Help! My mid-century couch looks great but isn't comfy! What to do?

6 years ago

last modified: 6 years ago

I was about to order a second, slightly longer version of this beautiful saddle-colored West Elm love seat for my family room and I realize the back/neck is way to low and the sofas are way too firm. Comfort over fashion for the t.v. room right? Any ideas about what to do instead? I really love the look of the leather sofa with the white rug and yellow jacquard curtains. I was ideally hoping to order two sofas (imagine a second sofa in the long empty area) with an accent chair for the space. (Good thing I didn't order the second longer one so I can simply send this one back.) Just wondering what to do here!? Two cushier leather couches? How do I keep the mid-century look while staying comfy? Are two different color sofas too busy? Are two different back height of couches too busy? Want it to look well put together yet comfortable and cozy. So many questions. Also, ignore the black Ikea console. Changing it out for a low, wide mid-century console and then will mount t.v on the wall. Also, curtains will be hemmed. Open to new idea on coffee table which was from my old house.

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aprilneverends

6 years ago

last modified: 6 years ago

with sofas, one really needs to sit on them, and be prepared that almost everything new deemed "affordable" (whhich is not cheap at all btw) will be of worse quality than it was say even 20 years ago

so I'd say -either be prepared to pay more, but also go to stores and try to sit first and see whether works for you since seating is very personal..depends on one's height etc..you might also be lucky and they'll have sale, or even better- floor models they want to get rid of, etc. Check Room and Board, Design Within Reach(can't get over the name lol..but the quality's nice), different stores carrying good imports from Europe..Cantoni for example..will be very different price yet who knows, one might get lucky. Or even very lucky.

or. If you're inclined to invest your time rather than money(which is what I usually prefer to do)-go to vintage stores, even flea markets if you have good ones in the area..some sellers refurbish vintage mcm, and happen to do it quite well. Then you'll be at West Elm price, even lower maybe, but much more superior quality

yet another option -your local Craigslist. Saw amazing mcm couches there many times ..pity that I don't have where to put them lol.

actually any site that will have option for local pick up is worth checking, but one needs to search by area.

these would be Etsy, Chairish, Everything But The House..

I'd take my time in searching for the right sofa. and I might go for a different one-say fabric as opposed to leather. So it'll be purposeful, interrsting mismatch, yet within same sensibility, and with propotions that will have similarity.

I spent my childhood with mostly mcm furniture and it's just as comfy as other furniture..when made well. Again sit on it first. Otherwise you play sort of roulette-will it be comfy? will it be not? Whatever's good for hundred reviewers might have absolutely no relation to me when it comes to seating.

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Comments (10)

Rina
6 years ago
One can get more comfortable MCM designs, with the key being lower, rounded arms, but whether you will find one in leather I don't know. The second one below comes close, though.

https://www.wayfair.com/furniture/pdp/container-mid-century-tufted-loveseat-cnta1403.html?piid=20304661

