Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Protection built in.

Meet the Other Phone.
Protection built in.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

AIBU to spend 1/3 of my pay check on an armchair?

103 replies

millerjane · 17/02/2020 10:43

I know it's a ridiculous amount for 1 piece of furniture but I am tempted.

I'm in the fortunate position that my first (grad) job is within commuting distance from my family home (therefore I do not have to pay rent). Living at home is great but my parents LOVE parenting iykwim - despite being pretty independent and competent they will still treat me like a child.

My bedroom has become my sanctuary. Luckily for me it's a good size and somewhere I can escape to for a bit of privacy/alone time. I've splutged a bit on doing it up,

I've been looking for a snuggly armchair to watch tv/read on but haven't really been able to find what I'm looking for. Literally the only armchairs I like are in excess of £1k.

AIBU to spend so much of my paycheck on a chair. I think it would make me immensely proud to know I've been able to buy something special for myself/through my own hardwork.

It would mean having fewer savings for a month and not putting anything into my holiday pot so no crazy ramiifcations.

I've included a pic of the style I want but would opt for a different colour and fabric. I should mention I would have to lie to my parents about how much it costs.

AIBU to spend 1/3 of my pay check on an armchair?
OP posts:
Original poster
millerjane · 17/02/2020 10:44

First world problems I know, I'm very fortunate.

OP posts:
raspberryk · 17/02/2020 10:47

Yabu because on a salary in excess of 3k per month you should be paying rent and board.

GinDaddy · 17/02/2020 10:47

ok, good luck with whatever you decide

Original poster
millerjane · 17/02/2020 10:49

My parets refuse to charge rent. I pay for a food shop and a cleaner to help out.

I also perodically treat my parents to meals out, maniures etc

OP posts:
damnthatanxiety · 17/02/2020 10:53

raspberryk really is none of our business how the OPs parents run things. Good on you OP for finding a way to contribute. I would say go for it. It will last years and is not done frivolous purchase.

garbagegirl · 17/02/2020 10:55

Have some respect for yourself and for your parents and offer them rent. Life isn't a free ride and if you have a good job you should do the right and proper thing.

The armchair is ok. I like this one. £550 or the sherlock snuggle chair from Next

AIBU to spend 1/3 of my pay check on an armchair?
garbagegirl · 17/02/2020 10:56

cross post. I didnt see that an arrangement was in place already - maybe mention that in your op?

Ofitck · 17/02/2020 11:00

Your money your choice BUT yes a bit mad - lovely chair but a bit excessive!

This one is from ikea with a custom cover from soferia and is basically the same for around 250£. I also wanted a loaf snuggle seat but have small grubby children.

AIBU to spend 1/3 of my pay check on an armchair?
ElderAve · 17/02/2020 11:02

I think you should be saving as if you were paying rent i.e. pay your rent into a savings account, you'll never get a better opportunity to set your future up but even if you're doing that, with no other expenses £1000 for a chair should be affordable. My advice when buying anything would always be to buy the very best you can afford.

My sofa is more than 20 years old and we have no plans to replace it any time soon. It was expensive but much cheaper than buying lesser quality and replacing in 2-3 times in that period. I never pay less than £100 for work shoes but I only buy one pair a year, in fact, not always even that many.

Original poster
millerjane · 17/02/2020 11:06

Love how you've styled your chair, Ofitck.

My room needs an injection of colour otherwise I would opt for something a bit cheaper. I haven't been able to find the exact shade I want anywhere.

The chair I want also has a matching footstool which is key - I
picture rainy afternoons snuggling my dog with a book.

OP posts:
NotEverythingIsBlackandWhite · 17/02/2020 11:09

Not unreasonable at all to buy yourself a chair, whatever the cost, as long as you can afford it.
Totally unreasonable to lie to your parents.

You don't or shouldn't have to justify your expenditure to them. You are an adult. Just because you are lucky enough to live rent-free doesn't mean they control your finances and purchases.

bookiewook · 17/02/2020 11:09

Look on ebay, loads of bargains to be had.

annamie · 17/02/2020 11:10

AIBU to spend so much of my paycheck on a chair. I think it would make me immensely proud to know I've been able to buy something special for myself/through my own hardwork.

Are you taking the piss, OP? There are people struggling to pay for food and you want a pat on your back for sponging off mum and dad and blowing £1k out of £3k salary on a chair?

Grow up.

Original poster
millerjane · 17/02/2020 11:12

I was suicidal at university (not looking for sympathy as I have recovered). Didn't think I would make it this far i.e decent job/graduated - that's what I meant when I said I would feel proud everytime I looked. at it. Didn't mean to offend.

OP posts:
pinksquash13 · 17/02/2020 11:18

It's your money so spend it as you like. Don't feel bad. You earned it.

Ofitck · 17/02/2020 11:19

Everyone has their treats. My first pay check was a mulberry handbag which I still have and feel proud of, 15 years on!

Thank you OP! If you do like my ikea chair and are not just being kind and polite, have a look at soferia.com at the fabrics on offer there. They send free samples out and I nearly went for mustard and it is a gorgeous deep colour, their velvets are very good! Wink

BecauseReasons · 17/02/2020 11:20

Are you in America, OP (I'm purely going on your use and spelling of 'pay check')? I think professional jobs over there do generally have a larger salary. Not that it matters really, you are still not being unreasonable to buy the chair.

ElderAve · 17/02/2020 11:20

Realy Annamie, no one should take pride in their car/house/clothes because not everyone is as fortunate?

Ofitck · 17/02/2020 11:22

PS the Ikea one also has a footstool. I realise I now sound like I work for them. I just really love my chair and wanted you to be in possession of all the facts! Grin

Ofitck · 17/02/2020 11:22

PS the Ikea one also has a footstool. I realise I now sound like I work for them. I just really love my chair and wanted you to be in possession of all the facts! Grin

ShellsandSand · 17/02/2020 11:23

I agree. You've earned it. Go for it. If you can shop around for cheaper then great but you shouldn't be made to feel bad for working hard.

katy1213 · 17/02/2020 11:24

Chairs like that look MUCH bigger and bulkier when you get them home than they ever do in the shop. Make sure you've thought of the scale before you buy.
Can't get over how many young adults think they go to work for pocket money and that somebody else pays their living costs. A food shop - that you'll eat - a cleaner - cleaning your mess - in exchange for a roof over your head/council tax/heating/maintenance etc etc. This is not being 'pretty independent' which is why you're still being treated as a child.

sweeneytoddsrazor · 17/02/2020 11:24

I see the be kind messages have been read and taken on board then. (And yes that is dripping with sarcasm). If the OPs parents dont want to charge her rent that is entirely up to them. If she helps out in other ways good for her.

dorisdog · 17/02/2020 11:29

Of course spend it on an amazing chair if you want. People blow that amount on all kinds of rubbish. A chair will last for decades.

waltzingparrot · 17/02/2020 11:29

Well if it's a quality piece and will last for decades, then yes - good investment. You can take it with you when you move.