Old sofa/new sectional debate.

Okay, I am having a bit of a ...well, I guess you could say it's a decorating dilemma...or, maybe it's a budget dilemma...or both. I'm not quite sure.

Remember my sofa? The one I bought at the thrift shop way back when? Ya, that one. Slipcovered in that yummy fabric... I love it, I really do. Anyway, I love the way it looks, but I am not sure if I love the way it looks in my new home. You see, when I lived in my one story cottage on Norman Drive, the sofa was the perfect size for the living room, along with my two slip covered cottage chairs.

Now that I live in a three story town home with the very large great room, I am not sure that the sofa is the right size for the room.It's a little hard to photograph the entire room...here is what you see as you enter the room from the long entry hall..
From this stand point it's fine. But, as you enter the room, I feel like it looks a bit lost in the room. (not ridiculously lost, just a bit...undersized, maybe? Maybe not? Maybe I just want a new project?)
Here's the debate- I am feeling like the large living room here might need one of these (in khaki, butter, or natural)... All cozy and inviting, with ample seating, and large enough to make a statement in the ample sized room...hmmm? I like the idea of this style- more of an updated twist on my vintage eclectic...but, at the same time, I feel like the look is just so...contemporary. I know I could personalize it with a throw and some great toss pillows, but, in the end, will I feel like it looks too..expected?

**Oh! I should tell you at this point that if I were to buy a new sectional, I'd sell my vintage slip covered sofa when I do the window display at Camas Antiques,(what a great display that would make!!!) and this could very nearly pay for the new sectional, as long as I get it on sale, which is the budget part of my quandary.**

So...please help me out here. I'd love to hear your opinion, as I am torn right down the middle on this one. What are your thoughts?

Comments

[Missy Ann]

It could work. I personally love the look you have now but I understand wanting something bigger. And I certainly can not gainsay your choice - I have the exact same couch picked out from Thomasville for my living room - when budget allows. ;)

[Jo]

I personally like the look now as well. Could you put another sofa similar to mimic a sectional? It would give you the seating w/o being "expected"

[Nancy]

Either would be beautiful with your touch but personally, I am not a fan of sectionals. Could you maybe add another cushy chair at the end of the couch to take up some empty space? Just a thought...it could be that I just wish I had your vintage couch, lol. You have such a talent...I'm always so happy to see new posts from you!

[mary]

I would go with a sectional, they are cozy and comfy and you can personalize it with alot of pillows. When I lived in a condo and had one it served as a division between the living and dining area which was one large space, and yet it still allowed a visual openness. I have a very electic style with alot of collections and it fit perfectly with everything else. It is a more modern twist, but seeing your other pieces I think would look wonderful.

[Brenda Nicholson]

I vote for the sectional. Sometimes you have to let the house tell you what it needs. When we moved from a cozy old colonial to a contemporary home with 16 foot ceilings, the sofa and chairs we had no longer worked. We ended up buying something bigger with more of a presence and it worked.

[Vicki K]

The old one looks charming. However, you have little grandchildren who will grow and hopefully you will have more and how much fun will that be to have all your little grandchildren over for movies and popcorn and getting cozy with enough space for everyone!

You will be able to make it look your style - I know for sure.

[Terry]

I vote sectional...would work better with your new digs!

[tina]

Since you asked, I'm going to give you my HONEST opinion. I love how you decorate and your cottagey/vintage look. I don't think the sectional ties into that. To me, and maybe it's just from the pictures, but the room doesn't look that big (I mean not overwhelmingly big) and I like that you have the different seating areas.

If you were to go for something new, maybe a larger sofa, or sofa loveseat in something a little more cottagey looking? Here the vintage sofas like you have are seen quite often on Craigs List. Maybe they go for alot more in your area (I think the cost of living is probably a good bit higher there), I don't think you'd get enough for a new sofa (or a good chunk of it).

But if you do decide to go for something new, I agree that the perfect time to try to sell the old sofa would be when you do the window display.

tina

[tina]

Oooh I should have read the other comments before I posted mine! I like the idea of two sofas!

Also, I hate to see you change YOUR style for the style of the townhome. Another consideration would be how long you plan to live there.

Let us know what you decide!

[Betsy Derr]

What about two slip-covered Ikea couches flanking the fireplace, facing one another, with the chairs facing the fireplace on the end? Those slip-covered couches are great (e.g. Cindy's at My Romantic Home), inexpensive, cute and washable.

