Sofas Choice...
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George mentioned getting a new sofa. While my life has few regrets, one of my regrets involves a sofa...
It all started about 30 years ago when a break-up involved my losing a couch. As things were tight, I needed something to fill the missing piece of furniture quickly and inexpensively. I procured a pink and white striped sleeper sofa from the Sears Outlet Store for $280.
I had the sofa for a few years, met the new Mrs. Kluurs and started our life together. Mrs. Kluurs LOVED that sleeper sofa - felt it was the most comfortable thing she ever sat in. She fell asleep easily in it - and mentioned how much she loved it frequently.
In a house of antiques and fine art, I once asked my spouse if there were a fire in our home, what would be the one thing she'd want to save? "The couch came her reply - followed by "I guess I had to slave the birds as well."
"So you'd put the bird cage on top of the couch, smash it between the Steinway and the B&W speakers and shove out the door?" -
"Yup," was her reply.
But over time the sofa looked pretty worn. Still, Mrs. K wasn't deterred. It wasn't until it was absolutely worn out - the kind of thing that kids in dorm rooms would toss in a dumpster that she relented and as I said we'd get a great couch to replace it.
We shopped for weeks tried out scores of couches and eventually found one that seemed adequate at a design studio. We had it a few weeks before it became clear that it wasn't holding up. The multi-thousand dollar sofa went out the door for $400.
Next stop was a department store sofa. It wasn't that expensive - used it for 6 months, and the cushions were completely shot. Complained to the store - and they sent two new sets of cushions. Out the door - not too much of a loss -
Next up , went to Macy's Home Store - met with their design team and had a custom sofa ordered. We chose fabrics and pillows for the sofa. Sofa arrived and I wish I had a photo of what they delivered as it would appear overly garish in a late 19th century bordello . Macy's had screwed up. Another couple of months later - a new sofa was delivered in the manner we had requested.... We didn't particularly like the look of the sofa - so we bought a cheap slip cover and tossed it over it. It's been that way for the past dozen years. The cushions are once again shot - but the fabric is as new.
But now, we once again must go out and purchase a sofa. I've been looking for months. After the last round, I'm starting with sleeper sofas as they have a firmer support system than even the best couches. The issue is very few places carry them.
The sad thing is I had to pay $175 to get rid of the original beloved sleeper sofa. I'd got an estimate for reupholstering- but at the time, I thought spending $1200 to recover a cheap fiber board sofa was insane. Knowing what I know now, I'd have spent 3 times that amount to re-experience the happiness that couch provided - and to not hear from my spouse of my poor judgment as she had wanted to store the pink striped sleeper.
If I saw that sleeper sofa in a dumpster, nothing would stop me from somehow carting it to an upholstery service and have it restored.
Regrets I have a few - but losing that pink striped sleeper sofa has been a painful one.
I know you think it's not so tough... Mrs. Kluurs would laugh at your foolishness. The couch must have a narrow depth and must allow both of her feet to be comfortably flat on the ground when she's sittin on it. Her back should comfortably be upright on the back of the sofa - and not be leaning back. The armrests should be rounded and soft for one's head or pillow. The cushions should be moderately firm. It should have three sofa cushions base and back. The fabric should be stain resistant but not abrasive.
Should I start on colors? The only place I've found sleeper sofas that look like they might be appropirate has been on Wayfair - but that's a risky venture - may or may not work out. Still, I'm getting desperate and may just take the plunge an order one.
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@Axtremus said in Sofas Choice...:
Perhaps find a custom furniture shop or craftsman to make you a bespoke sofa?
That's kind of what I'm looking for as my spouse wants to be heavily involved - and make certain it is to spec - i.e. no more than 19" in heath - no greater depth than 22".
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Start with the sofa, not the color.
Sherill makes a sofa for petite people, but no sleeper sofa. Maybe do some serious furniture store looking, until you find what you want?
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Start with the sofa, not the color.
Sherill makes a sofa for petite people, but no sleeper sofa. Maybe do some serious furniture store looking, until you find what you want?
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I'm only here to say good job on the thread title.
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@kluurs I have nothing to add other than I liked your story.
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Not that anyone may remember this post, but I finally found a photo of the holy grail crappy couch that my spouse loved more than any other item in our home. Upon my deathbed, when asked if I have any regrets - trying to replace this sofa will come to mind.
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Thought I found a replacement but it’s sold. Still, might offer a clue?
