Can’t stand either team, we’re just rooting for our Superbowl boxes this year. Lol

Thanks so much for the vision boards!! I can’t wait to take a look at them later this morning. :)

We are headed out now to shovel snow.…

Hi -

Hubby was good sport yesterday and agreed to shop recliners. Wents to several stores. All are power recliners. He narrowed down to the following. Trying to stay in the $1500 per chair or under price range. This isn't the color. We are going for a cognac which is slightly different and has the worn look.

Our Sofa looks like this, although in the Greenwich green color.

I was hoping for a chair that doesn't look so much like a recliner, so I'm thinking the first 2, although I am not crazy about the double pillow look. I like the 3rd because the back rest doesn't have that double pillow look. He found all equally comfortable.

We will continue to look for more but wondering thoughts on how these styles look together.

Thanks!

I don't mind the double pillow, with the higher leg.....

The leather color is what is important, and I would avoid distressed like the PLAGUE. : ) jmho it always cheapens the look.

Ooh ok thanks Jan! I'll be sure to take a good look at all the leather samples once I narrow down the recliner style.

Re Sofa - Will ask for additional sofa fabric, didn't realize I could do that. Will be handy when looking for rug and pillows. Btw - Sofa comes with 4 pillows on ea. so hopefully they have some nice coordinating fabrics. I like several of the prints you suggested above. I'm headed back to showroom on Tuesday. Thanks for sharing.

I was so focused on the length of the sofa and the depth, that I just noticed the height of this sofa is 40". So W89 x D40 x H(39-40) That seems high to me as my current sofa is 36" high.

I did bump up the pillows on my current sofa to see how it would look. :)

I can notice the height difference, probably... not a deal breaker, but thoughts?

Nothing is ordered yet, so I can still change the sofa style, but wondering if that is a typical sofa height.

:)

Have you sat? Are you sure you aren't rushing?

I'd be a liar if I said that Kincaid looked remotely up to date........okay... that's unfair......It seems just another COUCH? and the sectional you own looks more current!

For the last time, you need NO coordinating FABRICS FROM THEM! Or anyone else! I beg you!

Kincaid...yours and another Kincaid

Century below

Taylor King....

Now..... I know you gravitate to a soft arm, you aren't "modern" in general. But go online next week, and zoom. Really look at the upholstery DETAIL. Not the fabric, just how finessed it looks on the piece.

If I had to spend ten years with one of the above in my living room, it would be Raleigh

for pretty proportions, tidy and neat look, and comfort. But I am not you.

Pay attention to inside seat dimensions length. No point to giving that up length and fit in the room to FAT ARMS. .....?

Just because any sofa COMES with pillows? Be advised only Hickory chair gives you a down fill and a zipper. The rest.........suck. Eliminating them changes nothing so just take as they come and do your OWN.

Not TRYING to upset your apple cart. But you want the room for a long time. New isn't better unless it IS better.

( If you told me you bought that Kincaid on the left in 1990? I'd not bat a lash. Sorry, truth.: )

This just sold Chairish.......15,000 - probably someone NYC

Basically you can call it the Classic and forever George Smith Statement Sofa

AND??

Now.......?

BTW...... the TK Delano is a super comfy chair :

I have a problem. :(

I don't like shopping and when I do, I want to get it done quickly due to limited free time. So yes, you are probably right, I am rushing. I want it done. I'm my own worst enemy.

So new mantra... "New isn't better unless it IS better" agree totally so I need to slow down.

Are you also a therapist? lol

I looked at my ideas and although I had a mixed bag of favorites, I did have consistent looks that had that tight back and soft (english?) arm. Others had cushion back but also with soft arms.

I have time today to peruse online.

It is beyond common, that when folks finally decide to do anything, they just want it done. Perhaps because it took a while to decide to do it at all?

I love it when someone says, after we've pretty much finalized everything......

"Okay, cool, how long now until I am REALLY DONE? "

"HELLOOOOO Could I back down your driveway, please ?!! and get it ordered?" "Mind if I first use your powder room?!"

I call it Amazon effect.

she asks....

"Are you also a therapist?" lol

What do YOU think : )

You are your designer, not the Instacart shopper

Just posting an update bc these posts are helping to keep me on track. Setting intention.

I have appointments for tomorrow night to look at Taylor King and Century. I may have to go to other showrooms another time bc they might not have the tight back for me to try. That’s ok, I’ll have time next weekend.

I will have my inspo photos w me to look at and remind me that…this is the look I want, go slow…
I also provided the photos to the salesperson.

And wow! Eagles really wiped the floor w the Chiefs last night!

:)

I love following along on your journey to the room you want.

test - for some reason my posts from today aren't posting. I have pics of sofas that I selected to look at for tonight. They are in .jpeg...anyone know why this is happening? I even tried to post the pic on separate post... Will try later as I have to get back to work...

