UPDATE: Summer 2014 — Many readers have asked how our La-Z-Boy sectional is holding up with kids and dogs. Two years in, it’s been fantastic. The dogs test it daily but the fabric and construction have proven durable. We love how luxurious and roomy it feels; everyone can stretch out comfortably. Spills clean up easily, which takes a lot of worry out of everyday life. For more on the space after we added brass sconces, see my updated post about the media room progress.
Several years ago I decided to convert a seldom-used upstairs bedroom into a cozy media room. We wanted a relaxed place where our son could have friends over, where the family could enjoy movie nights, and where a girls’ night in would feel welcoming. Because the room is compact, a large sectional made more sense than multiple pieces of furniture. We also wanted it to be away from the main family hub near the kitchen—somewhere a little quieter and more private.
When La-Z-Boy offered to send a sectional, the timing couldn’t have been better. A free sectional was an unexpected blessing and gave us a clear deadline to prepare the room. That deadline motivated us to pare down clutter, reorganize storage, and make room for the new sofa.
We slowly cleared out the excess and reshaped the upstairs layout. The room wasn’t a priority among many ongoing home projects, but step by step we made progress until the space was ready for the sectional.
This summer we chose the La-Z-Boy Collins sectional in fabric #C982054. My daughter and I spent a long time at the showroom testing fabrics; we wanted soft, velvet-like upholstery that felt cozy and inviting. The grayish-navy fabric we picked shifts with the light and has a plush, velvety hand while still being labeled durable for family use. It’s exactly what we hoped for: soft to the touch, comfortable to sink into, and practical enough for daily life.
The sofa included four white pillows with a gray medallion, which was a nice bonus. Additional pillows came from Target and from items we already owned. I’m a fan of lots of pillows—extra cushions make curling up for a movie especially comfortable.
Accessories are still a work in progress, but a large clock and vintage-style movie reel from Pier 1 helped set the tone for the room. Those pieces hint at the cinematic, casual vibe we want to capture.
Our plan includes movable cube ottomans for flexible seating and easy access to the sofa’s pull-out bed. We opted for the sleeper version so the room can double as a guest space. The pull-out is a double, which should be perfect for kids’ sleepovers or extra visitors.
Next on the list are window shades, curtains, and an area rug to clearly define the seating zone. Once we finish those updates, I’ll share more photos and details of the completed space.
So far, we’re very happy with the sofa and the overall experience. It’s one of those pieces you sink into and don’t want to leave—perfect for long winter evenings. I’ll continue to report back on how it wears with regular family life and pets. Jack, our dog, doesn’t spend much time in the room yet, but I’m sure he’ll be tempted. Whether he’s allowed on the sofa remains to be seen; he may end up with his own cozy corner and blanket.
To keep things honest, one corner of the room still needs decluttering. We plan to move the flat-screen TV above the desk and finish clearing that area so the room can fully function as a media space. I’m excited to complete those final touches.
*Update — below is the media room as seen in our 2014 Fall House Tour.
Do you have a cozy room for family nesting?
La-Z-Boy provided the sectional for review. All opinions and experiences are my own.