Need a new sofa and I'm overwhelmed.

7 years ago

I am looking to replace a 16(!) year old Rowe sofa. The sofa itself is still in great structural condition. It's a sleeper but I am replacing with a non sleeper. We had some damage to the fabric (bleach got on one of the attached back cushions) otherwise we would not need to replace. I've been very happy with the Rowe sofa, and so the easiest thing seems to be to replace it with another Rowe. I'm planning to get a more updated style (track arms vs round to offer more seating for the same size) and this time want loose back cushions for ease of washing and flipping them. I've also found some sofas we've liked at room and board, and on wayfair through their custom upholstery program or dwell studio line (which appears to be made by klaussner). I have also looked at interior define online manufacturer. I don't need top of the line. This is for a family room and I do have elementary aged children but the Rowe has held up just fine over the past many years of kids, 8 moves, etc and still going strong. I would like to stay around $2000 for the sofa and also plan to get a matching or coordinating chair.

i haven't been able to sit on all the different sofas I am looking at- even the Rowe dealers I've been to don't have every model on the floor. From sitting in a bunch of sofas I've gotten an idea of the things important to me such as depth (looking for 23-24" seat depth).

the benefit of a place like interior define is that I can return no questions asked within 14 days of receiving the couch if I don't like it.

There are just so many options, I'm feeling overwhelmed and indecisive!

Any input?

Featured Answer

tibbrix

7 years ago

last modified: 7 years ago

It's such a tough decision. Furniture now is not made like it used to be. All I know is you want to make sure whatever you buy has a "hardwood frame" and is eight-way hand tied.

I would also recommend staying with the tight-back style. they are more comfortable and don't lose their shape. You can always spot clean it if necessary, or have it steam cleaned periodically.

Shopping for my sofa was the most miserable, infuriating experience and I never want to do it again. I should have done what my instincts told me to do: buy an antique sofa on Craigslist and take it to my upholsterer to be upholstered and have a new cushion made for it. I so wish I had done that.

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Comments (10)

User
7 years ago
Another option is to have your Rowe sofa rebuilt and re-upholsterd--maybe leave bed to save coasts, in a family/kid friendly durable fabric and maybe have slips made in same
Navy Momma
Original Author
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
I don't think that will be cost-effective. We want the new sofa in a completely different style- more mid-century modern with legs that raise the frame off the floor and much skinner track arms. It would basically be just trashing the sofa and rebuilding it using the scrap wood. It's not a fine enough level of furniture to justify the cost of that. I think it was around $1200 brand new.
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aprilneverends
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
Try Natuzzi. Long wait (exactly 3 months as far as I remember), but they deliver it the day they promised to deliver it:) Lots of choice of leathers/fabrics. You specify what you want. They have some nice models. Not sure about the price.

Here's their US website, with all the models and specs, and dealers:

http://www.natuzzi.us/en-US/collections.html

Of course I'd attempt to try different models first. It's amazing how uncomfortable can be even very expensive sofa..)) and Natuzzi was reasonably priced. Not low, but reasonable.

I used to have them when overseas; then we had to get new furniture, and went with Italsofa(cheaper Natuzzi's line)..well I can't say it's bad, it's pretty comfy and all, but it's not as good as original Natuzzi either. The price point is obviously better though. Macy's Home carry these.

I don't know whether you have a store called HD Buttercup in your vicinity; but I remember myself being pleasantly surprised with some comfortable armchairs there:)

Interestingly, now I'm surprised much more when I find a sofa that's actually comfortable. Than 20 years ago. Lol.

So tibbrix's suggestion can be very good too. Even no need for an antique-20 years ago they were better made; if you go 40 years back-probably even better..:)

Of course there are great sofas nowadays too; it's just that they rarely cost 2000. In my limited experience, at least.
User
7 years ago
I recently was in the market for comfortable durable replacement sofa/loveseat for our much sat in family room. I found it super difficult with the lack of furniture stores in the area. I also wanted decent quality but decided that my "better" purchases were possibly just more $$ but not better lasting. I should clarify that perhaps what I consider $$ is not that high so possibly the super pricey is worth it but it''s not in my realm.

Upholstering is very pricey and was more expensive than buying decent quality new, at least in my area.

In any case after much time and deliberation I decided on a Rowe sofa/loveseat (Bleeker is the model I dont know if it's still in their offering). I got them about 2 years ago and I am still quite pleased. I had heard good things about Rowe, but as with many manufacturers what was true 10 years ago or 20 years ago is not the case currently. They have attached back cushions which I never opted for before but they do stay neat and in place obviously, and don't seem to show the wear. I do rotate the seat cushions when I remember. The only thing that has been happening to mention is that some of the feathers are coming out of the fabric. It's not at all troubling to me, but I have never had that.

I think Rowe is a good choice. (and last I checked it was made in Virginia USA)
tibbrix
7 years ago
Look at Smith Bros.
Annie Deighnaugh
7 years ago
Our sofa in our library is bassett and it's fine. I do prefer the loose cushions as, not only are they flippable and swappable, but they are removable should you need to use the sofa as a place for someone to sleep.
practigal
7 years ago
Sadly, I think you're making the right decision. When I looked into reupholstering my sofa it ended up that it would be double the cost of buying a new sofa… I also like Annie's take on sofas. I have two sets of slipcovers (one light and one dark) and like that I can just take everything off and send it to the cleaners and have a new set ready to go. If you decide to go with the slipcover type approach be sure and order the second set at the same time it's easier for them to make both sets well they've got everything in the shop
sjhockeyfan325
7 years ago
Which Room & Board sofas were you looking at - I've tried all of them!
Navy Momma
Original Author
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
I was able to go to room and board because I'm in the DC area. We liked the cade and Harrison the best. However in terms of looks I like the jasper best but it was to shallow and just not that comfortable.

I like Harrison best of the 2 but there are quite a few complaints of the back cushions losing shape quickly which concerns me.

Need a new sofa and I'm overwhelmed.

tibbrix

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Need a new sofa and I'm overwhelmed.

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