Did some homework last night in prep for my appointment tonight.…I looked up all the sofas that closely fit the dimension parameters AND in the style I like, hopefully more up to date then my previous selection. I narrowed down to 3 from each mfg. depth ranges on all (40-42) I also considered inside dimensions. Also pricing will be a determining factor after tonight appointment.

Taylor King:

Raleigh: Tight back, h33.5”, w89” too low?

Mesa: Pillow back, h35.5 , w 85.5 wide might be too short, also says Velcro attached back? Idk what pulled me to this one, but it appealed to me

Hayes: Pillow back, h36.5, w89, also says Velcro attached back

Century:

Crosby: Tight back, h35”, w92” might be too wide? I really liked this but I have not tried tight back yet so not sure “lounging” comfort. But it certainly looks comfortable!

Grant: Pillow back, might be too high at h39”, 88.5”w

Kate: Pillow back, might be too low at h33”, w is 88.5

Kincaid: width on these are short of the 90 max I was looking for.

Liberty: Tight back,h38, w86

Callaway: Pillow back h36, w86

Vivian: Pillow back h38, w85.5

Apologize - I had major problems with the site this morning, so had to split my posts up...

I just want to make sure I am selecting more up to date sofas that will stand test of time as my previous choice fell short of that.

Do you think I still have homework?

Thanks!!

Im really not familar with Kincaid

the last two you posted are better style.

The Liberty isnt a pretty proportion:) too high

Thanks for feedback. And on the height, several options I saw are that high, and I was a little concerned with that.

I can see now, by comparing the Kincaid to the Century and Taylor King side by side, the difference in how up to date others seem. (my previous comments have the pics, if they posted ugh!)

I am favoring these:

Century "Crosby" but it might be too wide at 92"

TK "Raleigh". 89" wide, inside 76.5

TK "Mesa" - only 85.5 wide, inside 75"

Anyway...I'll know more tonight....

BTW my Century fabrics came in, very nice quality!

Thanks again, back to work!

I posted a comment, and it has vaporized!!

At any rate"

In Taylor King, the Raleigh

There are two very nice deep/warm mossy green poly velvet w 50 and 75,000 double rubs. Bullet proof, as 15,000 is a standard upholstery grading.

Pattern: "Unwind" Color Lime/grade 26

Pattern "Watson" Color "Lime" grade 26

I was in our local Stickley for a client...asked them to price it . Both will be around 5100.00 each ( ! ) WITH an upgrade to a spring down seat cushion. Is that reasonable? YES. A really decent couch should not be less, in fact.

Now........don't know how much the Century or your fabric. I will ONLY say this as it comes up so often here on Houzz and I will simplify to one question:

What do you drive, and how much does that automobile cost if you bought it today? I guarantee it isn't 10K ........is it 30K.....40K ? For how long do you drive an auto? 5 yrs? 10? Less?

Now...... what should two new couches, a great rug in the right size, a couple lamps, a good reading lamp by the recliner maybe a new cocktail table et cost ? Add a recliner, and a chair. Pillows.....

I'd allow 25k - 30k . : ) and not a dime less

Nobody wants to hear it. It's truth.

Thanks, Jan, for checking out the TK colors for me! I will look at them in person over the weekend. I so appreciate all your help!

I also found this color in the Century fabric line: Pattern 90230-49 Sage. It is a lighter Green, but I am not too focused on that yet as I am trying to nail down the sofa mfg and style first.

I am really putting my salesperson to work for me!

I further narrowed down the sofas, so she will be pricing out 5 sofas for me. Trying to get a ballpark estimate of budget.

Since they did not have the tight back sofas in showroom, I have to go to another showroom this weekend. But I am having her price those out as well just in case we like.

I totally understand the car analogy. It makes total sense to me. Will use it on my husband when I am ready to order. (I don't need permission, but life is easier when there's agreement) :)

Thanks all!

Just a note...

What does it say when even Pottery barn is giving you a color not seen in fifteen years? Even In rugs which is also true in broadloom and THAT hasn't been around in over two decades.

and it works so well with the coppery tones?

I know you loathe the "process" : )

Hi Everyone,

I took my time over the last week. I am on sofa overload and learned so much! (I think)

I looked at configurations online (several hours) and went to showrooms to look at fabrics (quality) and tried the sofas. Eliminated Kincaid, the fabric quality didn't compare to Century or TK and I could not find a fabric I really liked when I compared to others.

Although I loved the tight back sofas (Raleigh, and the Crosby), after trying one, I liked them better in a more formal room. I prefer the pillow backs for den.

For sofas where I design my own, I discovered that the Century sofa provides more inside width than the others. (73")

I narrowed down the arms I like as well.

One will make the sofa 90" (sock arm), the other 85" (English).

But I could not find a lower height that I wanted. (36")

Century had several green fabrics that I think will work well in my room. Swatches are on order.

