Good Questions: Sexy Storage Sofas?

Hi AT,

I'm digging the sofa with bottom storage look. West Elm has discontinued their modular seating with open base storage. Todd Oldham gives how-to instructions in "Handmade Modern: Mid-Century Inspired Projects for Your Home," but I don't have the space for a workshop. Any ideas on where I can buy similar ready-made lounge/bookshelf units?

- orchidlover

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Dear orchidlover,

AT-NY fielded a similar question recently, and folks in NY had plenty of ideas, including DWR's pricey Havana sofa, which, in any case is best suited for bedding storage, Home Reserve's Storage Sofas, Z Futon's Storage Sleepers, Touch of Ginger's Pullman Storage Sofa, Istikbal's Sofa Beds, Eco Furniture's Romeo Daybed with additional pillows, and Wieder Sofabeds.

It does appear that it's hard to find an open storage option. Your best bet might be to approach a carpenter (maybe even with Todd Oldham's DIY plan) and ask for exactly what you need.

Anybody else?

Comments (3)

Thanks- the Eco Furniture Romeo Daybed is very cool. If anyone knows of similar ready-mades let me know... I think I may be stuck in the eighties- just found instructions on another do-it-yourself modular seating set with pull out drawers in a 1983 Better Homes and Gardens book "Your Family Centers".

I'm digging the west elm storage sofa as well, though I wish the arms were a little cozier. I held off too long buying one of those storage chairs they had and now I am regretting it.

I really hope you get some good answers because I've been dreaming of a storage sofa for years now, but I can't find anything that looks 1/2 as good as that west elm one in the pic with this question.

Another simple option is to stack (or just use one) of these:

TV unit IKEA OPPLI (do not install the casters!)
http://www.ikea.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?topcategoryId=15561&catalogId=10103&storeId=3&productId=12683&langId=-15&categoryId=15962&chosenPartNumber=30024863
or the KULL at Ikea

then add a long cushion on top and one as your back. Get an upholsterer to do it if you don't want a DIY project.

Done!