Evilsciencechick

Today I set off alone to explore the wonderful world of furniture retailers in another attempt to find a couch. Regular readers might remember that our last adventure did not end so well, so this time, I am determined to do it right. Our current couch is 100 inches long and 38 inches wide, and that is the MAXIMUM ALLOWED SIZE we can bring in so that it makes the sharp right turn from the entryway into the living room. I want to get as CLOSE AS POSSIBLE to that maximum size, because we don’t have a lot of room for seating.  We must maximize our couch potential!

My other requirements include a contemporary yet casual look - comfortable, yet with clean lines. No skirt for easier cleaning. In earth tones - browns, beiges, maybe light greens and blues. As for fabric: no chenille. That stuff will suck up dog hair like a magnet. Microfiber preferred.

OK THEN!

First stop: American Signature Furniture. Not bad. I am mostly left alone to browse. They have a decent selection, but most of it is either traditional or “rec room chique” - overstuffed with excess seaming for extra poofage. No thank you. I find two potentials and snap some photos with my phone, take down measurements, and head out the door.

Second Stop: Broyhill Furniture. I am immediately accosted by a sweaty man with bad hair and crooked teeth named Mike. Mike tells me to browse around, informed me that if I don’t like the fabric on a sofa, I can look at other possible fabrics for it, and that he’ll check up on me after a bit. Am then constantly looking over my shoulder for Mike sightings. Gah! This place is VERY traditional, mostly skirted, overstuffed arms. Mike finds me in the “extra value!” clearance room, and I jump two feet in the air. Nothing nothing nothing…they are much more expensive than other places. I find one potential, take measurements, snap a pic, and sneak out of there before Mike found me again.

Third Stop: Ashely furniture. NOW we’re talking. Good prices, tons of choices, and Brad, who says hello, welcome, please look around, casual on this side, more formal on the other. Many many microfiber choices, in nice colors, casual contemporary styles. I chat with another sales person about our “design challenges.” Everyone is friendly and not pushy - I think they’re bored. Not many people shop for furniture on a weekday. And then I find…the couch. Well…couches. There’s the one we’ll probably get. And the one I would LOVE to get, if we had the room. Both in the same collection.

For UNDER $500, I give you…the sofa:

the blonde is extra

It’s a leather base with microfiber cushions. 90″ x 36″, and oh so comfy. I love the soft earth tones of the cushions and the couch is TOTALLY nappable. Then I spotted…the sectional…

 

hello, lover

Wow, would that solve so many problems. Room for two people to nap. Room for 4 or 5 people to sit. Two pieces for easy installation. And it’s only $900. Oh…my…

Here’s the rub. That chaise bit? Sticks out. A bit. It would stick out into the opening between the living and dining room.

that much

To the end of the yellow tape. Almost halfway across. Somehow, I don’t see Kev going for this. But dammit, I’m gonna try to convince him! HAVE YOU SEEN THE COUCH! IT IS BEEYOOTIFUL!!!

Forth and final store: back to the Rooms to Go Outlet. Bust. Not even one potential sofa. They seem low on stock. However, they ARE still having a buy one get one free lamp sale…

Got both WITH shades for under $30. BOOYAH!

They will go on to the new end tables that we buy after we get a couch. A PROCESS WHICH I’M SURE WILL BE TOTALLY DRAMA FREE! HAHAHAHAHAAAAA!!!