We were in the same place as you about 5 years ago. We had always had discount furniture (my previous set was an inexpensive set from the Room Store and before that Ikea). We decided to splurge and after a lot of shopping around, we ended up at Bassett Furniture and we purchased a custom sectional. It was great. In the showroom you have a choice of five sizes of couch from low back up to more back support, plus you can choose how stuffed you want the cushions, then the fabric of the seat and how many pieces in the sectional. You can choose what the arms are like (the photo has scroll arms, but you have several choices), and what type of feet the couch has. Believe me, it is not dated. We got a large curved L sofa sectional with microfiber cloth that is one of the most comfortable sofas I have ever sat on. We sleep on this sofa regularly and it is just amazing. Pricey, but so worth it. This couch is 5 years old and still feels like the day it arrived and it has been through a lot. Ours is similar to the pictured one but instead of 3 pieces on either side of the corner, we have 2 on one side and one on the other. And on the long side, I can sleep laying flat and I'm 5'9". If you have taller people in your household who might want to sleep on it, you can get an additional piece.

http://www.bassettfurniture.com/Custom-Designed-Curved-Corner-Upholstered-Sectional-DZ26966.asp

http://www.restorationhardware.com/catalog/category/products.jsp?link=MaxwellLeatherSectionals&categoryId=cat2600184


It's leather, which you seem to not like---but it's damn comfortable. I will admit, it's ugly, but it's our favorite sofa to sit on and sleep on. It also looks better now than the day we got it.

We bought a Rowe Nantucket sofa (made in southern VA I believe) and it's a slipcover sofa. It is still comfy 5 years later and in great shaped despite 2 kids 4 and under. It was looking kind of dirty, so I popped it all in the wash, when it was wet, put it back together and let it dry and it's like a new couch.

I personally like reversible cushions so that it wears evenly but they are very hard to find. If your kid spills on the sofa at least you have the option to turn over the cushion instead of having to stare at a stain forever.

I like to lie down on a sofa, so the first one's arms are too high. I think a 3 cushion sofa works better - 3 ppl will each have their place to sit. I also like enough seat depth that hubbie and I can lie together on the sofa but not enough so I have to scooch back to lean against the back. The back and seat cushions should be removable, with removable washable covers. To avoid shrinkage, I wash the covers in the washer and put them back on when they're wet. Slip covers are a good alternative, but I don't like the look as well.

I like the first one better b/c I prefer square lines. And I don't like tight back couches like the second one.

OP,

I like the first one better. The English sofa would definitely look better without the wheels. Don't worry about trendy--get what YOU like.

I agree with you that you need 3 cushions. Decide on what your budget is (Room & Board is great but pricey). If you go to a place that has a gallery sit on sofas you like the look of. Take a photo or write on the catalogue picture if it's comfortable. If you go with fabric, get something that can be cleaned easily if you have kids.

Also, this short post explains basics of what to look for in terms of construction:
http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/good-questions-468-99402

Urban Country in Bethesda has great sofas. Just bought my 2nd one this week and they have a huge sale going on now.

I like the first one better. My sister has Room and Board and it is very uncomfortable. We have Pottery Barn and its very comfortable. I got a good deal or I would not have spent so much with toddlers.

I have a leather sofa with the same lines as the first photo, except mine has one bottom cushion, two back cushions. It's great! It's from Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams. Bought it at their outlet in Hickory, NC, which I highly recommend.

Second one looks uncomfortable, overstuffed. Plus I don't like the gold wheels.

Op here. Two kids. Toddlers actually. Pp why wouldn't you pit first couch in room with kids?

Couch will go in family room. Need something that's comfortable to read on and use laptop on.

Anonymous wrote:You need to decide what the sofa will be used for. Will you lay on it? Do you have kids? Is it just for guests to look at? The purpose of the sofa will help you determine what type to get.

+1 kids is a huge factor, right there with which room will it be in? I have a slipcover couch from c&b. not my favorite piece of furniture, but I have 2 under 3, so for now, I'm living with it.

I LOVE the first couch and would put it in a room/house with no kid traffic.

Go to Room and Board. They have all their sofas out and you can just sit and lounge on them as long as you like. While you are sitting on your favorites, google them to find reviews. Their prices range from $1300 to $5000 for a couch. Most of their stuff in made in the US.

You need to decide what the sofa will be used for. Will you lay on it? Do you have kids? Is it just for guests to look at? The purpose of the sofa will help you determine what type to get.

I love the profile of the first sofa - mainly because it's kinda like the one I have. I don't like two cushions though. It really means that only two can sit on it comfortably (otherwise the third is on the crack), although people don't usually like to sit like ants on a log anyway so maybe two's okay. I bought a Vanguard sofa with three cushions from Urban Country in Bethesda. They aren't cheap - it was probably $2,500 ten years ago, but I still love it and it's still in fantastic shape.

I'm obsessed with buying the PERFECT sofa. I've never owned a comfortable sofa. Ever. We have a leather one now that's sticky in the summer and cold in the winter. Before that, it was IKEA and dumpster sofas. (Starving NYC grad student for 6 years)

Things to consider...Do I get a 1, 2 or 3 seat cushions? No one wants to sit on a crack, but then again, I worry that 1 cushion will get saggy in the middle.

Style. I really like Tuxedo sofas, but are they too trendy? Also, they look kind of uncomfortable.


My SIL says that this English sofa is classic. What do you think? Too farty?


I do love sectionals, but I think it'll look dated in ten years. And I'm frugal and hate to throw something out. Truly looking for my forever sofa.

Any advice out there?