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Seat suspension: Check it for comfort

Coiled spring units, serpentine springs and Elasbelt webbing offer the right level of resistance for maximum comfort. These must be combined with the correct cushion filling for ultimate comfort.

How do these seat suspension systems measure up in the comfort department?

Coiled spring units: If used with the correct cushion filling, these offer soft cushion comfort.

Serpentine or no-sag springs: Also called zigzag springs, these are made up of individual metal wires arranged in a zigzag fashion to create a spring. They can be combined with various cushion fillings for different comfort levels, depending on the design of the sofa.

Elasbelt webbing: Uses a durable and extendable suspension belt to provide an even suspension unit. This system is widely used in combination with resilient foam seat cushion fillers. Webbing that’s placed too far apart or constructed with inferior materials may result in it becoming loose and the seat being sunken.

Not sure which seat suspension system is right for you? The only way to tell is to test the sofa for yourself, says Ronald.

Select quality upholstery fabric

Ronald suggests choosing high-quality fabric that looks and feels luxurious, but do consider your lifestyle, budget and household needs, too. For example, if you have small children and pets, silk and velvet are tricky to clean. Leather when cared for can last for decades, but must be regularly maintained and nourished with conditioner or it may split or become brittle after a while.

Other options include PVC (polyvinyl chloride, or vinyl for short), polyester and rayon. A recent addition to the fabric collection is Lanzii, an Italian innovation which allows stains and spills to be wiped off easily with just a cloth and water.

“In Singapore, we love a combination of linen or cotton with polyester,” says Ronald. “While a little too hot for our climate, this fabric combination lasts longer, keeps its shape and is easy to upkeep.”

Nazario, a Gain City in-house sofa brand, uses only premium leather and fabric for its sofas.

The designs are inspired by the latest trends and developed in collaboration with various partners.

Shop at a reputable retailer

A reputable retailer runs quality checks on their sofas before selling them. Ronald says that websites and small showrooms may have cheaper sofas, but they usually lack these all-important quality checks.

Check out the new Nazario collection

Developed for the Singapore home, Nazario offers a range of beautiful sofas. New collections are launched every March and September; the current range features durable and luxurious leather-upholstered designs.