Different Types of Springs, Uses, and How to Choose the Right One
April 22, 2025
When we think about furniture comfort, we often focus on plush cushions or luxurious fabrics—but what really defines how a sofa or chair feels beneath you is hidden inside the Springs. Springs are the core support structure of upholstered furniture. They determine firmness, flexibility, and how well your seat stands up to daily use.
At J A Milton Upholstery, we stock a full range of upholstery springs, webbing, tools, and fixings used by professional upholsterers and hobbyists alike. Whether you’re restoring a treasured antique or building a bespoke piece from scratch, understanding spring types and their functions is essential.
Why Springs Are Critical to Upholstery Comfort
Springs are the suspension system of a chair or sofa. They absorb and evenly distribute the weight of anyone sitting, protecting the seat fillings (like foam or horsehair) from early wear. More importantly, they influence:
- Comfort – Springs control how firm or soft your seat feels.
- Posture – Good spring support maintains body alignment.
- Durability – A well-supported seat won’t sag over time.
- Structure – They help furniture hold its shape through years of use.
Essential Tools and Accessories for Spring Installation
Regardless of the spring type, proper installation requires the right tools. JA Milton offers everything you need to secure, stretch, and tie your springs for long-lasting results.
Recommended Tools & Fixings:
- Spring Twine & Needles – For hand-tying coil springs securely
- Webbing Stretchers – To tension jute or Pirelli webbing correctly
- Spring Clips & Retainers – For attaching zig zag springs to frames
- Staple or Tack Guns – To secure fasteners and webbing quickly
- Hessian & Burlap – Often used to cover spring units and provide shape
Types of Upholstery Springs and When to Use Them
1. Coil Springs (Hand-Tied Springs)
Ideal for: Traditional, high-end, and antique furniture restorations
Coil springs are cone-shaped, flexible springs typically tied into jute webbing underneath the seat. They’re used in many high-quality and vintage furniture pieces and are known for their longevity and responsiveness.
Benefits:
- Offers superior seat resilience and depth
- Customizable tension (by hand-tying)
- Withstands years of use without sagging
Installation Tip: Requires webbing, twine, and hand-tying skills. Not recommended for beginner upholsterers without training.
2. Zig Zag Springs (No-Sag Springs)
Ideal for: Modern sofas, dining chairs, and general-purpose upholstery
Zig zag springs, also known as serpentine springs, are S-shaped metal wires stretched across the seat or backrest frame. These are secured at each end using Spring clips or retainers.
Benefits:
- Easy and fast to install
- Consistent, firm support
- Requires less skill than traditional coil systems
Perfect for: DIY upholsterers and modern furniture where firm, direct support is needed.
Shop Zig Zag Springs and Clips
3. Pirelli Webbing (Rubber Webbing)
Ideal for: Mid-century modern furniture and minimalist seating
Pirelli webbing is a strong elastic rubber strip, stretched across the seat base and stapled or tacked into place. It acts as a spring substitute in lighter or more contemporary designs.
Benefits:
- Lightweight and flexible
- Very quiet—no squeaks
- Simple to install and adjust
Great for: Modern chairs, Danish-style armchairs, and sofas without wooden spring platforms.
4. Upholstery Tension Springs
Best for: Modular seating, backrests, and curved furniture frames
Tension springs (also called wire or draw springs) stretch across the frame to provide flexible support in smaller areas, often in backs or unique shapes.
Benefits:
Flexible and lightweight
Ideal for curved or compact designs
Used in conjunction with foam or webbing
Used with:
Spring hooks, tension clips, looped end fasteners
5. Mattress Springs
Best for: Bed restoration, sprung bases, and custom mattresses
Mattresses use specialised springs—either open coil, pocketed coil, or Bonnell springs—to offer ergonomic support while sleeping. Whether you’re restoring a traditional mattress or a sprung divan base, selecting the right mattress spring system ensures even support and sleep comfort.
Advantages:
Promotes spinal alignment
Reduces pressure points during sleep
Extends mattress life and improves airflow
How to Choose the Right Springs for Your Project
Choosing the wrong springs can affect your furniture’s comfort and longevity.
Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide:
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using too few springs – This causes uneven support and early sagging.
- Incorrect tension – Springs must be properly tensioned to work effectively.
- Skipping edge support – Use edge wire or extra springs to prevent seat collapse.
- Not replacing worn fixings – Clips, twine, and webbing wear out over time and should be refreshed during restoration.
Final Thoughts
Springs are the hidden force behind your furniture’s comfort, structure, and performance. Whether you need classic coil support for a Victorian armchair or quick-fit zig zag springs for a modern project, understanding your options will help you get professional-grade results.
Upgrade Your Seating with Springs from JA Milton
At JA Milton, we stock an extensive selection of Coil springs, Zig Zag springs, Clips, Twine, and tools. Whether you’re an experienced upholsterer or tackling your first DIY chair renovation, our expert-curated products are here to help.
Shop with confidence and bring your furniture back to life.
SHARE