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WHITY FRE PRSS, NTERQR.,WED .SDt FEBRUARY 10,1Il88; PAQE A5 Chosig tïhe ýritg' ht chair, Shopping for a new c hair can be like a trip to the home of the Three B ears -- some chairs are too soft, some are too hard and- it can 'be a struggle to fmnd the one that is just right. The perfect chair is designed for its >role -- mainly decorative (an accent chair), a pull-up chair for extraseating, an occasional chair for occasional use, or a spot chair for-a particular location. Chairs for the living room are often purchased with a love seat or sofa while dining room chairs are generaY part of a set. Whether formai or informai, clean-ined or ornate, a chair's quality is determined by its construction. Wood chairs are easiest to check. Inùspect the way leg posts, stretch- -ers, back posits and rails are joined. Ail joints should be tiglit and secure without wobbles. Corner joints should be used to streng then seat and legs. Excess filer and overuse of, nails and screws are indications of poor quality. Finish'is also important. Examine joint areas, carvings and other details to see that they are evenly stained and sanded'smooth. Upholstered chairs, covered with springs, foam, decking, cushion- ing, padding and fabric, are harder to check. Quality frames are made of kiln-dried hardwood. If possible, inspect joints to see if dowels are securely fitted and glued. Major joints should have corner blocks for additional support. Springs or webbing attached to the frame affect comfort. Coul springs which are tied to the frame with twine are popular. Coul springs ied eight-ways by hand provide the firmest support. Sagless springs, webbing or a wood platform are alternatives. In quality furniture, the'deck formed by the springs is padded to provide a platform for the cushions. Cushions of high density foam are favored today because they offer comfort, support and durability. Cushions may also be made of down, down-like synthetics or coil pocket springs. Check the outside of the chair. Better quality upholstery is stitched, not stapled. The fabric's texture, pattern and fibre ail affect the quality and price of the chair. Common upholstery fabrics are made from cotton, flax, silk and wool while synthetics include acetate, acrylieý, nylon, rayon and polyester. Leather is also popular. Tightly woven fabrics are more durable than pnints but prints offer a bigger selection of colors and designs. Metal chairs are popular too and should also be checked for quality. The franie should not wobble or rattie and you should make sure al joints -are smooth because poor welds will crack. Plated surfaces should be uniform and painted finishes should be smooth. Rauan, which comes £rom. the steam of climbing palm trees, is enjoying a revival. A well cons tructed rattan chair should feel solid andnot creak. It should be supported by substantial legs cut from the ratan pole with extra bracing at stress points. Joints should be fin- ished with peel cane wrap or leatherto conceal naiJs and screws. No matter what kcind of chair you choose, keep in mind that it's not just for decoration. You have t be able to sit comfortably in it too. Th. e new look of leather The lwurinous beauty of fine leather furniture lias been prized for centuries'but today it's back with high tech and higli style. A pink.leather sofa? Certainly. Even powder blue, mauve or peacli. Pas tel leathers are captivating the market and some of the newest come in pearlized fmnishes that reflect a shimmery, opalescent quali- Leather's new popularity lias been building for about three years, partly due to its style-conscious designs, such as sofas fitted with futon-like cushions, layered for sumptuous softness. From desks to sofas and chairs, leather can be found in styles ranging from tradition- al to avant garde. Best of ai, leather's practical qualities are improvcd upon by high technology. Modem processing has eliminated cracks that once pla- gued leather as an upholstcry material and it wiil now remain supple mndefinitely. Good quality leather will last 15 to 20 years, versus four are buffed to, reduce surface blemishes. Embossing, mechanically marks the leather with patternied effects sucli as lizard, alligator or ostricli. Glazed finishes refer to leather that has been polished to a higli lustre. Some leathers are sueded -- finished by bufflng to produce an attractive nap. Pigskin is a popular vnd durable leather that is often sueded. The pice of your leather furniture wiil be-affected by construction quality, hide quality, the method of flnishing or dyeing, the populari- ty of a color and whèther the leathér is imported or*dômestic. As with most major purchases, you get what you pay for. Price and the reputation of furniture dealer, tanner and manufacturer are good indicators of quality. nitu pie< edgg end In a line Pl Howto denifysold ardwood furniture ypicaàlly, solid hardwood'fur- that you are n ot ex«amining a p iece to give the furniture. a ",hands-on" ire 'parts'consist of severalI with solld construction. examinationwhile you're ln the ces of lumber glued together:. Solid- hardwood furniture shoÏwrôoom. You Wiil appreciate'fifle ýe-to-edge, faee-to-face, end-to- generally feels heavier and more craftsinanship for yearsý to. corne. or a combination of the tbree. substantial than furniture made And remïrember furnîture ýwe buy ali instances, continuous glue 'with substitute materials. the first tiuie around tends te be the s indicate solid construction. Take a close look at each piece of furniture we'live withfor a long lut vou inu on a glue line and furniture before vou buy ItL You while. t race it across the top surface, over the edge and to the underside. If that uine disappears, chances are can't tel the quality of 'construction with a casual glance. So take your tUe. Ask questions. Don't hesitate From "'The SoIid, Guide,".'Her- dwood Manufacturers Association. CUSTOM COVER SALE SAVE 20'% STERLING. ..-qffofflable l#xuryý; A true quality product doesn't have to shout for attention,, it earns the respetof buyers over a period of timre. Quiet fashion and elegant, style have noade thé ~jj Sterling name mean quality'furniture for over a generation. Corne in today and take advantage cf this 20% savings. Select a style and fabric cf your choice . .. you will be applauded for your common sense and good taste. Bench-made Craftsmanship with fashion appeal! I~ 'I '4$.' I~D&~SAU HERI'1AGE HOUSE limite'd, 216 MARY STREET, EAST, WHITBY-.' TORONTO: 686-0061 WHITBY: 668--3483 Monday - Thursday 10-6, Friday 10-9, Saturday: 10-5 ATradition in Fine Furnit are since 1929 j-.