Help! I bought a sofa and am having doubts. Is this nice or vile?

7 years ago

Yesterday my wife and I went to the Multiyork shop to buy a cream sofa. We want to buy two for the lounge. Once cream, and one dark blue.

Then we saw the sofa below and on impulse we bought it. We both loved it and thought why not, but now we are having serious doubts and can't think what would go with it.

Should I try and cancel? We'd have to pay a fee - not sure how much.

Featured Answer

PRO

PennClark interiors

7 years ago

Hi I know you have now cancelled the sofa but I have just seen this whole discussion and wanted to let you guys know that although I'm not the biggest MultiYork fan I think the sofa is fabulous.
I clicked on the image to enlarge it. It is not like the underground fabric at all but actually quite 1920s Art Deco, sophisticated, decadent glamour. The colour everyone seems to think is gold - is it actually lime green?

As to a back sofa can look very harsh and hard and unforgiving of clothes fluff also can look cheap - be warned.

I love the colours and shape of the sofa. You both have really good instincts, keep listening to them.
For the future if you want the play it I bit safer but not be too conservative go for a shape and style to really love and that is comfortable and then go for a colour that make you happy.

As for size it is lovely to have huge sofas but be guild by the size of the room. If you like having friends over two smaller sofas facing each other at right angles to the fireplace with a couple of occasional chairs opposite the fireplace with a large low coffee table can't be beaten.
If you would like any help please get in touch
And either way again great instincts!

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (71)

