The Sofa Situation.

Today I managed to accomplish 31 things on my "to done" list. It was a productive day. In addition to trying a blueberry oatmeal bake recipe, washing six loads of laundry, picking up prescriptions, and rain check items, and changing the filter in my Pur water pitcher, I also started my search for a red couch.

32. Obsessed about couch. Now massively confused.

I actually don't like very many couches or sofas. Usually it's the pattern. Sometimes it's the pillowy back. I've very picky. My current couch has been with me for 14 years and it was used when I got it. It's not on its last leg, it's beyond that. Anyway, I lost those in the last move. I've put off getting living room furniture until I had a living room of my own to furnish. I figured as long as I was an apartment dweller I could get by with my odds and ends and mostly I have but the time has come for a new couch.

I decided on red because I have a lot of red accents all over my house. Anywhere I live in the future is likely to be the same and so this couch could be a nice piece for another room later on if I buy a full living room set that doesn't coordinate.

One concern is that neither of my current chairs is likely to look good next to a red couch--good thing that is where the elliptical sits. And I'm pretty sure I'd have to ditch the thrift store coffee table in favor of something that would coordinate better. (See, it always STARTS with one piece and then everything must be updated!)

So here's the situation:

I've been to all but one furniture store in my town and I've found only two items I'd even consider. One I ruled out immediately based on price. Yet, after seeing what is out there I am starting to rethink that. It's really QUITE a bit more than what I was thinking, because it's leather.This is the Natuzzi leather sofa I saw at Conlin's Furniture. It's the right size (slightly bigger than my current one in width and pretty much the same in depth), the right color (though it looks a bit different on the website and I'm not sure I like this shade as well as the one in my memory), it's just not the "right price" (on sale for $1279 with all those financing deals too, pay later yadda yadda). Right now they are offering 20% off everything in the store but the sale ends today and the price jumps back up to $1549 or whatever it is. They are also offering a deal of "up to $500 on groceries or gas." So, I guess they think that might appeal to the customer who wants savings on the essentials, but is willing to spring for a leather sofa. Hmmmm....


The other little red number I liked is probably the one I should not even consider for other reasons. The cost, on the other hand, is great -- $298.00. It's a click clack sofa (fancy name for a futon). So, it is versatile considering I often have house guests and don't have a guest room. I like the look of it a lot. It's a brighter red than the other, and in the pictures I prefer this shade, though it's a bit shiny. (not sure if it's leather or leather like) My biggest reservations? It has no arms. I fear it will sit too close to the ground and seem awkward as a main sofa in my living room, whereas it might be nice in a dorm or bedroom.


The game plan is this. At noon when the shops open I am going to the other furniture store in town to see what they have. I am going BACK to the first one I visited to look for the Natuzzi couch because their official website claims that Zimmerman's has one so I will do a price comparison.

Then I am going to go to Slumberland and measure the width, height and depth of the click clack sofa (that's fun to say, click-clack).

Finally I am going to return to Conlins to find out what they offer in terms of groceries and gas! Actually I need to sit in that again and make sure I really do like the color. Then, I think if I want that one unless their grocery deal is REALLY really good, I might wait for a better sale? Is that possible? One would hope. That would also buy me some time to maybe go to Fargo or somewhere else to look around.

Part of me wants to just spring for the $298 sofa and be done with it. No need to finance. But I am hesitating. Mom thinks I will regret it. No arms? What the heck, right?

I think I need to chill. After all this was "day one" of shopping. Sheesh. I just hate how they try to "get you" with their "sale ends Sunday" crap. I refuse to be pressured, says the girl who might just come home with a sofa tomorrow.

I've decided I sort of like this blue one too. It is a Best Home Furnishings brand couch and apparently there are a few stores in town that carry this brand, though I don't recall seeing this one.

I am not in love with the powder blue, though I don't hate it either. I guess this couch can be done in choice of fabrics so maybe they have the right red? I have no clue on price. No clue on comfort. I may hate it after I sit on it. I just like the look.


Anyway, please offer up any suggestions or thoughts you have in the comments I am in desperate need. In the end, I may not follow your advice, but it will help me think through this consumer confusion.

--UPDATE --

Well, I decided against the expensive one without even looking at it again. Checked out the other furniture store in town, saw nothing I liked, and then I went back to Slumberland today to check on the click-clack couch--to measure it and to "rule it out" more or less. Except... when it came to measurements it was the exact size and dimensions as my current couch only it was longer (which is what I wanted). I left more confused than ever. I'd expected it to be more "futon-esque."

As I drove away, I called Marci to see if she would be willing to offer an opinion. We trekked back over to the furniture store, and when she saw the couch, she gave her stamp of approval. And before I knew what hit me, I was pulling out the plastic and making the big purchase. It will be delivered on Saturday. Yikes. That is quite possibly the most spontaneous I've EVER been with a purchase. I guess that just goes to show how very ready I am to get rid of my current couch.