The Sofa Saga: My Quest for the Perfect Piece

You know the feeling – you have a vision in your head of the perfect sofa for your space, but finding it seems about as likely as winning the lottery. That’s exactly what happened to me when my husband Eric and I set out to furnish our new RV.

We scoured the internet, brick-and-mortar stores, and even secondhand shops, but nothing quite fit the bill. The space we needed to fill was shorter than a typical sofa but longer than a loveseat. And as RV-dwellers, weight and functionality were major considerations. We wanted something that could hold storage, convert to a bed if needed, and still have that stylish, modern look I craved.

After countless hours of searching, we ultimately decided to build our own custom RV sofa. Let me tell you, it was quite the adventure – but the end result was a piece that checked all our boxes and fit our space perfectly.

And you know what they say, necessity is the mother of invention. If you’re facing a similar sofa dilemma, whether in your home or your home-on-wheels, allow me to share the lessons I learned on my quest for the perfect spot to place my new custom sofa.

Measure Twice, Cut Once

The first – and perhaps most critical – step in finding the perfect spot for your new custom sofa is getting your measurements right. This is especially true if you’re ordering a sofa online or building it yourself, like we did.

You’ll want to carefully consider the width, depth, and height of the space you have available. Don’t forget to factor in any obstructions, like door frames, corners, or other furniture that could make delivery or placement a challenge. Some companies even offer printable templates to help you visualize the footprint.

For us, the passenger-side captain’s chair and the proximity to the entrance were key considerations. We ended up leaving about 3 inches between the sofa frame and the door to ensure easy access, while still maximizing the seating area. And by pushing the captain’s chair back as far as possible, we were able to extend the sofa’s depth to a comfortable 32 inches.

Function First, Fashion Second

While I’ll admit that aesthetics were a major factor in our custom sofa journey, we knew functionality had to be the top priority. After all, what good is a stunning sofa if it’s completely impractical for your space and lifestyle?

In our case, storage was the non-negotiable feature. As RV-dwellers, we simply don’t have the luxury of excess space, so every inch counts. We wanted our new sofa to double as a hidden storage unit, with a hinged lid that could conceal all sorts of odds and ends.

Stain-resistance was another key consideration. With two rambunctious kids and a penchant for impromptu picnics, we needed a fabric that could withstand the occasional spill or muddy paw print. After doing some research, we decided on a tight-weave synthetic that would be easy to clean and maintain.

Of course, style was still important to us. But by focusing on the practical needs first, we were able to narrow down our options and find a custom sofa that checked all the boxes – stylish, storage-savvy, and perfectly suited to our RV lifestyle.

Embrace the Unconventional

One of the biggest lessons I learned on my custom sofa journey is that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Traditional furniture stores and online retailers may not always have the perfect piece for your unique space and requirements.

That’s where thinking outside the box can really pay off. Consider seeking out a custom furniture maker who can create a bespoke sofa tailored to your exact needs. Or, if you’re handy, take a DIY approach like we did and build your own.

Sure, it may require a bit more time and effort, but the end result can be so much more rewarding. Not only will you end up with a piece that fits your space perfectly, but you’ll also have the satisfaction of creating something uniquely your own.

For us, the custom sofa-building process was a true labor of love. Eric dove headfirst into the project, meticulously measuring, cutting, and assembling the frame. Meanwhile, I got to channel my inner designer, scouring the web for inspiration and helping to choose the perfect upholstery fabric.

The Sofa Surprise

Of course, no journey is complete without a few unexpected twists and turns. And ours was no exception.

Just when we thought we had everything figured out, we hit a little snag. Remember that pesky passenger-side captain’s chair we had to work around? Well, it turns out the swivel mechanism was a bit more finicky than we anticipated. Every time we adjusted the chair, it would ever-so-slightly encroach on the sofa’s footprint.

Talk about a design curveball! But rather than throwing in the towel, we embraced the challenge. After some strategic rearranging and a few extra measurements, we were able to find the perfect sweet spot that accommodated both the chair and our custom sofa.

And you know what they say, the best-laid plans often go awry. But that’s all part of the adventure, isn’t it? By staying flexible and thinking creatively, we were able to overcome the obstacles and end up with a sofa that fit our space – and our lifestyle – to a tee.

The Sofa Sanctuary

Now, as I sink into the plush cushions of our custom-built RV sofa, I can’t help but feel a sense of pride and accomplishment. This isn’t just a piece of furniture – it’s a sanctuary, a place to curl up with a good book, host an impromptu game night, or simply take a much-needed nap.

And the best part? It’s ours, through and through. From the sturdy, weight-conscious frame to the durable, stain-resistant upholstery, every inch of this sofa was thoughtfully designed and crafted to suit our specific needs.

So if you’re on the hunt for the perfect sofa, take it from me – don’t settle for something that’s “good enough.” Whether you’re scouring the internet, scouring secondhand stores, or rolling up your sleeves for a DIY project, the effort is worth it to find that elusive piece that checks all your boxes.

After all, your sofa is so much more than just a piece of furniture – it’s the centerpiece of your living space, a reflection of your personal style, and a sanctuary for making memories. Isn’t that worth a little extra time and effort?

So what are you waiting for? Start measuring, start dreaming, and get ready to create the custom sofa of your wildest (or perhaps just your most practical) dreams. The perfect spot is out there, just waiting to be discovered.