Wednesday, August 10, 2022

Bachelor on the verge of a nervous breakdown, shopping for a new chair

These past couple weeks have not been good.  I’ve had trouble sleeping, bouts of anxiety, some real depression.  All over this 36” x 36” spot in my living room, where a chair used to be.

If you follow my blog, I recently bought and returned a $1,000 leather chair from Wayfair, to replace an old brown chair from Target that was in my living room 4 years too long.

The new leather chair was stylish & well made, but didn’t have enough back support and was too orange.  For a thousand dollars, I expected (and deserved) a lot more from that chair.

My friend Danielle suggested I visit La-Z-Boy’s online site and shop there for something more traditional—plus they’d send me free swatches.

They have a wide selection of fabrics, but YOU CAN ONLY REQUEST 3 SWATCHES TOTAL and must allow 3 weeks for them to be mailed to you.  To be honest, I didn’t like their chairs anyway.  Either too feminine with their long chair legs, or too stuffy.  I wanted something a little more minimal, a little more modern.

I have it down to three chairs that range in price from $227.00 to $1200.00.  I’m pretty partial to one, but I’d be interested in a second opinion.

1.  Marin Chair from West Elm – $999.00 (plus 200.00 more for taxes & shipping)

PROS:  At 32” high, 31” wide & 38” deep it’s just the right size for that space.  I like it’s boxy style, no “flourishes”.  West Elm sent me a generous supply of swatches (16 total) and I selected two, “Camel Twill” & “Camel Performance Twill”.

CONS:  It’s very… conventional, like it belongs to a 3 piece set.  It’s also very high priced.  And since it’s made to order, I was told it’d be 8 weeks minimum. 

Also, you’re warned before placing the order: “Are you absolutely sure?  This custom order cannot be canceled, and the item may not be returned.”  And finally… my place already has a lot of tans & browns.  Do I want to add more?

2.  Deeann Chair from Wayfair – $229.99 (plus free shipping)


PROS:  It’s the cheapest of the three, it has a ‘guy look’ I’m drawn to and looks easy enough to take care of.  It will fill in that empty space in here.

CONS:  It’s very “bachelory” and it feels bachelor enough in here already.  Also, I have a black leather ottoman in storage I’m planning to use as a coffee table, and I don’t want more than one leather piece in here (even if this is faux leather).  

3.  McRae Chair from Joss & Main – $720.00 (plus free shipping)

PROS:  These pillow-top chairs have been VERY popular for a couple years now.  This has 80 reviews, each one praising it’s comfort and style.  I like the minimalist black iron frame that suspends the cushion; it has a relaxed, artsy look. 

The ‘washed white’ canvas would allow me to add colors to it I wanted.  Here’s 2 lumbar pillows I’d purchase with it to “earthify” or jazz it up some.

CONS:  It’s so white (ivory)!  Would it work in here?  Would it be masculine enough?  Would it be too much a contrast to everything else? 

My couch is dark blue, but has an ivory throw on it.  There’s a lot of ivory trim in the apartment as well.

Well, that’s it.  I’m partial to the last one, it’s different and I like that.  But I’m at the point where I’d settle for this.

62 comments:

  1. I like the electric chair. You could start a trend with the hipsters.

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    1. Is that you Danielle? You and your hipsters! 🙂

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  2. I've been reading but today is my first comment. I purchased a Circle Furniture, Stressless leather recliner and ottoman. It has a contemporary vibe. You can trim it out in chrome or wood. The salesman said I could buy the small or medium but I bought the XL because I wanted people of all sizes to enjoy the chair. This chair is extremely comfortable. This chair is available in some furniture stores and online. A quick google will help to source the chair. I think this chair would meet your requirements for comfort, quality and good lines. Everybody should have a much loved special chair.

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    1. Thank you Susan, I appreciate the recommendation I'll take a look. And I'm glad you found something you like! 🙂

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  3. Wow! I am so sorry that you're having anxiety attacks over this. I would buy a chair that matches your sofa in terms of color and fabric. Same color and fabric so it looks like a set. I don't like mismatched or contrasting furniture.

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    1. Thanks Gigi--I know there are people who like furniture sets, and others who like individual pieces, that's me. But it does make things harder!

