I am driving over 300 miles tomorrow, well 600 if you count the way back to go to the mecca known as Ikea (that’s over 4 hours). I have been to 15 furniture stores in my immediate area and the choices have been less than pretty and expensive for f-ugly. I considered ordering on line, really I did, the trek there just thinking about it makes my stomach do flip flops, but living without a sofa, desk or book cases is just as anxiety producing. If I knew I wouldn’t be able to get a sofa for under $800 in my ‘hood, I wouldn’t have sold the much regretted sectional we had. I actually needed to sell that thing, my husband wouldn’t share the chaise part–ever. I told him just because he was so selfish I would never get another sectional again. If you have a chaise lounge addition no one wants to ever sit on the ‘regular’ sofa part, why would you when you can sprawl out on the chaise? My budget is practically nil since the movers charged nearly double of their estimate. With this non-existent budget I need to get a sofa, desk and some shelving. I looked on line and wanted so many other sofas, but alas with shipping it was not a possibility. I showed my husband this sofa (drool) and he responded, ‘looks uncomfortable’. It’s true it doesn’t look comfortable but I still love it. I couldn’t afford it anyway, not with everything else I need. I know I need a dining table as well, but I signed up for a wood working class for that (desperate measures y’all). I have talked myself into the Kivik sofa, armless. I need to go to Ikea to see if the armless version is a pipe dream. I love the Bemz urban slipcovers in linen–LOVE, but so not in the budget, but if it’s in yours and you own an Ikea sofa I think you should take a look. This image is from the now defunct Blueprint magazine featuring photographer Amy Neunsinger’s former home, I’ve always loved this rooms beautiful tones and that I could pretty much reproduce it via my local (or not so local) Ikea. My floors are a dark chestnut so obviously I am not going to get this Swedish meets California blissfulness. I figured that for the summer I was going to go for a vintage camp/lakeside retreat. What? I am thinking natural elements, wood (perhaps some arrows or an oar?), layered rugs for texture and some industrial elements thrown in. My husband saw a vintage Red Cross flag and loved it, but it sold so I am going to try to find another worn flag for him, maybe. I know this sounds like the polar opposite of this inspiration room but I need to work with what I have here and besides I doubt he would ever allow me to bring in blush elements (sigh). If you have another on line sofa purveyor before I leave for my trek please let me know, if not wish me luck!
I completely understand your furniture hunt woes, B! I’m in the process of finding a drawers unit, a sofa/love seat/day bed (can’t decide!), and a floor lamp. How did this happen?! And apparently, everything is too big, or ugly, or EXPENSIVE. I too took the treck to IKEA, but only came out of there with home storage accessories. I spent hours beforehand pouring over their catalogue, searching inventory on their site, and it all fell to shambles in the store. Because honestly, I was damned if I actually was going to buy a sofa there. They’re shit. But then I kept seating on them in the mock-apartments, and they were so comfortable… Too big or not in stock, though, did I mention? I hope you’ll find what you’re looking for, though. My spirit goes with you!
I wish u the best of luck! I’ve so enjoyed reading/watching your journey. I’m secretly jealous – I think I should have been born in the south. Best of luck and contrats on your courageous move! Look forward to your future posts :)
Tanya
I hope the Ikeas sofa is comfortable. So sorry you have to drive so far to Ikea. Mine is across the street from my gym. Are you taking a truck? Good luck. I know you’ll get real creative with what you find and I can’t wait to see what you do with what you purchase.
XXOO Drive safely
I have the chloe sofa in granite and I love it. Super comf. It’s on sale too! Not sure how much shipping is though… http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/chloe-fabric-velvet-metro-living-sofa-76w-x-36d-x-34h?ID=351407&PseudoCat=se-xx-xx-xx.esn_results
If you scroll down, here’s a pic of it in my living room. http://www.traceytilley.com/Site/Blog/Entries/2011/12/6_DUCF%2C_Noel_Night%2C_and_Furniture_Switcheroo.html
I dont know why but Ikea couches always seem off to me. Like too big arms or too low to the ground.
I would suggest Macys who has some affordable options. My friend has the Chloe and its quite nice. (ps: You can negotiate the price in the store!)
We have an Ikea sectional – a few things that I love (other than the affordability!) are the ability to get covers from external providers to change the look thanks to the standard shape (we used comfort works, which I highly recommend), the market for different legs these days (next project) and also the ability to sell on for minimal depreciation, plus to buy secondhand pieces if you want to.
After a few days with a sofa you’ll be so relaxed you can move onto cushions!
Sorry, can’t recall exactly where you are, but have you considered High Point, NC? Furniture capital of the world? I know from buyers I used to work with that locally there were outlets with great deals. Good luck!!! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High_Point,_North_Carolina
I’ve been looking at sofas too, but decided that I’m going to take on a slipcover project instead (wish me luck). I saw some good prices at Zgallerie & they have a store in NC so maybe you can get local delivery!
http://www.zgallerie.com/c-57-sofas-sectionals.aspx