[Joanne Kennedy]

NO! Don't go modern. Your place is so cute because it looks romantic and charming. A big ol' sofa would look like a family lives there and while they are comfortable they are big and chunky. Keep what you have. There is nothing wrong with not filling up every bit of space in a room.

Hugs,
Joanne

[Mom in High Heels]

I don't like the sectional at all. It's far too modern for you. I'd add another chair or a table or small open bookcase, but not a sectional.

[pogonip @ meadowsweet cottage]

I like the comfort of a sectional, but I sofas and chairs have more flexibility and I love to rearrange things to keep them fresh. Is it possible to put something taller behind your sofa to give it more heft and presence?

I'm enjoying how your new space evolves!

[Suzanne]

I am no help at all. I would never go modern; but understand that sometimes a modern space, calls for modern furniture. I prefer the two sofa ideas some people have given. Plus, I think there must be some over-stuffed, cottagey, looking sofas out there, which would be much nicer than a sectional. I think you need something fat, like a well-loved teddy bear, that looks like he's been around a while. But what do I know...

[T]

Since you asked...I agree NO sectional for your beautiful home. I don't think it is so much that the charming sofa is too small, it's just that you don't have enough larger pieces around the sofa to balance it out. I would move the sofa back a little, place another sofa/loveseat in place of the upholstered rocker? and table to create an "L" shape and leave your checked chair facing the grouping. That will fill in that side of the room and help create a cozy sitting arrangement in front of the fireplace. Good luck! Whatever you decide I am sure it will look great.

[Linden Townhouse]

I have to agree with the "no" comments above. I personally am not a fan of secionals. A secional is almost a cliche today! They don't seem to fit your style, although I have to admit that you ARE living in a more contemporary space now. I like the idea of 2 sofas. Keep your eye out on craigslist and be patient! I see fabulous sofas in my very large metro area on craigslist. Just my two cents....

[Linden Townhouse]

Oops! Left the "t" out of sectional twice!

[MJ Smith]

I would go with the sectional. Although what you have now looks great, I think down the road the sectional will be more functional and still look great!

[AJ Finsand]

hmmmm . . . . I'm just not 'feelin' the sectional; but I have NO DOUBT that YOU could 'make it work'. The biggest question is, Do you NEED all that seating? If so, go for it! would LOVE to see how you 'cottage up' such a modern looking piece.

HOWEVER, if it's JUST the size issue that you are bothered by, try 'beefing up the sofa' a bit and see how that works for you.

The stack of three suitcases on the one end works to add 'bulk' to the weight of the sofa in the room. Can you add a lamp on top to beef it up some more? Even if you can't plug that lamp in, the 'weight' it adds visually to the room setting could make a big difference.

Then something similarly on the other end of the sofa for balance and more bulk. And something BEHIND the sofa, a sofa back table, an old wood GATE, a folding screen??? Just anything to create more 'weight' for the sofa in the room.

I'd play around with what you have in the home right now before going out and buying a new sofa.

ALTHOUGH, having a spot to sell the current sofa is a bit tempting to 'go for it'!

Whatever you decide, have FUN!!!

aj

[Nancy]

I understand - I never liked sectionals but lately have been attracted to them...and my style is somewhat similar to yours. I'd check Craigslist. I live in Austin - CL heaven. Sectionals are expensive to move so people just sell them instead and you can get them dirt cheap. Plus - I've no doubt you can "make it work"!

[Dee]

I could hardly believe my eyes when I saw this blog today since I have been wrestling with the exact same issue. Having seen some nice sectionals in ads lately, I have been thinking about one. Several years ago, though, I bought a contemporary sofa and loveseat and regretted it. So I have been thinking about that a lot and after seeing all these responses, I have made up my mind to forget a sectional. Thanks ladies! lol

Your home is lovely. I would go with the two sofa idea or possibly add another chair. Could you perhaps put the chair by the bookcase at the end of the sofa by the luggage and add one long or even two smaller sized ottomans in the area under the windows? They are great for extra seating.

[Nancy]

Love the look with the vintage suitcases...maybe if you keep the sofa you have you could add something on the other end. But I like the idea of out with the old in with the new. Ya know...new city, new home, new job, new boyfriend so why not a new look in this great new room. Whatever you decide I will love it, as I love everything you share with the world.
Nancy in So Cal

[judy]

I would suggest a sofa table behind the sofa you have.With a tall vase/grouping behind give the room a break/height in the center.
Maybe add one more chair in the room but I don't see a sectional in your home.
j

[momstheword]

Personally, I don't like a sectional because it's so very limiting. It really leaves you with very little decorating options, other than moving it from one direction to another. I prefer being able to move my furniture around.

