BenchMade Modern Review: A Custom Sectional For People & Pets

The article details the experience of designing and receiving a custom sofa from Benchmade Modern. The author, who works from home and spends significant time on their sofa, outlines a specific need for a couch that balances comfort and support, and features a durable, easy-to-clean performance fabric due to owning two cats. Benchmade Modern was chosen for its elevated silhouettes, customization options, and wide selection of performance fabrics. The author emphasizes the importance of a sofa that is both stylish and functional. The design process with Benchmade Modern is described as straightforward and enjoyable. It begins with selecting a style and configuration, followed by choosing upholstery, colorway, and custom dimensions. The article highly recommends utilizing the free fabric swatches provided by the company to make informed decisions. A crucial step highlighted is accurately measuring the space, particularly when opting for a chaise. The author selected the Archie sofa for its modern, rounded silhouette and chose premium performance velvet based on a recommendation that cats are less likely to scratch it. The color selection, a sage green named “Becket,” was a thoughtful decision to complement existing decor. Benchmade Modern also offers true-to-scale paper templates of the chosen sofa, allowing customers to visualize its placement and size in their living space before final approval. Once the design was finalized, the custom sofa was made to order and shipped within two weeks. The delivery experience is also detailed, emphasizing the convenience of Benchmade Modern's white-glove third-party delivery service. This service handled the scheduling and assembly, a significant benefit for the author who lives in a second-story walk-up without elevator access. The assembly process was quick, with pieces easily snapping together. After living with the Archie sofa for over a month, the author concludes that Benchmade Modern's custom sofas are a worthwhile investment due to their craftsmanship, customization, and quality. The performance velvet proved resilient against cat scratches, and the sofa successfully provides a balance of support for working and comfort for lounging or sleeping. The author praises the brand for making customization accessible and for delivering a sofa that genuinely feels tailored to individual needs, ultimately becoming a central and highly valued piece of furniture in their home. #BenchmadeModern #CustomSofa #HomeDecor #FurnitureDesign #PerformanceFabric #InteriorDesign #SofaReview #PetFriendlyFurniture #WorkFromHome

This article details a personal experience with Benchmade Modern, an online furniture company specializing in custom-dimensioned pieces. The author, who typically favors online furniture shopping for its convenience and cost-effectiveness, sought to address the common challenge of visualizing online purchases in a physical space. Benchmade Modern aims to bridge this gap by integrating customers into the design process, allowing for custom-built furniture that aligns with their vision. The author embarked on a project to design a chair from Benchmade Modern to fit a specific, awkward area in their home. The design process began with ordering free fabric swatches and a true-to-size printout of the chair. These tools were instrumental in decision-making; the printout clarified that a 40-inch wide chair was ideal for the space, despite initial inclinations towards a 35-inch version. The swatches helped assess texture and color compatibility with existing furnishings, leading to the selection of the 40-inch Tyler Chair in Marfa Caramel leather. For delivery, the author chose the white glove service, priced at $399, over the standard $249 option. This choice was influenced by a previous experience with excessive packaging from another furniture delivery. The white glove service included professional delivery personnel who brought the furniture inside, handled unboxing and assembly, placed the chair in the desired location, and removed all packaging. Despite minor initial confusion regarding leg assembly, the process was smooth and efficient. The Benchmade Modern Tyler Chair quickly became a beloved piece, initially intended for an office but ultimately moved to the living room as a statement piece due to its attractive design, comfort, and high-quality construction. After several months of extensive use, the chair maintained its pristine condition. An update nearly two years later confirmed its durability and aesthetic appeal, even after two moves, including a cross-country relocation. The leather developed a desirable 'lived-in' look with natural creases and patina, enhancing