This was my inspiration:

This is what I am leaning toward,

These are computer image as they didn't have the exact sofa in the showroom. Arms may change. I wish they didn't show the pillows in the pics, rrr! I also considered a 2-pillow option, but thinking 3 pillows would be better as a third person on a 2 pillow would be sitting on a crack. :)

I think I came close...?

My sister suggested that I wait on purchasing the sofas until I select the recliners so that I can coordinate the styles and leather color to ensure they go well together which I think is a good idea.

So up next, I'm looking for Recliners!

Im excited you are making progress. the higher back in that one makes tye proportions look a little off to me.

did you look at cisco brothers? the Yvonne is very comfortable to me and seems to be in the style you like. you should be able to switch to a 3over 3 on the cushions.

Forget the sock arm, if you can? A wee bit ,more old lady.

I hardly think a "tight back" makes formal in ANY WAY! You add your OWN toss pillows, and you cease worrying on what any sofa mfg. provides.

Second: There are two of you MOST of the time. Most evenings? You are going to mostly sit in recliners or a chair/ottoman? Or you are going supine on the couch at the end of a long day? Which? I like ONE recliner in a space, so it shall not appear a nursing home. Add a comfy chair and ottoman,,,,,or go supine on that sofa.

Want to know how long I'd worry on how comfy my guests for three hours liked my sofas? Like no seconds, that's how long. Btw" the sit on the crack is a non issue! Good god!

There's a whole lot of room to go supine here.....some fluffy down/feather toss pillows to rest your head. There is not one formal thing about it.......and your guests aren't there to doze off, either: )

Do YOU need a recliner? I doubt it!

Want to know how long it would take me to order one of these from Chairish? About five minutes.....

Then I'd let the mister pick his recliner within reason of not looking like a nursing home.....: )

I really would avoid two.

Look, you have to be comfortable every night, I'm not living there. : ) But YOU will not sit sideways to the tv, you will go supine? and your guests aren't there long enough to worry, and the Raliegh? 76 inches inside to lie down

Hi- I promise, last showroom today.
I’m feeling positive. This place has all the mfg I’m looking for in one place. And I already took a peek inside, and can spend more time today.

Wsea- I agree, the 38” height is really throwing me off too.

Jan- thanks for clarifying tight back not formal. Raleigh does have the lower height at 33”, but might be too low? Showroom today has that height in sofa so will be able to decide.

And correct about recliners! I was thinking for symmetry I needed 2. But I certainly do not want for myself! Lol I prefer chair - ottoman.

Wish me luck today!! I hope for my sake (and yours) I can move past sofa selection and on to the next design element in the room!

I appreciate everyone’s input!

Good luck, report back, and remember where YOU AND THE MISTER, will sit most of the time, lay DOWN on the damn sofas.

I HAVE been laying down! LOL

I went w my friend and she was laughing bc I was laying down on every sofa kicking my feet up!

I'm back,

Dragged my husband along with me this time.

Definitely ruled out the 38" height sofas. We saw the exact sofa that I shared from previous post and it looks way too bulky and too high! So that is a hard no. yay- I like eliminating.

For the most part, the 33" heights were not working for hubby. We determined that depending on the pillow fill and\or fabric, sometimes it was comfortable, most of time, not. Something with his neck...idk...

I really liked a Hickory Chair sofa. It came in at 36" high but was not comfortable for him. (Although, I think he saw the price tag and that may have contributed to his discomfort lol) It wasn't in the style I was looking for anyway, but if I did not find next option, I would have definitely gone back to it as it was not that off budget.

So- Back to Century section and the salesperson there was able to recommend this sofa. Of course, my luck, they did not have the sofa in the showroom, they are expecting it in a month, but they did have the chair version of it with a tight back. We both sat and felt comfortable in it- yay. Since we sat in other Century sofas, and were comfortable, I am hoping not too different.

I eliminated the sock arm option so not to be "old lady". Inside width is 74". Hubby and I are both on shorter side so laying down is fine for us and we still had extra room to stretch.

This picture below I found online of same sofa. I don't think is computer generated. It is a smaller version at 82" width, but the back looks higher, so not sure what's going on with it.

Hubby not too keen on tight back, BUT he said to choose what I like as I wore him down. :)

So- the next decision is the pillow back or the tight back, and of course the fabric. I have several swatches on order...

Original sofa length recommended was 90". Is this 85" width still ok? Am I getting closer to a sofa that style-wise will stand test of time?

Thoughts on above?

Thank you for your patience!

:)

Not every stick of furniture can be comfortable for everyone 100% of the time!

Where??? IS THE MISTER GOING TO WATCH TV NIGHTLY? Is he going prone on the sofa? Or is he going in the recliner.

I will tell you right now where he WON'T be. Sitting upright, sideways to the tv!!! Or am I just insane?

You are buying couches to

A. Lie down and see the NEW tv

B . Accommodate guests, as many as 6 on two couches.

