Comfortable and sturdy for Jon, attractive and cat-proof for me. We started at La-Z-Boy where we found the affordable, almost perfect Sheffield sectional with an 8-week delivery time frame. That wasn't fast enough for Jon, who seemed to be hoping to have something delivered that night. From there we visited Bernie & Phyl's whose selections seemed really dated or inappropriate. There was one sectional I liked the look of, but it was being sold to a family who was testing it for use as a jungle gym, so we left without checking it out. Jordan's, who seemed to be filled with tiny little sofas and gigantic, poofy sectionals wasn't much better: just one cheap, customizable sectional that looked a little better than La-Z-Boy's, but would take just as long. Since I had long lusted after Pottery Barn's furniture, we went there next. None of the models I wanted to try were in the store, so we shuffled over to the new Crate and Barrel, where we found the totally awesome and totally expensive Axis Sectional. Down filled cushions, solid construction, attractive, and in stock in colors and fabrics we wanted.

I would like to say the search ended there, but when you're balancing the adult need for durable furniture with the desire to be fiscally responsible, a little negotiation is required. We started with a $3000 budget, but it's awfully tempting to go as low as possible and use the savings for other important purchases (like a laptop that doesn't overheat). In fact, our first instinct was to head back to La-Z-Boy, but the long delivery time made us reconsider long enough to find out that they have abysmal consumer reviews. Like shoddy workmanship and warranties not worth the paper they're printed on. The fact that their stock has been on a steady decline and they're closing stores made Jon wonder if they would even be around in five years to consider honoring a warranty. And that cheaper Bauhaus sectional at Jordans? Manufactured by La-Z-Boy. Meanwhile, we had trouble finding negative reviews about Crate and Barrel, aside from snarky comments about being a Pottery Barn clone.

In the end, we went back and purchased the Axis sectional from Crate and Barrel in a herringbone microfiber called Peat. We're just more confident that it will not only withstand our abuses, but continue to be comfortable. It helps that the staff was helpful, friendly, and seemed to know their stuff. We should have the furniture within three weeks (one half of the sectional is back-ordered). Now we just have to find a comfy ottoman for Jon, since the chaise section is on my side of the sofa.