its character rather than showing wear. While Benchmade Modern offers significant customization, it operates within existing furniture designs, allowing for personalizations in size, color, and fabric. It is not suitable for those seeking entirely bespoke, one-of-a-kind designs that would typically require an interior designer or tradesperson and a more substantial investment. The company serves as a middle ground between readily available and fully custom furniture. Alternative online furniture companies like Burrow and Article offer similar shopping experiences for couches, while Thuma and Floyd are options for bed frames, though with fewer customization options. In conclusion, Benchmade Modern is recommended for individuals seeking furniture that feels custom-made without the extensive time and cost associated with entirely original designs. The company's offerings are competitively priced compared to other direct-to-consumer brands but stand out with a broader range of fabric, color, and size customizations. The made-to-order pieces ship relatively fast, supported by free swatches and full-size printouts that aid in visualization. The main drawbacks include the higher cost of white glove shipping and the limitation to modifying existing designs rather than creating entirely new ones. The overall quality, comfort, and customization options make Benchmade Modern a strong choice for stylish and timely home furnishing. #BenchmadeModern #CustomFurniture #OnlineFurnitureShopping #HomeDecor #FurnitureReview #InteriorDesign #LeatherChair #HomeFurnishing

While sofas and chairs are typically the primary focus for home seating, benches offer a versatile and often overlooked alternative. Katrina Hernandez and Joshua Greene, co-owners of the New York design firm Hernandez Greene, highlight the utility of benches for providing extra seating without the bulk of larger upholstered pieces. They describe benches as similar to a "kicker on the football team"—not constantly used, but essential when needed. Since establishing their firm in 2014, Hernandez and Greene have frequently incorporated benches into their designs, placing them in various settings such as entryways, at the foot of beds, and in front of living room fireplaces in both Hamptons homes and Manhattan apartments. Selecting the right bench involves considering several key factors. One crucial aspect is whether the bench should be upholstered. For foyers or mudrooms, a hard-seated bench is practical, whereas living spaces like living rooms and bedrooms benefit from a soft, upholstered surface. Proportion is another significant consideration; deep-seated benches are ideal for living rooms, while long, shallow benches are more suitable for hallways. The presence of a backrest is also important: a back can be beneficial if the bench is positioned against a wall, such as in an entryway or breakfast nook, but is generally unnecessary if the bench is freestanding in the middle of a room. The article then showcases five distinct bench designs, each offering unique characteristics and aesthetic appeals. The Heathcote Brass-Tipped Bench from Anthropologie, priced at $1,298, is praised for its distinctive tapered legs, which are squared at the top and round at the bottom with brass caps, and its thick leather top, suggesting suitability for bedrooms or living rooms. The Bench With Back, designed by George Nakashima in the 1950s and available from $7,300 at George Nakashima Woodworker, is presented as a timeless heirloom piece. Available in American black walnut or cherry, it is noted for its enduring design and its status as an original precursor to contemporary rough-hewn slab furniture. The Euclid Bench, priced at $2,800 at Peg Woodworking, features a white oak frame and a woven cotton cord top by designer Kate Casey. This bench is described as an evolution of the Brooklyn aesthetic, characterized by its handcrafted nature, modernized geometric pattern, and bohemian-chic vibe. From Holly Hunt, the Rue de Seine Bench, starting at $5,880, is highlighted for its visually light and airy appearance, balanced by the substantial feel of its tapered metal legs. This design is considered versatile, capable of seamlessly integrating with various furniture periods and room styles due to its elegant quality. Finally, the U Bench, from $5,750 at the Future Perfect, designed by Christopher Stuart and available in steel or bronze, is presented as a sculptural piece that blurs the line between art and furniture. Its aesthetic is likened to a fusion of Richard Serra and Donald Judd, prompting consideration of its functional as well as artistic appeal. #HomeSeating #InteriorDesign #BenchSelection #FurnitureDesign #HomeDecor #LuxuryFurniture #DesignTips #ModernFurniture

