Alternative Couch

Category: Alternate Couch

  • Coddle Node Review

    Coddle Node Review

    Coddle Node Couch Review

    Node Sofa from Coddle is the definition of cubic comfort that fits your space just perfectly! Like your missing puzzle piece, in furniture form. Whether you live in a small apartment or a big house, the Node what you need. It grows and goes with you! It’s simply perfection. 

    Who Will Love This?

    Designed to fit your modern life.


    Who wouldn’t Love it? It’s not just a pretty sofa, It’s also super comfy! Node is smart, modular seating reinvented.


    Loungers


    Sit down, relax, chill and lounge, charge your electronics, grab a book or just watch your favorite show! The Node is made with you in mind.


    One size fits all!


    The Node is perfect for a dorm room or smaller space, and It’s also conveniently perfect if you have a big home.

      Node Review Menu

      Node Video Review

      “No assembly or tools required” is like music to my ears! 

      All you have to do is literally locate the legs, which by the way are so pretty, screw them on in their designated areas and you are good to go.

      Below is a video on how the Node was delivered straight to my door and how I assembled it … And disassembled it so i can move it and build it elsewhere! It’s part of testing, right? And this is how I roll.  

      Node Company Policies

      It keeps getting better and better with Coddle. 

      It all started the day i bought the Toggle. I was blown away by the construction, the built and the meticulous work they have done to make this couch beyond perfect.  Ever since Coddle kept getting bigger and better! From their couches to their Pixel platform bed, everything Coddle carries is a game changer. As far as shipping, returns and warranties here’s how it works.

      Return warranty is covered up to 60 days from the time of the 1st initial delivery (as long as it is free of any defects and was used under normal operating conditions). After 60 days Coddle products carry an exclusive 1 year manufacture warranty. And of course shipping is always free of charge. Speaking of shipping, well it’s not just any type of shipping. Their ” white glove” service starts as soon as you decide to purchase one Coddle products. It is delivered straight to your door and assembled in the room where you want to set it up – I obviously did myself because it’s part of my job as a reviewer!
      Setup for a one seat coddle node couch

      Can You Sleep On It?

      I know when you think sofa you probably think TV, or maybe just lounging with a good book. But yes, absolutely yes you can sleep on the Node. 

      I personally found myself snoozing on it, at least a couple of times, once while reading a book and another time while i was watching a show on Netflix! I wasn’t really that tired, and I certainly wasn’t planning on taking a siesta. 

      But it is so comfortable, and has so much support unlike many other couches I have tried. They were so uncomfortable they woke me up.  And that is annoying!

      And that what makes the Node so unique.  It is elegant and comfortable! And by the time you wake up your devices will be charged thanks to the Power outlet and USB ports in each arm. Simple, yet sophisticated! I love it. 

      Node Price & Discounts
      coddle node couch review

      Node Review Conclusion

      Eat, drink or share a side of it with your furry friend ( yes, it’s pet friendly!). The beautiful Node is stain-resistant. Beautiful with its woven fabrics, gorgeous finish from legs to arms, total meaning of luxury! – I am still talking about the sofa-

      So come one, come all, kids, pets, friends bring it on and enjoy the fabulous Node from Coddle. 

      Build it whichever way you like. Play around with the settings, make it a single seating nice and fancy like i did, you can even order different arm color and have fun with it. The options are endless with the Node that comes in Modular chair all the way up to 3 seater, as well as sectional sofa! 

      It’s awesomeness in the shape of a Sofa. The Node is an Alternative Couch by all means. 

    • MoonPod Review

      MoonPod Review

      The Moon Pod is not your typical Beanbag!

      Once on the Moon Pod you just float. Unlike traditional beanbags, The Moon Pod was engineered to support your body for great comfort.

      Moon Pod Review Menu

      Moon Pod Video Review

      I honestly didn’t expect this when i unboxed the Moon Pod. I do repeat in my videos how much i hate bulky items. Items i cannot store away, items that are too heavy to move around and take too much space. 

      Not the Moon Pod! I was floating from joy before floating on the Moon Pod when i saw it for the first time. It’s sleek and light making it super easy to carry around, and so much more. Check out this video.  

      https://youtu.be/ADNTTvjMqKQhttps://youtu.be/G3a7H4T88r8

      Moon Pod Company Policies

      The Moon Pod has a unique design. It doesn’t look like any other bean bag and certainly feels different when you sit- more like float- on it. You have 14 days to try it, which is plenty enough to figure it out. It also ships for free. 

      What’s Inside the Moon Pod?

      More like inside out or In a nut “shell”! Speaking of shell, or covers, they are available in many cool colors with cool names such as Space Gray which is what I have, Rose Quartz, Neptune and much more. 

      The Moon Pod is filled with custom high-friction density beads. They are responsible of keeping your back in position if you are sitting down making the Moon Pad look like a comfy chair, providing you support without falling out of it or slipping down. It really is a magical cosmic bean bag. 

      This inner fill is brand new and will last for years! 

      The cover is soft, stretchy and breathable. It is also machine washable in cold water. To dry it it just put it on low heat tumble-dry setting. 

      The whole structure is engineered to respond to any body shape thanks to its supportive dual shell membrane. 

      Can You Sleep ON it?

