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Looking at a sofa, you can see whether it has been produced to a high quality of craftsmanship and this is also reflected in the upholstery, the heart of the sofa. In the case of the high quality hülsta sofa programmes, the quality is consistent across the entire system as well as being based on a multi-stage process and offering quality assurance. Whether you choose the extremely soft and light upholstery or a compact, high-volume cushion structure, the materials and processing are accurately adapted to one another to suit the model and the functioning is carefully checked.

In the case of the preferred 'light upholstery' used in the hülsta sofa, you do not sit on the sofa but rather in the sofa - which guarantees ergonomically correct and healthy sitting. The processing of the cover is also adapted to the soft, light surface of the upholstery. The crease formation and sitting marks are an unavoidable natural feature and do not constitute a quality deficiency. The appearance of the upholstery and cover only acquire their characteristic 'lived in' look after use. With large pieces of upholstered furniture, it is therefore important to keep switching places rather than always sitting in the same place.

One element of the upholstery is the spring system which enables a pleasant cushioning effect when sitting down. The type of spring system used in your sofa is dependent upon the structure of the foam. The structure of the upholstery determines the seating quality. Perfectly attuned foam combinations, assembled by hand, are the secret to the seating structure. Cold, moulded, soft and block foam across the entire depth of the sofa ensure optimal seating in every spot. hülsta sofa also selects the most suitable material for its upholstery coverings - between the seat structure and the cover fabric. The result: seating comfort which you can really feel.

The seating comfort may differ within the same upholstery structure if there are elements of different width or depth or different forms e.g. corner elements, functional components, upholstered benches, upholstered chairs and end sections. Upholstered corner elements are often different in construction and therefore the seating comfort differs from that of the modular components.

Upholstered furniture cannot be manufactured with centimetre accuracy due to the many soft materials used. Upholstery work is therefore carried out by hand and so the measurements are always to be seen as approximate.

Our care instructions contain some tips for maintaining your upholstered furniture.

The best quality materials, first-class craftsmanship, and a marked quality awareness – there are plenty of reasons why hülsta sofa upholstery is so durable. Above all, it has to do with the especially high density of the foam. More density = longer lasting pleasure in your sofa. This simple formula puts it in a nutshell. Because it is above all the density and not the firmness of a foam that determines what the quality, durability and dimensional stability are. The German Furniture Quality Assurance Association (Deutsche Gütegemeinschaft Möbel, DGM) has introduced its own quality standards in this respect (= backrest upholstery gross density > 28 kg/m3, seat upholstery gross density > 35 kg/m3): these are not only complied with by hülsta sofa, they are often exceeded (= backrest upholstery gross density > 28 – 50 kg/m3, seat upholstery gross density > 35 – 80 kg/m3). As far as you are concerned, this means a level of quality way above the average, and a top sitting comfort that will last for many years.

When making this decision, it is best just to rely on your own sitting preference. In principle, the softer the upholstery construction and the upholstery cover, the more you will sink down into the sofa – meaning sitting more comfortably. On the other hand, a firmer upholstery makes it easier to sit down and stand up, as you do not sink so deep into the sofa. True to the motto “you should sit in a sofa, not on it”, various kinds of waviness in the cover and depressions in the seat – depending on the model - may typically occur. They are not a quality defect. We recommend that you take advice from our retail partners’ qualified staff, and allow yourself plenty of time to try out the seating for yourself.

Not every cover in your favourite colour will be the right one for you. There are external factors such as wear, use and environment to be taken into account when making your choice of cover. For instance where strong sunlight comes in through large windows, you will need to choose a cover that is colour-fast. Also, the halogen light from a reading lamp can cause colours to fade – and that may result in the need for additional maintenance. For families with children, tough cover materials that are easy to care for are more suitable than fine natural leathers in light colours. So before you buy, consider where your upholstered furniture will eventually be positioned, and what requirements it needs to fulfil.

You can only guarantee long-term pleasure in your cover if it has been subjected to regular stringent material tests. Light fastness, rub fastness, pilling characteristics and abrasion resistance are the four main test criteria a cover has to fulfil before it meets the hülsta sofa quality requirements. These are sometimes twice as stringent as the standards of the German Furniture Quality Assurance Association (Deutsche Gütegemeinschaft Möbel DGM). For good reason. Many of the fabrics and leathers on the market seem at first sight to have excellent properties in terms of comfort, yet they do not conform to the hülsta sofa standards test. Every cover material is therefore painstakingly examined in an exhaustive series of tests before it can be incorporated in the hülsta sofa cover collection.