C Look very good in the room, last a long time.

D Not get destroyed by the dog.

E. The recliner, when he finds it? Is usually THE MAN CHAIR.

Now....................................see what I MEAN? Why in hell is he worrying about height for his neck UNLESS it is for his recliner height. That is where his arse will be 99% of the tv time, if it is the right recliner....or you don't NEED a recliner, Find him a chair and ottoman. Leather.

( Yeah, I do wonder how many clients have had to have this drummed into their head - kids who don't live there? they don't get input, either.: )

Haha! I just read your reply to my husband. We laughed, you’re right, plan is for him to use recliner when we get it.

(Edited, lost this when posting from phone...)

And Yes to A-E. Granted, I will be laying down a lot, but I will also be SITTING on the sofa (reading, enjoying cup of coffee, browsing Houzz online, etc...). I also couldn't find a lower height sofa (less then 35) that is in the length and depth I need. I am short, the most comfortable sofas for me are 38-40 deep.

I thought my latest find (35.5h x 85w) was getting me closer to A-E because the proportions looked better to me.

In the end you have to pick it, I can not. But there is a point when reality hits. You are fortunately in a town where the IS a variety to "test drive" and for most that is not the case. Even here, with a big Stickley brick and mortar? Ninety percent of anything on the floor is their own. They're basically ( more profitable for them) "vertical", they produce their own in N.C and long since abandoned showing Century, Hickory Chair , Sherill, and along time ago, Henredon, Baker, though there's a sprinkle of Taylor King now and then.

But what you are doing is giving these both more....and less importance than they deserve.

All design needs to go to most of the time. How will I sit most of the time, who uses the space most of the time. How do I want the room to look most of the time.......

So ......You could stop ? Which is why I said....

after you said.......

"Although I loved the tight back sofas (Raleigh, and the Crosby),...................."

I'd do this and be done. TK Raleigh, Chairish chair , OR GO FIND YOUR CHAIR . Go get a recliner lol ( the post up above)

Two great colors, TK

Both deep greens, you will die before the fabric, or go back and find your own

"Pattern: "Unwind" Color Lime/grade 26

Pattern "Watson" Color "Lime" grade 2

Do not look online at these. totally inaccurate.

I don't want to write a novel here, and it would TAKE a novel to explain what's gone on in the upholstery industry in the last two decades. Merge of brands, merge of FACTORIES and production, imported parts, to include springs, imported fabrics.

Another?

How any of these brands are "serviced" , whether within a brick and mortar, or even a to the trade design center.

There's a rep for every one of them. That rep is tasked with the relationship between the brick and mortar or the trade showroom, and mfg in N.C. (He works on commission).

Task includes maintaining the fabric selection. How well this is done varies with the rep, and how important the revenue stream to him or her from that SOURCE, brick, or to the trade.. What happens?

Eighty percent of his accounts become a case of " I am lazy, I can't be bothered...when I get around to it" .....which is close to never.

What does that mean?

You have no possible way to know in any venue, if you are seeing all the fabrics available, IF the one you have selected is still current ( always check that ) or has been DISCONTINUED. !! The salesperson? As clueless as you.

OTHER...... some things that affect longevity in any couch or chair? The front edge, under the seat cushion. This , in the best of times, was a "bouncy" edge. Press down firmly, and it bounces back up. That feature was the salvation and longevity in seat cushioning. Now? Do the same thing on almost any, except Baker. No give!! No Bounce! This ( ask an experienced upholstery guy ) equals faster cushion destruction. PERIOD.

Why did they stop? It COSTS MORE to produce!

It costs more to produce and 8 way hand tie, it costs more to produce a spring down cushion, ( standard only at Hickory Chair ) the government interfered with cushioning ( more soy, faster breakdown) hosts of other regulations in manufacturing and all cost more and all is passed on to the consumer.

So you see....why most of what is sold online, at Pottery Barn, and a whole lot of others is just destined for early discomfort, and at some point, plain old ugly and a landfill because to get the pricing, yet more must come out of the guts of the couch or chair. Welcome to my world?

Now..............if you want a womb of a recliner? If you want to know that I have TWO clients, who own TEN of these between three homes combined,

( Client A Four in one house, two in Fl......)

( Client B Two in a northern, two in Fl )

Equals..........yup. Ten Gosford recliners.

and refuse to sit anywhere else, it is a ridiculous truth.. These folks vary in height from 5'2" to over 6" .....girth as well, obviously.

It's right here. Any leather. Any FABRIC Call it a womb.

Bye! There's the novel for today ....: ) and I'd have been done an eon ago.

Left to right

Two, /either, or go pick,/ and then recline. finito, but I am not U : )

Oh! One more relevant thing:

The reason when you "internet" that you see so many tight back sofas and chairs?