      Through unparalleled support and adaptive flexibility, Moon Pod can help relieve back and neck pain while you rest. We were able to test it in every position imaginable, always comfortable and responding to our body shape no matter what

      I even decided to binge watch all 3 episodes of the Mandalorian ( as part of the test, not because I was dying for some me time with my new favorite show, wink wink). The results, you can sit for HOURS on the Moon Pod and it is absolutely cozy and comfy. Just make sure you have your snacks by your side because once you’re on it, you don’t want to leave it. 

      Moon Pod Price & Discounts?

      The Moon Pod is only $399 and it’s worth every penny!

      Moon Pod Review Conclusion

      The Moon Pod is out of this world. The name is a perfect fit! It stands neatly in the corner without flopping, if you want to just put it aside. You can sit, lounge or just lay on it without sinking. I can only imagine the high-friction custom beads inside on alert working all together to keep you afloat.
      With only 12 Lbs, I absolutely love that it’s light and that i can move it around anywhere i like! It is also a nice addition in kids bedrooms or dorms, even as gaming chairs. The verdict: Moon Pod is not your typical everyday bean bag. It has a unique construction, a soft feel and provides unparalleled comfort even when spending long hours in it. 

    • Walmart Futon Review

      Walmart Futon Review

      Walmart Futon Review

      I purchased this LuxuryGoods futon from Walmart.com, and it was delivered to me for free in just one box.  Delivery took a few business days to get here.  I could have selected the pick up in store option, but why do that when delivery was FREE?  You won’t believe the price I paid.

      Walmart Futon Review Menu

      Walmart Futon Video Review

      You can see in the video below that assembly of the LuxuryGoods Futon was a breeze.  It took about 15 minutes for me to put it together alone.  Expect to do it in about 10 minutes or so, as it takes a bit longer when you are filming a tutorial.  Instructions are in pictures only, so you may want to just watch this video to see how it is done.  

      Note, it is not an outdoor couch, I just like to use my backyard for some of these assembly tutorials as the view is amazing.  You may see some ducks swimming in the background, if you are into that kind of thing.

      Walmart Company Policies

      Walmart has one of the most generous return policies in the retail business, but it gets a bit more complicated when you purchase online at walmart.com.  They offer you 2 return options if you aren’t satisfied with your futon.  

      1. Return it by mail, log into their system and print out a shipping label for free shipping
      2. Return it to the store, save some time by using the walmart app.

      Returning it to the store wouldn’t be too much of a hassle as the futon is really small so it will fit in most trucks or suvs without an issue.  Unfortunately, it would be a problem in a small car.  

      I’m a bit tempted to send it back, just so I can see the difficulty of the return process by mail.  If I do that or return another large product to Walmart, I’ll update this post.

      What’s Inside the Futon?

      The LuxuryGoods Futon has a fake leather cover and a lightweight iron frame.  Assembly is super easy, even though the instructions are IKEA like.  As in, they don’t have any words, just pictures.  In case any of you struggle with the assembly instructions, I’ll summarize:

      1. Locate the 2 zippers on the back and remove the parts
      2. The straight legs go in the back, and the angled legs go in the front.
      3. Use the l wrench (provided) to secure the legs to the futon
      4. Use a power screwdriver or drill to screw in 4 screws on each leg
      5. Flip over, enjoy you are done!

      The backrest has 3 different positions, one that is 180 degrees (think normal couch position).  On the other extreme, there is one position that is close to 90 degrees.  With the other position in the middle, say 120 degrees.

      The extra step of screwing in the legs ensures that the product is SUPER sturdy.  It is lightweight (about 70 pounds) and really easy to move around.  

      LuxuryGoods Futon

      Can You Sleep ON it?

      Kids will be very comfortable sleeping on it when they have a sleep over.  I could see it getting a ton of use in a dorm room or a first apartment where there just isn’t room for an extra bed.  

      A tall adult would not want to sleep on it, unless they slept diagonally or in the fetal position.  It would be extremely difficult to sleep 2 average sized adults on it.  Fortunately, an adult under 5 foot six inches would be fine, and kids would really enjoy it as an extra sleep-over option.

      Does the Futon Have Storage?

      No, but it is a nice way to have an “extra bed” in a small apartment, dorm room or kid’s room.  The hidden armrest has 2 cup holders which is a nice treat.

      LuxuryGoods Futon Price & Discounts?

      After taxes and with free delivery I purchased the LuxuryGoods Futon from Walmart.com for under $200 ($172.87).

      Luxury Goods Futon Review Conclusion

      The Futon looks great in a small space, think: kid’s room, corner of a home office, dorm room, 1st apartment, or a must have for those of you who live in a tiny home.  The length of the sofa is only 66 inches, which means that tall people won’t be able to sleep on it, unless they enjoy the fetal position.  Tall people also won’t like the height of the couch as it sits about 7 inches off the floor.

      This clearly fits the definition of an alternative couch, as you can sit on it or you can sleep on it (assuming you aren’t too tall).  The hidden cup holder is a really nice touch.  Don’t be fooled, though this is not the kind of couch that fits your whole family.  This is a futon meant for small places to give your guest the opportunity to sleep or lounge at an extremely affordable price. 

    • Flottebo Sleeper Sofa Review

      Flottebo Sleeper Sofa Review

      The Flottebo is a couch, remove the pillows and it becomes a bed.