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  4. Doug, the 2nd and 3rd chairs have uncomfortable looking arm rests. Even the execution chair's arms look more inviting. They are all smart looking but I would not buy a chair without trying it out first. It's a commitment and I understand the need to get it right. Looking forward to your next consumer report.

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    1. Thanks Florence--the armrests bother me too, I am looking at other chairs with them. I wish I could try them out first, but without a car or a furniture store nearby, I don't have much of a choice. I'll post the chair as soon as I decide on one!

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  5. It's always a gamble buying off the internet. The first one looks the most comfortable to me -- figures; it's also the most expensive -- but no cancel, no return policy is pretty draconian. Good luck with your decision!

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    1. Thank you Tom, and yes--draconian, good word. I never thought it would be this tough!

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  6. I like something like the first one .my orthopedic doctor said a firm back, wide arms and an ottoman to hold your feet up. Just a thought . I very seldom comment but I am an avid reader.I am still llooking also for a better chair than I have just don’t go with a pillow back they misshape over time

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    1. I wish I knew who you were, but thank you Anon--I hope you get your own chair dilemma resolved too. 🙂🙂

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  7. Doug, you could call the West Elm store in Pittsburgh to see if they have a floor model to try out. You could take an Uber there.

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    1. You're right, I did think about doing that. Thank you! 🙂👍

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  8. Eep! I would never buy a chair off the internet that cannot be returned. That is just too scary. But it makes me laugh. Working on an apartment, the new tenant stopped by to measure windows for curtains and blinds. His lady friend said that the needed the kitchen curtains needed to match the curtains on the kitchen doors. He stood there with a bemused look on his face and asked why.

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    1. Debby, SO agreed about the no return policy! And I speak from experience, after I got that leather chair a couple weeks ago. As for your tenant, see? This is why it sucks to be a single guy. I wish I had a girlfriend! 😄

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  9. The third one makes me think of an old lawn with the webbing on the seat. As an overweight older woman I'd be afraid I'd fall through. :p I actually like the second one with the exception of the arms. Not sure about the first one, but the price is ridiculous.
    Yikes, buying a chair on-line is not for the faint of heart.

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    1. Maebeme you summed these all up very well! I might have to go back to square one. 👍🙂

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  10. Got a giggle out of the electric chair.
    "No returns" makes that first one a no go. Also I agree with Florence, I have to sit in something and have it fit me first. I could never buy a bed or chair over the internet. Maybe Uber your way to a good furniture store? Cheaper than paying for returns. and lots of stores have free or almost free delivery.

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    1. Thanks Patti and of course you make perfect sense, I just feel there's a better variety online and I'm just looking for something that's different. I'm not ready to Uber yet, but I'm getting there! 👍🙂

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  11. I like the cheap middle one. But those arm rests are problematic in it and the last one.

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    1. This is what I've been waiting all day to hear! Thanks DJan! I keep trying not to think about the armrests.. 🙄😄

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  12. Ok, PUUULLLLEEEZ don't choose the electric chair!
    Yep, for the cost, grab an Uber and go to a furniture store to look at similar chairs and sit your butt in them. Some body part will be surprised (your butt for a nice soft one,) or your arms, (for like "what is this rod going through my elbow?.) Your Urber trips will be much less than any of the chairs. (Unless you commit a serious crime and get the electric chair for free.)
    See if there's a used office supply store there (CORT Furniture rentals) sell their high end stuff that's been rented for MUCH less than new. It's all be cleaned and sanitized.
    Or find your nearest big medical supply store. They usually sell recliners and electric ones that are good for any size and age of folks. Recliners (like the Golden brand) are sized for your body type and length of leg parts, so it FITS CORRECTLY. The Lazy Boy dudes don't do that. Some recliners even flatten out as a bed, not just sort of. This helps when you're older and if I need to come take care of you. Good Luck; don't get arrested! Linda in Kansas

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    1. Linda I knew you'd give me a chuckle or two AND lots of helpful tips, thank you! You've given me a lot to think about but you do make a good point we're not getting any older. And I would like to make things easy for you if you have to travel all the way to Pittsburgh from Kansas! Thank you again my friend. ♥️🙂