PRO
User
7 years ago
Charcoal is a great suggestion AJ :-) once the room is complete you definitely won't regret your choice of sofa MV it will look great, please keep us updated with photos
PRO
Amber Jeavons Ltd
7 years ago
Thank you very much LMB Interiors : ))
Related Discussions
Item you wished you'd never bought
Q
Comments (35)
marivon1 helpful to know, thank you. The UK does not use European/metric sizes. I have not looked into buying Ikea beds in the past as I don't like being restricted to their bed linen, although in the end I don't find much I like in the UK anyway and end up buying linen in Europe, the US or Australia. I had a look and yes, you are right ... last year (2014) Ikea started to stock the smaller UK imperial sized beds but you can still get the European metric ones online. From what you say they have also changed their bed linen to the smaller UK sizes, which makes sense (kind of). http://www.theguardian.com/business/2015/jan/12/ikea-booms-britain-uk-size-smaller-beds-sales http://www.ikea.com/ms/en_GB/pdf/bed_frame_%20size_%20guide.pdf
...See More
I am a mess! How can I decorate above the sofa?
Q
Comments (16)
I would suggest taking everything off of your mantel (bar the lanterns), and mounting the mirror above it to the wall - don't have it leaning. The cupboard in the middle of the fireplace really needs moving... if you don't have enough storage in your side board without it then I'd suggest replacing both units for one bigger storage unit. You could also get rid of all your cushions, and replace with some brighter ones and a sofa throw - I would also move your sofa with its back against the window. And as people have said above, the rug is too small for the room, by replacing this for a bigger one it'll bring your space altogether. And lastly, check out Desenio.co.uk for artwork.
...See More
Help with sofa colour..
Q
Comments (4)
Thank you both. Slate was my original choice then I overthought it and started doubting myself! On our way back to the shop now to have another look and hopefully get it ordered.
...See More
Leather sofa - a good idea or not? Owners of leather sofas I need you
Q
Comments (16)
Hi, I've had leather sofas... wouldn't get them again. They look great and are easy to clean, but if you are someone who gets cold easily and don't like the feel of cold surfaces in the winter you will cringe every time you sit on them in the winter. (I'm guessing you have wood burner because your house gets cold) and if you are someone who is generally hot all the time then in the summer when your're wearing shorts and t-shirt you will stick to them and they will make you very sweaty leaving wet patches as you get up. The worst is when guests leave wet patches where their bums have been! Once the sofa has been worn in a bit and the seat area gets a tiny bit saggy as they all do, you will find yourself sliding into the sag. You will find yourself pulling yourself out each time you get up, especially in the bigger sofas. An occasional chair as in Sonia's picture I think is fine or if they are in a secondary room. Not to mention repair costs if you manage to damage the leather. Regarding cleaning sofas then we bought a upholstery and carpet cleaning machine. (The house had very light cream coloured carpet throughout when we moved in) It works great. We never had a problem with fading or any extra wear and tear.
...See More
Jonathan
7 years ago
I also like the sofa. I think when you get the next piece of furniture you should either get the same sofa in a plain fabric or two chairs (also in a plain fabric).
I think having two different sofa styles is difficult to make work.
lmoorlen
7 years ago
I like it. What is it called please?
Ludo Gallagher
7 years ago
I don't think it's a keeper. The shape isn't great. The pattern isn't my cup of tea. It's very compact. It's going to dictate everything you put in your room.
westwest114
7 years ago
Such a lovely sofa and will look great in your room
hollymoon
7 years ago
What are the seat cushions made of? In the photo it looks like they don't fit properly and are pinging up at the centre? It doesn't look terribly comfortable either and as for the colour - well, I think you'll hate it after a while. Why don't you check out some interiors magazines for inspiration? There's a reason why low modern streamlined and plain fabric sofas feature so much in them; they work and are comfortable. Your sitting room looks quite small so I wouldn't buy a second sofa. Stick with one at first and see how you get on.
lucinia
7 years ago
Get an old oval mirror from ebay (they appear often) attach lengths of bamboo, spray gold - hey presto, you have the mirror!
moiraford
7 years ago
Love it! Bold choice. I've found with multicoloured furniture that when you get bored you can change the accents in the room to pick up a different colour, so over time it's cost effective. I love the orange in it!! Lovely room by the way.
bruket
7 years ago
I think you will tire of that sofa very soon. Get a sofa or two in plain colours and jazz it up with cushions. You can even vary the cushions from summery colours to warmer colours and textures for the winter. Please don't hang a mirror above your sofa, particularly with a spiky frame. It will give an uncomfortable feeling of possibly coming down and hurt you. Hang an interesting painting instead.
ejs25
7 years ago
The conservativeness in you is casting doubts but cast them aside. The fact that you both were attracted by this sofa is a good sign. It is also steering you into new ventures and once you have created the whole room, wall colours, curtains, rugs, mirrors it will be absorbed into a stylish interior. I would lean towards the dark grey as plain black fabric could show up any bits. The range of colours in the sofa gives scope. I recently bought a sofa on impulse from MultiYork. The company was very happy to send me a sample piece of the fabric so that I could carry it round with me for matching to accessories. Would love to see the end result. Good luck!
lynnrc
7 years ago
I tend to agree with Championcat, I would see if you could cancel your order and get something different, if not grey would be the best option for the second sofa, and if there is anyway you could get a couple of metres of material that is the same as the sofa make a couple of cushions for the second sofa. Good luck!
Betty Davies
7 years ago
I don't see anyone asking if it is comfortable. You will probably be spending a lot of time sitting or lying on it. The beauty of Multiyork is the ability to get new covers easily ( at a price). Sofas and large furniture are scary purchases because if you go " off" them you are stuck with them unless you are rolling in money.
meisner123
7 years ago
I think it is a mistake - sorry! Impulse buys for furniture are never a good idea. If you have a gut feeling that you have made a mistake I would take notice of that feeling, especially if you felt this once you were home in the room where the sofa will be. I agree with a previous comment that you will tire of this quite quickly. With some 'designer' sofas you can get away with bold fabric and the fact that they will dominate a room but I don't think the design of this fabric or the sofa are particularly nice. Buy something more neutral then you can have fun with the rest of the room. Could you negotiate the cancellation fee if you bought another sofa from the same company?
mv5869 thanked meisner123
nicolaaphillips
7 years ago
I think its vile - sorry.
lsnhmbl
7 years ago
I think it is awful - shape,colour and texture. If you were sure about it you wouldn't have asked the question on here. I think the most expensive bits of furniture in a room should be plain, neutral and a classic style that won't date - you can play around with cushions and throws if you want to add a bit of colour or pattern as these are much cheaper to change if you change your mind - pick up the phone now and cancel that order !
mv5869 thanked lsnhmbl
Amanda Robinson
7 years ago
The colours of your room are delicate so the colourful sofa will be an big statement. If the room was painted in strong dark colours, then the sofa would blend in more. But it's not. If it was my sofa and room, I would buy large black cushions and definitely fit a large gold mirror behind as the showroom have done. Then I would consider the suggestion above of dark armchairs rather than another sofa and pick out a colour from the sofa for cushions. The rest of the furniture will have to be low-key. Think of it as a positive to have a statement mistake rather than a bland one! Better to have people loving or hating your choices than everyone thinking blah :-)
molly519
7 years ago
I love it! I had 2 bold patterned sofas once (I never tired of them) - now I have 2 boring plain cream ones (I don't know what I was thinking). Pick a colour from the sofa and repeat with accessories in your room or ground the whole scheme with some black or gold. Furniture taste is so personal, don't worry about what others think - like it, love it, live with it and just enjoy it.
Sandi Robinson
7 years ago
Although you love it now in a year or two it will have dated and you may come to regret it. It's a bold statement piece and I really like it but not sure if I would love it in the future
D P
7 years ago
Delightful - i think it will last a long time because you can mix it with a lot of different things to compliment it which will make it last for years - I really like it, and one that I wouldn't have thought to choose as we play it safe so often. Enjoy it - you're just having 'that after thought' that keeps in once you've made an important decision!! Enjoy.
farlow99
7 years ago
I think the problem with high patterned upholstery is you get bored and fed up with them quite quickly and expensive to change. Have to say this particular sofa wouldn't be something I could live with. I always think its better to get something plain and change cushions and throws when you get bored. It you want patterns maybe wallpaper instead which you can change from time to time. Just my thoughts.
lucinia
7 years ago
There's a cooling off period - you shouldn't have to pay anything.
apismalifica
7 years ago
Multiyork are very good at recovering most of their range, if you get tired of it in a couple of years you can probably just pop into the shop and choose a new cover.
PRO
House Martin Online
7 years ago
Fabulous! You have to let it control the rest of the room. Michael.
PRO
User
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
Agree with House Martin Online, it'll be a real feature of your room - looking forward to seeing your lounge when it's finished Mike, please update us with photos
calwadd
7 years ago
Loads of comments already, so just hold on to your own instinct......

