Unbiased and Honest Product Reviews Around the Home https://www.blesserhouse.com/category/product-reviews/ DIY, Southern style Wed, 14 May 2025 14:05:41 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://www.blesserhouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/cropped-blesser-house-favicon-1-32x32.png Unbiased and Honest Product Reviews Around the Home https://www.blesserhouse.com/category/product-reviews/ 32 32 4 Best Flame Light Bulbs for a Gas Lantern Look: Ranked https://www.blesserhouse.com/4-best-flame-light-bulbs-for-a-gas-lantern-look-ranked/ https://www.blesserhouse.com/4-best-flame-light-bulbs-for-a-gas-lantern-look-ranked/#comments Mon, 29 Jul 2024 19:40:10 +0000 https://www.blesserhouse.com/?p=54008 A product test of the best flame bulbs ranked from best to worst and compared to real flames to help you achieve a gas lantern look in your outdoor lighting. Ever since we installed our Charleston style copper lantern light fixture on our newly finished front porch, I have been on the hunt for the...

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A product test of the best flame bulbs ranked from best to worst and compared to real flames to help you achieve a gas lantern look in your outdoor lighting.

Ever since we installed our Charleston style copper lantern light fixture on our newly finished front porch, I have been on the hunt for the most convincing flame light bulb to use for creating the look of a gas lantern.

After crowdsourcing and a thorough test, I think I finally found the most realistic one!

Pin it for later! ⤵️
best flame light bulb gas lantern look

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Full disclosure

Why Flame Bulbs Are Not All the Same

For the last several years, whenever I would try a flame light bulb in our other outdoor light fixtures, I’d just buy whatever happened to pop up in an Amazon search.

And so many times, I’d install the bulbs in our porch and garage outdoor lights only to discover the flame looked totally bright orange and fake and plain ol’ BAD! Like a bad Halloween decoration bad.

So I asked thousands of you in my Instagram stories for recommendations, and 4 recommended bulbs kept popping up in my DMs as the “best”.

I took one for the team to test out the top 4 different brands of flame light bulbs and compared them to the look of a real flame to determine the ultimate “winner”.

flickering flame light bulb in a lantern on a front porch

I have never been able to find a test like this before; sometimes you just have to take matters into your own hands.

It was extremely helpful to see them in person to determine for myself, but I’ll share a video reel on my Instagram feed as well so that you can see them in action.

4 flickering flame light bulbs ranked

1st Place | 2nd Place | 3rd Place | 4th Place

How the Flame Light Bulbs Were Ranked

  1. Color – Was the bulb too orange?
  2. Movement Comparison to a Real Flame – When holding a flame beside the lit light bulb, did the way it flickered and moved look convincing?
  3. Overall Impression – Just simply personal preference.
flame light bulbs tested in a chandelier

The Best Flame Bulbs Ranked

  • 1st PlaceLED Gold Platinum Lace Simulated Flame Light Bulb – This bulb purely won because it wasn’t too orange, flickered the most realistically, and even had hints of blue at the base to simulate that of a real gas flame. However, it was expensive too. So 2nd and 3rd place are still good, cheaper alternatives.
  • 2nd PlaceHoogaLife LED Flame Effect Light Bulb ranks here because it wasn’t too orange, unlike 3rd and 4th place. But its white plastic base took away from the realism.
  • 3rd PlaceHompavo LED Flame Light Bulb ranked 3rd because while the flickering movement looked realistic, it was very orange. (Great for Halloween, not great for year-round.) It was very similar to this torch effect light bulb, but the flame shape of the bulb edged it out.
best flame light bulbs that look real

1st Best Flame Bulb | 2nd Best Flame Bulb

The Best Flame Bulb When Compared to Real Flame

I compared the lit light bulbs to a candle flame.

None of the 4 flickering flame light bulbs were even close when compared to a real flame, so the search still continues for that, if a light bulb like that even exists.

But there’s really no comparison to a real flame. You either go all in by spending a couple thousand dollars on a real gas lantern or you don’t at all by going fake with this electrical flame bulb substitute.

So this LED Gold Platinum Lace Simulated Flame Light Bulb was the next best thing to real.

fake gas lantern on a front porch with flickering flame light bulbs
fake gas lantern on a front porch with flickering flame light bulbs at night

Flame Bulb in Daylight vs Dusk vs Night

I viewed the bulbs in different lighting at daylight, dusk, and nighttime as well, and again, the LED Gold Platinum Lace Simulated Flame Light Bulb was the clear winner in looking the most realistic.

Here is how it looked in the different lighting on our front porch.

Daylight

fake gas lantern on a front porch with flickering flame light bulbs in daylight

Dusk

fake gas lantern on a front porch with flickering flame light bulbs at dusk

Night

fake gas lantern on a front porch with flickering flame light bulbs at night

So now we know. Maybe it’ll come in handy for your next outdoor lighting project.

A real gas lantern on our front porch one day would be really cool, but I’m perfectly happy to save some bucks by going faux.

What else should I test? This was fun!

Pin it for later! ⤵️
the best flame light bulbs tested and ranked

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Our Walmart Patio Furniture Review Over 2 Years Later https://www.blesserhouse.com/our-walmart-patio-furniture-review-1-year-later/ https://www.blesserhouse.com/our-walmart-patio-furniture-review-1-year-later/#comments Fri, 01 Mar 2024 18:23:06 +0000 https://www.blesserhouse.com/?p=49861 A full review of the Better Homes and Gardens River Oaks and Brookbury patio furniture from Walmart and how they have held up 2 years later. Robert and I have been super into all things backyard lately (and we have 41 DIY backyard projects to prove it… WHEW!), but one of the most frequent questions I always...

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A full review of the Better Homes and Gardens River Oaks and Brookbury patio furniture from Walmart and how they have held up 2 years later.

Robert and I have been super into all things backyard lately (and we have 41 DIY backyard projects to prove it… WHEW!), but one of the most frequent questions I always get is “How do you like your Walmart outdoor furniture?”

walmart patio furniture product review 1 year later

Our Brutally Honest Review of Our Walmart Outdoor Furniture

Now that we’ve had our Better Homes & Gardens patio furniture sets and outdoor dining tables for over 2 year (and our back porch conversation set for over 3 years), I thought it would help to dive into the pros and cons about them. 

We have many favorite features about our outdoor seats and tables, but they’re not perfect. There are a few things to keep in mind to decide if they’re the right choice for your own backyard.

So if you prefer doing lots of research like I do before making big furniture purchases, I hope this in-depth review will help you. 

Related: How to Build a Luxurious DIY Backyard Pool Cabana Pergola

backyard pool with DIY cabana and string lights
back porch with haint blue ceiling and outdoor conversation set
Conversation Set | Outdoor Rug | Coffee Table | Day Bed | Ottomans | Large Planter | Black Striped Pillows | Basket Tray

For weather condition context, we live in the suburbs of Charlotte, North Carolina where it only snows a couple days per year in the winter months. And we don’t typically get super windy conditions. 

We do experience weeks of freezing temperatures in winter, and we have very high precipitation in spring and summer (even more rainfall on average annually than Seattle).

Our weather is especially humid in summer, so mildew can be a battle on our outdoor wicker, seat cushions, and patio furniture covers in our climate. 

Related: How to Hang Outdoor String Lights Anywhere in a Backyard

back porch at night with string lights and lanterns

Better Homes & Gardens River Oaks Outdoor Conversation Set

We’ve had this River Oaks 5-piece conversation set from the Better Homes & Gardens brand at Walmart on our back porch for over 3 years, and would absolutely give it 4.5 stars. Okay, really it’s more like 4.8 stars with only a couple of minor complaints. 

Our River Oaks set came with an outdoor all-weather wicker sofa, 2 swivel chairs, a 2-piece nesting coffee table, and weather-proof covers.

Color Options

The River Oaks style comes in several other furniture configuration sets. You can now choose between a tan wicker / beige cushion color or dark brown wicker / beige cushion color.

Shipping & PickUp Options

We picked it up from our local store in two large boxes, but it does come with free shipping if it’s not available near you. 

Set Configurations

outdoor swivel chairs on a back porch with white coffee table and striped outdoor rug

Related: Best Luxury for Less Amazon Outdoor Decor and Patio Furniture

How the River Oaks Set Has Held Up 3 Years Later

I was a little nervous about how grimy the cushions on this conversation set would look over time.

But the all-weather outdoor covers that come with the set helps a lot during the heavy pollen season (we only cover them in the winter and periodically around April when the pollen is at its worst). 

Cleaning

Any big spills we’ve had on the cushions have scrubbed right up with mild soap and a terry cloth.

I’ve only had to fully clean the cushions once in the entire time we’ve owned them (and that was a year ago when they really weren’t too dirty to begin with). 

To be fair, these seats are protected a bit from the elements since we have this on our covered porch. But it does get damp out here on rainy days, and so far the set looks mostly like new. 

The 5-piece set does come with nesting tables with a marble finish larger table and a smaller table, but we chose to swap it for a simple white outdoor coffee table instead. 

Related: Backyard Patio Spring Cleaning Checklist

patio sofa on a back porch with neutral outdoor pillows

Pros

We tested outdoor furniture sets in stores from Pottery Barn, Crate & Barrel, IKEA, and Target, and still felt this Walmart set was the best in terms of quality for the price.

  • Cushion fabric is fade resistant and stain/water repellant (The cushions are not completely waterproof though as the polyfill inside can still get wet in the rain.)
  • Rust-resistant metal frames
  • All-weather wicker
  • Comes with patio covers to protect from harsh weather
  • Loose cushions for easy cleaning and/or storing in off-season
  • Classic style
  • Smooth mechanisms on swivel gliders (in our experience)
  • Available in 2 colors: Dark Brown / Beige and Natural / Beige
  • 4 out of 5 stars on cushion comfort
  • Price – This 5-piece set is currently on sale for $994 and it looks similar to this Pottery Barn patio set for less than a fifth of the price.

Related: Best Way to Clean Outdoor Cushions and Patio Furniture

wicker swivel chairs on a back porch with striped black pillows

Cons

  • Cushions do still get wet. (See that wet looking spot on the front corner of that cushion in the photo below? It was still slightly wet there when I photographed the sofa from sitting out in the rain when we were refinishing the deck.)
  • Swivel chairs don’t lock. It’s such a small thing, but I wish the chairs had a lock so that they wouldn’t keep spinning around when there is a breeze. I wedge a small side table between the two chairs and place a planter on either side to keep them from moving.
  • Cushions are a little on the thin side. They are reasonably comfortable, especially for the price, but they would definitely feel better with a couple more inches of foam pad.
wicker outdoor sofa on a back porch
wicker swivel chairs on a back porch with side table

We did end up swapping the nesting coffee table that came with the set for this white outdoor coffee table only because I liked the look of a simple table better.

If you need a high-end looking patio set on a lower budget though, I absolutely still recommend this set as the best outdoor furniture even now 3 years after buying it.