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  13. P.S. You ARE a bachelor. It's okay for your place to not have frilly stuff. But it does look like you keep it nice and clean. That earns a lot of points. Besides, if you meet someone to marry, you'll be combining stuff anyway. But she has to like your Star Trek model. Linda in Kansas

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    1. Thanks Linda! This is hopeful wife-wise, I always assumed my Star Trek model would be the first thing to go! 😄

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    2. Oh no! Wrong woman if Star Trek had to go. My 34-year-old son and his high school sweetheart wife still have his lego Star Trek and Hobbit models on display. She's the one who can afford to get him the expensive sets now for holidays and birthdays. Keeps him off the streets. Linda in Kansas

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    3. Haha!! Thank you Linda! 😄♥️😄

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  14. That electric one would certainly keep you warm.

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    1. That electric chair sure is getting a lot of encouragement! 🙄😄

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    2. I imagine that the electric chair would give off a warm glow as well.

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    3. Well, winter is coming Debby :^)

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  15. Check out Best Chairs. You can look online, but I don't think you can order online. Here's the link https://www.besthf.com

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    1. Thank you Bobi, I'll check them out. I need all the tips I can get. 🙂

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  16. That electric chair made me giggle inappropriately. My kids have bought furniture from Wayfair and West Elm for their house and like it although with a 2-year-old, they don't spend much time sitting in it. For looks I like the second one best but if you use armrests, the second two will be a problem. I don't except as a resting place for my phone.

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    1. Thank you Margaret, I've always liked your taste and appreciate your input. Maybe I'm getting too old for the modern stuff from places like West Elm, but I still like it. And I am thinking long & hard about those armrests. Thanks again. :^)

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  17. Forget chair number 1 since it can't be returned if you don't like it. Chair number three I think you've already mentioned it might be hard to get out of once you're seated. fine for now, but what about later? You don't want a chair that you can't sit in because you can't get out of it. Chair number two has a more substantial looking frame and who says you can't have more than one leather piece in the room? toss a blanket over it, black to match the ottoman if you like. or blue to match the couch. Something in a black and blue pattern would be even better. Can you tell I like chair number two?

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    1. Thanks River--I think I'm done with Chair No.1 at this point, and I like what you said about chair 2, but it may be a no too, it's only 32" high. I've got a lot to think about here!

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  18. "Out To Pasture" makes a good point about armrests. You need those, so maybe chair number two isn't quite right.

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    1. Men seem to need them more than women do (based on reviews I've read), I'm thinking I could do without! 🙂

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  19. Hi Doug, I am very late commenting on this post!
    Quality wise to me the first one is wonderful but so hard to make that commitment without seeing it first. No return policy is not very good either. Number 3 would definitely be a no go for me. That doesn’t look comfortable. I think I would be squashed with my feet sticking straight out! I am partial to number two. I know everyone is talking about the armrests or the lack of with this one. That wouldn’t bother me.
    I hope everyone’s opinions have helped Doug. I hate to think you are losing sleep over this.
    Take care my friend.❤️
    Robin

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    1. Hi Robin, thanks so much for your comment. I hope you know I always look forward to hearing from you! That said, I agree with everything you said, but I'm still leaning towards the last one--it looks a bit clumsy, but it's gotten too many good reviews. And I am looking for something brighter & just different. I'll let you & everyone else know soon, thanks again my friend. :^)

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  20. I did like the fabrics on Chair #1 (similar to the fabrics on our front room armchairs.. and yes, they were expensive, high backed, etc. - BUT we got to try out the chairs in a store before ordering). I agree you don't want to order something special (that's non-returnable) without trying it out first. The others definitely don't look comfortable to me. Well, #2 looks good... and I guess if you could return it if not satisfied, it might be your best bet. Don't like #3 - looks almost dangerous. Good luck!

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    1. Thank you Rian, I like those fabrics too, but I'm afraid of the pricey gamble since it's 'all sales final'. Gosh I'm surprised no one is liking Chair 3, but I appreciate your honesty! I haven't made my mind up about it yet, but I think No.2 is out of the loop, it's only 31" tall which seems awfully short. Hopefully I'll have something in here soon!

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  21. Is that 31 inches from floor to top of back rest? Or to top of armrest with the back being higher? what is the floor to seat measurement? These are things you need to think about. You don't want to have to climb up into a chair, nor do you want to sit in one and feel as if you might as well be on a cushion on the floor.

