I find myself undergoing a company sponsored relocation for the second time in 12 months. Not too dissapointed about it, they're giving me a reasonably generous allowance to furnish/equip a new flat.
My current problem is my sofa. My current one is quite old and worn, and probably wont survive the relocation. With that in mind, the relocation company has agreed to take it and dispose of it, should i wish. Saves them the insurance malarkey when its opened up the other side and is in bits.
Ive been sofa hunting a few times over the past few days. Since im a big fellow, i was after one of those larger sofas. The width has to be enough for someone 6ft to lie down comfortably without head or feet hanging over the edge, and the depth ahs to be enough for Mr J2488 and Mrs J2488 to spoon in comfort whilst watching the Star Wars collection. Having the Mrs fall off the edge will not be conducive to a good Star Wars evening. My personal preference is for an L-shaped sofa.
I found a good one, comfortable and the right size, in Otto's, and its within budget to boot (i want to spend less then 1300Fr). Im worried about the quality of furniture from there though. Ive had mixed reports. Some people saying its brilliant stuff, others saying avoid at all costs. I was wondering of any of the EFers had experience of Otto's furniture, and what they thought.
Also, if you have suggestions on where else i can consider looking for a sofa, hit me!
Otto's furniture, (along with Ikea, Fly, Conforama, etc.), is made in China. It is not good quality. It will not appreciate in value. It will not survive more than two moves. It will be in the local landfill inside of 15 years.
However, if this is the sofa that you like and that fits your needs, buy it. Life is way too short to worry about a sofa. If you like it, buy it.
We got rid of hour sofa when we moved recently and it was still in excellent condition even nought it was over 30 years old. It was good enough for the Protestant charity to take it off our hands to sell in their shop.
We got it from my mum when she downsized and needed a smaller one and my parents had bought it in the late seventies/early eighties. It had been reupholstered once but it was a really really comfy sofa.
I guess modern sofas are not built to last if 7 years is it's lifespan.
We bought the mezzanine bed with a desk and little closet included there for our son and it's still holding well. It's about the same quality as ikea, is say.
Try www.hiob.ch to find a store near you. They’re second-hand places, but get some good stuff in at really low prices. We bought 2 two-seater sofas just before our move a few years ago for CHF100 each. Still going strong and you wouldn’t know they were second-hand.
And before anyone jumps in - “yes, you do now because I told you.”
You will most likely be moving jobs again within 2 years, so you won't be wearing the sofa out! All the cheaper sofas are fine for 5 years, provided you don't do naughty things on it too often. Just buy what takes your eye.