Related: Our Back Porch Refresh | The Best Haint Blue Paint Color for Porch Ceilings | Best Deck Stain Color for a Neutral Driftwood Look

back porch conversation set with string lights and lanterns at night

Better Homes and Gardens Kennedy Pointe Outdoor Dining Table

We’ve had these two outdoor dining tables from the Better Homes & Gardens brand at Walmart on our pool deck patio area for over 2 years, and would give it 4.5 stars.

Our Kennedy Pointe outdoor dining table is made of steel but is made to look like wood, so it has much more durability and requires less maintenance than real wood.

Its classic style with black leg supports works with a variety of decorating styles: modern, rustic, transitional, etc.

Related: DIY Faux Driftwood Outdoor Dining Table Makeover

patio tables and chairs with umbrellas beside backyard kitchen and pool
Patio Tables | Outdoor Bistro Chairs | Outdoor Bistro Stools | Outdoor Curtains | Rectangular Scalloped Umbrellas | Ceramic Planters | Outdoor Kitchen | Outdoor Stand Fan | Solar Pendant Lights

How Our Walmart Patio Table Has Held Up After 2 Years

We are so happy with the durability of these outdoor dining tables since buying them in 2022. It’s worth noting that we do not store or cover these tables at all. They sit out on our concrete pool deck all year, even through winter.

There is one chipped place on the edge of one of the tables that shows some rust, but that is the only damage so far.

We haven’t really noticed any significant fading or problems with discoloration.

One of our crape myrtle trees experienced sooty black mold last fall that got black grime on absolutely everything, and it was difficult to get that grime cleaned out from the grain texture in the tabletop, but it’s nothing a pressure washer set on low with a little Krud Kutter can’t fix.

Normally, I just wipe them down with some Method all-purpose cleaner and a rag before eating on them.

Related: Beer Garden Table Makeover

slight damage on a patio table

Pros

  • Made of steel with a wood grain look for durability
  • Sturdy material
  • Realistic wood grain effect design
  • Easy to clean
  • Classic style
  • Designed with an umbrella hole (and hole cover when not in use) so you can add additional shade
  • Easy to assemble
  • Adjustable feet to correct wobbly legs on an uneven surface

Related: How to Paint Vinyl Siding & Pool Shed Makeover

outdoor table beside a pool in a backyard with french bistro chairs

Cons

  • Because it’s made of metal, this table does get hot when sitting in the sun in summer. That’s really our only minor complaint so far other than the one place that chipped in the tabletop.

All in all, we absolutely love these tables and wholeheartedly recommend them. For $298 each, they are great quality and will last a long time.

We also bought these very durable outdoor French bistro chairs 4 years ago, and they are still like new! They’re made of resin with aluminum frames and are very sturdy and comfortable.

Related: How to Hang Outdoor String Lights Anywhere in a Backyard | Our Modular Outdoor Kitchen Built in a Day! | DIY Painted Concrete Pool Deck and Patio

backyard patio dining sets with striped umbrellas beside an outdoor kitchen

Better Homes and Gardens Brookbury Sectional Dining Set

We’ve had this patio dining set from the Better Homes & Gardens brand at Walmart under our DIY pergola cabana for over 2 years, and give it 4.5 stars too considering the price, which is currently $897 (in the light gray/beige color).

I’ve read a few reviews about shipping / delivery issues, but we didn’t experience any problems.

Our Brookbury sectional dining set that seats 7 people came with an outdoor all-weather wicker sectional sofa, two cushioned ottoman stools, a dining table, and weather-proof covers. The Brookbury style comes in several other colors too.

backyard pool cabana with wicker sectional dining set
Dining Set | Basket Tray | Outdoor Rug | Outdoor Curtains | Pitcher | Outdoor Pillow | Bowl Planter | Outdoor Pendant Light

Brookbury Dining Set Color Options

There is a premium fabric version as well that has a 5 year warranty.

How the Brookbury Set Has Held Up After 2 Years

I was worried about how dirty the cushions on this dining set would look after a while, especially since this set sits out in the open air without any protection from rain.

The all-weather covers that come with the set helps a lot during the winter and heavy pollen season. We cover them in the winter, periodically around April when the pollen is at its worst, and if we happen to think about covering them before a big rain storm (but they get rained on a LOT).

Any big spills we’ve had on the cushions have scrubbed right up with mild soap and a terry cloth. I’ve never once had to fully clean these cushions; they’ve only been spot cleaned, so the fabric looks amazing considering that.

We haven’t experience any holes or rips in the fabric at all, and our kids (and their friends) are super rough on them as we host pool parties all summer. All in all, we feel it’s the best patio furniture for the price when it comes to multifunction.

Related: DIY Pergola Cabana Build

outdoor dining set in a backyard pool cabana

Pros

  • Versatility – I love the dual function of this set that can be used as a sofa for lounging or for dining. It’s the perfect solution if you have a small patio space that needs to serve your family’s needs in a variety of ways.
  • Made of weather resistant metal and PE wicker
  • Rust resistant and fade resistant
  • Simple, classic design
  • Easy to clean – I just use Folex and a terry cloth to scrub away spills
  • Dining table has umbrella hole (with cover when not in use) to add additional shade if needed
  • Comes with patio covers to protect from harsh weather
  • Loose cushions for easy cleaning and/or storing in off-season
  • Available in 5 colors
  • 4 out of 5 stars on cushion comfort
  • Price – This set is currently on sale for $897
  • Smart design to serve a variety of functional needs in a small outdoor space
wicker patio dining set under a backyard pergola

Cons

  • Cushions do still get wet. After a heavy downpour, we hang up the cushions to dry between the slats of our pergola so water can drain out of them. I wish the cushions were completely waterproof.
  • Ottomans don’t have storage. It’s such a small detail, but I wish the ottomans had a lift-off top to be used to store items. I think that was a slight missed opportunity in the design to make it even more functional.
  • Cushions are a little on the thin side. They are reasonably comfortable, especially for the price, but they would definitely feel better with a couple more inches of foam pad.

Related: 40 Best Faux Outdoor Plants for Planters on a Porch

backyard cabana with outdoor dining set

So that’s the full run-down of our Better Homes and Gardens outdoor furniture!

We are so happy with all three of these pieces, and now that I’ve seen how well they have all held up with time, I’m thinking about replacing our poolside chaise lounge chairs that require way more maintenance.

Buying cheap outdoor furniture helps out the budget, but if it’s not going to last over the years, it’s not really worth it in the long run. Thankfully, our Walmart outdoor furniture has proven to be great at both budget and durability.

I’m glad we could be the guinea pigs on this little experiment, so that we could confidently recommend them to you guys who ask me about them all the time. We will always be honest about everything we share because we would want the same treatment done to us.

I hope this helped! Anything else you want us to review next?

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Better Homes and Gardens River Oaks patio furniture come with a warranty?

Yes, the Better Homes and Gardens River Oaks patio furniture has a 3 year warranty on the frame and the fabric. It has a 1 year warranty on the PE wicker and ceramic tile.

Does Better Homes and Gardens patio furniture come with outdoor covers?

The Better Homes and Gardens River Oaks and Brookbury patio furniture collections both come with all-weather patio covers. We have owned our patio sets for 2 and 3 years now, and although the covers have faded, they have never ripped.

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Top 10 Best Reclining Sofas With Modern Style in 2024 https://www.blesserhouse.com/top-10-best-reclining-sofas-with-modern-style-in-2024/ https://www.blesserhouse.com/top-10-best-reclining-sofas-with-modern-style-in-2024/#comments Tue, 09 Jan 2024 03:36:48 +0000 https://www.blesserhouse.com/?p=52257 The Scandinavian Designs Ryden power reclining sofa continues to be the best option on our top 10 recliner sofas list. We chose it for our media room because of its sleek modern look at a great price, plush feather blend cushions, sinuous spring suspension, hardwood frame, adjustable headrests, moderately quick delivery, and smooth power reclining...

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reclining sofa in media room with fireplace, wallpapered ceiling, and built in shelves

The Scandinavian Designs Ryden power reclining sofa continues to be the best option on our top 10 recliner sofas list.

We chose it for our media room because of its sleek modern look at a great price, plush feather blend cushions, sinuous spring suspension, hardwood frame, adjustable headrests, moderately quick delivery, and smooth power reclining at the touch of a button. Its built-in wireless phone charger with two USB ports and modular customization options including two power-hidden cup holder make it hard to beat. 

After owning this reclining couch for over a month, we can confidently say it’s the best purchase we could have made for our whole family to enjoy in the media room. If you’re looking for reclining home theater furniture or a contemporary style recliner sofa for your living room, these are our top 10 best recommendations. 

top 10 best reclining sofas with modern style
boucle modern recliner couch in a media room with gingham rug and burl coffee table
best reclining sofa with modern style in a media room

Best Reclining Sofa Overall

Scandinavian Designs Ryden 

The entire Ryden Collection exudes an air of chic, effortless comfort with its gracefully-rounded curves. Designed with modularity in mind, this versatile collection allows you to select the configuration that best complements your space and allows for easy adjustments. Upholstery in a warm gray easy-to-clean fabric makes it a great neutral for a variety of room color schemes. 

Pros

  • Versatile design options with modular pieces 
  • Curved modern style to blend with contemporary, mid-century, or rustic aesthetics
  • Available in reclining sectional sofa option
  • Power headrests
  • Smooth reclining mechanism 
  • Most affordable price
  • Solid wood frame
  • Sinuous spring suspension
  • Feather blend cushions
  • Moderately fast delivery in under 7 weeks (Ours was delivered within 4 weeks)
  • Console option with hidden cup holders
  • Built-in wireless phone charger, 2 three-prong outlets, and 2 USB ports
  • Wall hugging 
  • Easy to clean
  • Quiet electric motor

Cons

  • Only 1 fabric color available
  • Paid delivery (if not picked up in store)
  • Attached seat cushions 
budget recliner couch with modern style

Alternative Budget Option 

Home Threads Armen Living Juliett Power Reclining Sofa

It’s hard to find a modern style power reclining sofa for under $2,000 due to the cost of reclining mechanisms, but alongside the Ryden by Scandinavian Designs, the Juliett Modern Power Reclining Sofa by Armen Living is the perfect secondary option. Its minimalist clean lines make it great for small spaces and disguise this sofa so it doesn’t even look like a recliner. Plus, the free, fast shipping is a big perk. 

Pros

  • Fast shipping in 1-3 business days
  • Free shipping

​Cons

  • Foam cushions
  • Limited fabric color options
  • Arrives unassembled 
best luxury sofa with recliner

Best Luxury Sofa

Arhaus Coburn Motion Sofa

The Arhaus Coburn Motion Sofa is hands down the best for comfort and durability ranking it the best reclining luxury sofa. The craftsman built hard wood frame, secure interlocking mechanisms, and sterilized down blend cushion filling ensure it’s made to last. Its design is totally customizable to suit the size of your room and your family. Coburn comes dressed in soft, super-tough fabric with Crypton® Home Performance Fabrics – the superheroes that laugh in the face of stains and spills from everyday life. This sofa is as easygoing as it gets.

