When we moved to Tennessee we thought we’d only be here for two years before hitting the road again so we bought cheap furnishings. We chose an inexpensive teal-colored sofa and loveseat set from a local furniture chain, cheap glass-topped coffee table from Wayfair, and a memory foam mattress at Costco. We also bought a white dining set (that we hardly ever use).
We never really liked any of it and none of it held up other than the dining set. Over the past two years both the sofa, loveseat (with memory foam cushions) and mattress became very squishy and uncomfortable, with little to no support whatsoever. They were a big part of why my back always hurt. The coffee table was downright dangerous, especially with our grandkids. Many mornings I woke up in such pain from the mattress that I could barely stand up, and it was the same after sitting on the sofa for even a short period. I rarely slept through the night trying to get comfortable. Both Brett and I disliked the way the furniture looked and fit into our apartment.
After waking up without any pain and feeling well rested after a night on a good mattress at the hotel we stayed at in Knoxville, we decided it was time to bite the bullet and invest in a good quality mattress. We ended up buying the floor model of a very high end mattress (saving 50%). Worth it? Yes – I am once again sleeping soundly and waking up without any pain.
We also bought a new sofa from Burrow, the same company we bought the credenza from when we moved here, along with a lounge chair. Both had great reviews, added lumbar support, and we’re completely satisfied with the amazing comfort both provide. We saved 15% off that order using a coupon. Thankfully we did not have any of the shipment issues we had with the credenza, and we’re very happy with the style and quality of the pieces. The old sofa and loveseat were donated to Habitat for Humanity. (The coffee table had been replaced last year with a safer and more solid one).
We also bought a dresser and new nightstands from Burrow. We have lived without either for the past six years and have absolutely hated the lack of storage, especially during our last stay in Hawaii and here. The pieces we chose were on sale and we saved 30% by buying now. We finished our shopping spree with a wool & jute rug for the living room (on sale from Pottery Barn), some new throw pillows, and an artificial tree. We love the way everything looks together, the way it all fits into the room, the comfort, and the storage space. Our backs are happy again.
My very frugal grandmother always advised me to buy the best quality I could afford . . . and then take care of it. Quality lasts and gives back, she said. We skipped that advice when we moved here and paid for it in more ways than one. We did our research and invested a little more this time, and had the funds to get what we wanted thanks to my Trader Joe’s savings. It’s satisfying to know the pieces we bought this time are going to last a long while and provide the comfort and support our aging bodies need as well.
The Occasional Nomads 
I love that chair! Do you have a link for it, by chance?
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It’s from Burrow – the Vesper wood and leather lounge chair (it also comes in a fabric option). It comes unassembled but was very, very easy for Brett to put together. It is supremely comfortable. Burrow is like a high-end IKEA: you put the furniture together yourself, but no particleboard, etc. – only high quality materials.
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Interesting to read this just now. A few minutes ago we were talking about purchasing new, lighter weight luggage for international travel. We liked one set until we read the reviews and realized that you do “get what you pay for” unless you happen to have a coupon or something to bring down the cost. (Anyone have suggestions for sturdy but lightweight luggage??) I believe your grandmother was right…. Inexpensive doesn’t necessarily mean frugal. Glad you are feeling more comfortable… as we age I have found that sometimes comfort does trump price!
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Last year we went to backpacks. We bought good ones. So I have a bigger one, still within the carry on dimensions and a small daypack to wear on my front if needed. We will never go back. And best of all no lost luggage Love that I can put it on and I made sure it was comfortable on my hips and back. If we are anywhere where we find something that won’t fit, we will buy a bag to bring it back. I don’t buy a lot as we have downsized immensely and I don’t have room. We do try and find art of some kind and take a lot of photos and that’s my souvenirs.
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LOL – I carried a backpack initially when we were traveling full time, but after a few months gave up and bought a rolling carry-on. It carried more stuff and was easier to maneuver for me. Brett still uses a backpack though, but also got himself a rolling carry-on. I typically carry a large tote for my under-the-seat luggage, but something I can use later for shopping, etc.
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You really do get what you pay for (most of the time, anyway). We’ve always bought quality over quantity until this move and won’t make that mistake again! This new furniture is wonderful – so comfortable and the back support is perfect for what we need now.
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It looks very chic and inviting! I still love your “statement” chair so much, and it’s comfy too!
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The statement chair, which I have loved, has failed as well and will be leaving next week. It was very, very comfortable at first but now when you sit in it you about sink to the floor. It was a cheap purchase, and filled a need we had at the time, but a new accent chair will be taking its place (we’ve had our eye on it for a long while, but waited until it recently went on sale).
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Funny you posted about this topic because I’ve been considering updating my furniture, but I know today’s furniture isn’t made as well as what I have so I’ve been hesitant. I’ve never heard of Burrow so I’ll have to look into it.
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We call Burrow “high-end IKEA” as you have to assemble the furniture yourself but the materials are high quality. We’re still waiting on our dresser, but so far Brett’s had no trouble putting it all together. Their customer service is superb as well. They have only 4 storefronts – one is in Boston.
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Looks really nice! We have some furniture that I wish would wear out lately (just kidding…kind of.) And I have to agree that a good mattress is the best thing ever — especially as we get older. I remember the first time I stayed at a Westin in the Heavenly Bed…it made me want a better bed. And I’ve never regretted it.
Happy Mothers’ Day!
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Thanks, Laurel! We like and are enjoying the comfort of it all, and everything is stuff we can live with for years to come (style, quality, colors, etc.). If there was anything different I could wish for it would be that the living room was a little larger. We’re not cramped but I’d love a little more space.
The new mattress is a pillow top – that took a few days of getting used to but I love it now and am sleeping so much better.
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When I first married, we bought a sofa and chair. Both lasted forever, and they were cheap. It was from a small furniture factory in Memphis. It lasted for over 40 years. A broken spring was all that was wrong with it. I will have it repaired and reupholstered. Tommy bought junk, not just cheap. I am working on getting it all replaced with good quality pieces on sale. Mama always taught us to buy good quality as soon as we were grown and made our own money. My new mattress will raise my head and feet and is so hard. I love it. It was worth all $2000 he paid.
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Good advice from your Mama! We bought mostly junky furniture when we were first married but replaced it as soon as we were able as the junky stuff fell apart fast, and barely survived our first navy move. The only thing that held up was the good mattress we chose. Lessons learned!
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