Thank you all for the great input on yesterday's post about which sofa to buy. I was blown away by the great responses. I wanted to follow up about a couple things that were mentioned in the comments and see if that changed anyone's response (or if you have anything else you'd like to add!).
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| Heidi doesn't see what all the fuss is about. She'll lay on any sofa with people on it. |
-- First, leather isn't an option for us. It just isn't going to happen in our house. Mostly there's the animal thing (I'm a vegetarian remember?) and there's also the fact that my parents' leather sofa has been completely torn up (literally) by their dogs. I know some people have success with it, but it's just not for us.
-- Second, we live in the DC area, so "local" stores don't really come around often (and when they do they tend to be pricier designer boutiques... although thank you Melissa for the Urban Retreat recommendation! I had forgotten about that place!) - it's mostly big names here, which I suppose is both good and bad.*
-- Third, we have microfiber now, and while it does hold up well against pets/stains/husbands, I'm ready to try the slipcover route. It's just a personal preference.
To continue on...
I am also super hesitant to buy a sofa off of craigslist. The bug issue concerns me, however I do like the cost savings and I'm not averse to ordering a custom slipcover from somewhere online. I'm interested in that option enough to look into it some more, but I'm not sure where to start. So, two things:
(1) does anyone have a craigslist sofa buying experience they'd like to share? (either good or bad?) and
(2) any recommendations for online custom slipcover makers?
The "Keep Looking" option got the most votes - and my Crate and Barrel sofa got the least votes! You guys... You're supposed to side with me!! lol - but I think the "keep looking" vote will mean we just have to wait for other models to come out. I've been doing a lot of looking online for slipcovered options and there just aren't many of them, #bummer. I will keep my eyes out, but I'm skeptical. I guess we'll see what happens.
Also, for a little more info on the Crate and Barrel sofa if we were to buy it: we would get two slipcovers. One gray and one white. The gray would probably be the one on the sofa the majority of the time. Also, the Crate and Barrel sale is happening around September 9th, so if we buy that one it would be ordered soon.
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| The gray slipcover option. Don't they all seem so happy?! |
And because I got so many awesome comments, I wanted to point out one of my favorites. You guys have some genius ideas!
From thedistractedblogger:
Either keeping looking or go with the one with the easy slipcover removal especially if you are even thinking of having kids. Who has time to fight the sofa for it's slipcovers?
Also you could get a large ottoman and make a simple narrow U shaped table to fit over the ottoman like the follwoing: http://www.flickr.com/photos/gaileguevara/474982822/
I actually showed this to Mr. T and he seemed to think it was an interesting idea. I think I could definitely DIY that table - I'm thinking something with little wheels. That'd be cool right?
I think I've responded to most of the comments that were made yesterday. I'd love to hear more thoughts if you have them. Right now I think I'm successfully talked out of Ikea as an option, so we'll either keep looking or buy the C&B sofa.
Sigh. Buying new stuff is fun right?
*If you're a local and know of a place I should check out please let me know. I'm still bummed that my favorite consignment place has gone out of business.
Personally I would NOT get a sofa from Craigslist. Bed bugs are on the rise and that will end up costing you the same price of a couple of sofa's to clean up.
ReplyDeleteWe've got a small living room area and couldn't fit both an ottoman and a coffee table in with our couch, so we ended up using a couple of these C&B storage ottomans to double as a coffee table. Our set up is similar to what is shown in the photo.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.crateandbarrel.com/organizing-and-storage/storage-ottomans/stow-lemongrass-17.5%22-leather-storage-ottoman/s653554
They are not very cushiony like a chaise, but it's still something to put your feet up on, and the tops can be flipped over when you want to use it more as a coffee table. They're easy to move around and reposition too. These are leather, but I know I've seen this same style in fabric as well. Good luck!
Have you looked at Macys? We got our sofa there and this coming weekend they should be having big sales.
ReplyDeleteKari
http://dogisgodinreverse.com
Hiya! Just saw Kari in Vegas' comment . . . I was just about to post to you to check at Macy's. I live in the DC area as well and found a FAB slipcover sectional at Macy's in the Fair Oaks Mall last summer. The best part is that it was a floor model, and I purchased it for less than half of the original price! Macy's is having a furniture sale for Labor Day, so you may want to check it out.
ReplyDeleteOh thanks CindyLoops! We went to the Macy's at Tysons, but they don't have a furniture section anymore - it's all mattresses now! I was so surprised to see that I thought maybe their furniture could only be ordered online now. I'll try to hit up Fair Oaks and see what they have.
ReplyDeleteLike I commented on the previous post, I've owned only used sofas, and mostly from Craigslist. I've never had an issue with bedbugs. But, I am from a very different part of the country, and it may be a much bigger concern for you guys on the East Coast.
ReplyDeleteCustom slipcovers though seem like a great idea, no matter where you get the sofa from in the end. It opens up your options a lot to more styles and designs, since many of them don't come with slipcovers and were initially ignored in the original search.
Heck yeah, Kate, all those things make a big difference. Good for you for being a vegetarian, when asked, I call myself a hypocrit ;-)
ReplyDeleteRe used, bed bugs are getting to be everywhere, but more common on the east coast, so you're right, that would be a consideration for used, especially craigslist vs a store. Do stores offer a fumigation certificate or does that even work with various life cycles on board?
