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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:
independentfriend · 17/02/2020 17:19

I don't think buying an armchair you like and can afford to buy is unreasonable, even if it looks expensive - it'll last for ages.

I do think you should consider practically how you're going to get an armchair from the entrance to your bedroom and make sure the one you like will fit around the corners/up the stairs etc.

And, I think you should consider how much enjoyment you'll get from a lovely armchair vs. extra savings towards eventually moving out. I can't tell from your post if you're basically happy living with your parents or if it's something of a gilded cage. If you do move out to say, a small flat, is the chair going to be difficult to move with you or would it have to stay at your parents' house until you have a bigger flat/house?

motherheroic · 17/02/2020 17:42

Why are people so upset that her parents refuse to take rent. Not your business. Not your problem.

motherheroic · 17/02/2020 17:43

You have to make sure you're actually going to use the arm chair. I bought an expensive armchair that I had BIG plans for. And it ended up being a clothes hanger really.

HaveAtEm · 18/02/2020 07:00

I love that chair OP...I have a similar one (might even be the same if it's from Loaf?)

Feather filled and so comfortable! Buy it...it's going to last for years and you'll take it with you when you do eventually move 👍

HaveAtEm · 18/02/2020 07:05

@motherheroic I know right? None of their concern! I'd never charge my children rent, but they did contribute in other ways when they lived at home and they saved each month. I'd have encouraged a splurge like this though, as there is something tangible at the end.

plantingandpotting · 18/02/2020 07:10

It's gorgeous. Go for it.

It's also a classic style, so will last and come with you when you move.

I look at my first big purchases with a lot of fondness.

Apirateslifeforme · 18/02/2020 07:18

Like PP have said, just make sure that itll fit.
When we moved into this house we were foolhardy in not measuring the size of the smallest part of the stairs (our living room is up a set of stairs!) And we couldn't bloody fit the sofa we bought up there.
Otherwise, I think you should go ahead, your parents are accepting what they want from you so I wouldn't worry too much about that, just make sure you're saving for your future, as that's why I will be taking from DD when shes older, to give back when she wants to start a life independent of us.

Rosesarere · 18/02/2020 07:22

I think it's a great idea to spend your first paycheck on something you really want, you will remember how hard you worked for it everytkme jfs sag on, lovely chair too

NemophilistRebel · 18/02/2020 07:25

It’s the loaf one - sit on it first, it’s not as comfy as I was hoping

Downunderduchess · 18/02/2020 07:25

Buy it, enjoy it.

Sickofrain · 18/02/2020 08:20

It's your money, spend it how you choose.

I do think you should really try to get your parents to accept some rent money though.

Merlotmum85 · 18/02/2020 08:51

Go for it! Make this your big 'splash out' purchase and then save save save whilst you are in such a good situation to do so.

Mistlewoeandwhine · 18/02/2020 08:54

Buy whatever you want. You’ve earned it. Also if you get something perfect, it’ll bring you joy for years and years.

Shmithecat2 · 18/02/2020 08:54

YANBU to buy the chair. Quality furniture can last for years and years, worth investing in when you think about cost per use!

YA also NBU about not having to pay rent. I wouldn't charge my ds either. He's my child, not a source of income.

AnuvvaMuvva · 18/02/2020 09:08

Find one you love. You have to absolutely love it at the start to even barely tolerate it 10 years on. In armchairs and husbands.

Things I bought in my first job as a treat or big splurge, I've still got 30 years later. Including a Tiffany bracelet and an M&S coat that was really expensive (for me).

I'd say do it but I'd be honest about the price. I don't understand why you'd feel you had to be deceitful.

paintedfences · 18/02/2020 18:47

I bought a £300 Anthropologie quilt and had only money for food and bus to work for two weeks, and I earned a pittance at the time. Worth it IMO - I understand op.

Rosspoldarkssaddle · 18/02/2020 19:41

There are loads of these and corner sofas on ebay and facebook market at the moment. Makes you wonder why?..

Fluffy40 · 18/02/2020 20:08

I saved up for a month and bought a lovely stereo, buy whatever you want.

Shannith · 18/02/2020 20:14

I bought am armchair and footstool for £3.5k 9 years ago.

Ex DP had to walk away when I paid. It was my money.

I still love it and it makes me smile every day.

It looks great alongside my Freecycle furniture!

Shannith · 18/02/2020 20:16

Sorry, was so busy stealth boasting that I forgot to say buy it.

It's the kind of thing that makes sense if you sit on it every day for years and years and it makes you happy.

Doggyperson · 18/02/2020 20:24

Is it a John Sankey chair? I bought one years ago for £50 in a charity shop, I love it!

Your money, just buy it.

Franticbutterfly · 18/02/2020 21:29

No way! Buy it! I often buy unusual items for the home that I could get for cheaper if I went bog standard Ikea, but I really think about it, and only buy stuff I really love. I visited my dining chairs several times over a year before I bought them and they are so cool, they give me a lot of joy.

LaurieMarlow · 18/02/2020 21:35

This place is unbelievable sometimes.

Your money OP. Spent it how you like. That chair is fabulous.

RippleEffects · 18/02/2020 21:42

What sort of dog will you be snuggling with?

It's a gorgeous chair and looks like it'd be lovely to snuggle on. I bought a chair for my final year at uni as my first big furniture purchase - I worked year three in industry. It made me feel very grown up. Well worth every penny as every time I sat in it, i felt proud. Emotional value per use was very high.

Now 20 years on as a mum with three children and an aged Cavalier King Charles Spaniel I look and think im not sure thats machine washable. Our dog is an old girl, currently in season and not keeping herself very clean - everything is covered in blankets and washable. I'm fine with that, it's part of life. That very lovely chair looks more like a dry clean job and if that is possible, then just the cushions which may well then end up a different colour to the arms.

Chocolate1984 · 18/02/2020 21:46

Buy what you like. I’ve wasted money on worse.