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!)

This is a good point, Im on the 'heavy' side (very heavy) and buying a sofa is an eyeopener as some do have weight limits, which are less than me

If yourre quite overweight do double check this

I actually really like the first one, I love the retro style.

the second one is better without the studs but I think just a bit boring.

The first one is awful (sorry) with that double back cushion and the metal side trim.

The first one is hideous, sorry!

The second one is nice but very expensive for what it is IMO.

Sorry, dislike both. Blue is particularly unpleasant and two is dated.

Hi op, I would not buy a sofa that I hadn't sat on and lied on. That's a massive gamble. The height, depth, firmness etc is important and you don't want an uncomfortable sofa.

In terms of style that is subjective and sometimes the nicest looking sofa aren't the most comfortable!

I saw some beautiful sofology ones but the reviews were bad so I haven't bought a sofa yet.

If you are going for a fabric cover, make sure that it can be removed (and be aware sometimes zips are just for ease of fitting and doesn't actually mean they come off for cleaning, IIRC) because it doesn't matter what stain protection you get, it will get dirty after a few years. Even the arms. Especially the arms.
Also useful is if the seat cushions can be removed. Sometimes they get a bit saggy, we had to put an old kitchen unit door underneath to keep the thing in shape.
A velour-type fabric lasted better than a flat weave fabric for us. One seam kept fraying and I had to re-stitch a lot.
(Veteran of many sofas here)

Sofa 1 looks like the backseat of an old American classic car. Sofa 2 is less offensive, but looks a bit plain and square. Sofa 2 is much better without the studs though.

Don't like either, especially the spindly legs on no 1. I'd choose no 2 if I had to

I like sofa 1. It's a classic design.

I'm also heavy & short, so I'm not keen on legs on sofas. I want something solid & comfortable, not something that makes me wary. Plus even when I was tiny I wanted a sofa that felt cosy not perched on!

I'd never buy a sofa I hadn't sat on.

A friend bought a new huge corner sofa, it looks great! Massive &. Cosy. However, I find it very uncomfortable because the base seats are far too deep, it's a bit better when I can put my feet up, but I can't just sit on it or I end up like an upended tortoise.

2nd one, without the studs

Sorry, forgot to add that I bought a blue sofa (says green, but it’s blue!)
www.made.com/luciano-left-hand-facing-chaise-end-corner-sofa-marine-green-velvet
and live to regret it. I wish I went with a more neutral colour.
Also, don’t purchase without testing out comfort.

Do you have a Natuzzi shop near you?

They have flip up head rests and are very comfy.

I wouldn't have either of them but if I had to pick one, I'd say the 2nd one.

I dislike both, but if I had to chose - no.2 without the studs. Have you looked at Next? Their sofas really are lovely.

Yes this. It's potentially a very expensive mistake as well as an uncomfortable one.

Neither one for me I'm afraid. Both quite bland but the second one particularly so, plus I really can't stand these humongous corner sofas unless you live somewhere the size of a bowling alley.
Personally and if price is an issue I'd be looking for refurbished design classics. Not based in the UK but I constantly see ads e.g. for really gorgeous Ligne Roset ensembles sold by specialists when I'm browsing Ebay Classifieds in my area. I'm sure there must be something similar near where you are.

I don't like either. The metal bits on the first one make it a no for me and I don't like the second because of the studs snd the fact its got wide armrests.
(@Summerbreeze111 the photo of your OH reminds me of Mr. Daydream from the Mr Men books)

I recently bought a sofa I had never sat on and it is brilliant but that could be luck. I agree wholeheartedly with @Bluetrews25 I consider first and foremost practicality , you will have it a long long time. How will you clean it. Can you remove all covers and wash if needed yourself. Leather can crack and wear. The first one looks like a stylistic dream, the second far more practical.

Love the second and it looks way more comfortable

Option 1 doesn't look very practical. It's nice but looks only for sitting on.

Option 2 says to me.... cosying up under a throw for a nap on a winter's afternoon.

So on my in depth couch buying thoughts. I would vote for number 2.

OK so thanks to this thread decided against the two sofa options.

I have attached what we have now gone for after trying it out in store.

Please tell me we've made the better choice? 🤣🤣🤣 what do you think?

It is the next, gosford highback range from NEXT.

Has anyone got a next sofa, how did you find the fabric in terms of durability?

I don't like either. I find the random bits of metal really off putting. The shape of the second one is ok, but the studs are horrible. Sorry op.

Went for choice number 3, posted below!

Do you prefer that one? It was comfy in the shop =)