Of course, maybe you could get a sectional that you could break apart, so to speak.

The other thing I see is that a sectional wouldn't seem to fit in with your style of decorating. It's pretty much a modern thing.

However, I know that you could make it work for you if that's what you really want.

Perhaps if you got a love seat you could position it like a sectional, but have the ability to move it around too. Do you like wicker? (Decorating is really not my speciality, so have no idea how wicker would look with that sofa, unless it was the vintage wicker and painted black or something).

This is all pretty much what you've already heard but thought I'd add my two cents worth, lol!

[Carol]

My vote? "No" on the sectional. The juxtaposition of it with all of your beautiful vintage accessories just doesn't seem to work, in my opinion.

[Cyndi]

Hello from sunny Reno! Tracey, I can't believe that you're actually thinking of buying something so contemporary, although I have no doubt you'd add your own twist of vintage to it. In that case, go for it! They do look so comfy and would be great for the grand kids to jump around on (as we all know they do!). See what's available on craigslist; I'm sure you can get a good deal. I also believe adding another vintage looking love seat will work, if you don't go the sectional route.

[kathy]

Well beings you asked, I'd stay with the lovely, cozy slipcovered sofa you have now. I really dislike sectionals. I'm not a fan of big bulky furniture. I feel all the attention would go to the big sectional sofa. Someone mentioned watching tv with grandchildren. They make such nice large pillows that can be thrown down for the kids when you need them. They would look really great in one of your accent colors. The other thing that struck me was I don't think it's the sofa that may give you the feeling it's floating there I believe...in my humble opinion...what you need is a charming rug under the coffee table that would kind of pull the area together. I LOVE your sofa!! Of course I'd never let a lazy boy over the threshold of this house haha. I mean do people really want to announce I'm lazy...ok that's an other pet peeve.

Best,
Kathy

[Tami E.]

I agree that the sectional is too modern for your whole vintage cottage look. Besides, they are miserable to move around and reconfigure when you want a new layout. Too big, too modern. I would use the dresser (the one you had on your patio in Reno) or one like it and use it as a sofa table behind the sofa you have and beef up what you already have with accessories. Besides...who doesn't need another surface to merchandise? :-)

[Deputy's Wife]

Recently I was furniture shopping for a new sofa. My space is too small for a sectional, but they had some beautiful ones there. I was not big on sectionals until I had seen some of the new styles. They also carried some that are not as oversized as some of the older ones are. I think one would look perfect in your space.

I know you are a busy person, but if you have some time, could you take a picture of that back wall with all the mirrors??? I am in a full remodel and was thinking of doing something similar. From the picture above, it looks wonderful!!!

[Lindy]

But what is Tracey's style? I don't know about Tracey, but my style changes constantly! I hate to get stuck in a rut, going from country to shabby chic to modern to traditional to cottage back to country....etcetera. It's not good to confine yourself. Grow!
And I hate sectionals. We had one and it has now been delegated to the garage for storage and a kid leaves home and needs it. I found it "messy".

[Joanne B.]

Thinking out loud here- No on the sectional! That type of sofa is a dime a dozen. Your present sofa has character,even though it doesn't look as cozy as a fluffy new sectional might. How is the comfort level of your present sofa? That should be a consideration. If YOU think it's comfoortable then I would stick with it. Can you scootch the coffe table and the sofa up closer to the fireplace and make that area more intimate and then maybe add a sofa table behind hte sofa? or how about a desk? Sort of have different areas within the same room. Is your tv in the armoire behind the sofa? That is not practical at all for watching tv, so maybe in this case a sectional would allow you to have 2 focal points- the fireplace and the tv/armoire. Whatever you decide- you will make it work! If you can do it with minimal $$$ wouldn't that be the best plan of all?

[Marie]

Oh, I don't like the thought of a sectional for you at all! You have such a lovely style with your vintage inspired furnishings. Love, love your slipcovered sofa. I agree with the others who suggest some other tweakings. Your description of a sectional as being "expected" is exactly what I object to here for you. It is just BECAUSE you do not go with the "expected", that the masses cave into(who do not have
your style and great taste), that I can't warm up to this idea. Keep doing what you
do sooooooo well, Tracey! Your new home looks lovely. Marie

[Jan]

I can totally see the new sectional in your new home. The old slipped cover sofa looks out of place. Cute, but out of place.