Kate, I'm curious, if you get a 'slipcover' sofa, what's the fabric or covering underneath???
As for your location, there is a Restoration Hardware in DC. They have quite a few slipcovered pieces on sale now on the web site which are probably just over budget. But, I just love the store, if you haven't been, it would be worthwhile to go also to get in person DIY ideas such as the ottoman table or even buy accessories.
Finally, pardon if you've already thought of this, but I have good luck typing the kind of store I want an location in Google Maps, better often than simply with Google. Found quite a few with "furniture, washington, dc", see what you think.
Thanks for the vicarious shopping!!!
The idea of getting a "regular" sofa with a custom slipcover might be a good option. It would open up a lot of sofa possibilities, but I'd still be able to keep it clean. I just have to find out how expensive a custom option is. I actually asked at C&B, but a custom slipcover through them is the price of another sofa!
ReplyDeleteLagomorphmom - I've never heard of stores offering any "bed bug protection" plan, but I'm pretty sure (I think?) that it hasn't been a problem when buying stuff new. I don't know for sure though, I'm basing all of this on anecdotal information ;P
The slipcovered sofas just have a sort of unfinished, white, muslin(?) fabric underneath. You can sort of see through it and it's not very durable so you can't live it with it that way (bummer!).
Darn those bed bugs for being on the east coast!
And YES! I LOVE Restoration Hardware. They even have an outlet store in Leesburg, but last time I went even the "outlet" prices were still like $3k, lol. I guess I could try going there again and seeing if they have any labor day deals?
Okay, just my vote but I would never never NEVER buy a used sofa from craigslist OR the lovely people next door. Bedbugs aren't just getting to be a problem on the East Coast, they're a HUGE problem on the East Coast. The only reason you don't hear about it more is because it impacts businesses etc if word gets out. Do a little light reading on http://bedbugregistry.com/search/hotel/l:Washington-DC/ and that should cure any urge you have to buy a used sofa - LOL!! That is a pretty slipcover color, and those women do look very happy, I'll have to grant you that. I still vote for the chaise though. Hey does your current sofa recline? Looking at that top photo I realized, it looks like mine!!
ReplyDeleteLOL, the existence of that link scares me! Okay, no craigslist then since it seems like a huge risk on the east coast... I'm still open to online people who will make a custom slipcover if anyone knows of one!
ReplyDeleteNope, the current sofa doesn't recline. We actually did buy this sofa used (gasp!) on consignment, but I trusted that store A LOT and that was many years ago, so pre-bed bug invasion.
okay here's my idea. I know you aren't keen on Ikea but I have the ektorp and LOVE it. Most comfortable couch I have ever had and it had held up well with two kids and two dogs. I think it looks just as good as it did a year ago. Have you looked into Karlstad? The chaise couch is nice looking, modern and they have a variety of slip covers. It was my second choice after the ektorp. And the slip covers are very reasonable. You don't have to take my sofa apart to change the slip cover, not sure about the karstad though. Hope this helps.
ReplyDeleteWe have a chaise on our sofa. It's nice for lounging around but it limits your options when you want to rearrange. I'm pretty sure you can get the crate and barrel one with a chaise on their website though. I'm in love with that sofa....It's the one we picked out for when we move into our house & for all the reasons you liked it. For me it's worth spending more money on something if you use it everyday.
ReplyDeleteI personally won't buy a used couch. Someone else has been laying all over it. It has their dead skin cells and germs ground into it. They've farted on it. It just grosses me out. I'd rather spend the money on new and have the peace of mind.
We bought our couch off of someone on Kijiji - which is kind of the Canadian version of Craigslist. We haven't had a single problem and I am so proud we could get something that looked brand-new but was a third of the cost! Actually, we have bought a lot of our furniture that way, including our television and our washer/dryer.
ReplyDeleteBut I get being hesitant and it's totally a personal decision. I know whatever you choose will look awesome. Love the grey slipcovers and the fancy ottoman! :-)
I've always kept my eye on this site for sofas: http://www.customsofadesign.com/styles.php
ReplyDeleteThey have very similar styles to the Pottery Barn/Crate and Barrel stuff for a fraction of the price.
I wanted a retro 1960's sofa and didn't want to pay 3k for a repro so I did buy off CL. I'm reupholstering it right now, no bed bugs but I did replace some of the padding. I'm generally iffy on buying anything cloth off CL but needed to take a chance on this, so I did and I'm super happy!
ReplyDeleteBought a Craigslist sofa (originally from Crate & Barrel) for 90% off retail and had a fantastic experience. It needed a cleaning, but it was in the budget, since we paid so little =) Just be careful, patient, and you'll find something there eventually!
ReplyDeleteAww... shucks! I just glad I could help at all, even if I can't spell following correctly!
ReplyDeleteGood luck on your epic sofa search!
Glad I could help! There's also the North Carolina option. I bought our living room and family room chairs there. Belfort is another option. Check out their clearance warehouse and you might get lucky :) I almost bought my Rowe chairs through Hamilton's Sofa Gallery (they have a MD location I think), but bought through NC instead. I heard of another place in MD a while back but I cannot remember the name. Maybe it will come to me.
ReplyDeleteI love those grey sofas but if I were to choose the color of the slipcover, I'd choose gold or yellow. It symbolizes joy and happiness.
ReplyDelete