If you absolutely had to order a couch online...

13 years ago

where/what would you buy?

I live in a very remote and rural area. The nearest furniture store is an hour away and their stuff is very traditional and plaid intensive...and now they only really have LaZBoy onsite and I have been burned once on that brand and won't do it again.

I drove four hours to a rawther upscale store and sat on every couch in the place and every one was a four thousand dollar fabric-covered brick. My behind AND my wallet voted No.

I've been researching and researching reviews online and am somewhat stumped. Pottery Barn seems to have declined in quality and the cheap Yankee in me doesn't really want to pay a 30% premium just for the PB name. Also, the nearest PB is five hours from here and they only stock the PB basic to actually sit on.

Too much intro, sorry....

Here's the question. If you had to purchase a sofa without being able to sit on it and you were looking for a clean cottage design, possibly slipcovered, that was amazingly comfortable and that would hold up well to a pet-intensive household...where would you buy?

Many thanks for your suggestions...

Featured Answer

trailgal

13 years ago

noreaster88 I'm NOT a decorator but do have 7 rescue indoor dogs (6 over 100#). Our solution has been leather couches from Crate and Barrel. They seem to be heading more modern but we always find a more classic look. They have been comfortable. We picked a color close to most of the dogs and do let them on the couch. A cleaning before guests with leather cleaner and buffing makes them look really good. My only complaint is unside of cushion is fabric not leather so you can't turn them over. Pair a solid sofa with Nylon oriental rug and it hides hair and holds up to dogs. The only other suggestion I've thought of is using Sunbrella fabric on something that could be hosed down (dog lover and parent humor) Good luck! The dogs are worth it!!

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Comments (12)

defever
13 years ago
I live on an island, accessible only by ferry or plane. A trip to the mainland is an all-day affair. The only "chain" stores are ACE Hardware and Napa Auto. I feel your pain! :-) That being said, I would NOT buy anything that is meant to be used on a regular basis without seeing/testing it in person. We just finished building our new house; spent so much $ buying items sight unseen via the internet, only to have the quality be junk, the freight charges outrageous and the product sometimes damaged in shipment. However, we have had several positive shopping/shipping experiences with overstock.com. Good luck!
simplify52
13 years ago
I just saw a comment by one of the designers on here talking about the best slipcovered sofas. I wish I could find that comment for you. I will keep my eyes out and let you know if I find it again. She liked Ikea. My friend has had an Ikea sofa for about 15 years and it's still going strong. I do not have an Ikea sofa but am considering one. I like the Ektorp series and the best things about it is the price and you can get replacement slipcovers. I too have been burned by LaZBoy in a sofa and a recliner. I will try and find the comment so you can see what the professional had to say about the Ikea sofas.
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simplify52
13 years ago
Okay, noreaster88, found it! Go to the thread Wall Colors? (by Cheryl Roach) About half way down there is a comment by Dawn Tallion regarding high priced sofas and Ikea sofas. Hopefully this will help you out. Best of luck to you!!! Let me know how it works out for you.
Donna Debrodt
Original Author
13 years ago
Kathy--You are such a star...thank you for hunting that down for me!
simplify52
13 years ago
last modified: 13 years ago
You are so welcome!!! I love this site and I love decorating. I am curious if you purchase the Ikea sofa what you think of it. Oh and there is another place that makes Ikea slipcovers other than the ones Ikea makes. Be right back, looking for the site. The site is comfort-works.com. Good luck!
simplify52
13 years ago
Where are you located? I too have to drive 2 hours to an Ikea.
PRO
Interiors International, Inc.
13 years ago
Restoration hardware has some great looks and they are comfortable.
Donna Debrodt
Original Author
13 years ago
Hi...I'm on the coast of Maine, nearly to Canada. Which isn't nearly as cool as living on an island!

Ikea is actually more like 8 hours from here. A couch would have to also do laundry and vacuum to be worth driving that far!
Donna Debrodt
Original Author
13 years ago
Hi, are you Jonathan? I just looked at your website and really enjoyed your blog. HGTV frosts my cookies, too, and I am just a lowly amateur DIYer.

I page through Restoration Hardware with the same feeling as I have wandering through museums. If I really knew the quality would last for fifteen years and the comfort would be a quasi-religious experience, I might just sacrifice eating for a year and go for it...but if it were just a typical couch, I would be bitter!

What has been your experience with living with their stuff, if you don't mind my asking? I have four large rescue dogs and three shelter cats, so that's the biggest challenge I have to any furniture.

You are all wonderful to respond to my dilemma...thank you.
PRO
The Mine
13 years ago
Hi, Noreaster. We understand and appreciate your concern regarding buying something you've never seen or felt. Quality can vary greatly between manufacturers. We welcome you to browse our selection of sofas ( http://www.atgstores.com/full-length-couches_1012.html?) with a few notes to keep in mind. 1) Consider brands that are familiar to you, even if only in name. 2) Consider brands made in the USA (we have a filter that lets your browse just those). 3) Look for additional info on the Materials and Weight, which can help you gauge quality. 4) Do additional research on the Internet, particularly when it comes to manufacturers. We invite you to use our website as a tool to help you see what's available as well as measure pricing regardless of your purchase preference, and we wish you luck in your search.
simplify52
13 years ago
God bless you for rescuing 7 animals! If I could I'd drive a couch to you for being so kind! (.....and I'd try to find one that does laundry and vacuums)!!!!!