      What attracted me to the Flottebo is that it doubles as a sleeper. I got to try it at the store, and was a bit shocked that the triangular shaped pillow back stoppers don’t roll. I really won’t know if I can use it as a sleeper until I get the chance to sleep test it. Also, I won’t know how well the pillow stops keep me and my family from falling off the back of the couch until I really put that to the test.
      I also bought the cute little side table that sticks out from the side, and I love it. You can only put about 35 pounds on it, so make sure that nobody sits on it.

      Flottebo Review Menu

      Flottebo Video Review

      In my video below, I discuss the things that I like about my Ikea Flottebo sleeper sofa. After my review of it, I have an assembly tutorial and I’ll share some tips with you. It took me 4 hours to assemble and shoot the video, it should take you much less time, as you probably won’t be shooting a video while putting it together.

      IKEA Company Policies

      I cheated a bit and actually went into Ikea to look at this before I bought it. Don’t worry, I still bought it online.
      Pro tip; if you go to ikea they open half an hour before their official opening time, so that you can grab a coffee or a cheap breakfast before you shop. Also, you can learn a bit of Swedish while you are there. They were gearing up for winter so I kept seeing the word vinter. I deduced that vinter is coming…
      I love the way that Ikea does the flat packing thing, so all of the components for the Flottebo come in 4 boxes. One weighs around 100 pounds, so I opted not to squeeze it all in my car. Plus the intent of this blog is to see if I can find the best couch while shopping from my own couch, or floor since I currently don’t have one. They promised 6 day shipping so let’s see if they can keep their end of the bargain.

      Pros

      Can Be Used as a Couch
      • Can be used as a bed
      • Easiest possible conversion from couch to bed
      • Amazing budget friendly price
      • Sheet Storage inside

      Cons

      • It’s an IKEA product so you know you will have to assemble it.
      • It took me 4 hours to assemble
      • I lost a few nails putting it together

      What’s Inside the Flottebo?

      This couch will double as a bed for the days when you just can’t drag yourself off the couch, or if you have guests. The ideal purchaser is one who is either just starting out, think first apartment, or for a guest bedroom, if it doesn’t have room for a queen sized bed.
      At this price and the shipping/ease of moving it I could see this couch making the move from apartment to apartment, up and down stairs etc.
      It is likely too small for the main couch of a family; however, I could see it getting a good deal of use in a child’s bedroom.
      A teen or preteen may be able to use this as a daybed/sleeper. This would really open up a room for tons of activities
      It screams of day bed, when you remove the couch pillows, it becomes a bed.
      The couch is a mix of particleboard and plywood.
      The mattress is made from a fairly dense, 2 lb/cu.ft polyurethane foam. This is the type of foam that you would usually see at the foundation of a mattress. It has a steel pocket spring unit.
      When you lift up the unit you will see a mesh screen that can be used to hold sheets and a couple of pillows.
      It is really heavy, so it will take 2 people to flip it over or carry it.

      Flottebo Assembly Tips

      It took me 4 hours (including the side table), but to be fair it just takes longer to shoot a video. Plus I made a HUGE mistake or two along the way. I was able to do just about everything by myself. I needed help lining up the lift gate portion, and flipping it over to install the side table.
      Seriously, if you see an X on a page, pay attention! I put a couple of bars together backwards and it probably cost me an hour or so to figure out what went wrong and do it over again.
      Warning, I lost a few nails and got a very minor cut during the assembly process.

      IT DOES NOT CLOSE UNTIL YOU PUT THE SLATS AND MATTRESS ON IT. If you try to close it you may break it.

      Here is a huge time saving trick for you. When the couch is open to reveal the storage section it is important to start putting the mesh storage layer on in the mouth of the long side of the Flottebo. The reason for this is that the space is tight so it is hard to work your fingers around in that area. You will find that it is much easier to maneuver and stretch both this mesh and, later on, the cover on the other three sides.

      Can You Sleep ON it?

      The short answer is yes, but now that I have had it in my house for close to a year the answer really should be, “If you didn’t have a lot of other options”.

      Frankly, it just isn’t that comfortable as a bed. But it is absolutely sturdy! 

      Does the Flottebo Sofa Have Storage?

      Underneath you will find a cargo net that will hold some sheets and a pillow. Don’t over load it, it will sag or even break! after all, it’s just a net. So keep it light. 

      Flottebo Price & Discounts

      I haven’t been able to negotiate any deals for a flottebo, sorry.

      Flottebo Vs. Friheten

      After owning both of these IKEA couches for over 100 days I decided to put together a video about the differences between the two. Here are my thoughts and below is the video of both of them.

      Flottebo

      You might find putting the Flotebbo together easy, to me it was not. It took me over 4 hours, a few broken nails and some bruises. There were a couple of steps where I messed up, but it was a great moment once I was done putting it together.
      I could tell instantly the sofa’s material is pretty decent, and the cover is easy to clean since it’s removable and machine washable. I decided to cover it to keep it clean as much as possible. I am not ready mentally to remove it and put it again. What’s cool is that you have the choice to change covers thus colors!
      The sofa quickly and easily transforms into a spacious bed.
      The large storage space under the seat has plenty of room for things like bed linen.
      On the underside of the back cushions is an anti-slip material that prevents them from sliding. You can lean on them or lift the mattress to access the storage space without them moving around.
      You can angle the side table in different directions and adapt it to suit what you’re doing, whether it’s answering e-mails or eating popcorn and watching a movie.
      You can place the table by any of the sofa’s corners to suit you and your home best.
      I love the add on, which is that table sold separately.