Pros

  • Made with Crypton® Home Performance Fabrics, one of the most durable upholstery fabrics on the market engineered with stain-, odor-, and moisture-resistant technology.
  • Versatile design options you can customize with Arhaus’s Design Team 
  • Available as a sectional sofa
  • Craftsman built hard wood frame
  • Responsibly made springs from recycled steel
  • Down blend cushions
  • Power tilt headrest option

Cons

  • Not wall hugging – requires 12″ of clearance behind sofa
  • Limited fabric color options – only available in 3 neutral colors
best modern leather recliner sofa

Best Leather Furniture Option

Pottery Barn Tucker Leather Power Reclining Sofa

The Pottery Barn Tucker Leather Power Reclining Sofa gives the classic sofa a modern makeover. Tucker brings a low-slung, shelter-style silhouette that’s all about keeping things sleek. Hidden control buttons let you kick back at the perfect angle without interrupting its smooth vibe. The back reclines within the seat’s frame, so you can slide it right up against the wall. The high quality top grain leather that’s available in 44 color options only gets better as it patinas over the years. 

Pros

  • Top grain leather that will develop a rich patina over time
  • Wide variety of 44 leather color options with sample swatches available 
  • No sag steel springs
  • Wall hugging requiring no space behind sofa
  • Responsibly made 
  • Contract grade (durable enough for commercial use)

Cons

  • Polyester-wrapped cushions with a firm feel (although this could be a pro if you prefer a moderately firm seat)
  • Long lead time – delivered in 12+ weeks 
best reclining sofa for kids and pets

Best Sofa for Kids and Pets

Homebody Reclining Couch

The Homebody Couch is trending this year on Instagram, and for good reason. Its fabric is the easiest to clean if you have messy kids or pets (or adults too). Bonus points: It’s super environmentally friendly with upholstery made from 100% recycled plastic, eco-friendly eiderdown feathers, and recyclable packaging. However, it does come with a sticker shock with a 2-seat recliner couch ringing in at a whopping $5,240 (at time of this post’s publishing). But considering its ultra durability and sustainability, maybe it will last far beyond its cheaper competitors? 

Pros

  • Pet, child, and spill proof upholstery
  • Eco-friendly using eiderdown feather blend cushions 
  • Environmentally friendly treatments on coverings with fabrics made from 100% recycled plastic
  • Fully customizable with modular pieces, including sectional options
  • Edgeless design for added comfort 
  • Moderately fast shipping (2-6 weeks)
  • 7 color options

Cons

  • Pricey 
  • Paid inside delivery 
  • Assembly required 
best customizable modern recliner couch

Most Customizable 

Pottery Barn Ultra Lounge Upholstered Reclining Sofa

If you have very specific decorating taste, the Pottery Barn Ultra Lounge Upholstered Reclining Sofa has a huge variety of upholstery choices 34 different colors and textures, including leather. The classic design is available in roll arm or square arm styles and works well in modern or traditional living rooms. For more seating space, Pottery Barn offers a sectional version. If you need it in a hurry though, look elsewhere. It will take 12 weeks or longer to arrive at your home. If you prefer a plush sofa you can sink right into, its firm polyester-wrapped cushions might not be a good fit for you. 

​Pros

  • 34 upholstery fabric choices, including easy-to-clean performance fabrics, to best complement your decorating style
  • Loose cushions
  • Hard wood frame
  • Classic design
  • No sag steel springs
  • Wall hugging requiring no space behind sofa
  • Responsibly made

Cons

  • Polyester-wrapped cushions with a firm feel (although this could be a pro if you prefer a moderately firm seat)
  • Long lead time – delivered in 12+ weeks
best modern traditional recliner sofa

Best Modern Traditional Style 

Winston Porter Logan Reclining Sofa

If you’re more of the traditional type, the Winston Porter Logan Reclining Sofa at Wayfair beautifully blends traditional features with clean, modern lines. The nailhead accents add a formal touch. And considering its wide variety of fabric choices, including high performance Sunbrella, it’s decently priced. USB ports hidden in the armrests make it easy to charge mobile phones and tablets. However, the back does not recline, if you prefer to lie down. Some reviews mention that the power reclining function died after a year of use. 

Pros

  • Nailhead & slope arm design for a traditional approach with clean lines
  • 17 upholstery fabric choices, including durable Sunbrella
  • 3 nailhead color options
  • Tall seat height well suited for tall people
  • Down blend cushions with removable cushion backs 
  • Throw pillows included
  • Built in USB ports 

Cons

  • Some reviews mention cushions are too firm 
  • Some reviews mention the power reclining functionality died after a year 
  • No adjustable back – foot rest only in a seated position
best modern reclining sectional

Best Reclining Sectional

West Elm Harmony Motion Reclining 3-Piece Chaise Sectional

The West Elm Harmony Motion Reclining 3-Piece Chaise Sectional is the ultimate choice if you want epic naps in your life. Ultra cozy with a deep seat and extra plush cushions, plus capability to fully recline in a variety of customizable positions, including one or two power recliners, make this sectional one of the most comfortable options. It’s contract grade, which means it’s extremely durable, even for commercial use (if you’re an Airbnb host, this might be a great option). 

Pros

  • Fully recline capability (if you like to lie flat)
  • 4 sectional with chaise configuration options
  • 53 upholstery fabric choices, including easy-to-clean performance fabrics
  • Ships within 1 week (for in-stock fabric options)
  • Hardwood frame
  • Lumbar and throw pillows included
  • Down blend, ultra soft cushions
  • Contract grade (durable enough for commercial use)

Cons

  • Semi-attached cushions
  • Paid delivery 
  • Not wall-hugging 
best boxy recliner couch

Best Boxy Sofa

West Elm Leo Motion Reclining Sofa

If you love the look of clean lines on statement-making furniture, the West Elm Leo Motion Reclining Sofa is hard to beat. The extra wide arms command attention and are extra functional. The firm cushions, lumbar support on a hard wood frame alongside performance fabric options make this contract grade sofa as sturdy as it gets. If you need more seating in a sectional configuration or prefer leather instead of fabric, it’s available in a wide variety of different styles. Just be aware that if you have a small family room, this sleek sofa might have too much bulk for your space. 

Pros

  • Ultra sleek modern style
  • Great lumbar support
  • 31 upholstery fabric options, including easy-to-clean performance fabrics (leather available too)
  • Ships within 1 week (for in-stock fabric options)
  • Hardwood frame
  • Available in a variety configuration options, including sectional
  • Contract grade (durable enough for commercial use)

Cons

  • Too bulky for small rooms
  • Firm cushions (thought that might not be a problem for you)
  • Paid delivery
  • Attached cushions 
best slim arm reclining sofa

Best Slim Arm Sofa

Crate & Barrel Leisure Power Recliner Sofa

Upon first glance, you would never guess that the Crate & Barrel Leisure Power Recliner Sofa is a recliner at all. It is as low profile as it gets. The back and footrests are independently operated allowing you to customize recline positions to your comfort level. Some review mention firm cushions and a need for lumbar support, so you might be sacrificing a little comfort for style. But if you love the most modern of modern styles, this is a winner.

Pros

  • Independently operated back and footrests
  • Hidden buttons
  • Hardwood frame
  • Sinuous wire suspension
  • Built-in floor protectors
  • Minimalist low profile design

Cons

  • Only 1 fabric option
  • Firm seat cushions
  • Some reviewers mention need for lumbar support
  • Paid delivery
  • Some assembly may be required
  • Long lead time
media room with projector screen and recliner sofa

It was quite a long shopping hunt to find these top 10 best reclining sofas, but in the end, we are extremely happy with our choice of the Scandinavian Designs Ryden sofa. Over the coming months and years, I will report back about how it holds up.

We feel confident that it will continue to meet and exceed our expectations. Our future definitely consists of many family movie nights reclined together on this couch under a warm blanket. 

More Living Room Product Reviews

​Frequently Asked Questions

What is the life expectancy of a recliner sofa?

On average, a recliner sofa lasts seven to fifteen years, depending on the sofa quality and how often it is used. Be sure to check the reclining mechanisms periodically to ensure everything is in proper working order and fix any pieces that may loosen or break over time.

Are electric recliner sofas worth it?

Power recliners are preferred over manual recliners for people who lack strength or mobility. For the elderly and children, power recliners are a more user-friendly option than manual because they can recline at the desired position with the push of a button.

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My Unbiased Honest Review of the Bartesian Cocktail Maker https://www.blesserhouse.com/my-unbiased-honest-review-of-the-bartesian-cocktail-maker/ https://www.blesserhouse.com/my-unbiased-honest-review-of-the-bartesian-cocktail-maker/#comments Wed, 27 Sep 2023 08:00:00 +0000 https://www.blesserhouse.com/?p=49565 An honest, unbiased review of the Bartesian cocktail machine, pros/cons to consider, if it’s worth the money, and top rated drink flavors. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. It has been a little over ten months since Robert bought our Bartesian cocktail machine for me as a Christmas present, and ever since...

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An honest, unbiased review of the Bartesian cocktail machine, pros/cons to consider, if it’s worth the money, and top rated drink flavors.

using a Bartesian cocktail maker in a dining room for hosting

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

It has been a little over ten months since Robert bought our Bartesian cocktail machine for me as a Christmas present, and ever since then I have put it through the ringer!

Well, maybe not through the ringer. I mean I’m not throwing back a margarita everyday, but we have definitely used this Keurig-meets-robot-bartender quite a bit.

This Bartesian review is totally not sponsored, totally not biased, and totally not sugar-coated (not that I do that anyway for the sponsored posts I do write). I didn’t mention when I got this cocktail maker because I really wanted to be fully confident in it before I shouted how much I liked it from the rooftops.

rum breeze cocktail made at home with the Bartesian machine

All in all – the Bartesian totally lives up to the hype!

There are some pros and cons though, so hang tight for a sec.

What is the Bartesian Cocktail Maker?

Think of it as an intelligent drink system like a Keurig that makes premium cocktails at the push of a button.

  • Choose a capsule (pod) in the cocktail flavor of your choice
  • Insert a capsule in the the machine
  • Place a glass with ice on the bar top (the machine will tell you what size glass you need)
  • Choose your preferred strength (from mocktail to strong)
  • The machine reads a barcode on top of the pod to know exactly what spirit to add and crafts a delicious cocktail in seconds.
bartesian machine touch screen button to make a drink

Bartesian Machine Types

The Bartesian cocktail machine comes in 3 different sizes – Bartesian Duet (with 2 bottles to hold 2 types of spirits) | Bartesian Premium (with 4 bottles to hold 4 types of spirits) | Bartesian Professional (with 5 bottles to hold 5 types of spirits)

We own the Bartesian Premium (priced at $369 at the time of this post) to have a variety of flavor options available for guests. I mostly only like vodka and rum based cocktails, so a Duet (for $224.49) would absolutely have sufficed for me, personally, if I didn’t consider hosting guests.

adding a cocktail capsule to a bartesian machine

Are Bartesian Pods Expensive?

So to address the question… Is Bartesian worth the price?

Price Per Cocktail

Bartesian capsules are $19.99 for 8 cocktails or $71.99 for 32 cocktails. It breaks down to as little as $2.25 per cocktail + the price of your spirit choice to add to the bottles.

