Tracy C - It is almost impossible to name a good brand because each has good/bad points. My only suggestion is to visit a store you trust and find out their warranty & then try it out before buying. Tell them how you plan to use it, too.
Your budget will also come to the party...you can find some good deals on basic "import" stuff. Or go up and over the top with some domestic high end manufactures. As Sherrie said check out some show room and pick the brain the sales folks...be sure to let them know what your installation limits are.
Tracy, that's really a loaded question, but there are a number of variables to be considered. However, as a professional, having a number of years exerience in helping clients w/room layouts, there's a little bit of homework on your part which will help you immensely in the long run.
First, get some graph paper and mark out the room dimensions noting doors, windows, support posts etc. Each square is 1/4" and represents 1 foot on the grid, so if your room is 10' 6" w x 18'
...»
6" long you'll draw a lines using 10 1/2 squares and 18 1/2 squares. Keep in mind the entryways into the room and walkways, also allowing for any other furnishings such as end/coffee tables, orientation for TV etc. Think how the room will be used.
That's the EASY PART!!
As to furniture manufacturers - you're in the greater D,C, metro area so finding stores is not an issue. What does matter is how much you want to "invest" in this furniture. You have Ashley Home Furnishings, The Room Store, Regency etc. Basically, in these type stores what you see is what you get! They offer pre-determined sizes and colors without much variation. If you have specific size requirements, as many people do when considering a sectional, then you really need to go to a higher-end store that has professional staff who can guide you through the process and offer you choices of select pieces to fit your room. Sherrill is one company I used to work with extensively because the client could choose arm style, type of seat cushion (yes there are even choices for that too) plus your choice of fabrics. Any of their sectionals had multiple pieces which could be configured to fit your specific space. Again, depends if you want a 'THIS WILL DO' look or if you really want quality furnishings that will last and have versatility.
Hope this helps you make your way through the maze.
I ended up getting the original sleep sofa I wanted because they dis-assembled it and then re-assembeled it in the basement! I wish they thought of that before they tore up my walls on the previous attempts. Thanks everyone.
sounds a bit like when my parents moved an upright piano into our basement when I was a kid...I remember my dad was a bit P'd off by the damage to the stair treads.
We purchased a sofa for our basement from Wal Mart.com called the
"Click Clack". It looks like a modern streamlined sofa and transforms into a bed by lifting the front edge of the seating about 2 inches in the air. This thing turns into a full sized bed in less than 5 seconds. Very well worth the money for a guest room/basement rec area etc. The cost is about $300 and comes in a flat box with VERY easy assembly!
First, get some graph paper and mark out the room dimensions noting doors, windows, support posts etc. Each square is 1/4" and represents 1 foot on the grid, so if your room is 10' 6" w x 18' ...»
That's the EASY PART!!
As to furniture manufacturers - you're in the greater D,C, metro area so finding stores is not an issue. What does matter is how much you want to "invest" in this furniture. You have Ashley Home Furnishings, The Room Store, Regency etc. Basically, in these type stores what you see is what you get! They offer pre-determined sizes and colors without much variation. If you have specific size requirements, as many people do when considering a sectional, then you really need to go to a higher-end store that has professional staff who can guide you through the process and offer you choices of select pieces to fit your room. Sherrill is one company I used to work with extensively because the client could choose arm style, type of seat cushion (yes there are even choices for that too) plus your choice of fabrics. Any of their sectionals had multiple pieces which could be configured to fit your specific space. Again, depends if you want a 'THIS WILL DO' look or if you really want quality furnishings that will last and have versatility.
Hope this helps you make your way through the maze.
"Click Clack". It looks like a modern streamlined sofa and transforms into a bed by lifting the front edge of the seating about 2 inches in the air. This thing turns into a full sized bed in less than 5 seconds. Very well worth the money for a guest room/basement rec area etc. The cost is about $300 and comes in a flat box with VERY easy assembly!