Hate my new expensive sofa

[JesusInTheCabbageVan]

Not an Aibu I know, but just posting in the hope that someone can offer ideas or advice. Our cheap, comfy fabric corner sofa was getting a bit saggy and smelly, so we decided to splash out on a leather sofa (leather essential due to the new dog, fur, smells etc). I saw a sofa I absolutely fell in love with, but DH had his heart set on a recliner so we ended up compromising on a two seater sofa and reclining armchair. It wasn't a choice I was happy with, just the best compromise we could reach. Our living room is quite narrow and we were limited in terms of what would fit.

We've had them just under a week and I hate them. The recliner has to sit right in the middle of the living room with a wire going to the plug socket, because it needs space to recline. I've always thought recliners were tacky, and having tried it, I still do. It's also already playing up. The sofa is too small and too narrow. It did seem OK in the store, and I thought I could get to like it, but it's just really not comfy and is starting to cause me back pain.

I called the company today and they have just said they have a no returns policy, which is not what their website suggests at all. Am I allowed to name them? Not sure. Anyway, I just feel bloody miserable now. All together the things cost £1800, which is a lot of money for us. Sigh.

Sorry you don't like it. Can you post a pic?

If the recliner is already playing up they have to take it back as it's faulty.

I can't, sorry, but (well, may as well name them in case anyone else has had a similar experience) it's the Sofology 2 seater levato, link <a class="break-all" href="https://www.sofology.co.uk/sofas/levato?category=leather&code=SKU000188874&gclid=CjwKCAjw1ZbaBRBUEiwA4VQCIW65k_fmp6VyEtgjnXdmx6_C7a-sV3_Lk-kuJSzapNGFVALzSYzVvxoCv9AQAvD_BwEwww.sofology.co.uk/sofas/levato?category=leather&code=SKU000188874&gclid=CjwKCAjw1ZbaBRBUEiwA4VQCIW65k_fmp6VyEtgjnXdmx6_C7a-sV3_Lk-kuJSzapNGFVALzSYzVvxoCv9AQAvD_BwE" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here

I feel your pain.

I'd double check that returns policy ...!

Worst case, I would probably cut your losses, and sell the sofa second hand. Try get most of your money back if you can. With regard to the recliner, could that be moved to another room for your DH?

They did say they might be able to exchange the recliner for something else, although I get the sense they'd rather repair it over and over till the warranty runs out. Honestly, their customer service was amazing when we were choosing, but it's been quite hard to get any helpful info now we've actually bought something. I suppose I shouldn't be surprised. Basically I can only talk to them online, not over the phone, so it's really hard to have a proper conversation.

I bought a 3 seater and 2 seater leather sofa 3 years ago and despite extensive testing in the shop by me AND the kids, I now hate them!! The sofas, not the kids!

Would love to go back to a fabric sofa but can't afford to. The sofas aren't comfy to sit on - they are great to lie on but you can't slob out on them - you have to sit upright. Can't understand why we didn't pick up on this in the store as we sat curled up and everything!

Face I think we will have to try and sell it, you're right. Nowhere else for the (sodding) recliner to go, sadly.

Blobby That is exactly our problem!

They have an outlet area on the website where they sell returned furniture, so they do do it. I don't know what money you'd get back though, which is a worry. So might be worth trying ringing again.

OP, am really sorry for you that you don't like the sofa. I have bought things I don't like and the heavy feeling of regret/money wasted is awful.

That said, their website seems pretty clear to me (I looked because I am currently considering changing the sofa). If the sofa was ordered in store that it is your ''full and complete responsibility'' if it isn't suitable.

If it was ordered online it is subject to distance selling regulations and can be returned so long as you let them know the day after delivery and are returning it unused (presumably, apart from a few sits on it to test it out).

The faulty recliner, though, is a different matter and they must make it right (repair, replace or refund).

You might have some success selling the sofa on - though won't get your money back as no one pays close to full price for a second hand sofa, even if it's almost new. You might minimise the loss, though and have some money to put towards something you like?

Flyme aha, thank you! Will take a look.