      Friheten

      This sofa converts quickly and easily into a spacious bed when you remove the back cushions and pull out the under-frame.
      Sofa, chaise longue and double bed in one. No, nothing wrong with my spelling, the word chaise lounge in English came from the French “Chaise longue”, means tall chair! 
      Storage space under the chaise longue. The lid stays open so you can safely and easily take things in and out.
      You can place the chaise longue section to the left or right of the sofa, and switch whenever you like.

    • Bundle Sofa Review

      Bundle Sofa Review

      Flexible seating for a modern life! Introducing the Bundle Sofa.

      When I was done putting the Bundle sofa together my first thought was: “That’s what style and comfort look like combined”.
      The Bundle Sofa is the type of furniture that is easy to set up, break down, and customize to your preference. That is exactly the type of alternative couch that belongs right here.

      Who Will Love This?

      People Who Move Often

      You won’t believe how easy it is to move this around, it is unlike any couch on the market.


      People who want a comfy 3 seat couch


      It is a comfortable chair to plop down onto for gaming.


      People Who Have a Small House/Apartment


      This is a high quality couch that will upgrade with you, as it will be easy to move to your next house.


        I love everything compact yet comfortable, easy to assemble and easy to move when it’s time to change locations.
        And that’s exactly what I did. I set it up, disassembled it, and moved it in my car to its permanent location where I built it all over again. I was very impressed and satisfied with the outcome.

        Can your couch do that?

        Bundle Sofa Review Menu

        Bundle Couch Video Review

        This is not a joke, this smart couch put itself in my SUV, then was assembled by the Ocean, then taken apart, then reassembled at my house.  Don’t believe me?  Watch the video below.

        Bundle Company Policies

        Ordering made easy.
        If there’s one thing I try to avoid, and let’s keep it between us, it is an interaction with a salesperson. When I go to simply check in at a car dealership for an oil change appointment for my car, I try to park my car and run, or hide behind the nearest bush. Because if I don’t, I know I am going to end up with a new car I couldn’t test and never wanted to begin with! The voodoo power of a salesman.
        Which brings me to the best part of the life we live in today: online shopping.
        Free shipping, free in-home trials, even some good discounts and bundle discounts when you order online.
        The Bundle Sofa eliminated the middleman. Consumers get to enjoy a 60-day risk-free trial period. And if for any reason you are not satisfied you get to return it for a full return. Returns are on them too.

        What’s Inside the Bundle Sofa?

        They call it Sofa, but it could easily become that cozy couch.
        The Bundle Sofa is roomy enough to have friends over for game night, stretch out with a book, binge watch Netflix, snuggle with the kids and furry friend or simply relax and take a nap.

        Top reasons you should consider a bundle.

        All Foam, no fuss!

        The Bundle Sofa is made from super soft fabric and any bulky seams or zippers. It’s filled with premium memory foam that’s designed to support you and hold its shape over time.
        The open-cell foam used in the making of the Bundle Sofa providers great support for better comfort and durability.

        Fast and easy Assembly.

        Remember back in the days when assembling furniture was complicated and power tools were required? Those days are way gone.

        The Bundle Sofa is not just easy to assemble, it comes in boxes straight to your door (no middleman or harassing salespeople), ready to assemble. Best part NO TOOLS REQUIRED.

        Just like it is easy to build, it is also easy to break down so you can have flexible seating for a modern lifestyle.

        Customize your comfort.
        The Bundle Sofa comes in Shadow Grey, Indigo Blue, Sand Beige and Stone Dark Grey. All warm, modern colors that will add a perfect pop and style to any room.
        Color customization aside, you can select the style of arms and legs that suit your lifestyle. It is built to accommodate just about anything from gatherings to book clubs, coffee breaks to power naps, all while celebrating your unique style.
        With a plush, streamlined design, material you’ll love and four classic colors that make it hard to choose your favorite.
        Bundle Sofa specs and customization.
        2 Arms: Straight or Curved.
        2 leg Options: Cone Leg or Tapered Leg.
        4 Color options: Light Grey “shadow”, Blue “Indigo”, Beige “Sand”, Dark Grey “Stone”.
        Two Back Cushions, one seat cushion. That’s the 2X1 Cushion configuration.
        Three back cushions and three seat cushions making the 3X3 cushion configuration.

        Plush Fabric is stains and water resistant, and washable.
        The Bundle Sofa is made with this modern everyday lifestyle in mind. The cover material is both ultra-soft and extra durable. It is kid and pet friendly and just in case- since in case oops and accidents happen- It is also easy to clean.
        It comes in four different modern, stylish colors to chose from! Lounging never looked so good.

        Bundle Couch, Can You Sleep ON it?

        bundle couch review from altcouch.com

        I certainly can, it is comfortable enough to have no issues catching some zzzzs.  It should fit anyone under 6 feet tall.

        Does the Bundle Have Storage?

        No, but you could fit it into a storage area or pod during a move. 

        Bundle Price & Discount Codes

        Bundle Sofa

        $300 Off, Buy Now
        They currently have a 10% off coupon as well
        Popular

        Bundle Review Conclusion

        That’s just a few things I have noticed while testing and enjoying the Bundle Sofa at the same time. My kids have tried it, we all lounged with our dog, I was even able to take a nap just like that. It is comfy, supportive durable without a doubt. Most of all it will match your everyday modern busy lifestyle!
        Small space, first apartment, dorm room, living room. The Bundle Sofa is made to complement almost every room.
        Easy to assemble, no tools required, fits in a car so that you can take it with you, stylish, comfortable.  I’m not sure that I need to say more…
        The real wow factor of the Bundle Sofa is that it will grow with you.  It is a high quality couch that you can quickly disassemble and move.  Most people scramble to find someone to take their old couch off their hands when they move out of their first apartment.  With the Bundle, you will take it with you.