You will find all the test results on the four test areas, together with further important information, as well as the typical and functional characteristics, on the back of the relevant sample in the hülsta sofa fabric trolley. Please do read through this information carefully before making your decision. We are keen to make sure that you decide on the right cover material, one that meets both your preferences and also your requirements – so that you will enjoy your sofa for years to come.

Hülsta sofa only uses high quality and long-lasting leathers. Nappa leather is preferred and is extracted from the top layer of the skin. The leather is characterised by natural marks on the hide, such as the grain on the surface as well as the even thickness - unlike split leather. This less high-quality leather comes from the lower layers of the hide, and is often artificially embossed to make it look like full leather. Hülsta Sofa premium covers are characterised by various different qualities of nappa leather:

Pigmented leather:

In the case of pigmented nappa leather, the choice must be made between corrected grain and full grain leather. With the corrected grain pigmented nappa leather, the surface of the skin is roughened before dye is applied. This causes any natural markings to be evened out and disappear. Skins can therefore be used which are unsuitable for other processes.With full grain pigmented nappa leather, the natural markings are retained but are covered dye. The leather is very hard-wearing and exceptionally easy to maintain. Excellent colour fastness results are obtained. And you can choose between lots of bright colours.

Semi-aniline leather:

Semi-aniline leather is a lightly pigmented full grain nappa leather. It is initially tanned and dyed in a vat before a small amount of pigment is applied. It retains its open pore structure and the natural markings emerge more than with the pigmented full grain nappa leather and are a sign of the very exclusive quality of the leather. The colour range is broader than with natural leather but limited to the classic leather colours. The advantages of the application of a light pigment are improved light fastness and better performance characteristics compared to natural leather.

Aniline leather:

Aniline leather is one of the finest quality leathers and only a few cow hides are suitable for use. This is a full grain natural nappa leather. Only 15% of skins have the level of evenness required to produce aniline leather. It is dyed only in a vat. All of the natural markings such as insect bites and thorn marks are characteristics of the authenticity of this top quality leather and must be retained. With its soft, textile-like feel and exceptional breathability, natural leather offers the best levels of comfort. However the range and intensity of colours is lower because it can only be dyed in a few natural colour tones. Natural leather should not be exposed to direct sunlight.

Aniline leather, lightly processed (optimised for use):

While natural leather is defined by a more minimal pigment application than semi-aniline leather, experts often talk of lightly processed aniline leather.This can refer to colour differences within the same skin. This is a typical feature of this high quality leather. It can lead to colour deviations on the same sofa.

Nubuck leather:

Nubuck leather is a soft and thoroughly dyed leather where the usable surface (upper grain side) is roughened. The grain is still visible, leaving the leather in a completely natural state with a delicate, velvety feel which makes it particularly smooth to the touch. The roughening process gives the leather its characteristic sheen. The surface is brought to life by interesting and varying hues. Only the best skins can be used to make this sophisticated, refined leather.

Just like our own skin, leather is a product of nature – with its own natural characteristics, and a size limited by growth. It is necessary for reasons of geometry and appearance always to divide a hide into smaller pieces, which then fulfil the relevant hülsta sofa quality requirements. This is why, unlike fabrics, several individual sections are always needed for a leather cover, each one of them different from the other. Additional joining seams, as well as deviations of colour and texture, are the result. These are small details you may not even be aware of, but which are always a clear indication of a high-quality leather product. It is these natural characteristics of the hide that demonstrate the value and the character of the leather.

Just like your skin, leather also needs to be cared for in order to remain soft and smooth. Your Hülsta Sofa leather product should be treated at least once every six months to protect this top quality leather. Hülsta sofa recommends using products from leather care specialist Leather Care Keller (LCK) because they repeatedly deliver the best results in testing. Order the care product you require online at www.lck-huelstasofa.com or call the Leather Care Keller Service Hotline on +49 (0) 800 / 9 62 52 52 or +49 (0) 72 51/9 62 50.