The undeniable trend to more modern, less lumpy/bulky upholstered dominating!!! looking rooms. They always look neat and tidy. ( exception, those ugggh motion couches that sell to so many, to I have no clue lol )

Truth? I Removed the back cushions from my OWN classic roll arm Taylor King, now 20 years of age, and classic white. I got annoyed at the bulk, the HEIGHT of those. I took them off.POW! Loved it more and used nothing but down filled toss pillows. All of a sudden, it looked gracefully new. I'd toss it, but it is comfy, graceful, and seems destined to live forever comfortably as the naps only couch. I sit in a chair and otto for tv: ) and tossed that back cushion as well! That's it lol bye

Jan- I so appreciate all your comments! You’re teaching me so much about furniture and design! Although maybe it’s sinking in slower than you probably hoped. Lol

I have work today and am in back-to- mtgs, but will try to respond properly later today.

Thank you again for your time and patience w me!

Enjoying following this discussion. I'm not currently in the market for a sofa but there is a real education to be had here when I am. Thanks Jan!

Agree Heather, and OP is such a good sport. Also agree Jan, OP is very fortunate to have so many options to view locally.

You could call it education, or you could also call it "Sad story of the Upholstery Market"....and if you think it frustrates the average homeowner? It is equally frustrating for the trade.

Sofas are not shoes. It is impossible for any venue to display all that is available. So, as designers we spend time roaming, we DO sit, even when we aren't in the market for a "something for someone" . We mourn when a very reliably comfortable favorite, goes m.i.a from a selection, from any manufacturer. But we can not stop the hands of time any more than the homeowner. We don't always make the trends, but we DO voice what should be available as we ( yawn) see yet another gray/indigo room. Or worse, have to create another, for someone just catching on a decade late.

Sometimes......our prayers are answered, just as they were after 15 years of beige, ochre, red, gold and we said" Some soft gray would be nice with a lot of white!!"

To every palette there is a cycle.....and the warming trend now? Undeniable...........spring 2025

More lulu

West Elm

Dash and Albert

Does one have to bend to trend? Of course not! But now and then you catch a wave that suits your space....to a T

Reading through comments made me think of what I’ve been doing on my own studying sofa seat height, depths, etc, I see I totally went off the deep end. At first, I was jumping too quickly and now I am analyzing every little measurement! I need to stop now as suggested.

The reason it is difficult for me to pull trigger is because I am spending a lot of money on something I never test drove. Since I am not able to test drive this particular sofa, a decision to purchase involves trust in the reputation of the vendor, trust in my observations testing similar seat depths of sofas of same vendor, and trust in other people’s (multiple sales, reviews, posts, etc) comments.

Yes, of course, agree it is my decision to make.

So an update:

I called showroom back today to ask some questions and one of the ladies there owns the Raleigh!

She uses it to lay down, it is comfortable for that purpose. (that is her main use, same as me, yes Jan 😉)

In those instances when she is sitting, she needs a pillow propped behind her back for her feet to touch ground. (she’s about my height).

When sitting around with friends, she puts a foot up crossed in a casual sitting position to be comfortable.

She said there is a slight tilt back to the sofa so would not recommend the spring down seat because it makes it more difficult to get out of the seat. (this part concerned me the most as I am thinking of growing old with this sofa) She recommends a firmer seat choice for that reason.

So yes, I have many options in my area, but none have the Raleigh. I totally understand they cannot stock every style. (but it can’t stop me from wishing they had this one!!)

Fabric colors: Yes, I noticed that the showrooms I went to have limited color selections. I’ve had to go online, take a stab at the green colors I wanted to see and request the swatches. Just have to wait for them, that’s ok, I’m in no rush.

Warming trend: I am so happy to be purchasing during this warming trend since those are the colors I like best. I would say good timing for me, but I need to make a decision before the trend ends!!Lol

Thanks everyone for following me on this journey!

😊

Every single sofa needs a toss pillow or two, to lay supine. Yes, every. single. one.

"one of the ladies there owns the Raleigh!.......

She uses it primarily to lay down, same as me, Jan".........

One lady in a furniture store. And the "tilt" (or accurately in sofa lingo) pitch she refers to? Is exactly what DOES make it so comfy- you aren't sitting in granny's parlor for heavens sake with little white glove hands in your lap!

You liked the Crosby....you sat or not?

What was the Hickory chair you liked?

Go to Hickorychair.com.....find it?

Go back to most of the time. You have not even investigated a comfortable CHAIR for yourself, in any of these places. You are acting like this sofa is where your corpse will be found.

It wont.

You have short friends, tall friends fat friends , skinny friends and within reason, short of a cement bench , they will be happy anywhere you put them.

SO THIS IS ABOUT YOU and the mister, most of the time.

Nobody in The USA,,,,,,,has had more to sit on or test drive. Eventually? They get a couch. They do.

Curious.......how many days and hours went into the sectional you own? Mmmmmm?