      • Best Couch

        Best Couch

        An alternative couch is one that has multiple functions.  Below are our top picks for the best couch available to an online shopper.

        I am always searching for something far from your grandmother’s boring couch. To be an ALT COUCH or sofa it will need to have some of the following features:

        1. Sleeper Sofas
        2. Sofas with Storage
        3. Helps to host sleepovers for children
        4. Modular Couches.  Play around with the settings creating something different every time.
        5. Couches that Fit in Your Car
        6. Futons
        7. Pull Out Couch Beds

        Sleeper sofas! Wide and comfy enough to fit 2 people easily.

        coddle couch has multiple sitting positions

        Each side of the couch’s split backrest can recline independently and the left and right sides of the couch can be lifted to form armrests, pillows or footrests! 

        My best pick is the Coddle couch. 

        Not to be compared to your typical clumsy sofa bed- I am talking about the ones that cause you aches and pains- Coddle couch is the modern day sleeper couch.  Simple, elegant and comfy!

        I love the Coddle for so many reasons, my favorite, the ease of assembly.

        It comes in one huge box where you will find on the inside lid useful diagrams on how to unbox and assemble the couch.

        All i had to do was to match the way the legs go properly, four clicks and we are in business! No tools required but i love that it came with a metal-reinforced leather thumb protector to prevent my skin from getting pinched as I am pushing the buttons in.

        It is versatile.

        You can recline each side of the backrest independently where there’s a split right down the middle separating them. You can set it in three positions thanks to a ratchet mechanism: Upright, slightly reclined and fully flat.

        High end smart couch. Coddle comes with 1.5-amp USB charging ports and 110-volt AC receptacles on each side.

        The Coddle is so sturdy and is built comfortably enough to support up to 750 lbs.

        Only downside is that it doesn’t come with storage.

        Sofas with storage.

        storage under freiheten couch

        Clean, minimalstic space saving and enough storage to put away your or your guests essentials such as sheets, pillows and maybe a book!

        I generally love it when items are hiding neatly!  Storage to me is a life and space saver.  It is really important to have enough storage whether it’s a big or small house!  Especially small space.

        IKEA Couches

        I went to Ikea just to have an idea on what to try next.  It’s almost impossible to make up your mind on just one couch once you’re there, so i picked the two couches: The Flottebo and The Friheten.  They stood out sitting next to other couches.  They were just more unique and looked modern and stylish. Not just lame couch beds.  Most importantly I was focused on their functionality. 

        Couch- Check

        Bed- Check

        Storage- Check. 

        Just like their level of comfort, storage is essential too.  Imagine how easy it would be if instead to going back and forth to that room where your guests are sleeping comfortably, you could store away a couple of pillows, bed sheets, a book even some clothes, and not bother them at all. 

        The Flottebo and Friheten have decent storage underneath, one pulls out and transforms into a bed where two small sized people can easily lay down.  The other, all you have to do is remove the back rests, and there you have a full bed too.  Flottebo is more comfy then the Friheten, but at the end you wouldn’t want them as your permanent beds.  They are temporary, great for first apartment, dorm rooms, small space house or if you are a minimalist and like to save space. 

        The couch bed that really had it all was the Arden futon with storage drawers. Looks very stylish with its pretty and simple hardwood design.  It is armless, so perfect for someone who is tall and doesn’t like his feet to hit the foot board. 

        This couch bed comes in three functional positions, sofa, bed (in full size) and lounger. Just like it’s perfect for smaller spaces, it is ideal for RVs and dorms.  I love the simple design, it looks uncluttered and the drawers are spacious enough to fit all your necessary items.  It is available with arms, but i prefer the armless one because it is more convenient for taller guests. 

        Downside: Assembly required. But hey, that’s nothing especially that I was able to assemble 2 couches from Ikea.

        Hideaways that can be used for Sleepovers

        Sleepovers are no longer a problem!  Especially where kids can share the same room.  Pictured below is a bundle bean bag which is filled with memory foam, to provide a lounging experience that you can sleep on.

        rana dropping memory foam on otto bean bag

        With all the cool sleepover products available, there are plenty of solutions to add extra sleeping space without taking up too much room.  Bean bag chairs such as the pillowsac from lovesac and the CordaRoy’s provide excellent sleeping options, and then convert back to a standard bean bag chair.

        Below you will see an amazing invention that converts from a couch to a bed in one second.  The problem is that it doesn’t sit very high, so you either need to raise it up on a platform or put it in a kid’s room (since they are smaller people).

        Modular Couches

        If you don’t like the configuration of your couch, just move a couple of sections around to create a whole new experience.
        romy and rana on a modular lovesac

        The best feature of a modular couch is that you can get one that will grow along with your family.

        Lovesac is a strong candidate for the best modular couch due to their lifetime guarantee.  I can’t tell you how many couches that I have thrown away as my family has grown through the year.  That crappy couch from my first apartment is certainly not with me anymore.  But, what if it had been a modular option with say 3 sections?  I could have bought a new cover and added 2 new sections as I got into my first house.  Then I could have bought new covers again and added a few new sections to dominate the larger living room in my new house.  It may have seemed like a large upfront investment, but in the long run it would have been a great deal.

