The Search for the Perfect Sofa

After the long-winded search for the perfect couch we finally found it. First let’s talk about our old couch; you remember the one, the college loveseat that you bought because your roommate was buying one. It made sense. You would both buy a loveseat, not too big, not to small, and you can each take one when you move. Five years later this beige, lumpy, stained, bulky, cat-clawed, cushion-spitting loveseat just isn’t cutting it. Not to mention that two seats are certainly not enough for two adults, a dog, and two cats to all sit comfortably. Not to mention that we’re lazy couch sitters; mostly laying on each other instead of sitting upright.

See what I mean? We needed something cleaner and lighter.

When we started our couch search we debated either getting another loveseat or upgrading to a couch. We wanted more seating but our tiny 1-bedroom apartment is not terribly accommodating for space. If you would have asked us 6 months ago we were going to get a chesterfield style sofa. I dreamily stared at the Petite Kensington from Restoration Hardware.

Restoration Hardware - Petite Kensington - Starting at $1,950

The quilted, pin-tucked, and classic look was just what we were wanting. If you asked us 4 months ago, we were beginning to open up our search. IKEA had much more affordable couches but you have to find one that is of good quality. IKEA is hit or miss when it comes to quality materials and construction. We visited a few times, sat on the test sofas and decided we liked the Karlstad. It had a clean simple look that our lumpy loveseat just didn’t provide. Plus you could change the covers! 

IKEA - Karlstad Sofa in Isunda Gray - $499

After a few more visits, and a few glances at the size our car, we realized we would also have to tack on home delivery despite IKEA being only a few miles from our apartment. We weren't sold.

If you asked us 3 months ago, well, West Elm’s couches look pretty nice. 

West Elm - Henry Sofa - Starting at $799

West Elm's are similar to the look of the Karlstad. Clean and simple but it seemed bulky reminding us too much of what we already had.

If you had asked us only a month ago, I was HANDS-DOWN SOLD on Schoolhouse Electric’s Jack Loveseat in Nubby Tweed. If only that price was in our price range. We even took a visit in person and talk about luxury. This couch was not only comfy but also so unbelievably perfect for what we wanted. But that price tag…

Schoolhouse Electric - Jack Loveseat in Nubby Tweed - $1,950

We couldn’t justify spending that much on a loveseat.

Come to about two weeks ago when my husband happened upon the IKEA website again and we see that there are new couch styles fit for the new year. Upon seeing the new Ekenaset sofa (yes, sofa) for $399 we couldn’t help but go check it out in person.

IKEA - Ekenaset Sofa - $399

It looks a lot like the Schoolhouse Electric loveseat spare a few structural differences, the open arms, the fabric quality as a whole, but for the most part it evoked the same feel and style we wanted. Clean, simple, and a vague 70s feel. The real test was the sit test though and it passed. Firm but comfy. At that price tag we couldn’t say no and ended up walking out with the couch that same day. We pushed it as far into my little car as my folded down seats and small trunk would allow. We then strapped the open trunk lid down to the box and began our trek back to the apartment. We figured the hard assembly part was still to come but to our surprise this sofa was almost entirely intact! All the assembly we had to do was attach the back cushions to the bottom cushions and then attach the legs. Easy. The only issue we ran into during construction was a few slightly misaligned holes but with a little effort we got it all secured. So far we are completely happy with our purchase and it really ties our room together. 

(Although if I had a spare $1,551 then we would have most definitely purchased the Schoolhouse Electric sofa. Maybe one day!)