[Kristin]

By: Abe Abbas

Source: http://decorationchannel.com/

What makes furniture comfortable? Comfort is hard to define and the level of comfort that makes one happy varies from person to person. But still, Goldilocks was on to something when she tried all available furniture for size and feel. It works that way for everyone. There is always a "just right" level that makes you comforted and relaxed.

Source: www.pinterest.com

Size

People are not all the same size, and thankfully neither is furniture, even though there are general guidelines. Even slight size differences can make a piece of furniture more or less comfortable for you.

- When buying a chair or sofa, for instance, consider the height of the seat to make sure your legs are comfortably planted on the ground. A chair that is too high will be uncomfortable to sit upon, and so will a seat that is too low. However for people who have difficulty rising from a seated position, higher seats can be helpful. Even an inch and a half can make a difference.
- Along with the height of a chair or sofa seat, consider its depth as well. Deep seats are good for the big and tall, while shallower seats are better for those with smaller frames, or someone with bad knees. It is easier for them to get out of shallower seats.
- Consider the height of your coffee table also, especially if you like to entertain or eat while watching TV. It should be easy to reach the surface of the table without having to bend too low. Make sure that there is enough room between the table and sofa so that you can place your legs without bumping into the table. Measure for size before you buy.
- When it comes to choosing a bed, consider the sleeper's size, and whether that bed will be shared. If there is room, a full sized bed is more comfortable for an older child or adult even when sleeping alone.
- Do you eat alone, or does your family eat dinner together around your dining table? The answer will determine the size of your dining table.

Source: http://digthisdesign.net/

Shape

The shape of your furniture can make a big difference in its comfort factor. Consider how you will use a piece of furniture to find the best shape that works for you.

- If you like taking naps on your sofa, or you lie down and read, look for one with arms. Also, a curved sofa seat is not the best buy for you.
- If you like to entertain and are short on space, look for a sofa that has low, wide arms. That way the arms can be used as seats too.
- Look for a bed with a high headboard if you like to read in bed.
- If you watch a lot of TV, buy a sofa with a back that is high enough to support your head
- Round dining tables are great for smaller dining rooms, but if you are planning to seat more than four than look into a rectangular one. It can be narrower if you want.
- Round or oval coffee tables are good if you have small kids in the house so they don't run into sharp corners.

www.lushome.com

Feel

While the size and shape of your furniture certainly matters, you should not neglect to take its feel into account.

- If you have a bad back, make sure you get a mattress that is neither too firm nor too soft. You need to have support as well as some cushion. Studies have found that contrary to belief, too firm a mattress does not offer any special advantage.
- The same goes for your sofa or chair. A tightback sofa with loose cushions will let you customize your seat, but an extra cushy one will be bad for some one suffering from back pain. It is also more difficult to rise from a cushy sofa, so take that into consideration too.
- Some fabric can be scratchy against the skin, and some materials like vinyl or bonded leather don't let the skin breathe. Take that into account when choosing upholstery.
- A distressed finish on a coffee table is great when you have little kids. You won't have to worry about damaged finishes.


Article Source: http://furniture.about.com/