        Couches that Fit in your Car

        You want a nice stylish couch for your apartment, but you still want to be able to move in a flash.  It is time that you met the Bundle Couch.

        Ray and Rana Landreth on Bundle Couch

        That’s not my house, but I built a couch on that deck, then disassembled it, put it in my car and reassembled it in my house.

        Not that you would, but I had to prove that you could.  

        Futons

        Futons offer sleeping and lounging opportunities and are best placed in small spaces.  No 1st apartment or dorm room is complete without a futon.

        Walmart offers one for less than $200, including free shipping.  You can see it pictured above.  The downside is that it is pretty low to the ground and it isn’t designed to sleep people over 5’6″.

        IKEA’s Flottebo is an upgrade on the futon.  Unfortunately, it suffers from a horrible assembly time and it is quite heavy.  Meaning that you may decide to leave it behind as you leave your 1st apartment.

        Walmart Futon

        Pull-Out Couch Beds

        It is super hard to find a pull-out couch that is actually comfortable.  Just think about what they have to do.  It has to have enough storage for a bed to emerge from inside the couch.

        Personally, I wouldn’t pay more than $500 for a pull out couch.  Why?  Design wise, I haven’t found that the quality of sleep goes up enough after that price, so you are better off just getting another type of alternative couch to suit your sleeping and lounging needs.

        Feathers Sectional Couch

        How about a couch that fits into small spaces? Check out my Feathers modular review.

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      • Coddle Couch Review

        Coddle Couch Review

        Coddle Couch Review

        The Coddle, formerly known as the Gjemni, redefines the alternative couch theme, by being useful as a lounger, a couch or a bed. It currently comes in 5 different cover options:
        • Black
        • Red
        • White
        • Java
        • Microfiber Grey
        It’s more than just a couch! It’s the couch with an impossible number of possibilities. I actually gave the Gjemini its own nickname “SuperCouch”.
        What’s super cool about the Gjemini is that it is comfortable in every position. Yes, the Gjemini is beyond a couch and can be used and enjoyed in many positions. It instantly becomes a bed or a hang-out space or even a meditative place.
        I have been testing it, including my kids and dog occasionally, I am saying occasionally because it is way too pretty to be ruined and I want to enjoy it for the longest time. But then again, what’s the point of testing a product if you don’t really put it to the test.
        And so there we are, testing it in every possible way ever since I received it and put it together.
        I ordered the Gjemini in grey, microfiber. It came in a huge box, inside another of course bigger box holding it. True it took me forever to unbox it and ran out of room in my recycling bin BUT that’s a great way to keep your couch from being damaged.
        Un-handy people rejoice because it requires NO TOOLS. Once you locate the 4 legs that come in a separate “fancy” box all you must do is snap them on, flip the couch over and you are finished.
        This alternative couch is the perfect lounger by day for your guests with the ability to transform into a bed easily at any time.
        On each side of the Gjemini you will find USB ports as well as volt sockets to help you charge your devices while charging yourself.
        The modern design of the Coddle allows you to recharge all of your devices with 4 USB ports and two 110-volt sockets.

        Coddle Review Menu

        Coddle Couch Video Review

        I’m not sure if my video does a good enough job of saying how much I LOVE my coddle couch. This is truly an alternative couch as it preforms the couch job perfectly, and the bed function is great. I wouldn’t use it as an every night sleeper, but it is pretty close.

        Coddle Company Policies

        The ordering process is no different from anything else that you would buy online. Except that you are buying a major purchase sight unseen. Of course, this makes your purchase scary, and that’s why I shot the video above so that you could get a look and a second opinion of the product before you hit the buy button.
        I didn’t leave my couch to buy my coddle, they were running an end of the year 20% discount. I’ll see if I can get a similar coupon for you during other times of the year.
        Coddle offers an amazing 60 day trial period. If you don’t like it and it isn’t found to be dirty, stained, damaged or abused they will give you a full refund.
        I purchased it in December of 2018. Shipping took less than 2 weeks, depends on your window to schedule delivery.

        What’s Inside the Coddle Couch?

        This is by far the easiest assembly possible for a direct to your door couch. You simply click the 4 legs in and flip it over.
        Seriously, that’s it. I spent far more time getting it out of the box then actually putting it together.
        They provide 2 thumb protectors to keep your skin from getting pinched while you click in the legs. The other thing to note is that you need to match up leg a, with sticker a. I didn’t realize this and put the D leg into A and I could tell that it didn’t look right before I flipped it over.
        The only other difficult part of getting it set up is that you have to pull the cord to unzip the electric cord from the built-in hiding space.

        Size Bed Dimensions Couch Dimensions Weight
        Twin 40.9″W x 78″L 40.9 W” x 78L” x 38 137.5 Pounds

        It screams of day bed, yet it is fully functional as a couch or as a lounger.
        It is really heavy (137.5 lbs), so it will take 2 people to flip it over or carry it. What I find interesting is how heavy the shipping boxes are. Once you take the couch out of the boxes, it isn’t that heavy.
        On each side of the couch you will find USB ports and a US standard outlet.
        gjemeni couch with both arms at an angle

        Can You Sleep ON it?