https://www.wayfair.com/furniture/pdp/corrigan-studio-blake-leather-sofa-cstd4930.html
woodteam5
6 years ago
Sharp looking sofa. Did you try it out in the store and was it more comfortable? Cause the store one would be more broken in and maybe yours is just new stiff
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The look of the little table works with the space. A pair of comfortable wood chairs with separate cushions you can change out is all you really need unless you're spending a lot of time sitting in them -- on the computer or visiting with a friend ... then you might want chairs with more upholstery and more cushion comfort. If you're choosing the plain wood chairs, make sure the wood back is made of the wider flat boards that are curved ( rather than vertical round dowels ). Have had both and the flat curved boards will be a lot more comfortable. I like the high back for extended sitting and these kinds of seats are comfortable and easily covered when need to be changed. You need to scroll over the page left of the wording to get the chairs to appear with this link: https://www.amishoriginals.com/shop/shaker-ladder-11320/ Or you might consider a pair of saddle stools for the table and bar. Do sit in whatever you are considering buying. https://www.google.com/search?q=wide+scooped+wood+saddle+stools&client=firefox-b-1-d&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiC1Jj276btAhURqlkKHfRlD9kQ_AUoAnoECAYQBA&biw=1366&bih=654 Or you might consider a pair of saddle stools for the table and/or bar. Do sit in whatever you are considering buying. https://www.google.com/search?q=wide+scooped+wood+saddle+stools&client=firefox-b-1-d&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiC1Jj276btAhURqlkKHfRlD9kQ_AUoAnoECAYQBA&biw=1366&bih=654 Like your art and the splash of bright colors. A large framed vertical poster on the wall (no wider than your bar/countertop) would work left of the tv across from the bar/countertop if you have a special interest you want represented in the room -- some place or pastime or hobby or team you support. Like the idea of the "window": https://www.zazzle.com/fake_window_poster-228195308274074493?rf=238840279726397180&tc=EAIaIQobChMI6uzEn_mm7QIVgrKGCh0u0gGnEAQYBSABEgJ2aPD_BwE&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=us_shopping&utm_term=z228195308274074493&ca_chid=2001810&ca_source=gaw&ca_ace=&ca_nw=g&ca_dev=c&ca_pl=&ca_pos=&ca_cid=303811431291&ca_agid=59506835414&ca_caid=1600127652&ca_adid=303811431291&ca_kwt=&ca_mt=&ca_fid=&ca_tid=aud-540000688047:pla-940848662132&ca_lp=9011011&ca_li=&ca_devm=&ca_plt=&gclsrc=aw.ds&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI6uzEn_mm7QIVgrKGCh0u0gGnEAQYBSABEgJ2aPD_BwE
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DYH
6 years ago
I empathize.

In my kitchen lounge, I have a modern "Margot" 62" fabric sofa from Crate and Barrel. In the store, I tried out the longer sofa that was on display and it was very comfortable. BUT -- the shorter version is higher in the middle and lower at the sides of the seat where the upholstery is pulled taught (as it should be) over the stuffing, but it creates a slope when sitting on each side. Sitting on a slope, one hip lower than the other, is very uncomfortable.

As for your design dilemma, I hope someone comes up with ideas for you.
midcenturyvibes thanked DYH
Fori
6 years ago
Assuming this one can't be returned, can you put it where the new one was going to be and get some really comfy chairs to put where it is now? Then you have a spot to watch TV and additional good-looking seating for when there are guests. (Surely it's okay to sit on for a bit? Just not for the Godfather collection?)
writersblock (9b/10a)
6 years ago
FWIW, West Elm seems to be semi-notorious for uncomfortable versions of looks you can buy many other places. Try other stores and be sure to sit on it for a while.
midcenturyvibes thanked writersblock (9b/10a)
midcenturyvibes
Original Author
6 years ago
Thank you all for your comments. Yes, I'm pretty sure I can return it. And yes, some of you are right, I sat on it in the store and it was very soft and worn, so yes, I think it would eventually get that way, but still, the neck is too low. I will definitely try to be patient and look around. So desperate for a completed look and a place to sit! Will keep at it on craigslist and will try to stores suggested.
User
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
we have a joybird sofa. I think it's a Korver (but we bought it at a consignment store so i'm not 100% sure what the model is). anyway, we LOVE it. it looks angular but is very comfortable. the seat is deep (you will need throw pillows for your backs) -- but what I love about that is I can nap on it almost as comfortably as a twin sized bed! even if I want to sit sideways (with my back against the arm), I'm still very comfortable.

the backrest is high enough to support the neck, but you'll need to tuck a throw pillow there while you're reclining.

this couch is so amazing, it has convinced me that I want more joybird furniture.
Olychick
6 years ago
Do you have a Room and Board near you? They have some wonderful modern pieces that are comfy (and made in USA) and I think you can order them all in leather if that's what you prefer....
suezbell
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
Nice looking sofa but, if it's not comfortable, don't order another.

Unless you need to seat a lot of people, recliners are a good idea for a tv room and/or wing back chairs with a matching ottoman.

A pet peeve of mine: Those drapes would look a lot better if they were not sloppily dragging on the floor.

Help! My mid-century couch looks great but isn't comfy! What to do?

aprilneverends

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Help! My mid-century couch looks great but isn't comfy! What to do?

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