"You liked the Crosby....you sat or not?" - Yes liked, No, did not sit, but like Raleigh (TK), I sat in sofas from same mfg (Century). The Crosby fit most of my needs, except that it is 92" long.

I felt that was too long for the room, especially with two sofas.

I will need some end tables for lamps and still fit the chairs in, so I don't think I will have enough room for everything. I want to avoid tripping hazards which I think might happen if things get too crowded.

I have not really looked at chairs for myself yet, looked briefly Monday, but decided Hickory Chair is probably too expensive. My budget is $3k max for both chairs. I was hoping it would be less since the Mister is liking one in the $1200 range and I am not getting a recliner.

I think I will be using the sofa most of the time. With a coffee table within arm's reach of sofa, I will have access to my "things" while I hunker down with phone, iPad, water, magazines. Boy I really sound like a couch potato! I just don't like to move once I get in lol

I don't remember how long it took me to choose the sectional, it was almost 13 years ago, but I do remember it was NOT as long as I am spending now. :)

Back the %$$# up......?! PLEASE???

You rather refuse to believe paper, refuse to believe feet/inches......? They are right here unless you or your floor plan lied. The drawing allows comfortable passages, reach, what f.i.t.s

and it should not lie.

Your end tables.....

...........chair side tables? I am not going to agonize with you over yours. They can be had everywhere, and at all kind of low to moderate prices. Sell yours?Fine! Use elsewhere? Fine. they dictate nothing.

Now.......everything important in this conversation, now approaching insanity levels

..........

"We sit in this room every night. Our children recently moved out of house, so not home as often, but my husband and I do enjoy winding down at end of every night with a good movie or TV."

"I usually lean against the back of the corner piece to put my feet up, and my husband uses the arm of sectional and OTTOMAN for his feet

When guests are over, we usually sit 3-4 to each section (5 if couples get cozy), no one will use the corner and someone will sit in the leather chair and we use the ottoman for extra seating.

I don't really have a preference for end or coffee table, we use both, I like to have coffee table for display and snacks when company comes over..."

( you think you will do better than the FOUR HANDS for thus? I sincerely doubt it

"What bothers me sometimes with the sectional is that when you walk into the room you don’t just walk into the room, you need to walk around to get to your seat (first picture) That seems awkward to me design-wise, but maybe not, I’m not a desi.."

We FIXED that, did we not?

"2 questions:
would you still recommend the 90”x42” sofas (facing each other) with your most recent layout?"

Scroll UP!! Does the drawing lie? No, it does not, not unless you lied?!

"Also want to reiterate factors that you mention DO check of all my wants for this room, Thank you again...blah blalh lol.."

"The room feels so much bigger.

So nice to walk “into” room."

"My husband already said "this is great! and declared his NEW SEAT will be new chair * near fireplace"

( I will point out that a CHAIR AND OTTOMAN is just as comfortable as a recliner. If you need more? Consider going to bed. At some point, wheels will be reinvented. Tell him to get his can in the car and pick a chair!? Or a recliner. You get the leather "call". )

"We really like this olive green color. The carpet will be replaced with a new lighter neutral color.

So with a darker sofa, would the darker cocktail table top be ok?"

Yes.....you put some LIGHT things ATOP IT!!!

"Or should I go with a lighter table top?

Hopefully we don’t get too much snow tomorrow, as I will be doing my first trip to furniture stores to get additional sofa ideas."

Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz??????????!!!!!

"Century and Taylor King came in at the highest at $3600
Kincaid $2500
Craftmaster $2000
Recliners were coming in at $1-2k
Need to consider the coffee table, TV, area rug, and end tables.

Rethinking budget, I shouldn’t have booked our vacation for this year already! lol

I got 2 separate estimates to reupholster the sectional couches; both came in at $4-4500 per couch. So,,,around 8 -9k for both, so because pricing is so similar to new, we will look for new"

Jan repeats herself...........

( 4500.00 APIECE FOR NEW.....Is this high? No...it is not. 5,000 is not "high" , as a decent couch 25 years ago!!!!!! was 2500.00 . A reality check in order for the mister )

"BTW watched a lot of football and tennis this weekend. Friends loved the new setup!

The reason for the “Lay supine” comment I believe was "in direct reference to how my husband and I like to lay down on the couch each night, we work too hard during the day so WE KICK UP OUR FEET AT NIGHT "

There is no electrical near the FP, so that would need to be a considered expense as well.

(AND one that should be addressed. In any scenario. Annoying as all hell.)

So! End OF REVIEW- other than to ask, why would you look at low arm sofas, despite all their advantages of looking good in a room, despite yes, they do feel more modern, current, less bulky? But..you can have a beautiful couch that

does not look like a lump in the room ( way down )

When you IPAD, and magazine browse, and snack, and drink ? You're upright . The height of the back of the sofa is nearly irrelevant. The ARM is relevant. Your words and you put your feet up on the coffee table edge, the TV is now companionship/background.....not the ending of a 5 star suspense movie!

