Is A Custom Sofa Right For Me?

by Nick, Digital Specialist | February 12, 2020

Furniture that is customizable can be a great option for many families. But is it the right choice for you? Check out our list of pros and cons to help you decide.

We see this all the time: a client comes into our store looking for a new sofa, and he or she has certain requirements for a new piece. “It needs to be a certain size to fit in this spot,” they say. “I want it to look just like this sofa I saw in a magazine!” is another comment we’ve heard plenty of times. Another personal favorite is this: “I want one just like my old one, because that’s what I’m used to!”

These are all completely reasonable things to ask for, but it’s common that the “perfect” item just doesn’t exist. That’s where the option of the customizable sofa comes in handy- having the ability to pick all of the details means you can get exactly what you want. Sounds great! But there are some things to consider. Is custom right for you?

Pros

• No compromise: The ability to pick and choose your design details means that you can get exactly what you’re looking for in a sofa, without having to settle for anything. If you have a list of a list of five things that you need out of a new couch, would you rather have all five, or settle for maybe three of them?

• Priorities: Every shopper has different priorities. A young family might prioritize durability over style, while that young family’s parents might choose something more fashionable. A one-size-fits-all sofa won’t work for everybody- a custom sofa allows everyone to address their own issues.

• Construction: This isn’t true across the board, but generally speaking, custom pieces tend to be built better. They tend to be built with better materials and construction techniques. It makes sense to invest in something that will last longer.

• Pride: You are the one that picked everything out, so you get to be the one to accept all the praise when your company raves about how good it looks. If you’ve ever thought that you have the skills to design it yourself, now is the time to put them to use!

Cons

• Cost: Custom furniture will always cost more than ready-made furniture. Some manufacturers will save money by making a million of the same sofa in one or two fabrics. Manufacturers that offer custom sofas have to keep more materials and fabrics in stock, and have to be made to order each time.

• Lead Time: If you’re the kind of person who requires instant gratification, custom furniture may not be for you. Custom orders usually require a minimum of four weeks’ lead time, and some manufacturers may take ten weeks or more from production to delivery. It’s your decision whether the perfect piece is worth the wait.

• Decision Making: Many times, people get overwhelmed by the number of options they have to choose from. If you’re not good at making decisions, you might need to enlist the help of your salesperson, a designer, or a trusted friend to help make up your mind.

• Returns: Many times, returning a sofa that you’ve customized is difficult or impossible. Make sure you’re comfortable with your choices, and don’t let a salesperson pressure you into making a decision if you’re not ready. Also, ask what the store’s return or cancellation policy is on a custom piece.

A custom sofa can be a great solution for many living rooms, but make sure to take the time to consider your options before making the commitment. There are a lot of customizable options out there- don’t be afraid to take your time and ask questions!