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.