Most cocktails in our area (Charlotte) cost $15-20 on average, so it’s definitely cheaper than a restaurant/bar drink for restaurant/bar quality.

drink machine on a dining room buffet sideboard with lamp, record player, and vase of branches

How Capsules Reduce Waste

Plus, I don’t have to purchase any mixers to stock at home that end up wasted after a party or worry about storing bottles of mixers. All of the capsule pods are recyclable.

Capsules last 2-8 months (expiration dates are printed on each one), so we have all we need to last through the summer for cookouts or the holiday season for gatherings.

Time Saver and Stress Reducer

When hosting family and friends for gatherings or if we want a yummy drink on a date-night-in, it is the perfect setup to make every evening stress-free so we don’t have to worry about clean-up, stocking mixers, or juggling ingredients while multitasking to socialize with guests.

I even hauled it with me to a women’s retreat to host 16 blogger friends at an Airbnb, and it was absolutely a hit!

It was a relief not having to be the bartender of the evening because everyone could just walk right over to the cocktail machine’s capsule holder to choose their favorite drink from a wide variety of flavors.

Its ease of use, price per cocktail, and quality all make the Bartesian absolutely worth having a machine for the home.

Bartesian cocktail maker with a rum breeze drink

Do Bartesian Cocktails Taste good?

I met Robert back when I was a bartender/waitress, and I am a total cocktail snob. I was skeptical before using it for the first time, but the Bartesian cocktails really are restaurant quality.

As of now, there are just over 50 Bartesian cocktail pod varieties on the market, and they continually release new flavors sold separately, especially around the holidays.

The cocktails can be limited though if you prefer a fizzy or frozen cocktail.

When using the Bartesian capsules, the machine makes the concentrated cocktail mixers in the pods with water and spirits. You can make drinks fizzy yourself by choosing “strong” on the Bartesian setting, letting the machine pour through the entire cycle, and adding soda to the glass yourself to dilute the cocktail to regular strength.

From my own personal preference, the best Bartesian cocktails so far are Lemon Drop, Rum Breeze, Northside, Whiskey Sour, Ginger Peach Iced Tea, Espresso Martini, and Mango Margarita.

Rum Breeze cocktail made in a coffee maker style cocktail machine

Pros

  • High quality cocktails
  • Holds two, four, or five glass spirit reservoir bottles
  • Customize your drink’s strength (mocktail, light, regular, or strong)
  • Touchscreen makes drink making easy and interactive
  • Includes a drip tray mat
  • Liquor storage bottles and drip tray mat are dishwasher safe
  • Simple to clean and assemble
  • Variety of cocktail flavors available
  • LED light during pour makes each drink feel like an experience
  • Fun to play with new drink flavors in cocktail capsule variety packs
  • Includes bottle lock with key
  • Self-cleaning feature after every drink is made so flavors don’t mix together

Cons

  • Pricey – It’s still on the pricey side and a luxury to have but worth it if you host frequently
  • Tricky Lid – Sometimes the capsule gets stuck in the lid for a few seconds and I have to work a little harder to pop it out. I’ve experienced a couple of leaking capsules because I pressed the lid too hard on them. It’s hardly an issue though once you get used to loading it.
  • Sometimes Glitchy – After hosting a large gathering, the machine sometimes won’t respond for a few minutes after it has made many drinks consecutively. Again, not a dealbreaker. But it’s worth noting.
bartesian cocktail machine used on top of a dining room sideboard

Frequently Asked Questions

What alcohol do you need for the Bartesian?

You can fill the cocktail maker with your favorite brands of vodka, rum, gin, tequila, and whiskey. The glass reservoir bottles are categorically labeled on the machine for the correct placement so the machine can make the drinks set to what type you use.

Can you pour a shot from Bartesian?

No, the machine does not pour shots, only alcohol dispensed into mixed drinks using a barcode on top of a capsule to assess how much of each spirit to dispense from the glass bottles.

Can you leave liquor in Bartesian?

Yes, you can leave bottles filled with spirits because the bottles are airtight, preventing alcohol from leaking or evaporating. As bottles empty, you can just clean them in the dishwasher and refill. Be sure to clean the water reservoir regularly.

Does Bartesian work without pods?

No, similarly to the Keurig coffee maker, the Bartesian cocktail machine will only work with Bartesian capsules. There are over 50 different cocktail varieties, and Bartesian is always releasing new flavors.

How long do Bartesian pods last?

Pods are shelf stable, much like juice boxes. Pod packaging has a best before date printed on it, usually about 6 months after they were packaged.

dining room buffet with Bartesian cocktail machine, record player, vase of branches, and lamp

All in all, we have zero regrets buying the Bartesian machine.

We’ve been so impressed with it these past 10 months and look forward to hosting backyard cookouts and pool parties in the months and years ahead where I can retire as the “designated bartender”.

Now I can just relax during our gatherings as I’d like while a robot plays bartender instead.

It makes a really fun gift for anybody who entertains in their home, even if the gift is just for yourself.

More Household Items We (Mostly) Recommend

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Our Brutally Honest Review of the Samsung Frame TV https://www.blesserhouse.com/our-unbiased-brutally-honest-review-of-the-samsung-frame-tv/ https://www.blesserhouse.com/our-unbiased-brutally-honest-review-of-the-samsung-frame-tv/#comments Tue, 26 Sep 2023 10:00:00 +0000 https://www.blesserhouse.com/?p=38813 All of the pros and cons about the Samsung Frame TV and how to add art, plus free downloadable still life art to display on a TV. It’s been a little over a month since we installed our Samsung Frame TV. I wanted to give ourselves a decent amount of time to live with it...

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All of the pros and cons about the Samsung Frame TV and how to add art, plus free downloadable still life art to display on a TV.

It’s been a little over a month since we installed our Samsung Frame TV. I wanted to give ourselves a decent amount of time to live with it before sharing an opinion on it.

(UPDATE: It’s now been nearly three years, and we still absolutely love this TV! But with a few drawbacks…)

TV that looks like art in the living room : a review

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Why the Frame TV Hype?

The Frame is a TV that looks like art. The feature to display images to make it look like a framed piece of art on your wall rather than a giant black box is definitely the draw.

(Finally, someone figured out what decorators everywhere have been thinking for decades! A picture frame TV is what we’ve been wanting all along! A black rectangle right above your fireplace just isn’t nearly as pretty.)

But when we were looking at buying it, Robert was concerned about the display and if it would really deliver on experience quality. Here’s what we’ve discovered…

The Pros of the Samsung Frame TV

1. Gorgeous Design

Endless Art Display Choices

You can choose your own artwork to display on it or choose from the gallery in the Samsung Art Store for a monthly subscription fee. (I didn’t do the subscription because I like the flexibility of uploading public domain art I find… see the bottom of this post to snag a few art images, if you want.)

Frame Color and Style Options

The addition of an aftermarket wood bezel frame, which is sold separately and runs about an extra $150, makes it blend even better into whatever interior design aesthetic you choose.

Samsung Frame TV in living room with still life art

2. Low Profile

Slim Fit Mount

The TV is slim and has a slim fit wall mount that sits completely flush against the wall like a framed piece of art. It’s seamless and only draws attention to itself when you want it to. (Ours is the 55″.)

Easy to Hide Cord

It even comes with a very thin, clear cord so that it’s easily concealed against a wall.

Concealable Box

Its One Connect Box can be stored out of sight so that you can easily manage other electronics that attach to it without having to run a tangle of cords to the TV screen on the wall.

3. Excellent Picture Quality

  • The Frame has a QLED panel that amps up colors to make the picture vivid, high quality, and bright. We’ve tried out all of the different picture modes, and while our previous LG TV is 4 years old, it definitely has out-shown its 4K panel.

The Cons of the Samsung Frame TV

1. Installation

Tricky to Mount

Maybe this TV is quick and easy for some people to install, but that was not the case with us. To be fair, our Frame TV had to be hung on the wall above our fireplace where a brick chimney is behind. We didn’t have the ability to cut a hole out of the wall to feed the cable through.

(We chose to use a thin cord cover on ours since we had to run it a long length of the wall at different angles to feed it into our window seat.)

The mount was tricky, but that also has to do with its design to hang the TV flush against the wall.

Simpler Mount Alternative

You can now get an easel Studio Stand to mimic the look of an art easel without the need of a wall mount!

tv that looks like art in living room with still life art display

2. Not Quite Art

To me, it’s still very possible to tell the art display isn’t an actual painting hanging on the wall with the 2021 model.

When the lights are low in the room and you’re displaying a light colored image especially, you can still see the TV screen glowing on the art display, which does still make it obvious that it’s a TV. It won’t fool many people unless your lighting in the room is just right.

UPDATE: The new 2022 version of “The Frame” has a new matte display with anti-glare, anti-fingerprint, and anti-reflection properties to make the art look more realistic!

3. Expensive

The reason we were willing to shell out the bucks for The Frame TV was because it is front and center in our living room smack dab at the very focal point. Having the ability to display art in that spot, was a big deal to us.

But I can’t imagine buying this TV for any room where it’s not a main focal point. The price just isn’t worth that, in my mind.

How much does the Frame TV cost?

Samsung Frame TVs usually cost between $1,000 to $2,000 for a 55″ to 65″ 2022 version TV. The larger sizes around 85″ run about $3,000.

It’s worth waiting for a holiday sale or Prime Day sale, as we have found them at the best price then. Frame TVs go on sale fairly often, if you’re willing to be patient.

Samsung Frame TV with art display

Difference Between Samsung Frame TV 2021 and 2022

The latest 2022 Frame TV model comes with higher performance and better aesthetic updates. The latest 2022 Frame TV model comes with higher performance and better aesthetic updates.

After purchasing this Samsung TV for our living room, we enjoyed the concept of making our regular TV look like wall art so much that we purchased the latest Samsung Frame TV version for our media room. It looks even more like a real piece of art than the older model.

We hung vintage style pieces of art in a gallery wall around the TV to look even more convincing as a real art piece. As a great option to customize the look even more, we chose to use a Gatsby gold bezel from Deco Frames.

2022 Samsung Frame TV model with gold Deco Frames bezel in a gallery wall

Matte Art Display

The 2021 version has a semi-gloss finish screen whereas the 2022 version has an anti-glare, matte screen that looks more convincing as a realistic piece of art.

Anti-Glare Viewing

The latest version’s anti-glare finish also provides a clearer, more striking image. This makes watching TV from different angles in a family room more enjoyable.

Lower Profile

The 2022 version is slightly thinner than the 2021 version so it hangs more flat against the wall.

samsung frame tv gallery wall in media room above built in desk console

How easy is it to install a Samsung Frame TV?

You will have to drill holes into your wall to hang the TV mount, if you want the look of artwork hanging on your wall. My husband and I were able to follow the instructions, but it was a bit more challenging than we anticipated.

If you’re concerned, you can hire a professional TV installer directly through Samsung for $120.

Alternatively, you can leave the TV on the height-adjustable stand included. Or you can mount it on a TV easel to look like a painting on an art stand.

Overall, we’re completely happy with our Frame TVs, and it’s been so fun playing around with settings to add new art to it all the time.

