Couch Construction

Weird Facts About Sofas You Probably Didn't Know

The experts at Couch.com tackle the secrets of sofa legs to uncovering the enigmatic fabric on the bottom. Discover the all encompassing sofa questions!
Alex Back | Couch.com CEO & Founder
A couch deconstructed in separated pieces

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    What is the material on the bottom of a sofa?

    When it comes to the mysterious underbelly of a sofa, prepare to enter a realm of hidden treasures and unsolved mysteries! Next, the experts at Couch.com explain:

    • Dust cover fabric: Forget about dust bunnies having a party under your sofa! More importantly, this magical fabric acts as a shield, saving your floors from debris and ensuring the sofa stays squeaky clean. Don't worry, it's not some heavy-duty, hard-to-remove material. This lightweight fabric is a breeze to take off for a maintenance mission. It requires a little bit of elbow grease to reattach (an industrial wood stapler, to be exact) but nothing that your average DIY'er can't manage with a youtube video or two and a bottle of Jameson. Kidding about the Jameson part... please handle tools with care.
    • Upholstery fabric: Some sofas rock the same fabulous fabric on the bottom as they do on the rest of their stylish selves. But, here's the deal: these fashionable sofas might need some extra TLC to keep their pizzazz intact.
    • Felt or non-slip material: No more sofa slip 'n slides or dance parties with your floor! We've got you covered with our secret weapon: the mighty felt or non-slip material. It's the ultimate sidekick keeping your small sofa rooted in place and protecting floors from scratches.

    Are all sofa legs removable?

    Dive into the sometimes wobbly world of sofa legs! From modern couches to a memory foam sofa bed, here's the lowdown on their removability:

    • Depends on the sofa: Not all sofas are created equal. Alas, some couch manufacturers and designers bless us with removable legs, giving you the freedom to mix and match styles or easily maneuver through narrow doorways. However, from a steel frame couch to sectional sofas with recliners, it can vary quite a bit.
    • Screw-on legs: These leggy creatures are typically the most easily detachable. Just a few twists and turns, and voila! Additionally, you can bid farewell to those legs for a quick and hassle-free transformation and replace them with something with more pizazz! This is because most screw-in legs have a standard screw fitting that will fit into 90% of couches.
    • Attached legs: Unfortunately, not all legs are willing to part ways with their beloved sofa. Some sofas come with legs that are permanently attached, meaning they're in it for the long haul. But, no worries, because they're usually sturdy and ready to support you through countless cozy moments.
    • No legs: Don't forget the sneaky sofa's of the bunch, those that come without any legs! Secondly, a Togo sofa relies on the sleek and solid design that doesn't require much hardware, let alone legs.

    Remember, it's always a good idea to check with the sofa manufacturer or retailer to confirm the removability of the legs before embarking on your leg-detaching adventures.

    What are modern couches made of?

    A couch deconstructed in separated pieces

    The marvelous world of modern couches can be a mystery! Dive into the exquisite materials that make them oh-so-comfy and stylish:

    • Leather: Indulge in the touch of luxury with a leather-clad couch. This timeless material not only exudes sophistication but also ages gracefully like a fine wine. A leather sofa will be your trusty companion for cozy evenings and will effortlessly elevate the ambiance of your living space.
    • Fabric: Embrace the softness and versatility of fabric couches. From cozy linen to plush velvet, the fabric options are endless. Feel free to explore different colors, patterns, and textures to find the perfect match for your personal style. Just be sure to choose a durable fabric that can withstand your antics and furry friends.
    • Microfiber: Microfiber couches are the cream of the crop in the land of stain resistance and easy maintenance. With their tightly woven fibers, they repel spills like there's no tomorrow. So, no need to fret over accidental mishaps or messy popcorn nights with microfiber by your side.
    • Velvet: Velvet is actually a type of microfiber despite popular belief that it's made of something more delicate and less durable. See above section on microfiber and the same applies to velvets! Just make sure that they are at least 80% polyester.

    But, keep in mind that these materials can be combined to create unique designs and enhance the overall comfort of modern couches. Furthermore, choose the material that best suits your style and lifestyle!

    What materials are most couches made of?

    From luxurious fabrics to sturdy frameworks, we'll unveil the essential elements that define your beloved seating. So, check out the extensive list below:

    • Fabric: Let the silky touch of fabric grace your living space! Couches draped in various fabrics, such as linen, cotton, or velvet, offer a cozy haven for lounging and snuggling.
    • Leather & Faux: Leather couches exude a timeless elegance, and their smooth surface ages like a fine wine, developing a unique character over time. But, for those who crave the allure of leather without the guilt, faux leather swoops in to save the day! Crafted from synthetic materials, this leather alternative provides a stylish and animal-friendly option.
    • Microfiber: Hear ye, hear ye, seekers of comfort and convenience! Microfiber reigns supreme in the realm of stain resistance and easy maintenance, repelling spills like valiant knights defending your couch kingdom.
    • Wood & Metal: Many feature wooden couch frames that ensure durability and structural integrity. Couches with metal framing offer sleek lines, contemporary flair, and a sturdy foundation that's as strong as your desire for style.
    • Foam & Feathers: Couches are often cushioned with foam, which provides softness, support, and a delightful respite from the chaos of the outside world. However, feather-filled cushions add an extra touch of luxury to your lounging routine, making you feel as though you're being cradled by the wings of angels.
    • Webbing and Springs: Hidden beneath layers of fabric and foam, webbing and springs ensure that your couch offers a supportive foundation, allowing you to relax without fear of sinking into the void.

    Finally, each material bestows its unique charms upon your couch, choose wisely, for your comfort and style depend on it!

    A smiling man with short brown hair and a beard stands on a beach during sunset. He is wearing a black short-sleeved shirt with small white dots. The ocean and sandy shore are in the background, creating a warm and relaxed atmosphere.
    Alex Back
    Couch.com CEO & Founder
    Alex Back is the founder and CEO of Couch.com. Previously, he was the co-founder and COO of the popular furniture brand, Apt2B, which was acquired by a large US retail furniture chain in 2018. He worked to integrate Apt2B, one of the very first online furniture retailers on the Shopify platform, into the operations of the 100 year old larger business entity and was deeply immersed in the business operations of both online and brick and mortar retail for 4 years before leaving in 2023 to start Couch.com. Working in various parts of the furniture industry since 2004, he has 20 years experience in retail sales, e-commerce, marketing, operations, logistics and wholesale manufacturing and distribution. He has worked extensively with partners such as Costco, Bed Bath and Beyond and Amazon and his work has been highlighted in many publications such as Forbes, CNN and HGTV, among others. Alex is delighted to bring his experience and authority on couches and the furniture industry to this platform, along with many of his industry colleagues who are helping him keep the Couch.com audience informed and engaged on a daily basis.
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