Help me choose....Buying a sofa can unhinge. On the scale of angst-production, it is somewhere between buying a computer and buying a car, just shy of divorce. Soon, though, I'm sure couches will come equipped with computer operating systems, and then we'll have real problems. Should I get a Mac couch or a PC couch? The thing is, these acquisitions tend to bring up questions like, "Who am I?" and "What sort of a world do I want to live in?"
Hoping to sidestep the full weight of the dilemna, and always seeking new ways to procrastinate, I've whipped up this slick photo gallery of the couches that I am considering buying. Those in the market for a couch may find the photos (with prices and dimensions and store info) helpful by way of research. Others with no current couch needs may yet feel like voting on which couch they think would fit in my 10'x12' apartment in the West Village. Believe me, I'm very open to the help. I am also a great believer in the power of Internet collaboration. If our readers can sort out our blogging-related copyright issues in, like, an hour, I'm certain they can choose me a sofa. Who knows, if this "Vote for a Couch" thing goes well, perhaps we will build some kind of an "open source" couch buying support application.
Frankly, we see a brighter world in which couch buying in New York City will be a transformational, uplifting, communal experience. It will be a world of happy New Yorkers and better looking, more comfortable (but not overstuffed,) fairly priced, less corporate couches. And from there we'll tackle carpets, and then mattresses. United we stand. Ahem. Right. Thanks. OHR
Maybe this is heresy, but what about Ikea? They have several couches that look almost the same as those, but for much, much less money.
May I suggest...
http://www.roomandboard.com/rnb/coll.do?coll=RB2161&dept=RB1710
or
http://www.roomandboard.com/rnb/coll.do?coll=RB3000&dept=RB158
Here's one you WON'T find at Crate and Bored:
http://www.bombastfurniture.com/home.html
Very cool stuff.
Maybe, there might be some cathartic rejuvinative energy discovered by indulging in the excercise of simply taking a position and choosing a sofa yourself. Yo, choose a sofa! Its just a sofa,The couch world is your oyster.
Just an idea.
I voted for three couches.
-Raoul
The Milan at Lofgrens: http://www.lofgrens.com
We just bought a set of these after much research:
http://store.1-leathersofa.com/960gusoset.html
terrific value, incredibly comfortable, and free delivery. The salesman I talked to was named Werner and was very helpful.
Not to couch poach but I totally want that stripey/funky one from Cosmos (was it?). Send me the info on it if you don't buy it -- seriously!
good lord! get a grip on your self, man.
sofa-buying is neither the time to indulge in identity-affirming political statements [anti- Crate and Barrel] nor status-enhancing style badges [the fashion victim numbers at ABC].
please get over it. the objectives here are:
a) comfort. your sofa is preferably long enough for naps and deep enough for the odd cuddle (or whatever).
b) solid construction and bland good looks. you may have this thing for 20 years.
c) alternately, excellent resale value if you move, fall in love or your life take some, wild unforeseen tangent, like moving permanenetly to paris.
all of which points to either the shabby chic unit (multiple extra points if it's down), even if it is shortish for naps, or the Crate and Barrel thing, which is a knock-off of a très chic designer from the 50s whose name escapes me at the moment.
DWR stuff is always full retail list, and while much of it is hyper-hip, anybody who wants to pay those prices to shop there is an idiot.
are we clear now?
So, that last paragraph and the sly reference to a 1950's designer wasn't somehow identity-affirming? Face it: furniture is identity-affirming and style is substantive. Check it out by mashing here.
Woops - HTML is not accepted in comments, so: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0060186321/103-8695653-2019839?v=glance
What about Nova Zembla in Brooklyn? I happened upon them last fall when I was visiting. Very eclectic, bohemian, relaxed, non-girly stuff. Sort of like the ABC Curvy option but cooler and (if memory serves) far less expensive.
Please please no wrinkley sofas! Also I have an armless sofa and despise it - it has completely ruined the Sunday Times for me. Who knew I could feel so strongly about couches? I vote for the beautiful curvy green one.
My all time favorite couch is the TOGO convertible from Ligne Rose. I've had it for 3 years and I am still lovinging it.
It is really comfortable as a bed for everyday, as a couch. The clincher is the removable cover that can be washed. I just stuff the whole plether thing in the washer and let go on cold, dry on low and it is just like new.
http://www.ligne-roset-usa.com/products/sofas/togo.htm
(I think is still availble by request)
It is $2800 and worth every penny.
Spezialprodukte http://beauty.gelago.de/cat312/Body-&-Wellness/Körper/Füße/Spezialprodukte/
I'm not sure where I should post this question, but this sofa forum seems most appropriate -
I am looking for a highly durable, yet attracitve sofa made of a non-leather, non-fabric material (and probably not vinyl, since I'm not a big fan). I have two dogs and several cats who will be allowed on the sofa and need something that won't be ruined in a year.
Any suggestions?
How about trying the a sofa bean bag? (I hear you scoff) These are heaps cool cause they aren't like the old school and they have nice form. Check out these sites http://www.ambientlounge.net or http://www.funkybeanbags.com
coolsofa.com
check it out. i'm digging the 'whirlwind eggplant'....surprisingly affordable too
WIEDER is a surprise - in spite of its minimalist looks it offers excellent comfort, thanks to high quality filling and wooden slats in the seat. Roomy and comfortable while not taking up too much space. Even more surprising is the ease with which the sofa converts into a double bed. www.wiederusa.com
www.coolsofa.com has the best stuff!
bought a not inexpensive modern couch from Jensen Lewis and I have to ask for cash back as the support broke! It's sagging in the middle, and it is held together with plywood. Who knew.