Samsung Frame TV in living room with still life art

Free Art TV Downloads

A fun feature is you can access the art store subscription to display from their database or install your own art to upload as built in home decor.

If you have The Frame yourself or if you want to use this Smart TV Art Display trick, you can get access to these 8 still life digital art prints here from Vincent Van Gogh, Paul Gauguin, and Paul Cezanne that I reformatted to fit a TV screen. But they would be beautiful printed and placed in a real frame too, if you preferred.

(Access to the free downloadable art is in your email inbox, if you’re already a Bless’er House subscriber.)

You can download the art printables by clicking here or the button below to subscribe:

printable button

(If you’re already a subscriber, the direct download to the art images is in your inbox and at the bottom of every email I send.)

Samsung Frame TV in living room with still life art

How to add art to the Samsung Frame TV

  1. Download the TV art images from the Bless’er House Printable Library in Google Drive to your smart phone’s camera roll. (Password is at the bottom of every Bless’er House email newsletter.)
  2. Launch the SmartThings app on your smart phone.
  3. Select your TV.
  4. Choose Art Mode.
  5. Click ADD YOUR PHOTOS+
  6. Click the photos you would like to add to your Samsung Frame TV and select the Save to The Frame button.
  7. The images will be accessible in the Slideshow setting.
  8. Tap on your preferred time setting then select Set.
  9. Tap on + to add a new image from your Gallery.
  10. Click on the Art Mode button on your Frame TV remote.

I prefer “no mat” on mine, but you can add one in your settings if you prefer that look.

tv that looks like art with still life display
Samsung Frame TV in living room with still life art
art tv with still life art
Samsung Frame TV in living room with still life art
Samsung Frame TV in living room with still life art
Samsung Frame TV in living room with still life art

Which piece of art is your favorite? I love that they’re all works of art that I don’t have to decide which one to display because I can change them any time I want with the click of a button!

Do you have The Frame? What are your thoughts on it? Hopefully, we can make this a helpful little resource together for anyone who’s wondered about it.

If you want to save this post for later, you can pin it here:

free art for the samsung frame tv
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Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Samsung Frame TV burn out?

No, the Samsung Frame TV is designed to display art and photos for long lengths of time without the risk of pixel burn out.

Does the Samsung Frame TV come with the bezel frame?

No, the bezel must be purchased separately from the art Frame TV. But you can buy different colors and styles of bezels from different companies like Deco TV Frames and Frame My TV.

Is a picture frame TV worth it?

The Frame TV is definitely worth it if the look and design of your home is a priority. Its efficient, high-quality performance allows you to make the most use of your home entertainment space. The no-gap wall mount takes up less space too.

How long can a picture stay on a Frame TV?

Art can be displayed as long as a TV show is not being watched. An ambient light sensor and motion sensor detects activity in the room, so the art displays any time someone is nearby. You can always change your sensor settings, if you prefer. You can choose to set it to a black screen too (we turn off ours at night when going to bed).

What is the disadvantage of a Samsung Frame TV?

Unfortunately, the picture TV’s art mode mostly still looks like a photo displayed on a screen because it produces a small amount of ambient light. But it’s as close to looking like real art as you can get. It does fool most people into believing it’s just a framed picture on the wall.

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Unbiased Review: Leather Pottery Barn Recliner 2 Years Later https://www.blesserhouse.com/our-brutally-honest-review-of-our-tyler-pottery-barn-recliner/ https://www.blesserhouse.com/our-brutally-honest-review-of-our-tyler-pottery-barn-recliner/#comments Tue, 26 Sep 2023 05:44:00 +0000 https://www.blesserhouse.com/?p=41721 A brutally honest, unbiased review of the Tyler Pottery Barn Recliner, its pros/cons to consider, if it’s worth the money, and why it’s not for everyone. Our living room got a new addition in the form of Pottery Barn recliners 2 years ago, and I’ve never been so happy to lose a battle over furniture...

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A brutally honest, unbiased review of the Tyler Pottery Barn Recliner, its pros/cons to consider, if it’s worth the money, and why it’s not for everyone.

Our living room got a new addition in the form of Pottery Barn recliners 2 years ago, and I’ve never been so happy to lose a battle over furniture with my husband.

I’m constantly asked about how we’ve liked these recliner chairs as we have lived with them the past couple of years. So we’ll dive into our brutally honest, unsponsored review.

A brutally honest, unbiased review of the Tyler Pottery Barn Recliner, its pros/cons to consider, if it’s worth the money, and why it's not for everyone.
living room

Rug | Coffee Table | Recliners | Lamps | End Tables | Fan | Sconces | Tree | Basket | Statue Planter | Pillow | Blanket | Fireplace Screen | TV

For four years, we stuck with our IKEA Stocksund chairs that served us well.

As comfortable as they were for the inexpensive price tag (they were great as far as IKEA goes), Robert had been dying for a recliner from Day 1.

How to Choose a Good Recliner Chair

Everyone’s opinion will differ, of course, because everyone’s style, comfort preference, and way of living is different.

When furniture shopping, consider the following for the perfect recliner chair:

  • Aesthetically pleasing – a chair that won’t disrupt the decorating style in your room
  • Comfort – considering how the chair feels in sitting, reclining, and lying positions
  • Ease of use – fits into your lifestyle needs with features like a swivel, rising, power, or stationary
  • Longevity – selecting quality upholstery made of a performance fabric or top grain leather that will last versus an upholstery that stains or damages easily
  • Price – often recliners are priced to “get what you pay for”; consider if price or quality matters more to you and where you can compromise on your budget or features you want in a chair.
Pottery Barn leather recliner with blanket

Why We Chose a Pottery Barn Leather Recliner

We bought the Tyler Square Arm Down Blend Churchfield Camel Leather Recliner without Nailheads because it ticked all of those boxes for us. Our recliners were delivered in July 2021.

  • Low profile so they look like armchairs rather than recliners when in the upright position.
  • Comfortable with soft yet supportive down blend cushions you can sink right into.
  • High quality materials of top grain leather and down blend for super longevity.
  • Classic design with clean lines that will stand the test of time and fits into many interior design styles.

I wanted to give us time to break them in and see how they held up against our rough and rowdy bunch before completely formulating an opinion on them.

There are some things we love about these Pottery Barn recliners and some things we’re not so keen on.

RELATED: You can see more of our favorite modern recliner chairs here.

modern high leg leather pottery barn recliners in living room

If you’ve ever had the Tyler recliners on your wish list, I broke down our totally unbiased, brutally honest review in a pros/cons list.

We bought these leather recliners ourselves, and my opinions are unbiased about them.

modern leather recliners in living room

Pottery Barn Recliner Pros

Comfort

This recliner is legitimately the most comfortable high-leg recliner I’ve ever sat in.

We were able to “test drive” the Tyler recliner in the Pottery Barn store. The moment we tried it out, we knew it was perfect.

Supportive, Soft Cushions

The down blend cushions are so soft that allow you to sink in with just enough support. I highly recommend visiting a local Pottery Barn store so that you can try them out in person before deciding to purchase.

Soft Leather

The leather feels like butter! We chose the color Churchfield Camel, which is a warm, caramel brown made of 100% top grain leather.

leather recliners in living room

Sleek Design

I love that the high leg design with the tailored clean lines make these chairs look modern and don’t scream “I’m a recliner!” the second you walk into a room. They look more like accent chairs with the square legs.

They’re not bulky unlike many other recliners out there so they don’t take up nearly as much space but are still roomy enough to be comfortable.

Chair Delivery

I have heard of others not having the same experience as we did, but our white glove delivery service couldn’t have been better.

The delivery team showed up on time on the day we scheduled, set up our recliners, double checked everything with us, and went on their merry way. No issues.

It’s possible ours was so smooth because we live near a major furniture hub in the Charlotte, NC area, so if you live far away from a distribution facility, your experience may differ.

pottery barn recliner in a living room

Pottery Barn Recliner Cons

Wear Over Time

Leather Patina

If you are a perfectionist, do not get these recliners. This is one of those chairs that requires you to embrace scuffs and natural wearing of leather.

Our 11 year-old and 5 year-old kids have not been easy on the leather, despite us setting rules with them that they are not to horseplay on them or eat/drink on them. Our Yorkie mix dog hasn’t been gentle on them either, so they do show signs of use.

But we also knew they would show signs of life and have a rich patina over time. We’re okay with that.

Maintenance Tip: To increase the longevity of your leather and improve its appearance with wear, use a leather protector care kit every 1-6 months, depending on how often you sit in your chairs.

leather patina and wear on pottery barn recliner

Cushion Sagging

Over time, the cushions can start to look a little frumpy.

Because they are down blend, the seats need some fluffing from time to time and have a softer feel. But the upside is down blend cushions tend to last longer than regular foam cushions because they are higher quality. Even with down, they still have great cushion support.

down blend cushions on pottery barn recliner

Limited Reclining Features

There are only 3 positions on this particular Pottery Barn recliner. If you like to have complete control of your recline, this one might not be the best choice.

Power Recliner vs Manual Recliner

If you want a wide variety of reclining positions, there is a power version that provides more versatility with that.

You need a little bit of arm strength to force the seat back into recline since it is a push back style without a hand lever (again something the power recliner version can resolve).

If you’re looking for a recliner well suited for someone elderly or very little strength, I’d steer clear of the manual one. It’s hard to keep in a fully reclined position sometimes without a bit of extra force.

pottery barn recliner leather Tyler square arm

Size

For anyone taller than 6′, the height of the chair back could be an issue. Thankfully, most brick and mortar stores carry this chair so you can try it out in store before buying.

UPDATE: Pottery Barn now makes size options for a Tall Recliner (41″) and an Extra Tall Recliner (45″).

The standard size isn’t at all a problem for us, but the size could be a deal breaker for others. Robert and I are both about 5′ 7″ and our heads just rest on the back of the chair.

They’re also really heavy so it’s hard to move furniture.

Tyler square arm pottery barn recliners in a living room

High Price

In the end, this is definitely one of those you-get-what-you-pay-for kind of furniture purchases. For this specific Pottery Barn Tyler square arm recliner we chose, it currently costs $1,999 for one chair (at time of this posting).

These recliners were a splurge for us, but the down blend cushions and top grain leather make them worth the price due to their longevity.

However, Pottery Barn runs sales very frequently and typically the best time to buy is during the Buy More, Save More sale for 25% off.

Warranty

Please note that the biggest negative of all is Pottery Barn does not offer a furniture warranty. Pottery Barn does, however, offer a 30-day money back guarantee.

Furniture companies like La-Z-Boy, on the other hand, have a lifetime warranty that covers mechanical parts, spring assembly, and frame parts for recliners.

The reason we chose Pottery Barn is because I much prefer the style of their recliner designs, and so far, after over 2 years, we’re still happy with the quality.

Overall Pottery Barn Tyler Recliner Chair Review

All in all, we are really pleased with our decision to buy these recliners. I will say movie night at our house has never been sooooo comfortable!

(By the way, you can see our brutally honest review of the Samsung Frame TV here too.)

