, maple, or oak—not plywood or MDF.

5. Do custom sofas require more maintenance?

Not necessarily! Choosing the right fabric, cushion fill, and sofa construction means less wear and tear over time.

6. How long does MadeRight CA take to build a custom sofa?

Most orders are completed in three weeks—exceptional speed for handcrafted furniture.

7. Is a custom sofa a good investment?

Absolutely. It lasts longer, feels better, and won’t need replacing every few years. And if you care about sustainability, choosing a well-built custom sofa means investing in furniture that won’t end up in a landfill.