I feel your pain OP. DH and I cannot agree, he wants leather, I don't so until we can find a compromise we ended up getting a cheap next second hand full suite for £250 from the guy who did our kitchen. It's an absolute bargain and immaculate, however so uncomfortable. I'm resenting even having spent £250 on it so goodness knows how you must feel.

I hope you find a workable solution, good luck!

They use the whole 'Hand made to order' excuse to avoid returns in the big sofa shops I believe.

Yep bedn there done that! We bought two two seater very expensive Italian leather sofas, because of getting a dog really. The sofas look great but I just can’t get comfy on them

It's a horrible feeling, isn't it. Have just asked them about the outlet selling returned furniture, so will report back....

Been there before. Spent over 2000 on new sofas, one of which was flattened from DH watching TV after the first evening.

We are still paying the finance on them despite chucking them out 6 months ago (2 more bloody years left as well)!!!

I do sadly think sofas are a gamble whatever the case.

I made the mistake of letting my ex have input into our new sofa a couple of years back (obviously we were still together then). Now he's gone and I'm stuck with an ugly expensive sofa I can't justify replacing just yet! I feel your pain! The back is way too high (big corner unit) the seat depth not long enough to slob about on. Its also in a corduroy fabric which is not the most comfortable. This ones also a recliner but doesn't need a plug. But I never recline it. I hate it. I'll have to hang onto it for a few more years but I can't wait to get rid of it.

If you do sell it consider looking on Gumtree for another one. We got a fabric corner one in really good condition for £70. Like a PP said, even nearly new second hand sofas are cheap.

Even if you need to pay for a van to deliver it it's still a good deal, and also doesn't matter so much if it gets ruined by the dog.

I’m sorry you don’t like them 😔

However, unless there’s something incorrectly described or faulty, you can’t expect them to take them back - they’re ‘made to order’. I would go to the shop again and check that you have the same sofa as is in the shop. That’s about all you can do.

Then look at how much one you do like will cost, how much money you have and how much you need to get back from selling them to make it work - then try Fakebook and eBay to get that money. As long as you look after it, you will probably get as much in 6 months as you’ll get now, but you’ll have 6 months to save a bit towards new ones.

I think people also assume leather is the only way to go with dogs and odors etc. In fact leather is really really bad for absorbing smells!!! You'll know this if you've ever bought a car with leather seats from a smoker

Just under a week isn’t a lot of time to get used to the change.
The recliner needs fixed or exchanged. Decide what you’d prefer.
Why is the sofa too small?
I recently bought myself a new sofa and cursed myself for not getting the 3 seater as the 2 seater looked tiny but I’m now totally used to it and glad I got the smaller one because I’ve got room for side tables etc. However- I only live with my DD so we don’t need lots of seating (and I’ve bought her a beanbag anyway cause I don’t want her wrecking the new sofa!!)

Sell it and cut your losses. By the way, dogs can do a lot of scratching damage to the leather. In my experience washable covers and throws work best with pets

Response: 'We prefer to investigate and sole any problems our customers have. We don't feel like throwing money at a problem is a solution'

*solve

I don’t understand why people feel they have to get leather sofas when they have a dog. I personally don’t like leather - unless you spend in excess of £5k and get an excellent quality leather- as I find it cold and
‘ slidey’.
I have a dog and a sofa we bought at Christmas.
Dog knows that she can get on the sofa - but only the part with a blanket/throw on it which gets washed regularly.
Spray with febreeze once a week, air the cushions and keep your dog clean - there’s no smell on the sofa.

Sadly i have no advice for you apart from a) learn to live with it - it could just be ‘ teething’ problems or b) bite the bullet, sell it for what you can get and get a fabric sofa you can live with until you save up for a new sofa. DFS do something like ‘ pay monthly for 4 years’.
Don’t beat yourself up over it though. We all make mistakes like this in life. Don’t let it upset you. Learn from it and move on- life’s too short to stress over a sofa!

Can you just put the recliner sofa against the wall, and now its just a seat and not a recliner. Don't mind about the plug. It just doesn't work.

If they fit ok and are ok in size, then you could put cushions or a blanket over the back of it and style it and it will be ok.