So we’ve made a decision.

We’re going with the Deep sofa below from Couch Seattle, though we’re going to switch out the wooden plinth underneath for mid-century style cone feet and the whole thing will be in buttery soft ivory leather. The leather was a bit of an indulgence, and in all honesty I’m not really a leather sofa person at all, but it did seem the most supremely practical option with a Minx in the house – our existing white slip-covered sofa really does look horrific nowadays.

We partly made this decision because this is one of the few sofas we were able to sit on and test – and goodness me is it comfortable – but also on the basis of a long email discussion with Ameer at Couch. That man knows his couches.

I’m reproducing one of his emails here as I believe the advice he gives might be useful to anyone else currently buying a sofa, but also because this sort of exemplary and helpful customer service really needs to be celebrated.

Over to Ameer (the below is his email in response to my previous sofa post). I’ve included mini-pics of the sofas he is referring to, so we can follow the argument.

‘It seems you want a modern or mid-century sofa that sits like a big lounger – which is a bit of a challenge. 

Mid-century styles like the Petrie and Jasper are a bit more upright.  Not familiar with how the Jasper sits but it mimics the depth and geometry of the Petrie so I assume they sit the same-which is to say well, but hardly plush, which is what you liked about my Deep model.   

For reference the Deep is 40″ while the Jasper and Petrie are both 36″- and the Deep features down blend in the back and seat while neither the Petrie or Jasper do.  Styles like that are both all about the straightness of the line, which down would compromise. 

As for the 51 , the other style you scanned, I dig it but simply don’t dig it as much as the Deep.  Seeing both in person in California the Deep was a fair bit more modern and eye-catching.  I don’t think it’s necessarily rounder by any means than the Deep. 

The Rae and Nina are both nice looking but the Nina   is only 75″ wide, while the Ray looks from here like it sits stiff (and being only 32″ will sit quite shallow). 

The Danner is pretty (but again shallow) and undoubtedly well made but you’re paying maybe $1,500 to get the Adler label.  I could do the Nina and probably the Danner as well.  But since you’ve mentioned you want loungy comfort I might encourage you to look at options that include back pillows.

Byward is an awkward knock-off of a B&B Charles.  It looks awkward because the seat cushion is too fat by about an inch – and the back cushions need a touch of space between them so you can see the frame.  The Charles needs to be knocked off perfectly to look good.  An inch off here and an inch off there and it’s not so very pretty at all

Movie sofais good but CB2 quality isn’t quite the same as that of the CB main line – and the problem with a sofa like that is that you NEED lots of cushions to put behind you and while lots of throw pillows are nice to look at, they can drive one crazy trying to find the right arrangement on dvd night.  Sleek yet plush is really kind of a difficult thing to do. 

The Frigerio line at Limn is amazing yet Italian made with prices to match.  Restoration Hardware has some great designs, but perhaps a little too traditional for your taste and they’re overpriced and Chinese built.  Kasala and Alchemy are always options for some contemporary styling, but you undoubtedly visited since they’re both on the same street I am.  Hmmm.  Given your parameters I dunno where’d I’d get a sofa if I didn’t get it from me. 

If I didn’t have 10k for Frigerio (which I don’t) I’d probably go for a Steele from CB (whic h would fit with your room aesthetic).  It’s got a nice sleek look and in my opinion sits better than the Petrie.

I’m also of the mind that the aggressively mid century style of the Petrie won’t age as well as a more updated style like the Steele. You could also get the Steele in time for your parents in a suitable fabric since it’s stocked in a nubby polyester.  The Petrie is stocked in a cotton which just isn’t the right call for you given the Minx.  To change out the cotton to the leather on the Petrie you’re going to be waiting till well after your parents have come and gone. 

I’m going through my databanks here for a good source for a deep, stylish, plush, sofa and coming up blank. 

Best I can do is the CB Lounge   which is stocked in a stain resistant poly velvet.  Yup, that’s my story and I’m sticking to it –  though that one is 46″ deep so will have a large footprint in a not so very wide room.  I really did try!

To answer your question I’ve got the exact spec for both the Petrie, Jasper, and Movie but I’m not in love with any of them.  I’ll take another look at my resources and see if I can’t suggest a couple others.  For a really progressive piece that looks fantastic and sits well, I really am a big fan of the Deep.  I think it would look right at home in one of my neighboring boutiques at 3x the price. 

ameer