It looks as if the sofa and mirror work as a subtle homage to Art Deco? If this is the case, maybe you need to take real care with all your other furniture in that room. I would think twice about cream leather chesterfield! Black opposite would help it blend, but if you still feel it's a carbuncle- swap it whilst there is still time!

When I'm reviewing a purchase/mistake, I step away and then take note of my instinct when I next look at it.

Best of luck!
soozmacrae
7 years ago
If you are not sure you never will be. Everyone will have an opinion as its not everyones taste. A large piece of expensive furniture needs to be a choice you are sure of. Lets face it, you can change cushions, etc inexpensively if you decide you don't like them anymore, not so a sofa.
lynnevalerie
7 years ago
You answered your own question when you said WE both now have doubts...you know in your heart you must bite the bullet and get it returned. WoW! it does my eyes in!
User
7 years ago
Lynnevalerie, I disagree with you strongly. Does your eyes in? Click off the page.
fortitude2310
7 years ago
Yuk
Jonathan
7 years ago
Time to start ignoring the people with bland boring cream cells and the sheeple with grey boxes to live in. You chose this sofa because you didn't want to be one of these people.
I think this is a sofa you will enjoy
2dogssashatess
7 years ago
Oh My God! Sorry, I don't like the shape of the sofa, even if it was recovered. I don't think things have to be bland and neutral but personally I think that fabric is a step too far for a sofa. if you liked that fabric, I would suggest no more than a couple of cushions that you can dispose of easily if you get sick of the pattern
championcat
7 years ago
no cream or grey blandness here, jonathandb1972, but I still dislike the sofa ...
meisner123
7 years ago
In today's Guardian there was a leaflet for Multiyork offering £100 off made to order upholstery and also advertising it's 50% off summer sale, so you might not lose too much if you cancel your order.
mv5869
Original Author
7 years ago
Thanks everyone. Well a little update...

We called yesterday and cancelled it. In the end they charged us a £100 cancellation fee, which I think was worth it given our doubts.

We both loved it, but also realised it would be really hard to match with other furniture. As it's our first major purchase we could have ended up really regretting it.

Thanks so much for all the opinions - and to everyone that said keep it. Thanks! I feel bad at wimping out, but I love that you supported a unique choice. Hopefully next time we'll be braver but for now I feel more relaxed having cancelled.
ejs25
7 years ago
Thank you for letting us know your decision.
PRO
Amber Jeavons Ltd
7 years ago
Hello MV,

What a shame, I really think you could have made this beautiful.. Sometimes with interiors they work beautifully with something dramatic and rather different that doesn't match.. It's the same with symmetry.. The most interesting interiors are not always as symmetrical as many often are.. The unexpected and surprising are often extremely fabulous..

But the main thing is that you made a decision you felt was right for you both regardless of opinion.. I maintain though, it could have been spectacular in a variety of settings and so perhaps at some point you might reconsider..

I am though rather an advocate for different and unusual as I find this the most interesting.. Best of luck with your next search... : ))
nicolaaphillips
7 years ago
The fact that you've cancelled and feel relieved says you've made the right choice....well done!
mv5869 thanked nicolaaphillips
PRO
User
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
Hi Mike thanks for updating us on your decision - feel it is a shame about the sofa, would have been such a dramatic piece of furniture for the room, but I'm glad you are now happy with your decision :-) All the best with your next search, would be lovely to see your finished room :-)
mv5869 thanked User
PRO
Diana Bier Interiors, LLC
7 years ago
Since you asked for honest opinions, I think that is the most awful sofa I have seen. You made a great decision to cancel your order. You may benefit from the help of a professional decorator to help you with this room.
mv5869 thanked Diana Bier Interiors, LLC
Manu Ferreira
7 years ago
VILE
PRO
Regina Rogers design
7 years ago
Very dark and dated ..
PRO
Yorkshire Fabric Shop
7 years ago
not fans, but depending on the decor around it you might have been able to make it work.
lsjkj
7 years ago
Love it.
Sandra Marshall
7 years ago
I liked it. And the underground fabric was Art Deco
Christine Naylor
7 years ago
I think it's great, certainly a statement piece.

Chris
championcat
7 years ago
https://cubecompanyuk.files.wordpress.com/2013/10/underground-021.jpg

sofa covered in underground fabric. See what I mean?!
M G Lee
6 years ago
I love it! But would not put the spikey mirror over anyone's head. Maybe over the fireplace instead. Keep the rest of the room low-key.
PRO
Celery. Visualization, Rendering images
6 years ago
old post

Help! I bought a sofa and am having doubts. Is this nice or vile?

Comments (71)

Related Discussions

mv5869Original Author

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

mv5869
Original Author