AIBU to ask you to help me choose between 2 sofas? (with photos)

[Summerbreeze111]

Hi everyone,

Myself and dp have been trying to choose a sofa for way too long, and we really need to get something ordered asap! We are toying between two sofas. I have included some pros and cons, I would be so grateful if you could help me choose!

Choice 1

www.sofology.co.uk/sofas/dakota?code=SKU000962537

(3 seater fabric chaise with the additional option of a power recliner and headrest)

Pros
-From a large well known company
-We have tried the sofa in store and found it comfortable
-We like the fact that it has both a recliner chair and a chaise chair, the recliner in particular has a headrest that moves and I think will be comfortable for visitors (we have quite a few tall family members who would appreciate a higher back)

Cons
-Reviews are a very mixed bag for the company, not uncommon that delays have occured due to the fact the product is being shipped from China and some bad reviews about the quality of their products
-Lack of confidence in the business, therefore lack confidence that any potential issues in the future, such as problems with the power recliner would be swiftly addressed
-Prefer the look/style of choice 2, material seems less stain free friendly than below

Choice 2

rowenhomes.com/products/olivia-platinum-luxury-medium-corner-sofa?_pos=1&_sid=0f4d60598&_ss=r&variant=39915805180062

Pros
-Smaller business, better reviews across the company as a whole (a much smaller company than sofology, and has only been trading a few years so not loads of reviews re; sofas)

• Prefer the colour options and style
• British made sofa and express delivery available

-Optional foot stool available that fits into the inside the L shape making a very cosy sofa/bed -Material seems more sturdy for cleaning and stain free (Easy Clean Quality)

Cons
-Online store only, so we cannot try it out in person - a big gamble?
-More expensive
-Back cushion is made from Quallofil fibre so will likely need regular plumping

We have looked for a while at many other options, but we find many sofas have a really low back and my dp is very tall so he does not find them comfortable. We also don't want a corner that blocks light as the sofa will be positioned not too far away from patio doors and don't want to block any light with a side chair/chaise so the low side arm rests are definitely a bonus!

I really welcome your thoughts and opinions, so please feel free to reply on here with your wisdom, as well as vote!

So Choice 1 (vote yes)

or Choice 2? (vote no)

(or neither ha!)

I don't like either of them (sorry!) but you say Prefer the look/style of choice 2, material seems less stain free friendly than below. So I would rule out choice 1.

Never buy a sofa you haven't sat on. It can me a very uncomfortable mistake

I really don't like either. The studs on the second one are a bit dated, and the style of the first one is just... odd. Strange design choice by Sofalogy there.

I should have said - option 2 comes without the studs!

I loveee the second one!!!

I prefer the second with the option of the footstool.

I don't like either one, but the first is particularly awful 😬

Does the recliner work for tall people. In my sons experience some don't as his legs are too long/heavy so it doesn't stay reclined.

Love the 2nd one. Not a fan of the first

2nd one

I would go for the second one.

I don't like the first at all. The second is ok but I really dislike corner sofas, so on that basis neither for me.

Ive got a recliner at the moment and tbh id buy a foot stool over a recliner again.
The cushion has gone on my recliner so im left with uncomfortable metal bars sticking in the back of my legs.

Option 2 for me but id probably not buy without sitting on it first. Its a expensive mistake to make if you dont like it

Sorry I don't like either although the second will be better without the studs.

I don’t like either. The first one looks a bit medical like it might belong in a care home.

The second is better - definitely no studs.

One is awful looks like an office waiting room. Option 2 is passable without the studs but not great.

Oh no these responses aren't filling me with much confidence 🤣

I agree option 1 does look ugly doesn't it, especially in the paler colours that we want, but it was so comfy in the shop which is why we have been considering it, but we obviously wernt 100% thinking about it, to NOT to have ordered it and looking at other options.

I really like the comfort of the chaise but why are so many either so expensive and/or have such low backs. If anyone finds an alternative please share on here 🙊 we want a minimum of 90cm height ideally 🤔

First one - leather everytime.

The second one for me.

I'm a hefty lass and I would be worried about the dainty legs on option one. I’d have to remember to arrange myself prettily to sit down. Most days I just want to plonk because I’m exhausted.

I remember my ex flopping himself on my bed when he had too much of the drink.

The legs did not withstand the onslaught.

Does the photo we took in real life look as bad as the website? (Choice 1)

Hoping photo attaches to this!

If you choose the sofology one ensure you buy the insurance.

Mine were scratched by the cat, they couldn't repair so replaced to the full value with new sofas I chose.

I think it's ten percent of the value to insure. For me with pets and a child who spills everything it was a god send.

Option 1 is a bit naff looking to me, dated and not very stylish

Option 2 is more stylish, nicer lines but I dont like corner sofas

Im very keen on ensuring that a) you can try out the comfort in store and b) that covers are washable so on that basis I wouldnt choose either but of course your needs are different.

I ordered sofa from Sofology in November 2021, its still not here yet.

Fyi, Option 2 without the studs

(Small size, we are looking at medium)

I think you should keep looking until you find something you love. What matters is that you love your home and the things in it. Not what some randoms on the internet think.