        Yes, Yes and YES!!!
        This is a very comfortable bed once it is fully flat. Your guests will love sleeping over and you will find that you gently doze off on the Coddle more often then you think you would.

        Pros

        Can be used as a couch

        Can be used as a bed

        Tilt the head up to lounge/no need for a pillow

        Luxury Feel

        USB Ports on Each Side

        110V Port

        Cons

        It took me half an hour to assemble

        You could snag your thumb in the assembly process

        When you adjust the couch configurations it may slide/move

        Does the Coddle Have Storage?

        Unfortunately, no.  However, the ability to charge all of your smart devices still makes this an alternative couch.

        Coddle Sleeper Couch

        Coddle Couch Review Conclusion

        I have had it for about 6 months now and it gets more use than any other couch that I have. It is fun to play with all of the different settings and is comfortable doing the main job of being a couch. Where it really shines is that it is an excellent sleeper. I can’t tell you how many times I have had to drag one of my kids or my husband off the Coddle to go to their beds.
        The ideal person for this is someone who doesn’t have a ton of space yet wants to provide someone with the opportunity for a quick/comfortable bed. This would be great in an Airbnb type of condo or house. It would also fit nicely in a small home office to give you the ability to sleep an extra guest or two.
        The last type of person who should really consider this is someone who is thinking about buying a sleeper sofa. Seriously, when was the last time you slept on a sleeper sofa? Do you remember that being a nice experience? Of course not! This solves the problem created by sleeper sofas. If you have one of these and you see a sleeper sofa you will laugh, not kidding. My MIL has a sleeper sofa and my husband is too tall for it and I’m way too big for it, so it pokes me. Fortunately, my son is still small enough that he can use a sleeper sofa, but when he grows a bit more, I’m going to have to buy her a Coddle for her spare bedroom/office.

      • Lovesac Bean Bag

        Lovesac Bean Bag

        The Pillowsac is a bean bag chair, no it’s a bed. Is it BOTH?
        I love versatile furniture, and this can be easily stored or used as a bean bag chair.
        This makes a great gift for kids or people who are moving into their first apartment or dorm room. It is also useful for giving your family members a place to sleep for the Holidays.
        On top of its function, these sacs look great and you will find that your household will fight overusing it. The size is large enough for an adult and one kid, but really you want to keep it for yourself.

        I bought this in October of 2018 and it is now August of 2019, so I have had a good deal of time to test this out.

        Lovesac Pillowsac Menu

        Pillowsac Video Review

        I shot the above video over the course of about a month. You can see that I still don’t have the desired/expected results that I’m looking for. I plan on shooting a follow up video in a few months to see if it gets better.
        I haven’t featured it in an update video yet, but you can tell from the video that I wasn’t pleased with it.
        However, it has grown on my quite a bit as it has been beaten up a bit more. If you don’t find one of my kids on it you will find my dog. The surprising part is that it is close to a year old and it looks like new, but feels better.https://youtu.be/Ri4x0j7qSbI

        Lovesac Company Policies

        Lovesac is a publicly traded company that has a market cap of 300,000,000 in August of 2019.  Seriously, they have enough money to back up their lifetime guarantee.  If you live in a big enough city you can check them out, typically at the mall.  The in store shopping experience is magical.  I dare you to walk into one and not consider buying at least a bean bag chair.  UNTIL…. you see the prices. 

        Lovesac doesn’t sell anything that would be considered cheap.  What you are paying for is the quality and lifetime guarantee.  Or in the case of the sactionals, the ability to expand your couch as you grow/move into a larger place.  For those of you in smaller towns, don’t worry you can shop online and they ship to you for free.  You can also order up to 5 fabric samples so that you can feel them.

        The best part is that they offer a 60 day trial period.

        What’s Inside the Pillowsac?

        The first thought after looking at the product is that it is similar to a bean bag chair so you expect a bean bag feel. Well, that’s not what you are getting, as the material is a shredded Durafoam. This is the premium upgrade that is softer than the standard sactional filling. It is advised to let your sac expand and fluff it out for a day or two before you put the cover on it.
        Speaking of COVERS, this is where Lovesac separates from the pack. They offer 12 different covers in the quick ship category, and will really attempt to get you to purchase one of those. However, if you those 12 aren’t enough for you and you are willing to wait a bit you can choose from 192 cover options. Now, to make your life a little less complicated they will send you a swatch book with 5 materials. My understanding is that they will offer more variety in their swatch book soon.
        I picked the Owl Phur (which isn’t real FUR), because it really looks like an owl and well, I simply fell in love with the feel of it.

        Can You Sleep ON it?

        In my case I would have to kick the dog of one of my kids off it first. This is easily the most expensive dog bed available, but at least he is happy.
        I have never gotten it to fit me just right for a full night of sleep. I have certainly napped on it, but every time I have woken up and moved into a real bed.
        I’ll sometimes find my kids sleeping on it, but I’ll move them so the only time that it gets full time sleepers is when we have a bunch of kids for a sleep over.
        close up rana on a lovesac

        Does the Pillowsac Have Storage?

        No, but it is a nice way to have an “extra bed” in a small apartment, dorm room or kid’s room.

        Lovesac Sizes

        Here is a table of the different size options for the bean bag “sacs”

        Note: the pillowsac is the only one that doubles as a bed.

