What is Sit-Testing?
Last week our team was in Calgary to visit one of our Furniture Procurement partners, CF Interiors to take a look at new product lines, add to our overall knowledge and to sit-test furniture. But why do we sit-test? Because we aren’t just choosing pieces because they are pretty. The design process gets a lot more personal than scrolling a website and pointing to a chair. Comfort, proportions, quality, craftsmanship, longevity, sensory experience and how a piece supports your actual life all come into play. And since the majority of what we source is trade-only, it’s up to our team to try out as many options as we can, so that we can best advise our clients on the right pieces for them.
Function First
A sofa you never want ot sit on is a useless investment. Your dining chairs shouldn’t make you want to get up halfway through dessert. Your accent chair shouldn’t just look stunning, it should also make you want to curl up in it. Sit-testing allows us to assess the comfort, depth, support, cushion fill, bank angle and more. These are the details that will make or break how much you love and utilize the furniture in your home.
It’s easy to choose something that looks beautiful. But we also want to choose something that feels beautiful to use too.
Quality you Can’t See in Photos
Online images can’t tell you how a frame is built, whether the cushion fill is going to hold its shape or where a brand might cut corners. But walking through a showroom gives us so much more information along with having our trusted suppliers to give us all the details of aspects even we may not notice. We’ll know which lines perform well over time, which ones stay supportive and which ones are worth the investment.
Trade-Only Access
Most of the brands we source from are trade-only, which means you can’t buy them as a consumer. A lot of these brands are where the craftsmanship lives. Better frames, better fabrics, better finishes and better custom options. The things that make your home feel curated instead of generic.
As a client, you get access to that world through our team. You also get access to our relationships, trusted reps, behind-the-scenes knowledge and the ability to resolve product issues quickly.
It’s a huge part of the value we offer to our clients.
Streamlined Decisions
When we sit-test, we’re able to eliminate pieces that won’t work for you long before they ever hit the shortlist. This means fewer overwhelming decisions, clearer options and confidence that each piece we recommend is aligned with your comfort needs, aesthetic preferences, lifestyle (hello kids and pets) and your sensory profile.
It’s not just, “do you like this chair?” It’s “does this chair support the life you want to live?”
It may look like we’re having a lot of fun when we’re sit testing. But this isn’t some extra step that isn’t needed. It’s the assurance that your home will feel as good as it looks. It’s the difference between buying a chair and investing in comfort. It’s another way we protect your investment, your time and your everyday experience.
Ready to bring the vision for you home to life? Let’s chat.