[Ann]

Agree with the no sectional. When we bought our new home we got all new furniture since our old furniture didn't fit right. We bought a new sofa & love seat, new coffe tables(big), lamps etc. Our high ceilings required new (big)art for the walls. If we moved again I would sell everything and start over with the new home. You can still buy new furniture and keep your cottage style. I just don't think the section is your style.

[Brooke]

I think it looks great the way it is. Charming. However....we just bought a sectional last year and it is divine. We all fight for the comfy cozy corner!

[Lindy]

And another thing..........LOL! When you're all seated on the sectional you have to do the "excuse me" thing when you want to get out to leave, just like in a movie. Wiggling sideways past legs, banging your shins on the coffee table. Or people have to stand up to let you out. No, I didn't like the sectional at all. :(

[Vintagebejoyful]

Hey there it's the Other Tracey, I have seen both places and I agree the darling slipcovered sofa you currently have would look a little lost in your new space, I think you would really enjoy a bigger piece to strech out on and cuddle with Mr. Carter....read watch tv or whatever, I think looks of course are important but it is your home and you should be comfortable too...You can certainly jazz it up with some vintagey pillows and such, you have a great a eye and the fact that you already think this to be true, is your first clue, take it on, use that sofa in your display, it will sell for sure and shop around for a wonderful new piece for your cozy townhome, I know you will make it work and look fabulous, miss you like crazy.....TOT

[Rachele]

I love the slip covered couch, but I think Sectional would look fantastic!

[Kathy Strawn]

I'm just a spy reader- I don't blog, but I read yours everyday! I love everything about your style. Please don't change to the sectional! I think you could do as others suggest - two small sofas facing each other - you can hold out for a similar one to closely duplicate your existing one.

[Terri]

I would put an area rug in your sofa-coffee table-conversation area. I think that would take care of the floaty feeling that the furniture is just in the room and not nestled in and belonging there.

Just my thoughts.

[rachelle]

I have to say that i absolutely love, love, love....the old sofa.

BUT, i think that a new sectional would fell the space just perfect.

and i do love a great mix of new and old!

I love your house!

i think you have come so far with everything that has come your way.

You are an inspiration!

shell

www.gypsylemonade.blogspot.com

[Debbie V.]

Although I think that your current sofa is nice, I agree that it gets lost in your greatroom. I vote for the new sectional as I think you can definitely make it work with your decorating style.

[Susan at Charm of the Carolines]

It's a lovely sofa. Have you considered adding a second, quirky vintage sofa? I would hate to add a new sectional to an incredibly unique and stylish decor.

Susan

[Carol P.]

Yes, no, yes, no, yes, no.... If you keep it, I like the idea of something creative behind it. If you sell it, You are soooo creative it would come together. Not much help am I? :)

[Kris]

I think the sectional pictured would be the best choice for your room, and your style(versus a different style of sectional). The lines are clean and going with maybe the butter color would make it fit in even more. I agree with the posters who said you should listen to the house. Where you are living is not a cottage, and you DO have a great room. Lots of homey pillows and cottage-y throws would bring it all together(easily) and I have no doubt it would look good. That being said, I do think a couple of vintage sofas might also look good...hmmm...I'm no help.

[jewelee]

I much prefer what you have (or two sofas -- or a love seat and a sofa ) to a sectional. I will give you more flexibility should you move to another cozy cottage. I think a sectional will limit your options.

By the way -- I think this room looks so warm and inviting.

[Diane]

I see that the comments are all over the place here. A sectional does not have to look contemporary. You have such a great sense of style that I know you would make it look cozy and comfy with gorgeous pillows, etc. If you can make it work financially (and I don't think you would have ANY problem selling the sofa), I would go with the sectional.

[Michelle]

Hi Tracey,
I think that 2 couches would look very nice. Im not into the sectional idea for your decor.
Can't wait to see what you decide on.
XoXo

[lexi]

I personally love the vintage couch. How about finding a vintage settee or chaise to go along with your free standing chairs and existing couch. I have a love/hate relationship with our sectional. I love it because it works perfect for our family to snuggle up together to watch movies. I hate it because it is very limiting in decorating!

[Maryann]

You have the same delema that I do. New or old. I wouldn't go with the sectional though. Maybe two matching love seats or sofas from Ikea with slipcovers. Not that much $$$.