Furniture questions

[rhyll]

We need to get a sofa bed, and while my mind immediately springs to IKEA (oh, to have an excuse to go stare at the tiny fake rooms!) I feel like we should explore other options first. I'm willing to consider getting one second-hand as long as it's sturdy, and maybe if we could replace the mattress also? I am also a bit leery of spending ages driving around different op-shops, since a) I'm feeling rather time-poor, and b) driving! ick!

Are there any furniture stores in Perth that are particularly ethical (sustainable/locally-made/fair trade)?

I might try Freecycle also, or perhaps if I'm feeling really brave think about making one - any other ideas on how to get a reasonable ethical, sturdy, cheap, sofa bed?

Comments

[alibaster.livejournal.com]

We almost bought one from Pod Interiors in Osborne Park (see add in Yellow Pages). They make futons and some really innovative sofa bed designs.

[alexmoon.livejournal.com]

Thanks, I'll have a look!

[superjamielol.livejournal.com]

I'm not sure about Perth specifically, but secondhand furniture places are usually pretty good, though sometimes they're cheap and sometimes they're far from it.

Another alternative is having a look around the Salvos or similar, you know, op shops. You can give them more money and that goes towards helping less fortunate people. When you have no need for it, you give it back to them, and the cycle continues.

[alexmoon.livejournal.com]

Yes, I probably should check out secondhand furniture places and op shops. I'm a bit less comfortable with the idea when it comes to beds, but if we can at least get the base and replace the mattress that might still be good.

[superjamielol.livejournal.com]

ahh yes, i see. i would say buy second hand base, but invest in your own new mattress. it's not like you're not going to use it, and realistically keep it for quite a long time, it's probably worth spending a little bit of money on

[ducts.livejournal.com]

Any mattress, possibly the inflatable type, can be an occasional bed for visitors.

I'd suggest just finding a nice secondhand sofa - at any rate, making one's first sofa might yield better results than making one's first articulated sofa bed.

[alexmoon.livejournal.com]

Hmm...perhaps my Making suggestion was a bit crazy for someone with as little time as I have right now :)