Monday, February 23, 2009

The Sofa Wars

LBeau and I once had a sofa that we both loved. When I spotted it in Macy's furniture showroom about 15 years ago, I knew I wanted it in my home.

It was comfortable, I loved the fabric, and LBeau didn't object to the pink roses. The fabric was called "Queensland Crimson" and was very popular at the time. I have seen it in other homes on everything from cushions and window treatments to duvet covers. You can see it in this picture (and I even get a chance to show off my grandson).

The sofa served us well, but about two years ago I began to think it was looking a little "tired." The color was fading, and the cording was just beginning to wear. Working with the colors in a new chair that we had recently purchased, I began looking at fabrics with the help of my decorator friend Connie. We weren't sure if we were going to cover "Queensland Crimson" or go with something new, but we needed a plan.

One day on a buying trip to Market in Atlanta, Connie took me into a showroom where you could select a sofa, pick out a fabric and have it shipped to you. I found a sofa I liked, and I could get it in the fabric I had already selected, so on impulse I ordered it. Big mistake, as you will soon see. In another showroom, we even found window treatments I could order in a fabric that worked perfectly with the other things I had picked out for pillows and a topper for a skirted table.

When the sofa arrived a couple of months later, LBeau hated it from day one. Keep in mind that LBeau never sits on the sofa, but he does like to nap on it frequently. Growing up, my boys were always afraid they would come in with friends and find LBeau asleep on the sofa in his boxers and sunglasses. He said that the new sofa was too hard and too narrow and was trying to throw him onto the floor. Although I kept it to myself, I didn't think the sofa was as comfortable as the one in the showroom, but I also thought it probably needed to be broken in. I figured if I waited him out, LBeau would come around.

It didn't happen. One day a sales circular arrived from Macy's. LBeau spotted a leather sofa that he thought might work, and he wanted me to look at it. He had always wanted a leather sofa, so I reluctantly agreed. Fortunately, it worked with the new pillows, window treatments and table topper.

So the "market" sofa now sits in my basement. I still think it looks nicer than the leather sofa, but looks aren't everything, and some battles you just can't win.


Now that you know the story of "The Sofa Wars" you can hop on over to Between Naps on the Porch where you'll find links to other Befores and Afters.

15 comments:

santamaker said...

It's nice to give and take. That's what makes a marriage work!

Deanie Rae's Space said...

I LOVE THE LEATHER SOFA. IS IT COMFORTABLE? BLESSINGS, DEANIE

Stacey said...

Really I think a big leather sofa is every man's dream. We have to let them have their way sometimes. It's very classy!

Chandy said...

My dh would love that leather sofa, but our sofa wars will have to continue when we get a house. Great story!

Carolyn of What Now? Tablescapes

Susie Q said...

So this is the name of that fabric! I have it on my sofa also...there are abotu 5-7 different fabrics on it and that is on the seat cushions and a couple of the back ones...YAY! It has a name. Any idea of the mfr?

KBeau said...

The Queensland Crimson fabric is by P. Kaufman.

Kat said...

I really like the sofa that you ordered, but if it doesn't work for everyone . . . Glad you found a compromise that you could both live with. It really is a lovely sofa and it does work well with the pillows. Just hope it's comfortable or that basement is going to get mighty crowded! Kathy

janet said...

so true, comfort does have to come first or it just wont work. I think your leather sofa is also lovely and if its comfy that is what matters.
hugs
janet

Tracy said...

I love the sofa you picked out, but the leather one has a great look, and if it doesn't throw him off, then it's worth the compromise!

momma said...

the sofa wars! i love it!!! my husband wants a leather couch, too. for now, it is just a dream.

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

I love that leather sofa, and your grandson is precious! I bet that sofa will last forever, and it is a classic. (Don't you just hate it when they are right?) laurie

xinex said...

Personally, I like the leather sofa. It is very practical...Christine

Chari at Happy To Design said...

Hello...

Just wanted to stop by your place to say thank you for coming by my little frenchy studio/office and thank you for your sweet comments!!! Well, this is my very first time to visit your blog...it's so very nice to meet you!!!

Just wanted to say that I love all 3 of your sofas! The two fabric sofas have beautiful fabrics and I know what you mean about leather...I finally broke down and bought 2 oversized leather chairs for our living room for watching TV, etc. The leather sure is comfortable!!! Your leather sofa looks fabulous in your living room and I love your pretty decorative sofa pillows (especially the rooster)!

Please come back by anytime...you're always welcomed!

Warmest wishes,
Chari

Unknown said...

The pink flowers are gone!? SAY NOT SO!!!

LBeau was right, that was a very comfortable sleeping sofa.

I like my leather recliners, but the next ones will be cloth. The leather's old in the winter, warm in the summer. And, like every other man, I had always wanted leather. The good news is, it's very easy to keep clean (and keep free of dog hair. I wonder how the dog hair gets into the chairs???).

Kathy said...

I love pink AND roses, but you leather sofa IS very nice. We just got new furniture and I barely escaped the leather sofa - this time!
xo...Kathy