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    1. River it's 31" from the top of the chair to the floor--which in my opionion, is too low. I do check all those measurements, I don't want any chair lower than 33.". But good point about checking seat to floor.

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  22. More blab: your "survey" amongst your Blog Buddies is cute. If we're all coming to your place for a party, we might be pickier about which chair you get. But be sure and get one for you.
    I saw your note on another blog. Where do you get the idea that a tickle between your shoulder blades could be a gallbladder problem? (I've heard lots of funny stuff in my years of nursing, and may have missed something.) Please have it checked out, in case you have a funny vessel narrowing, but it almost sounds like a nerve problem. Maybe the new chair will fix it! Cheers, Linda in Kansas

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    1. Linda, thanks for this chuckle! And I wish I COULD have several of you here, though I'm sure you'd probably all aim for the couch--I'm still leaning towards the pillow chair, I just figure I don't have to keep it forever and you only live once. As for the shoulder blade tingle, that's kind of you to ask--but I do suffer with gallstones, and I DID read a common symptom is pain or other sensation between the shoulder blades in the center back. But I think it could be a pinched nerve too. I sit on the floor and lean against my couch a lot. Thanks again L. :^)

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    2. Hi Doug, my Mum was/is a nurse (I don’t think you ever stop being one!) and she told me years ago about the pain between the shoulder blades relating to gallbladder pain. No fun, I have had it a few times myself.
      Hope you are having a good weekend.❤️❤️
      Robin

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    3. Robin, you are on top of things! Thank you my friend, I knew I heard (or read) that somewhere! Anyway I'm sorry you've dealt with it too, it can get pretty bad can't it. I should probably talk to my doctor about it. Hope you're having a good weekend too. :^)

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    4. Wow! I learned something new! Interesting how it's all connected. My gallbladder is OUT, so if I get any tingling between my shoulder blades, I'll check for a knife point. Linda in Kansas

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    5. Haha! Linda, it seems like everyone says their gallbladder is out--can I ask when yours was removed?

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  23. I've still got mine and my appendix too.

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    1. I'm glad to hear that River, thanks for sharing. Maybe these organ removals aren't so common after all.

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    2. Hi Doug, I still have my gall bladder, appendix, tonsils and one wisdom tooth!😆😆😆 None of my family had their tonsils removed.
      Have a good Monday Doug.❤️❤️
      Robin

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    3. Robin, I was just getting ready to go downstairs to the Fitness center when this popped up and gave me a real chuckle! Glad to hear you're part of the All-There Club, in fact you have me beat with that wisdom tooth of yours! 😄 Hope you have a good day too my friend 🙂👍❤️

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  24. Gosh.. I don't know about the McCrae chair. It looks stylish and all, but doesn't look very comfortable for sitting. We bought 2 Stressless chairs a long time ago after trying them at a friend's house. However, we did buy it off of Craigslist which made it a ton cheaper since he bought them for $200 a piece. However, we love them.

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    1. Thanks Kay--oh, I've pretty much given up on the McRae Chair, it's very pricey for a giant pillow. Plus I'm not comfortable with all the white. I'm shocked you and I were able to buy a couple of stressless chairs for so cheap, those things are pricey!

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    2. Oops I meant you and Art. Trying to type on my tiny phone pad as my computer isn't working. 😔

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    3. We bought the chairs in 2009 and I wrote a blog post about it https://travelerswife.blogspot.com/2009/07/craigslist-buy-in-aiea-stressless.html
      It was sold cheap because the arm rests had ink marks on it. The widow who used to own it did crosswords while sitting on the chairs. We decided to chance it and bought them because they were comfortable. Eventually we got the stains out with Purell sanitizers. I couldn't believe it. And if you ever decide to try this, be sure to test it in an area that nobody will see first.

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    4. Just finished reading that recliner blog Kay, wow even with the pen marks you guys got a great deal. Are those recliners holding up 13 years later?

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    5. We're still loving our chairs and use it every night when we watch TV or like now while I'm writing this comment. Art falls asleep in his all the time. I can't sleep sitting down even reclining... which is why I can't sleep on flights.

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Thanks for stopping by. I'm glad to hear from you and appreciate the time you take to comment.