Here is how the recliners looked in our living room after 1 month.

living room with limewashed brick fireplace and pottery barn recliners

And here is how the recliners look in our living room after 2 years.

pottery barn leather recliners 2 years after purchase in a living room

Do you have a recliner you absolutely love?! Tell me your recs or personal leather recliner reviews in the comments so we can keep this post going as a helpful resource.

That yummy warm leather does make it feel a touch more like fall in here, which I love. And really, it might be the only fall decorating we do this year with all of the construction still happening in the front of the house.

More Product Reviews for Your Living Room

Frequently Asked Questions

What brand of recliner is best?

According to Forbes, the top rated recliner brands are West Elm, Pottery Barn, Latitude Run, Raymour & Flanigan, and Ashley Furniture. La-Z-Boy is top rated by Consumer Reports.

How long should a recliner last?

Quality recliners last about as long as sofas: 7 to 15 years. Leather chairs can last up to 20 years, especially ones made of heirloom quality leathers.

Which lasts longer, manual or power recliners?

Power recliners usually last longer than manual recliners because of their gentle, controlled movements that create less wear on the mechanisms over time.

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Pottery Barn Sofa Review: What You Should Know Before Buying https://www.blesserhouse.com/pottery-barn-sofa-review-what-you-should-know/ https://www.blesserhouse.com/pottery-barn-sofa-review-what-you-should-know/#comments Mon, 25 Sep 2023 09:00:00 +0000 https://www.blesserhouse.com/?p=42279 A brutally honest, unbiased review of the York Pottery Barn Sofa and what you should know before you purchase one. We’ve been living with our two Pottery Barn sofas for exactly 3 YEARS, so I’m sharing all of the nitty gritty details about them with our real-life review! I get questions in my inbox about...

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A brutally honest, unbiased review of the York Pottery Barn Sofa and what you should know before you purchase one.

We’ve been living with our two Pottery Barn sofas for exactly 3 YEARS, so I’m sharing all of the nitty gritty details about them with our real-life review!

pottery barn sofas in a fall living room
Sofas | Rug | Coffee Table | Gallery Wall Art | Ceiling Fan | Fall Stems | Tray | Lamp | Lamp Shade | Knit Blanket | Waffle Blanket | Floral Pillow | Tribal Pillow | Knit Oblong Pillow | Striped Pillow

I get questions in my inbox about our sofas all the time, so I’m picking apart every single detail about them to help you decide if they’re right for you.

Our Slipcovered Slope Arm York Pottery Barn Sofa purchase happened after years of debating, waiting, and saving up for what we dubbed our “dream sofa”.

Pin it for later ⤵️

pottery barn york sofa review

It’s been 3 years now since we bought these and we still love these sofas!

We are not quite as happy with our choice of Sunbrella fabric and realized we probably would choose Crypton if we could do it over (or a color other than white). Here’s how we clean the Pottery Barn couches.

our pottery barn york sofa 6 months later

Why We Bought 2 York Pottery Barn Sofas

We got two sofas because we found having only one sofa in our living room left no extra seating room for when we had family and friends over.

How Our Sofas Transformed Our Living Room

First, I need a minute to just marvel over how far this living room has come since we moved in.

4+ years ago…

living room before with yellow paint

And now…

cozy living room decorated for fall
Ceiling Fan | Side Tables (similar) | Lamps | Lamp Shades | Back of Couch Blanket | Frame TV | TV Art | Sconces | Tree | Recliners

Holy cannoli, Batman!!!!

Okay, I got that out of my system. Let’s dive in.

Our Brutally Honest Pottery Barn Sofa Review

pottery barn york sofa in living room

Pottery Barn York Slope Arm Sofa Specifications

York Sofa Style

We chose the Pottery Barn York Slope Arm Sofa mostly because of its deep seat and sleek design with the option for a bench seat cushion. It’s simple with clean lines.

The York sofa style lends itself to transitional decorating, so if you feel your style is not-quite-traditional but not-quite-modern, this sofa has a great shape for suiting both. The slope arm detail gives it a slightly feminine characteristic.

Slipcovered Sofa vs. Upholstered Sofa

We had the option of choosing between the upholstered York Slope Arm sofa and the slipcovered. I prefer the slipcover because it gives us the flexibility to change it for a new color or fabric material, if we want something new without buying an entirely new sofa. The slipcover also lends itself to a more relaxed look.

Sofa Fabric Choice

Even though we had 105 sofa fabric options to choose from, I knew immediately that I wanted a high performance fabric to stand up against coffee and red wine spills or dirt from our kids and our dog. So we chose the Sunbrella Performance Chenille fabric in the color Salt.

You can order fabric swatches from Pottery Barn’s site to see different fabric options in person.

York Sofa Dimensions

One of the biggest factors that sold us on this sofa was how deep the seat is. We chose the 81″ width, which has a seating depth of 22″. The sofa is 36″ high, which makes it the perfect sofa for taller people. If you prefer to “curl up” on a sofa, you can’t beat the York.

pottery barn sofa and recliners in living room with samsung frame tv

Other Similar Sofas We Considered for Their Sleek Styles

Our Living Environment Affecting Durability

We have two young children ages 5 and 11 and a small Yorkie mix dog, so our crew puts this sofas to the test BIG TIME.

Our kids have already climbed up on the sofas with dirty feet and hands, and our dog loves sitting on the back cushions squishing them out of shape when I’m not around to tell her no.

pottery barn sofas in living room with white walls and black windows

Pottery Barn Sofa Pros

Durability

Because the cushions are down blend, they are easy to “fluff” right back into shape. The loose cushions can be flipped to promote longevity, and the sofa is made of a non-sagging steel.

pottery barn sofa

Comfort

We have owned 3 sofas in the past 6 years, one being the IKEA Farlov (which I posted a full review about our IKEA Farlov sofa years ago). I’ll share more about the Farlov comparison later in this post, but the Pottery Barn sofa is by far the absolute most comfortable.

Robert and I have sat tested many sofas over the years, and we kept coming back to this one. If you like a sofa you can sink into but has just enough support, this one is “just right” that Goldilocks would approve of.

Many a naps have been had on these sofas because the bench cushion especially is like laying on a super soft twin mattress.

living room fall decor

Customizable Design Options

I love that the York sofa line comes with so many options to customize it for your space.

Like many other Pottery Barn sofa collections, it has:

  • 4 different widths
  • Chair, loveseat, and sectional options
  • 105 fabric options
  • Slipcover/upholstery/leather options
  • Flexibility in the number of back and seat cushions you prefer
  • Comes with lumbar pillows
  • Slope arm option for an elegant style
  • Orr a square arm option for a more modern look
blanket on back of couch

Easy to Clean

We had a couple of small drink spills with juice and coffee but they scrubbed right up with water, so the Sunbrella fabric is better than most upholstery fabrics.

Having a white sofa is quite a risk, so if you want white upholstery, it’s important to choose a performance fabric.

pottery barn white slipcovered sofa

Pottery Barn Sofa Cons

Price

Okay, here’s the tough part. It’s not for the low budget crowd. BUT this is one of those you-get-what-you-pay-for situations.

Considering the quality of materials and the fact that the cushions are down blend with Sunbrella fabric, it’s worth the price in my opinion. I count it as an investment.

This was our third sofa in nearly 5 years because the first two cheaper sofas had polyester fill cushions that eventually broke down and sagged and springs popped loose. Our last one even contributed to a bad back issue for Robert requiring visits to the chiropractor.

white slipcovered slope arm york pottery barn sofa with fall decor in living room

Long Delivery Wait

To be fair, we ordered these sofas in the midst of a worldwide supply chain slump. So the lead time issue was likely much worse than it would be in “normal” times.

We ordered these sofas in January 2021, and they arrived at the beginning of September 2021. It was frustrating but ended up being worth the wait.

A long time to wait is expected for made-to-order pieces

Awkward for Sitting Up

We have the York deep seat option, which is best if you like to lie down on your sofa. In situations when I don’t want to “curl up” and would rather sit, I do have to tuck a couple of pillows behind me to sit upright.

However, Pottery Barn does make a non-deep seat sofa option.

In social situations where you want to be a little more formal when guests are visiting, the deep seat version is a bit awkward.

fall decor on a coffee table trunk

Upholstery Needs Occasional Cleaning

I’ve noticed the slipcover begins to look dingy after 2-3 months, so going over them with an upholstery cleaning machine (I have this upholstery cleaner) without steaming using water only can help.

I wash our covers at least twice per year. According to the care instructions, they’re dry clean only, but I’ve never had a problem cleaning our Pottery Barn slipcovers in the washing machine on cold using Oxiclean White Revive.

UPDATE: I’ve heard from friends who have experienced Sunbrella and Crypton fabrics on other furnishings that they’re much happier with Crypton. The Sunbrella does okay and mostly cleans up spots with water, but they do still look dingy without a regular swipe of the upholstery cleaner once a month.

fall pillows on a living room sofa

See that one little spot on the cushion? The Sunbrella fabric isn’t completely invincible, but it does clean up fairly easily with just water and a rag.

sunbrella fabric wear on a pottery barn sofa

Pottery Barn York Sofa vs IKEA Farlov Sofa

We owned the IKEA Farlov sofa with a white slipcover for about 2 years when we first moved into our house, and the style and shape is very similar to the Pottery Barn York Sofa, so now that we have lived with both for a while, here’s how they compare.

IKEA farlov sofa

Comfort

The IKEA Farlov has foam cushions that are much more firm than the down blend Pottery Barn York cushions. The Farlov is still rather comfortable for the price, but the Pottery Barn definitely beats it by far.

Price

Depending on the type of fabric you choose, the IKEA Farlov is approximately $1400 cheaper than the Pottery Barn sofa.

Fabric

Over time, my white cotton IKEA slipcover shrunk and became dirty looking to the point where I couldn’t clean out some of the stains.

The Sunbrella fabric of the Pottery Barn sofa is much more durable over time without the shrinking issue, especially since they don’t require washing like the IKEA slipcovers do.

Lead Time

Because the IKEA Farlov isn’t custom, we were able to buy ours right in the store and take it home the same day whereas we had to wait 9 months for our Pottery Barn sofa to be delivered. So the IKEA Farlov is best if you need a new sofa in a hurry.

Overall Look

The Pottery Barn sofa definitely looks more “high end” in person than the IKEA Farlov simply because the quality of materials is much better. The down blend cushions look more “fluffy” and the fabric looks more luxurious than the cotton slipcover of the Farlov.

Size

The IKEA Farlov sits about 2 inches lower to the floor and the Pottery Barn sofa is also 4 inches deeper, so the Farlov isn’t quite as well suited for tall people.

Customizable Options

With the IKEA Farlov sofa, the fabric choices are limited to 4 types/colors (though you can buy upgraded replacement slipcovers for the Farlov from Bemz or Comfort Works). The Pottery Barn sofa has 105 fabric choices with different levels of durability performance to suit your household’s needs.

fall living room with fall art

Are Pottery Barn sofas good quality?

All in all, we have very little regrets with our York sofas so far. I would have just chosen Crypton fabric instead of Sunbrella.

