Q: I want to buy a quality sofa that will last for years. What should I look for?

A: Study the quality of the fabric or the leather. Analine leather, for instance, is a very high-quality leather that’s worth paying for because it will last. Also find out what’s beneath the surface. Ideally, a frame should be made of solid wood all the way from the top through the leg versus pieces put together with the legs screwed on. The best sofas also will have what’s called eight-way hand-tied construction to provide excellent support for the cushions. Seating pieces made this way can last many years, especially with ongoing care such as vacuuming the fabric, regularly fluffing and rotating seat cushions, protecting the leather or fabric and keeping it away from sunlight, wiping down the leather frequently, and using the entire seating area—not just one spot.