Plus Size Furniture – Buying a Couch or Bed

Whether it’s unfair, dismissive, or downright prejudicial, we live in a society that caters to the nearly unattainable image of starving movie stars—anorexic waifs with money and no intention of letting something as life-altering as having a baby interrupt their petite figures. For the rest of us in normal society, this prejudicial attitude filters into our lives in ways that are more than just a little insulting. Plus-size furniture, for example, is still hard to find, but it’s well worth the investment if you can get your hands on it.

It doesn’t matter how much money you spend on a sofa if you can’t really relax in it. That great reading chair that looks awesome in your living room is completely useless if you can’t wriggle into a comfy position to enjoy it. However, furniture manufacturers have yet to realize that not all of us are sickly skinny like Jolie. Plus-size furniture is becoming an exclusive niche market for those who understand basic realities, such as the necessity of feeding oneself in order to survive.

The Challenges of Finding Comfortable Plus-Size Furniture

Manufacturers and retailers argue that it takes more material to make larger furniture, and as a result, the price tags for more comfortable furniture can be astronomical. But when you break it down, it’s clear that an entire home can be remodeled within two years if you prioritize comfort. For most people, this process starts with the bed.

Having a truly comfortable bed is priceless, and it’s also a health issue. More people suffer from back problems than nearly any other health concern, and sleeping in a bed designed for someone on the slim side can cause significant back discomfort, even leading to serious strain. This can result in a highly ineffective day, especially if the discomfort wakes you up and prevents you from getting a good night’s sleep, causing distress throughout the day. If you only invest in one piece of plus-size furniture, make it a bed.

As resources and time permit, finding the perfectly comfortable couch, reading chair, end tables, or even a desk can become an interesting adventure. All of the basic furniture that makes a lifestyle more comfortable is slowly becoming available in larger sizes. This comes as a great relief to a community whose needs have long been unjustly ignored.

Finding high-quality, larger furniture that looks as good as it feels isn’t easy. While some manufacturers have caught on to the size issue, their taste in décor often leaves much to be desired. Large, small, or medium—there’s nothing more frustrating than finding exactly what you’re looking for only to discover that the designer has questionable taste. Loud, ugly prints are far too common, while furniture with style and elegance that doesn’t completely shatter the piggy bank is becoming a rarity, no matter the size.

One of the easiest ways to solve this problem is to be willing to purchase the furniture that suits your body, then have it reupholstered to suit your taste. Slipcovers have come a long way in the last decade, often providing a completely undetectable way to change the entire look of a piece without the telltale bagginess and edges that were once the norm. While it’s always preferable to spend money on something you absolutely adore, sometimes when time is of the essence, you need to remain flexible.

Ultimately, the goal is to find that one bed, sofa, desk, chair, or other essential that works for your life as it is. A few online companies now offer more options for custom furniture. While buying furniture online is a bit risky, a careful check of the return policies can help you determine whether or not you’re dealing with a company that stands behind its products. Returning furniture is no easy feat, but sometimes taking a risk can pay off. Websites that allow you to design your own furniture and patiently wait for delivery are likely to offer choices you can not only live with but actually get excited about.

Local companies are starting to catch on as well, with many offering similar selections and the added convenience of local delivery by professionals. This service is usually only available in urban areas with significant populations. However, if you have one of these stores nearby, don’t hesitate to take full advantage of it. The additional cost of self-designed plus-size furniture is worth every penny when it comes to quality, convenience, and style.