They are certainly an investment, one which we didn’t consider lightly. But I would rather buy a more expensive sofa once and have it last a couple of decades versus buying a cheaper sofa three times in the same time frame.

Quality wins out every time when it comes to sofas, especially in a family that uses and abuses them. Our family is still pretty happy after years of use and plenty of real life happening on them.

leather recliners with fall decor

Pottery Barn Tyler Recliner Review

You can read our Pottery Barn Tyler Recliner review here from a couple of months ago too. We still absolutely love them!

Okay, one more before and after for the road…

living room before with yellow paint
fall living room decor with york pottery barn sofas and tyler recliners
Frame TV | TV Art | Sconces | Tree | Back of Couch Blanket | Basket | Plaid Pillow | Fall Stems | Ceiling Fan

So good!!!

Do you have a living room sofa you absolutely love and recommend? Or do you a Pottery Barn sofa you don’t mind sharing your experience about? Anything else you would add to our Pottery Barn couch review? I’d love to know!

If you do eventually decide to go with a Pottery Barn sofa, it’s best to hold out for a 20-30% off sale since they have several sales annually.

And if you have any questions about it, ask away.

I’ll be sure to report back as we wear in these sofas more with time, but so far, we’re in love!

Pin it for later ⤵️

york pottery barn review

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do Pottery Barn couches last?

Pottery Barn’s sofas are estimated to last between 7 to 15 years. The higher priced Pottery Barn sofas are extra durable because they are made from down blend and solid wood frames. That’s why they’re a popular choice for interior designers.

Does Pottery Barn have a warranty?

Pottery Barn has a 30-day money back guarantee on your order, if you’re not satisfied. But Pottery Barn does not offer warranty plans on their products, including furniture.

Do upholstered or leather couches last the longest?

Leather couches tend to last longer than upholstered couches because they are sturdier and easier to maintain in case of stains.

What sofa brands are comparable to Pottery Barn?

West Elm, Crate and Barrel, and Ethan Allan are are brands of similar performance and price point to Pottery Barn with classic style options.

More Product Reviews for Living Rooms

Our Brutally Honest Review of Our Tyler Pottery Barn Recliner

tyler pottery barn recliner review

Our Brutally Honest Review of the Samsung Frame TV

My Unbiased, Brutally Honest Review of Ruggable

Top 10 Best Reclining Sofas With Modern Style

best recliner sofas with modern style
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My Unbiased, Brutally Honest Review of Ruggable https://www.blesserhouse.com/my-unbiased-review-of-ruggable/ https://www.blesserhouse.com/my-unbiased-review-of-ruggable/#comments Thu, 20 Jul 2023 12:00:00 +0000 https://www.blesserhouse.com/?p=37393 A brutally honest, unbiased review of Ruggable rugs, its pros/cons to consider, if it’s worth the money, and my top favorite styles. Our Unbiased Ruggable Rug Review We’ve put our Ruggable rugs through the ringer, y’all! I took one for the team and put it through the real life test. Crushed up Goldfish, milk spills,...

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A brutally honest, unbiased review of Ruggable rugs, its pros/cons to consider, if it’s worth the money, and my top favorite styles.

ruggable rug in an entryway at bottom of stairs

Our Unbiased Ruggable Rug Review

We’ve put our Ruggable rugs through the ringer, y’all! I took one for the team and put it through the real life test.

Crushed up Goldfish, milk spills, doggie hair, muddy footprints, toddler accidents, you name it. We got a Ruggable rug over 2 years ago and treated it as our own personal crash dummy.

Now that the Ruggable designs have changed recently, I got a new premium Ruggable rug with a cushioned pad for our foyer 2 months ago to see how it would compare to the classic.

new design reinforced rug pad corner to prevent curling on ruggable rug

This Ruggable review post is totally not sponsored, totally not biased, and totally not sugar-coated (not that I do that anyway for the sponsored posts I do write).

I didn’t mention when I got this rug because I really wanted to be fully confident in it before I shouted how much I loved it from the rooftops.

(Related: Need help finding the perfect rug for your space? See the Ultimate Guide for Choosing the Perfect Rug here.)

Ruggable rug in dining room with console table and shaded chandelier

Consider me Julie Andrews singing from the mountaintop now because I LOVE THESE RUGS!

There are some pros and cons though, so hang tight for a sec.

(UPDATE: See the final verdict 2 years later at the end of this post.)

What are Ruggable Rugs?

If you haven’t heard of Ruggable rugs, they are machine washable rugs. (And all the moms everywhere said “Hallelujah!”)

  • They are thin and made of polyester
  • Thin enough to fit into a washing machine
  • Comes with a water resistant backing
  • Lays on top of a super gripping rubber-like rug pad

(By the way, if you want to know more about our old breakfast nook makeover where we originally used our first Ruggable rug 2 years ago, you can see it here.)

Here we go…

ruggable rug cover on top of rug pad

Ruggable Review: Pros and Cons of Ruggable Washable Rugs

Pros:

Removable Washable Cover

  • They have a water resistant, removable cover and stay in place on the floor on a grippy, velcro-like rug pad that you can detach when ready to wash. It’s perfect under a dining room table where food is often spilled.

I was able to easily fit it into my machine to wash (on cold) and dry (on low) my rug cover completely in less than 3 hours.

Ruggable in the washing machine

Interchangeable Covers to Switch Up the Look

  • The covers are interchangeable, so if you ever want to change the look and get a new cover, you can still use the existing pad.
Washing a Ruggable rug

Super Grip Non-Slip Pad

  • The pad doesn’t budge on my tile floors. All of my previous rugs slipped everywhere on tile and even with a regular area rug pad underneath, but the Ruggable pad is very grippy. I’ve even tested it by kicking it and trying to get it to move. So it’s perfect for high traffic areas.

Easy to Vacuum

  • Knowing how to clean a Ruggable rug is very simple since they resist stains and require little maintenance so you CAN wash them, but you don’t have to wash them often. They’re super easy to vacuum with a regular vac or robot vacuum and/or spot clean, if you don’t feel like tossing the whole thing in the wash.

Ease of Use Outdoors

rug in a foyer on top of hardwood floors

Wide Variety of Designs

They launch rug design collaborations with lots of well-known interior designers and brands listed below, and they continue to churn out new designs regularly.

  • Morris & Co
  • Gray Malin
  • Iris Apfel
  • Jean-Michel Basquiat
  • The National Gallery
  • Anna Sui
  • Jonathan Adler
  • Monica Ahanonu
  • Nina Takesh
  • Keith Haring
  • Cynthia Rowley
  • Barbie
  • Disney
  • Toy Story
  • Star Wars
  • Marvel

If you have an open floor plan, they have helpful rug bundles already paired for you to eliminate the guesswork so that you can mix and match them in your home to coordinate with each other!

Ruggable rug under a dining table

Cons:

Many Ruggable Rugs are Very Thin

  • The classic rug is very thin at only 2 millimeters thick.
  • If you’re wanting a plushy, super soft rug, this one’s not for you, since it has to fit into a washing machine. I think it’s absolutely perfect for under a dining table though since that’s definitely not where you want a plush rug when chairs need to scoot over it.
  • (UPDATE: Ruggable listened to customers over time and now also makes washable shag rugs that are more plush. If you want it slightly more plush, you have to pay extra for the premium rug that is 7 millimeters thick. You can also pay extra by purchasing a cushioned rug pad. The premium still isn’t as plush as a wool rug because it has to fit into a washing machine.)

Pricier Than a Normal Rug / Cheaper for Longevity

  • It’s kind of pricey, pricier than I typically spend on a rug. But it’s cheaper if you already own a pad.
  • You can sometimes find discounts.
  • For its potential added longevity, I do think it’s worth it, if you have a messy/rowdy household.
Traditional modern breakfast nook dining room

Complicated Return Policy

  • Be mindful of the return policy. Rugs can be returned for a full refund, but the processing fees will not be refunded with it. And rugs can’t have any dirt, fur, pet dander, or signs of wear on them if returned (although, as a buyer, I’m thankful for that rule).

Edge and Corner Curling

  • Corners have a tendency to curl at first, but they settle over time, and you can use a little carpet tape under each corner of the rug cover to fix that issue, if needed. I have noticed the edge banding is raised a little bit, and I’ve heard of others having problems with that curling a little over time too. I’ll report back on that, but so far, so good.
  • (Update: Curling did become an issue a few months later on our classic 2mm thick Ruggable rug but carpet tape helps. The premium 7mm thick rug hasn’t had curling issues yet.)
  • For a quick solution, use this carpet tape to keep Ruggable rugs from curling up.
red ruggable rug at the bottom of stairs

Difficult to Change a Large Rug Cover By Yourself

  • It’s difficult to put the rug cover back on the pad by yourself if you’re working with a large sized rug. Maybe that’s just me, but I find it close to impossible to attach a rug cover to a rug pad without enlisting the help of my husband to double team that job with me. Not a deal breaker; just something to note.

Final Ruggable Review Verdict

All things considered, we do love it! And if you live in a house with messy kiddos and/or shedding, accident-prone pets, I highly recommend the Ruggable route.

Our Ruggable Rug’s Long Term Durability

UPDATE: It’s been 2 years since we purchased our Ruggable rug, and while keeping it clean is really easy, the edges curled a LOT more over time. The new design with extra velcro at the corners and the thicker, premium rug cover does seem to help though.

The concept is great, but I do think the company still has some kinks to work out. I still prefer a thick wool rug with a variety of design options over anything else, but those rugs can be very expensive.

Ruggable is a great live-able alternative. Overall, I do still like it.

ruggable rug in a foyer

Favorite Ruggable Rug Designs

I rounded up a few of my favorite designs of theirs that I love, if you think it might be a good option for you.

(Total disclosure, I do get affiliate commission from these links below. But my cons definitely still stand. It’s not a 100% perfect rug, but it comes pretty darn close.)

Alternative Washable Rug Brands

You can also find Ruggable alternatives from these other popular washable rug brands.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Ruggable rugs sold in stores?

You can now buy Ruggable rugs at Home Depot, Lowe’s, Walmart, Target, Bed Bath & Beyond, and Kohl’s.

Are Ruggable rugs good for dogs?

Yes! They are pet-friendly and can be easily washed to remove pet hair, dirt, stains, and odor.

Can you vacuum a Ruggable?

Yes, but it’s best to use the hard floor setting on your vacuum cleaner to prevent the Ruggable cover from separating from the pad.

If you want to save this post for later, you can pin it here:

ruggable rug product review

Do you have a Ruggable rug? Want to weigh in your own Ruggable review and add to the pros/cons lists? Hoping this will be a good resource for any of y’all who have asked before.

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The Best Budget Luxury-Feel Mattress https://www.blesserhouse.com/best-budget-luxury-feel-mattress/ https://www.blesserhouse.com/best-budget-luxury-feel-mattress/#comments Sat, 24 Aug 2019 00:56:09 +0000 https://www.blesserhouse.com/?p=34902 Three mattresses, three different price points, and how they compare to find a luxury feeling mattress that doesn’t break the bank. Apparently, when you have a baby, decorating isn’t quiiiiiite as high on the priority list as say… sleep. Ask me how I know. 😉 In the midst of comparing ratings, reading endless reviews, price...