Choosing the ideal sectional sofa involves a careful consideration of versatile configuration options, durable upholstery, and overall comfort. This comprehensive guide, based on extensive testing over two years, identifies top-performing sectional sofas from various retailers. The evaluation criteria encompassed ease of delivery and assembly, cushion comfort for both sitting and lounging, seating capacity, and the durability of the cushion fill, upholstery, and frame over periods of two months, six months, and one year, noting any signs of wear or damage. The Lovesac Sactional emerges as the "Best Overall" choice due to its exceptional customizability in configuration, seat depth, cushion fill, fabric, and even arm and back styles. Its modular design allows for expansion and reconfiguration, adapting to changing household needs. Users can select individual components to create chaises, add bumpers, or design U-shaped arrangements. The Sactional offers nearly 200 fabric options, including performance, family-friendly, and pet-friendly choices, which proved resistant to spills and stains in testing. While assembly is time-consuming and involves many pieces, the long-term comfort, versatility, and durability justify the initial effort. For those seeking a budget-friendly option, the IKEA Ekholma Corner Sofa is highlighted as the "Best Under $1,000." Despite its affordable price, this four-seater sectional provides thick, supportive cushions that maintain their shape and comfort. Its washable, removable covers allow for easy maintenance and aesthetic updates. Although assembly instructions can be unclear, the sofa’s comfort and versatility for lounging and gatherings make it a standout choice. The Albany Park Barton Chaise Sectional is recognized as the "Best Deep-Seated" option, offering luxurious softness and custom configuration capabilities. Its high-quality construction, featuring a sturdy frame, well-filled cushions, and a choice of nearly 40 performance fabrics (including a stylish boucle), ensures both attractiveness and resilience to daily use. While an initial issue with missing parts was noted, subsequent assembly was straightforward, and the performance fabric proved effective against spills and stains. The Medley Dekayess Corner Sectional in Latex + Wool is ideal for pet owners, earning the title of "Best With Washable Covers." Its durable, stain- and wear-resistant fabric and removable, machine-washable covers handle pet-related wear and tear effectively. Although some pilling was observed on high-traffic cushions and cushion covers shrank slightly after drying, the overall durability and well-cushioned frame contribute to its appeal. The sofa initially presents with firmer cushions, requiring a break-in period to achieve optimal softness. Several other categories address specific needs: the Better Homes & Gardens Modular Sectional Sofa with Storage Ottoman is the "Best for Small Spaces" due to its compact design, straightforward setup, and integrated storage. The BenchMade Modern Skinny Fat Sectional With Bumper is the "Best Customizable" option, offering extensive customization beyond just configuration, including cushion fill and bumper orientation. The Simpli Home Morrison Sectional in Genuine Leather is the "Best Leather" choice, praised for its immediate comfort and durable leather that develops character over time. The Apt2b Tuxedo Sleeper Sectional is the "Best Sleeper Sectional," excelling in both sitting and sleeping comfort, with an easy-to-convert bed mechanism. The Quince Oasis Performance Chaise Sectional is the "Best Large" option, offering exceptional comfort and spacious seating for multiple guests. Finally, the BenchMade Modern Eva Sectional is the "Best Modular" choice, praised for its expandable design and over 100 upholstery choices, and the Rove Lab M1 Sofa Sectional is the "Best Low-Profile" option, noted for its minimalist aesthetic and pet-friendly, performance fabric. When selecting a sectional, important considerations include configuration options, ensuring the chosen shape (U-shaped, L-shaped, or modular) fits the available space, and the durability of the frame and upholstery material. Solid wood frames, particularly kiln-dried, are recommended for longevity, while upholstery choices like leather, performance fabrics (polyester blends), and linen each offer distinct advantages in terms of durability, ease of cleaning, and aesthetic. Coupling mechanisms are also crucial for preventing sections from shifting, highlighting the importance of proper assembly for stability. #SectionalSofas #HomeDecor #FurnitureReview #InteriorDesign #CustomizableFurniture #SofaTesting #UpholsteryOptions #LivingRoomFurniture #ModularSofa