        Size Dimension Seats Weight
        Gamersac 30″W x 32″L 1 Youth 22 Pounds
        Citysac 36″W x 39″L 1 Adult 35 Pounds
        Pillowsac 54″W x 75″L 2 35 Pounds
        Moviesac 48″W x 43″L 2 45 Pounds
        Supersac 60″W x 46″L 3 75 Pounds
        BigOne 72″W x 49″L 4 95 Pounds

        Pillowsac Review Conclusion

        I’m not going to hide it, this is an expensive product. So, it won’t be for everyone. However, if you have the money to spend and want something that is stylish, functions as a super comfortable chair and can be converted into a bed, then this is for you.
        The bed function isn’t good enough for a full-time sleeper, but your guests will rave about it.
        It is probably a bit “too nice” for a kid’s room, but once they are past the spilling, and jumping phase it would really fill out a teenager’s room. Of course, once they are headed off to college this would be a must for their first apartment. That’s where it would really shine, it will help people who are in their first apartment fill out a room and provide a much needed place for their friends to crash.
        If you are near one of the Lovesac 70 plus retail outlets in the US, you need to stop by and plop down on one of these. While you are there be sure to find the larger “BigOne” or the “Supersac” and dive onto them. Seriously, it is worth the experience, but you might want to do it when the salesperson isn’t looking.

      • Friheten Sleeper Sofa Review

        Friheten Sleeper Sofa Review

        It’s a couch & it has a hidden pullout that converts it into a bed.

        What attracted me to the Friheten is that it doubles as a sleeper. I got to try it at the store, but I really needed to sleep on it before I could decide if it truly fits the definition of an alternative couch.

        Friheten Review Menu

        Friheten Video Review

        Below is the video that I shot about a month after buying it. I have had it for 9 months now and it only has 3,000 views, so it must not be very good. Or maybe there is just too much competition on YouTube for small reviewers.

        The video at the bottom of this which compares it to the Flottebo has over 30,000 views, so you may want to just skip to that one.

        IKEA Company Policies

        The true secret to IKEA is that they flat-pack their products which makes them easy to ship. Of course, that means that you have to assemble so if you are scared of an l wrench you may as well just move on to another review.

        Pros

        • Can be used as a couch
        • Can be used as a bed
        • Easy to convert from couch to bed
        • Amazing budget friendly price
        • Storage under chaise

        Cons

        • It’s an IKEA product so you know you will have to assemble it.
        • It is firm, but not thick enough for heavy people
        • You wouldn’t want it as your main bed
        • In a large living room it would probably feel out of place as it isn’t that large

        What’s Inside the Friheten?

        It is a 3 sectional sleeper, and you can choose to put the chaise section on the right or the left side of the sofa.
        The fabric is going to be polyester, unless you choose to pay an extra $100 for Bomstad black, which is 25% cotton and 75% polyester.
        The couch is a mix of particleboard and plywood.
        The seat cushions and pillows are made from a fairly dense, 2 lb/cu.ft polyurethane foam. This is the type of foam that you would usually see at the foundation of a mattress. The cushions are on the firm side, but they aren’t supportive enough for heavy people. You can feel the wooden structure if you apply a good deal of pressure to the cushions.

        Can You Sleep ON it?

        This couch will double as a bed for the days when you just can’t drag yourself off the couch, or if you have guests. The ideal purchaser is one who is either just starting out, think first apartment, or for a guest bedroom, if it doesn’t have room for a queen-sized bed.
        At this price and the shipping/ease of moving it I could see this couch making the move from apartment to apartment, up and down stairs etc.
        It is likely too small for the main couch of a family; however, I could see it getting a good deal of use in a child’s bedroom. It isn’t a luxury couch, so an established family with a large living room wouldn’t want it as their main seating option.
        If you are on the heavy side, you should probably pass on the Friheten. The foam padding in the cushions isn’t that thick, so a heavy person would bottom out and feel the wooden structure.

        Does the Friheten Have Storage?

        YES! this is a triple threat.  It is a couch, you can sleep on it, and it has storage.  Well done IKEA!

        Ikea Friheten Couch with storage

        Assembly

        As an IKEA product, you expect a good deal of fun putting it together. As surprising as this is, I was able to put together the sofa 99% by myself. I had some help flipping and moving it, otherwise I did it myself. I only got stuck on one step and it was really my fault. I didn’t have the main couch cushions lined up exactly right when I tightened one of the 2 screws. So, I had to go back and loosen one screw to realign the other screw. Usually, this wouldn’t be a big deal. However, the screws have what I call a hat so the hat came off and the screw was still in there. It was a really small issue, but I could have saved 10 minutes or so had I been more careful.
        Speaking of time, it took me about 2 hours to assemble and shoot a video about the couch. Expect it to take you about an hour alone and maybe 45 minutes with 2 people.
        Assembly can really be broken down into three main sections. First, you have to choose which side you want the chaise to go on. Then you have to assemble the other couch section. Then you install the couch extension, which is used when you want to convert the couch to a bed. I have a step by step assembly section in my video review above.

        IKEA Friheten Vs. IKEA Flottebo

        My twin and I shot this video to discuss some of the key features of the Friheten and how it compares to the IKEA Flottebo.
        As I’m writing this about 10 months after purchasing both of these, I’ll tell you which one I still have. It’s the… Flottebo, but I’m not really in love with the Flottebo since the pillows slide away if you aren’t up against a wall and it isn’t that comfortable to sleep on.