Smyrna Tide Granite Sofa
Our Smyrna collection features a contemporary sofa, loveseat, chair, and ottoman. The sofa boasts a three over three configuration with a channel stitched back over bordered seat cushions and a clean front rail. The modified half-moon arms are slightly flared.
- 81"W x 38"D x 37"H
Frames
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The longevity of a piece of upholstered furniture all starts with the frame. We can do this because we build our frames from three quarter and seven eighths inch frame grade plywood [1], reinforced with hardwood [2]
Springs
Other brands use wide loop springs in their seating system. Wide loop springs exert significantly less pressure on the frame. They also cover more surface area, so, fewer springs can be used in the seat. All this means less pressure on the frame. Less pressure means you don’t have to use as much or, the same quality of material in your frame.
England reinforces its 5635 seat with two perpendicular wires (A & B) running the length of the spring surface. We double spring each end (C) of the sofa and connect the last spring in the series to the frame.
We make sure to run the perpendicular wire under the seat spring. To save time, our competitors attached their wire on the top side of the spring. This will cause chaffing and uneven wear on the seat deck pad.
Frame Engineering
All England frames are cut by one of fourteen computerized routers. This sophisticated equipment allows us to cut with precision and build reference points into our frame. Whenever possible, we design our frames with interlocking joints. We have so much confidence in our frame design and construction.
Perpendicular joints in an England frame are interlocked, adding to its overall strength. Note how the perpendicular spring rail (A) is integrated into the frame. Note, too, how the leg rail (B) is recessed and integrated into the front rail.
Guide notches cut by our automated routers, act as a road map insuring that our frames are assembled correctly. Note the guide notches along the front arm assembly. These reference points insure arm sticks are placed in exactly the correct position.
Arm Construction
Frame Padding
Back Support
Other brands save money by eliminating back springs in favor of sheeted material. The elimination of back springs results in a back support with no give. Comfort must be achieved with the back pillows alone. When using this type of construction, it is even more important to fill the backs with high grade fiber. Unfortunately, this is rarely the case.
England uses only the highest grade polyester fiber fill in its back cushions. Before placing them in the back casing, fiber is blown into a baffled bag (style 5635). This helps keep the fiber from settling. Even the best fiber fill may take a body impression over an extended period of constant use. For this reason, England installs hidden zippers in all of its backs, arms, and seats using fiber fill.
Seating
England cushions are made of foam wrapped with a thin layer of sheeted fiber. To save money, other brands use large amounts of sheeted fiber [A] wrapped around a thin foam core.
England goes to the added expense of using self healing zippers in all its upholstery.
1. The zipper is punctured 2. The zipper is pulled apart. 3. The zipper handle is pulled across this split (in the open direction). 4. The direction is reversed. 5. The zipper handle is pulled across the split (in the closed direction). 6. The split is healed.
Little things can make a big difference!
Small things can make a big difference. For example, we ship our legs in a bag attached to our sofas. We do this so they won’t get damaged during the delivery process. We noticed several consumers asking for replacement legs which were damaged in the process of screwing them into this leg rail. The solution was a small cardboard pad placed between the leg rail and the leg. It is hidden beneath the dust cover and no one knows its there but, the incidence of damaged legs dropped appreciably once we added this component. . . . . . . It’s what’s inside that matters.