Why? For that movie or a chick flick on the Hallmark you are flat out supine! "Blankie" in order!

Below..Hickory Chair assortment - call them 4500.00 - 5K each several with adjustable length! in one of their fabrics

Note: the Kent? A phenomenal couch. Have used it. Lean against the back, put your feet up. Yes, it is gorgeous.

Same couch here....without the length adjust factor, and simply in standard sizing

Picture green or neutral any above/HC fabric

Now..........back to the MONEY/kaching thing. BIG GIRL panties up, big boy same. If you believe for one single second that any of this below is outrageous, out of line, for a brand new room you will enjoy? Then you have have entered Fantasy Island!!

TWO Hickory chair couches....10,000.00

ONE great new rug, 4500.00

TWO four hands cocktail......... 1700.00

2 chair side tables 1200.00

One chair , mister 1800.00

One chair, you/guest 1800.00

ONE ottoman 1000.00

two new LAMPSHADES 200,00

PILLOW FANTASTIC 1200.00

______________________________________---

TOTAL 23, 400.00

WHICH SIMPLY GOES back to my earlier statement......

To plan an entire new room that is comfortable, that will last, that will look good, on less than 25k? Is unrealistic, unless you are going the ready route of online followed by breakdown and start over in five years.

Send all that to the printer.

Especially this

And stop !!!!! doing this.......you already know that the Four hands , Blue stone top...fits

Now.....you know all you need to know.: ))

A note on ottomans matched to chairs.......YES they are always totally overpriced, or you FORGET the match.!!

absolutely last?

You can have virtually ANY 12' Broadloom wool rug, created to. the. inch. into any area rug. You look for a light neutral, with a texture....

And........?

Perfect little chair side table !! 299.00

Pottery BRn

Now that I have bored you,and whomever may be following? You look at how those dollars are allocated above.....and you note how much is in the upholstered pieces. Yeah......for all the reasons we know. A pain as you realize, to replace, and to get good quality. ( I highly recommend spring down cushioning ala Hickory chair ) vs. some brick bat foam. )

Last tip? Put the LOWER arm, in the chairs near fire: ) ie 24" and no more. A chair side at near that same height, is easy reach and the well proportioned Cocktail is the easy reach for the couches, with p.l.e.n.t.y of room snacks and display both.

Even I am now bored......lol welllll almost.

That budget is how you force yourself to look at it. Because to take the SAME room wish list, squish it into a 15K budget? Just as likely means an earlier replacement or demise in looks and comfort by 50%. in one HALF the time.

At which point you toss , start over, add at LEAST 20% for price increases...go out again, spend 18 k and over the same ten years will have spent 33,000 Plus the hand wringing agony of search and source and 8700.00 MORE! than the bite the bullet budget. We already know how much "fun" you find in shopping and research...?

Life is choice. It's unfair. The difference in the two rooms in pricing is the marriage of how important the ability to customize and tailor to your wants, your colors, your look, because that will DIMINISH, or increase, relative to the budget you allow. That gets compounded by things like "gee, that won't work with my curtains"......right?

Ask me how I know all this. From repeating myself to clients, doing just as you are attempting, except.....I don't allow much of it.

If I owned your NEW room, the high quality room, with the "moolah" in appropriate allocation? I plan on doing these things below, because quality does not absolve you these tasks. ( yet another reality check )

I'd vacuum my upholstery every two weeks

I'd flip and rotate the seat and back cushions weekly, brush out the popcorn and hair, and dust. Twice a year at least? I'd flip positions of the couches! Reverse ! Stair wall couch goes to slider, slider to stair wall! You ARE going to use one, more than the other! Doing That? You may get your 13 to 15 years....: ) to a recover.

Sayonara, read up, and good luck!

WOW! What happened here??? (I am referring to 4 posts back...)

This is where texting vs conversation becomes a potential misunderstanding.

I feel I may have unintentionally contributed to frustration for you and others following, I am sorry if I did.

To avoid any additional frustration, I am going to wrap up this post topic with this final one…

I’ll try to clarify just a few things here.

Regarding measurements: I simply responded to the question about the Crosby sofa.. In my last post I said I eliminated the Crosby because it was a 92” sofa. Yes, I value the measurements provided. I printed them out at the start to take with me when shopping. The dimensions I provided for the room ARE accurate and I am following the guidance in the dimensions provided. The Crosby sofa I mentioned is 92” , NOT 90”. The floor plan so generously provided by you Jan (thank you so much) indicates a 90” sofa. I know it’s only 2”, but inches add up and since I am not a designer, I wasn’t sure how flexible I can be, so I eliminated that sofa from my choices.

AND…YES, the floor plan you suggested has been a game changer for our living in the space. Thank you!

