FOR some of us the sales are a perfect excuse for buying new furniture.

However, although styles in furniture change constantly, for most people, buying a suite of furniture is an expensive, long-term purchase. York Trading Standards offer the following advice which could help prevent costly mistakes:

Fabric - There are a huge variety of upholstery fabrics to choose from. Leather is tough, but may feel cold in winter and clammy in hot weather. Tightly woven fabrics such as a cotton are durable, as are Dralon and chenille, but these may "shade" and lose their shape more readily than other fabrics. Consider stain guard protection, but remember that this will only help repel stains - it won't prevent all spills/marks from permanently staining.

Colour - Pale colours are impractical in most homes. If you are determined to choose a light colour then avoid leather and think about loose covers and arm caps which can be washed or dry cleaned and consider buying a spare set of covers. Fringes and piping may look great now, but these extras tend to be the first to show signs of wear and tear.

Filling - Can be foam, fibre or feathers or a combination and each has its own characteristics. Foam is resilient, keeps its shape and comes in a range of densities. Some people prefer the softer look of feather or fibre cushions but these require a lot of maintenance to stop the filling becoming flat and compacted. A fibre/foam mix is an alternative, but all cushions require regular turning to ensure even wear.

Frame - Choose a sturdy wooden frame (rather than steel, plastic or plywood) with joints held by screws or dowels. The frame should be rigid, not flexible and the springing as firm as a mattress. Avoid buying any furniture where you can feel the frame through the fabric as this is likely to cause premature wear.

Size - Measure the space your new furniture is to occupy before you place an order, as furniture often appears smaller in the showroom. Don't forget to check the furniture you choose will go through doorways and round awkward corners on delivery.

Style - Try out the furniture in the showroom and sit on it as you would at home. Is it long enough to lie on? Will it seat three people comfortably? Check the depth and height of the seats and arms for comfort as well as the support and angle of the back. Don't choose sofas and chairs at the end of a long shopping trip - anything will feel comfortable!

For further advice on buying any goods or services please contact City of York Trading Standards at 9 St Leonard's Place, York, or telephone 01904 551562. The fax number is 01904 551590 and The email address is trading.standards@york.gov.uk

Updated: 11:28 Thursday, January 16, 2003