Don't skimp on a sofa purchase

Oprah's interior design guru Nate Berkus stated on an episode of "The Oprah Winfrey Show" earlier this year that he receives the most questions from fans wondering how to buy the right sofa for their home.

Berkus says custom-design is crucial. "You have to buy the best sofa that you can afford, and in a very simple style because you can change everything around it. This is a major purchase that is going to be with you for a very, very long time."

For those seeking the perfect sofa, MONTAUK Sofa President and CEO Tim Zyto offers guidelines on what to look for beyond aesthetics and comfort:

• Solid hardwood frame. Steer clear of the particle board and plywood. While a beautifully designed loveseat might have an unbeatable price, the lack of a hardwood frame could have you shopping around for a new one in less than a year.

• Down and goose feathers. The appropriate mixture gives cushions loft and support. Equally important is proper channeling inside cushions, which allows for even distribution of feathers.

• Eight-way hand-tied spring system. It takes half a day to tie the coils and springs of a sofa, but it's worth it. Not only does it provide uncompromised support, but it dramatically increases the life span of the piece. The more you push down when you sit, the more the coil pushes back to support. "No-sag" sinuous coils used by some companies damage easily, lose their memory and often render a hard feeling.

• Construction. Seek sofas that are held together with screws and reinforced with solid pieces of wood at pressure points.

• Fabric. Look for tightly spun yarns, tight weave constructions and backing on loosely woven fabrics for durability.

• Frame padding. You do not want any hard edges. The arms should have foam with high density.