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Three mattresses, three different price points, and how they compare to find a luxury feeling mattress that doesn’t break the bank.

Apparently, when you have a baby, decorating isn’t quiiiiiite as high on the priority list as say… sleep.

Ask me how I know. 😉

In the midst of comparing ratings, reading endless reviews, price comparing, and a mountain of mattress shopping homework for the guest bedroom makeover, we finally landed on one that was less than $250 and legitimately felt close to our master bedroom’s $1,800 luxury mattress.

Truly, I #nerdout about this kind of stuff.

The Best Budget Luxury-Feel Mattress | Three mattresses, three different price points, and how they compare to find a luxury feeling mattress that doesn't break the bank.

And I thought, hey! Might as well mention this little budget-friendly gem we discovered!

This isn’t a sponsored post; just something we spent our hard-earned money on that we felt was well worth sharing.

And truth be told, after buying the cheaper one for the guest room, I kind of feel like a sucker for ever purchasing the pricey one.

(Some affiliate links are provided below. Full disclosure here.)

The less than $250 winner for the guest room is this Zinus Memory Foam 10 Inch Green Tea mattress (although it comes in 6 inch, 8 inch, and 12 inch too).

The Best Budget Luxury-Feel Mattress | Three mattresses, three different price points, and how they compare to find a luxury feeling mattress that doesn't break the bank.

Why we love it:

  • It’s one of those convenient delivered in a box mattresses and arrives in 1-2 days.
  • It’s the goldilocks of mattresses – not too soft, not to firm. (If you like super firm or super soft, this mattress isn’t for you.)
  • Infused with green tea extract and castor seed oil to repell odor and bacteria
  • Has a memory foam core to resist bounce if accompanied in bed with a partner
  • Has support layers to relieve just enough pressure
  • Good return policy – Amazon customer service will allow a credit along with instructions for mattress disposal so that you don’t have to repack it and send it back

What we don’t love:

  • It does claim to have a cooling feature, but I don’t think this feature is quite as cooling as the luxury one we have. Although, that can be fixed with a mattress cooling pad for about $40.
  • There was a plastic chemical smell when we first opened it, but it was gone within 48 hours. (Give it a full 3 days to completely expand before test driving it.)

The Best Budget Luxury-Feel Mattress | Three mattresses, three different price points, and how they compare to find a luxury feeling mattress that doesn't break the bank.

We used the Zinus mattress in conjunction with a Zinus bed frame and box spring so that we knew without a doubt that they would all work well together.

In comparison to our high end Sealy Posturepedic Hybrid (our exact is no longer available, but this mattress is similar), the Zinus has definitely been a great alternative if you don’t have the money to spend on a pricier mattress.

The bed itself isn’t much to look at yet since we’re waiting on a vintage headboard to arrive that I scored on eBay, but hey, at least it’s comfy so far! (Side note: Can we stop for a sec to appreciate those deep green velvet curtains? Er meh gersh. More about that later though.)

The Best Budget Luxury-Feel Mattress | Three mattresses, three different price points, and how they compare to find a luxury feeling mattress that doesn't break the bank.

As for a mid-range one, we really like the Tuft & Needle in Olivia’s room too, which is slightly over $500 but feels a little more firm than the Zinus. It has served us well for 3 years now.

So there ya go: three price points, three mattress, three great experiences.

If you want other recs for our favorite budget-friendly luxury feel bedding, these are our favorites too:

The Best Budget Luxury-Feel Mattress | Three mattresses, three different price points, and how they compare to find a luxury feeling mattress that doesn't break the bank.

Maybe that helps? I hope it does anyway.

If there’s one thing I appreciate more than anything these days is sleeeeeeeep! It’s my love language these days. Let me sleep and you’re instantly my favorite person in the world.

Since we’re on the subject, have you done the mattress in a box thing? Do you have any other recs to throw into the pot?

If you want to save this post for later, you can pin it here:

The Best Budget Luxury-Feel Mattress | Three mattresses, three different price points, and how they compare to find a luxury feeling mattress that doesn't break the bank.

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IKEA’s New Sofa and Chairs and How to Keep Them Clean https://www.blesserhouse.com/new-ikea-sofa-and-chairs-and-how-to-keep-them-clean/ https://www.blesserhouse.com/new-ikea-sofa-and-chairs-and-how-to-keep-them-clean/#comments Mon, 01 May 2017 08:00:42 +0000 http://www.blesserhouse.com/?p=26839 A non-biased review of the new IKEA sofa lines Farlov and Stocksund- how comfortable they are, if they’re worth the price, and how to keep them clean. Somewhere between 2009 and now, IKEA grew up and graduated from college. I saw an article on Martha Stewart’s page while I was scrolling aimlessly on Facebook recently...

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A non-biased review of the new IKEA sofa lines Farlov and Stocksund- how comfortable they are, if they’re worth the price, and how to keep them clean.

Somewhere between 2009 and now, IKEA grew up and graduated from college. I saw an article on Martha Stewart’s page while I was scrolling aimlessly on Facebook recently that said no one over the age of 30 should own anything from IKEA. And I scoffed. Like about choked on my popcorn scoffed.

Because as much as I love Martha Stewart (especially when she’s paired up with Snoop Dogg in a crafting challenge), I have to disagree with her. If our recent big IKEA purchase is wrong, then I don’t wanna be right.

New IKEA Sofa and Chairs and How to Keep Them Clean | blesserhouse.com - A non-biased review of the new IKEA Farlov and Stocksund sofa lines- how comfortable they are, if they're worth the price, and how to keep them clean.

I’ve mentioned before how much I love slipcovered couches with a preschooler and a messy mutt running around. We ended up with the IKEA Ektorp in our playroom last fall. And when I saw IKEA released a few new sofa and chair designs this spring, I knew they would be perfect in the new house. They looked so tailored and elegant and not at all frumpy like some of the other slipcovered pieces I’ve seen.

For the new living room, after several visits to my nearest store for sit tests to really know for sure if this was the route we wanted to take, we picked the Farlov sofa and Stocksund accent chairs. So far I’m in love, which completely explains that sofa’s name in my non-Swedish-speaking brain. (This post isn’t sponsored by IKEA and these aren’t affiliate links. I just like passing along great info when I find it, in hopes that it will help you.)

New IKEA Sofa and Chairs and How to Keep Them Clean | blesserhouse.com - A non-biased review of the new IKEA Farlov and Stocksund sofa lines- how comfortable they are, if they're worth the price, and how to keep them clean.

New IKEA Sofa and Chairs and How to Keep Them Clean | blesserhouse.com - A non-biased review of the new IKEA Farlov and Stocksund sofa lines- how comfortable they are, if they're worth the price, and how to keep them clean.

The Farlov only comes in two colors so far, white and beige, but I’m hoping they’ll make more colors of slipcovers later on so we can change things up for relatively inexpensively if we ever want a different look or something darker in the winter. It is very very deep, almost like a twin-sized bed. My feet don’t touch the floor when I sit back in it, so it’s going to be great for snuggling up with the whole family for movie nights in our house.

New IKEA Sofa and Chairs and How to Keep Them Clean | blesserhouse.com - A non-biased review of the new IKEA Farlov and Stocksund sofa lines- how comfortable they are, if they're worth the price, and how to keep them clean.

The fabric is more textured and not really as soft as the cotton blend slipcovers I’ve used on IKEA’s Ektorp sofa, but it also feels thicker, which makes it feel more expensive to me. The seat cushion is one big piece too, so no one sitting in the middle will be stuck in a cushion crack.

The Stocksund chair is almost like a chair and a half. It’s very wide and very deep, so I can curl up in it easily with room to spare. The slipcovers only come in darker colors and patterns, so if you’re a white furniture lover, this one won’t work. (Crossing my fingers that they come out with lighter colors later on.)  But the texture is a bit softer than the Farlov.

New IKEA Sofa and Chairs and How to Keep Them Clean | blesserhouse.com - A non-biased review of the new IKEA Farlov and Stocksund sofa lines- how comfortable they are, if they're worth the price, and how to keep them clean.

New IKEA Sofa and Chairs and How to Keep Them Clean | blesserhouse.com - A non-biased review of the new IKEA Farlov and Stocksund sofa lines- how comfortable they are, if they're worth the price, and how to keep them clean.

So far, our Farlov and Stocksunds are rather firm, but after sitting on the ones in the store, I’m confident they will soften up over time. Still, for less than $1,500 for a sofa AND two large chairs with covers that can be easily replaced, I’m totally sold.

The slipcovers are washable, but to keep them protected to reduce the need for washing, I sprayed them down with two light coats of some Scotchgard that I just picked up at Walmart. I did the same to our last upholstered beige sofa and it worked like a charm! For small spot treating, I use Tide stain remover pens. I love that if there’s ever a spill or muddy paw prints, I can take off just that one dirty cushion cover and wash it, instead of the whole sofa.

New IKEA Sofa and Chairs and How to Keep Them Clean | blesserhouse.com - A non-biased review of the new IKEA Farlov and Stocksund sofa lines- how comfortable they are, if they're worth the price, and how to keep them clean.

I know white will be a gamble, but I’m willing to risk it to see how it goes, and if the white doesn’t work out, I’ll spring for the beige slipcover. There are parents who rave about the joys of a white slipcovered furniture and those who absolutely despise it, so we’ll see which camp I fall into in a few months. I’m sure I’ll share an update later on about how it fares.

The rest of the living room is quickly coming together too thanks to reusing our old master bedroom rug and this coffee table I found on Craigslist for $90. Woot! (Here’s the full living room plan and some of the progress so far, if you missed it.)

New IKEA Sofa and Chairs and How to Keep Them Clean | blesserhouse.com - A non-biased review of the new IKEA Farlov and Stocksund sofa lines- how comfortable they are, if they're worth the price, and how to keep them clean.

I’m so excited that we at least have furniture in here now. Ya know… so we have a place to collapse after days upon days of projects. 😉

Right now, this room is still looking a bit rigid and cold to me, but I know once I toss in some cozy throw blankets, greenery, lighting, wall decor, and the little details to soften it up, it will look much more inviting and homey.

We still have a lot more to check off the to-do list in here, like swap out that ceiling fan and deal with Robert’s surround sound boxes in the corner there. And then there’s the breakfast nook, which I’ll be sharing more about in the next couple of weeks.

New IKEA Sofa and Chairs and How to Keep Them Clean | blesserhouse.com - A non-biased review of the new IKEA Farlov and Stocksund sofa lines- how comfortable they are, if they're worth the price, and how to keep them clean.

Are you a big slipcovered sofa fan? Or have any slipcover care tips? Do you have a living room makeover coming up on your project list? Maybe once this one is finished we’ll prove Martha Stewart wrong. You think that’s ever happened before? It might be ambitious, but we’re going for it.

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New IKEA Sofa and Chairs and How to Keep Them Clean | blesserhouse.com - A non-biased review of the new IKEA Farlov and Stocksund sofa lines- how comfortable they are, if they're worth the price, and how to keep them clean.

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