No other covering can individually suit your requirements as well as fabric can. The possible variations of the many kinds of woven fabric, from fine to tough, are far more wide-ranging than in the case of leather. The number of ways in which various raw materials, yarns, colours, patterns and tactile properties can be combined is almost infinite. Different function-specific properties such as abrasion resistance, pilling behaviour, light fastness and rub fastness can be adapted to suit every requirement. You can find out in this section which fabric is best suited to your home.

What exactly is meant by the word fabric? Fabric is the generic term for all textile materials such as woven fabrics, knitwear and nonwoven textiles. Now let us have a closer look at the most important properties of woven fabrics, and how to distinguish between them.

Woven fabric.

A woven fabric is fabric that is constructed by interlacing at right angles at least two sets of threads (warp and weft). The way in which both sets of threads interlace is called the weave.

Flat woven fabrics such as pile fabrics are suitable for use in upholstery. Flat woven fabrics have a smooth surface whose volume can only be altered to a very limited extent because of the weave technology. Jacquard – to name but one flat woven fabric – is produced on special looms where each thread is individually controlled. This allows for very complex designs with a great many colours that are principally used in upholstery as ornamental fabrics for cushion covers.

Pile fabrics contain additional sets of threads that create tufts and loops which have a direct influence on the bulk and thickness of the woven fabric. One important sub-category of pile fabric is woven pile fabric. This owes its character to the cut or uncut loops of pile that are attached to the basic weave. Cut pile is also called velours. Uncut woven pile fabric with small loops on the upper side is known as epinglé.

Which materials does hülsta sofa use for its fabrics? It is primarily the function-specific properties that dictate the choice of materials. Whether natural or synthetic fibres are preferred depends initially on the demands made on the cover. The determining factor is the raw material or the proportion of components of the raw materials. The properties can be further altered by texturing – which means finishing the yarn. The aim is to develop the best possible yarn with the best quality for the functional properties required and for the effects of the subsequent fabric. You can find out in the following section which materials would be best for the kind of cover you want.

It is not always the finest fabric that is the right one. The fabric that is perfect for you depends principally on the demands you are going to make on the cover. Hülsta sofa is continuously working in collaboration with the best known German and international fabric manufacturers to develop new fabrics. But before they can be accepted into our cover collection, they have to be subjected to a long series of stringent tests. For you, the outcome is positive in every case: top quality and above all, years of enjoyment of your sofa.

Abrasion resistance.

This wear testing involves examining how quickly fibres in flat woven fabric wear through, or bare worn patches appear in woven pile fabric. A test fabric and a woven fabric are rubbed together until a maximum of three fibres of a flat woven fabric are destroyed, or in the case of woven pile fabric until there is visible loss of fibres. The minimum standard for abrasion resistance of the German Furniture Quality Assurance Association (Deutsche Gütegemeinschaft Möbel DGM) is 10,000 rubs.

Rub fastness (colour fastness).

Rub fastness describes the resistance of colours of furniture fabrics to rubbing off or bleeding (staining) on other textiles. Generally, dark and bright colours have lower rub fastness than lighter shades.

Pilling behaviour.

Certain fabrics are specially susceptible to developing little bobbles, known in technical jargon as “pills”, that develop on the surface during use, as a result of rubbing against other materials. The twisted fibres work themselves out of the cover fabric, but they do not adversely affect its durability, and they can be removed with a special razor. The looser and fluffier a yarn or woven fabric is, the greater the danger of pilling.

Light fastness.

All woven textiles are susceptible to the effect of direct sunlight. Dark colours alter more quickly as a result of exposure to light than lighter colours. 

Pure new wool.

Pure new wool is classified as wool that is sheared exclusively from healthy sheep and may not be mixed with lesser qualities. The advantages of pure new wool are that it is highly resilient and durable. Pressure marks hardly ever develop during use. One really special feature is its natural dirt-repellent protective layer of lanolin. In order to keep its beneficial effects in the long term, wool fabrics must always be handled with great care, and must not be cleaned with harsh chemical detergents or washed at temperatures above 40 °C.

Cotton.

Cotton is a plant fibre that comes from the protective capsule of fibres that protect the seeds of cotton plants. Cotton fabric is characterised by its excellent resistance to mechanical and chemical influences. It is very tear-resistant, and is far more rub-fast than pure new wool or spun viscose fibre. Even extreme heat has little effect on cotton. What is more, because it is so absorbent, it is exceptionally comfortable for the skin, and it has excellent hygienic properties. However, because their light-fastness is lower than that of wool, cotton covers should not be exposed to direct sunlight. 