Both my statements regarding how I will use the sofa are accurate. I start off sitting up, with my legs and feet up on the couch (not on the table), with my stuff near me (on the table), and end up lying down to watch TV.

I never indicated the money I will be spending is outrageous. I mentioned how much I budgeted for the chairs. I budgeted $3000.00 which is not too far off from your estimate, $3600.00. I also budgeted same as you for my sofas. I am expecting my expenses to be what you estimated. I don’t know why this topic keeps coming up.

I chose my curtains (8 panels) around my dining room mostly, not my sectional. (DR and LR are connected) Yes, probably should have waited for my Living Room to be done, I did admit my mistake way back…

Some of the other comments, idk how to take, I am generally good humored, but I have to admit some of them got to me this time.

So - to wrap up…

I have learned so much about design, room functionality, colors, proportion, quality, etc

You may not believe this, but I have been hearing you Jan (and others when they have chimed in). I’ve been keeping track of all the ideas and important information regarding ALL recommendations. I have a nice list of coffee tables, end tables, lamps, rugs, colors, vision boards, etc in my folder of ideas for this room. I have websites bookmarked for items I think would go well in my new room.

I am so so grateful for all this information.

I am doing this at my own pace. Life and work interfere with this process so I may not be moving at the same pace as others, but I am moving at a pace that I am happy with it.

Jan- I am so happy, grateful and fortunate that you took me under your wing. I know you are doing this out of the generosity of your own time and are so open to sharing your endless expertise. Thanks to you, I am now at the point where I just need to make final decisions. Thank you!

Thank you again everyone!

The only point to any and all above? Is to take you back, through more than a month of back and forth to what is MOST important to you. Most of the time. To eliminate as much spinning and twisting as is possible, given the factors not in our control , the biggest being the upholstery marketplace.

Yes, couch purchases entail risk. Even the covering on that couch can affect how it sits.

So.....in the end? You find your own sweet spot on all factors considered, and accepting perfection is over rated : ) and usually a bit elusive

Keep on trucking. !!! It will in the end get done. There is no rush, you have a room.

Hi – I’m back! Thought I would show you some progress.

It was a wait, but I finally received delivery of my sofas (sofas are sage green, I purchased the 8-way hand tied sofa from Century. It is super comfortable and feels luxurious. I am very happy with my purchase. I will be taking very good care of this sofa, flipping often, etc. Also received my coffee tables (not the 4 Hands like original plan but a Bernhardt with a similar look), recliner and small side table.

I thought I was going to be able to use the lamps I already had, (seen in photos), but I do not think they will work now seeing with the sofa. Thoughts?

So for my next purchases I plan on looking for a pedestal table between the sofa and leather chair, new lighting and an area rug.

These are my ideas and I am open to suggestions to complete the room. 😊

Area Rug: I was originally hoping to get an oriental inspired neutral rug, but at this point I think the best bet is the neutral broadloom type area rug cut to size with a border as suggested by Jan Moyer in the beginning of this project. I was trying samples while waiting for the sofas to come in, but I couldn’t commit until I saw the actual sofas in place. The sample were throwing me off because I never received the larger sofa fabric swatches I requested and I had to work from a small patch. Anyway, now that the sofas are here I think I will be able to find a match easier.

End Table: I am looking for a pedestal style table that can hold a lamp. I saw a beautiful Hooker Furniture end table, but not sure if I should look for something with a wood base, painted or metal like the base of the coffee tables. (Pictured is one I really liked. It has a black base which would tie in the black accents I have in the DR connected.

Lighting: Other than the lamp I intend to place on the corner table, (which I need to find\purchase) where else do you think I need lighting? I know lighting is a very important component in a room. I was thinking of a floor lamp on the opposite end of the sofa on the side by the 2 pictures? I do have overhead lighting that you can see in the photo, but never use that unless looking for car keys! lol

Anyway, just wanted to post a follow-up as I know from reading others posts I myself like to see the progress made along the way.

Thank you again for the advice that got me to this point! I am very excited. :)

Hi Jan Thanks as always for your valuable advice!

Yes, you are right, we had a previous discussion re pillows. At the time I was ordering the sofas, I was tired of looking at swatches for the pillows that came with them and remembered your words that I could have my own made up. For the fabric I wanted they were going to charge me another $500 so I just threw in towel and chose this. I have similar colors in another room so I can use elsewhere when the time comes.

I will be looking for table and lamps as you suggested pulling from the fireplace. I’ll post my favorites sometime later this week.

Thanks again!

I was able to narrow down the End Tables to 2 that I think go well in the room and mimic the cocktail table feel. Both are similar size. I would be getting only one to place between the sofa and the big leather chair.

This is my cocktail table:

This is Option 1:

And Option 2:

I'm leaning to Option 2 but I am not sure of the top. It's a little quirky, but I like that it will be interesting.

Do you think I am on the right track?

Thanks!