The internet has revolutionized the way we shop for many everyday items. But are we ready to buy furniture online? The Sofa Collection certainly hopes so. This company based in White Plains, NY, markets their own line of designer upholstered seating, which they offer at discount prices by selling directly to consumers over the internet.
Good Looks and Quality to Match
Launched in March 2006, The Sofa Collection sells an impressive array of slipcovered sofas directly to the public at surprisingly affordable prices. Although you should be careful before you buy furniture online, these pieces feature quality construction: kiln-dried hardwood or thick engineered wood with sinuous-spring construction, padded frames, foam- and Dacron-wrapped cushions and notched, doweled or blocked joints (as appropriate).Yeah, but how do they look? Pretty darn good. Veteran designer Liora Manne has created three collections: the European-inspired Milan Collection; the traditional Cottage Collection, and the more edgy, contemporary Metro Collection. Every sofa comes with a custom-fitted slipcover that looks remarkably like conventional upholstery and can be removed for cleaning. (The twill and microsuede ones are washable—how convenient is that?). With additional slipcovers selling for an amazingly low $150-$175, you can afford to buy extras and change the look of your room with the seasons.
Three Styles Available
My favorite line is the Cottage Collection—a classic, comfy roll-arm sofa with loose seat and back cushions, a generous 7-foot-4-inch length and a tailored cover that looks far more timeless than loose-fitting Shabby Chic alternatives. The Cottage Sofa sells for $800-$900 and, as with all Sofa Collection designs, is available with matching loveseats, chairs and ottomans.The Milan Sofa is a more cosmopolitan alternative, with flared arms, an arched back and smaller proportions; it retails for $850-$950. The matching chair is especially attractive. The Metro Sofa is sleek and modern, with a boxy shape that’s masculine and assertive—perfect for a contemporary urban space. It’s unusual to see a design like this with a slipcover—especially one that doesn’t look like a slipcover--so that’s an added advantage. Prices range from $700 to $1,200 (for the leather version).
Low Overhead Means Low Prices
The Sofa Collection claims their prices are $500-$1,000 less than comparable retail merchandise (although I suspect the lower figure is probably more accurate). How does the company offer this kind of quality at this kind of price? Furnishings are made in China (where a lot of upholstered furniture is produced these days), the selection is limited to a set array of designs and fabrics (although with dozens of possible combinations, your choices aren’t too constrained), and overhead is reduced by not selling furniture in stores. However, you can still test out The Sofa Collection’s pieces in a handful of showcase stores across the country. You won’t find the whole collection there, but you can examine the merchandise then go home and buy what you want online. (Or the store can do it for you, if you prefer.)The Sofa Collection promises delivery in under two weeks, and if you don’t like the sofa when it arrives you can return it within 48 hours without any charge. (After that, you’ll have to pay for shipping, which runs from about $200 to $300—although free shipping is offered for orders over $1,200.)
For more information, visit The Sofa Collection's Web site, call (800) 256-1880 for a free brochure, or click on the shopping links below.
- How to buy the Natural Twill Cottage Sofa .
- How to buy the Cocoa Microsuede Milan Sofa .
- How to buy the Sage Embroidered Milan Chair .
- How to buy the Tan Microsuede Metro Sofa.