Viscose.

Viscose is a synthetic fibre based on cellulose that is produced from organic materials, and has good hygienic properties thanks to its capacity to swell. During the manufacture of viscose, raw fibre materials are dissolved into liquid form, then passed through fibre-shaped nozzles and then hardened. Like all synthetic fibres, viscose can be manufactured to a consistently high quality, and it stands out for its extraordinary brightness of colour. Viscose is also notable for its soft, supple feel, and its typically silky sheen.

Synthetic fibre fabric.

To create synthetic fibre fabric, people rearrange the atoms and molecules of raw materials. Fibres are obtained by creating long artificial chains of molecules – fibres which have exceptional qualities. Polyamide and polyester are among the most significant of these synthetic fibres. Polyamides are extremely resilient, highly resistant to tearing, rub-fast, and swell-resistant, as well as very quick-drying. Polyester, which is very light, is known for its remarkable strength and very good light-fastness. So this results in polyester having very similar characteristics to the natural fibres wool and silk. When humidity is low, synthetic fabrics may occasionally be subject to static electricity, which is released when touching a grounded object. This electrostatic charge can be minimised if the sofa is regularly rubbed with a clean damp cloth, or if the humidity is increased to over 45 per cent.

Upholstered furniture with a textile cover requires regular cleaning and maintenance to protect its appearance in the long-term. If you have any specific questions about fabric cleaning and care, we recommend the company LCK Vertriebs GmbH. LCK offers suitable cleaning and care products for your cover via its online shop (www.lck-huelstasofa.com) as well as competent advice (Tel +49 (0) 72 51/96 25-0) and can send out a trained expert, if required (across Germany).

Any company that wants to guarantee lasting enjoyment in its products must also be able to guarantee those products. hülsta sofa gives - as far as quality and craftsmanship are concerned - an entitlement that is way above average, and therefore sets standards. The stringent quality standards of hülsta sofa, as well as the test and quality conditions of the German Furniture Quality Assurance Association (Deutsche Gütegemeinschaft Möbel (DGM) ensure the highest possible quality for each and every piece of hülsta sofa furniture. hülsta sofa gives a 5 year warranty on design, upholstery materials, function and workmanship for the entire upholstery.  All cover
materials (fabrics, leathers, micro bres, etc.) 
as well as wear and tear parts (e.g. runners) and
 functional components (e.g. functional fittings) are covered by a 2 year guarantee in accordance with the statutory guarantee period. The hülsta sofa service guarantee means that small repairs can be made on the spot by a mobile customer service.

Healthy living is the most natural thing in the world for hülsta sofa. As voluntary members of the German Furniture Quality Assurance Association (Deutsche Gütegemeinschaft Möbel DGM) our duties range far beyond just fulfilling legal health regulations. We see it as our obligation to ensure that you have the top level of healthy living. So at hülsta sofa you will find limit values for harmful substances significantly below those proscribed by legislation; not only that, you will also find guidelines for harmful substances that do not fall within legal requirements. For you, this means a guarantee of more healthy living – something our suppliers also have to guarantee. In line with the purchasing conditions at hülsta sofa, suppliers are committed to comply with the legal regulations and requirements of the German Furniture Quality Assurance Association (Deutsche Gütegemeinschaft Möbel DGM). In addition to our principle of voluntary self-regulation, there are authorised independent institutes who regularly check that the standards laid down by the German Furniture Quality Assurance Association (Deutsche Gütegemeinschaft Möbel DGM) are complied with and continuously developed. That’s why we say: live healthily and live with hülsta sofa.

All the upholstered furniture of the hülsta sofa, ROLF BENZ and freistil ROLF BENZ brands have been awarded “Blue Angel” certification by the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Umweltbundesamt (Federal Environment Agency), the Environmental Label Jury and RAL GmbH. This well-respected ecolabel certifies that all the sofas, armchairs and chairs are low-emission. The environmentally friendly production of the upholstery materials used (foams and mats) and cover materials (leather and fabrics) is also certified. In addition to the issue of eco-friendly production of the materials used, the criteria for the award of the “Blue Angel” for “low-emission upholstered furniture” also includes the possibility of replacing individual worn parts, as well as the usability, packaging, recycling and disposal of the seating. So you may rest assured that hülsta sofa places great value on living healthily and on responsible use of resources.