I am still in complete shock that I found this couch at The Salvation Army! I was shopping for a few “new” pieces to finish updating my capsule wardrobe, and noticed this white couch in the furniture section. I took a few pictures of it to send to the hubby, and didn’t think another thought. Our old couch was found off of Craigslist, so we don’t mind giving pre-owned furniture a second life.
After adopting our dog Keona a little over a year ago, I learned the value of having a couch that could be cleaned with ease. Finding a leather or faux leather couch (anything wipe-able) would be ideal, but it had to be a secondhand purchase as I avoid buying new leather as much as possible which I explain more in detail here.
To be honest, I am not even sure if this couch is real leather or not. You rarely get all the specifics when thrift shopping.
After going back to The Salvation Army together, we decided to purchase the couch. We were even given a discount because it looked dirty beyond repair. I must have scrubbed this couch five times or more with castile soap and water with a microfiber cleaning cloth. Surprisingly it looks almost new again so the effort paid off.
I thought about needing to redecorate the living room completely, then instead decided to just work with the pieces that we already had. The coffee table was our makeshift television stand for the last year, but I’m glad to have it back as a coffee table again. I separated our bookshelves which were set on top of each other vertically, and used one for the new television stand. I took out the two side tables, and we no longer have the rug. Keona was having a chew fest on the rug anyway.
This couch brightens our space so much which was needed with the dark hard wood floors.
It also balances my love for espresso wood furniture. I love keeping things simple in our home. I have spent the last six years working towards becoming the type of minimalist that matched my values and ideals. I’m seeing how this commitment has revealed itself in our home and benefited my life immensely. I feel so proud of the progress we’ve made.
Finding this couch took patience, prayer, and divine intervention. We have been looking for months, and I am estatic that is it a zero waste purchase. Thank you God! (Just in case you are curious about the top I’m wearing, I redesigned my organic cotton abstract tee again!)
See a complete tour of our modern apartment before the update as well as other photos of our living spaces!
One Love!
(Images by Dawn Michelle)
April says
What an incredible find! It compliments the space so well. BTW, I love your coffee table 🙂
Dawn Michelle says
Hi April,
Thank you! I found that coffee table at Target almost 10 years ago. It is definitely one of my favorite pieces. Have a great weekend!
Melony says
Omg…tht couch is gorgeous! I couldn’t even picture it being as bad as you described it to before cleaning it. So, I got a question: when it comes to furniture, what kind of arrangement or layout would best suit a small bedroom?
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Melony,
Thanks so much! We actually have a pretty small bedroom in our current home compared to rooms in our other apartments. We’ve maximized the space by having hardly any furniture in it. We don’t even have a dresser and put all of our clothing in the closet. You can see how I decorated it here.
The most important aspect of any bedroom is that it is very relaxing. Based on Feng Shui principles, it is important to keep it as a relaxing space, not have electronics like a tv, and also put a work space elsewhere. I always feel less is more especially in the bedroom. Thanks for your comment and enjoy your weekend!
Glenda says
1. That first photo is fit for some magazine–well, actually all of them are!
2. Did you make your necklace?
3. Gorgeous room & furniture arrangement! (I love dark woods, too–prefer them, actually!)
4. You may have yet another career option: interior designer!
5. Your top re-do looks great–again!
Best wishes, as always.
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Glenda,
1. Thank you so much!
2. No I didn’t make this necklace. I bought it years ago in Philly by another jewelry maker. I honestly wish I knew his name as I’d love to purchase more of his work.
3. Yes, yes, yes to dark wood!
4. Ha, you never know where life leads you.
5. Thanks, I’m really happy that I took the risk to redo that top since now I actually wear it.
I hope you are having an amazing weekend!
E says
Wow! I would have thought that was brand new. It looks great! I also love thrifting. I have friends who think it’s gross because it’s used. I can never understand the stigma behind that. I always wash everything and these same people always travel and stay in hotels. They sleep in used beds and bedding, sit in used furniture and wash with used towels and washcloths and call it a luxory stay! They never think anything about that but can’t stand the thought of thrifting, even though I know I washed it between owners. You have to laugh at the irony of that 🙂
Dawn Michelle says
Hi E,
Thank you! You made an excellent point about traveling and staying in hotels. I honestly used to feel that way about thrifting until I started realizing that I could find unique items for such an amazing price and began valuing how it benefitted the planet to purchase what was already made versus something new. Once the item is washed or dry cleaned it is all good to go in my opinion. Have a great day!
Sandy says
That’s a beautiful sofa. I love the color and how it blends with your decor. I agree with the other comment that you’d make a serious minimalist interior designer.
If your natural sun light shines on your sofa, you may want to shade your windows during the high sun. We’ve ruined several faux and real leather sofas and chairs ,over the years, through sun damage. Also, keeping them cleaned regularly with a gentle soap designed for the fabric will keep it nice for a long time.
Also, if your dog thinks of climbing on it, watch for scratches. You’d be surprised at some of the nice throws you can get for pets who want to sit on leather or leather like fabrics.
By the way, Ebay has some good tip articles which can help you to determine if it is faux or not.
I love your decor. So peaceful and chic.
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Sandy,
Thank you so much for these insightful suggestions! Thank you for the compliment too!
Sandra says
Love that new sofa and the adorable, cute pooch!
Dawn Michelle says
Thank you so much Sandra! <3
keisha says
what a beautiful couch!!! regardless if it’s leather or not 1 it looks comfy, 2 cheaper 3 cute and stylish! you definitely got a steal!
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Keisha,
Thank you!!! It was definitely an unexpected blessing. Hope all is well with you!
Alena says
I can’t believe you found the sofa at Salvation Army. Amazing. And what an incredible job you did of cleaning it. It really does look new. So glad for you.
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Alena,
Thank you! I still can’t believe I found this couch at The Salvation Army either. I hope you are having a beautiful day!
Lisa says
So gorgeous! I noticed in your bedroom that you keep the space sparse and inviting. Where do you store smaller clothing items that aren’t hung? I’m trying to rework my bedroom as well and I’m wondering how I can find a place for those. Baskets in the closet maybe?
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Lisa,
Thank you! We have fabric baskets where we store undergarments, socks, and athletic/dance apparel. We keep these in the hall closet which is next to the bedroom and has a bunch of shelving.
Lisa says
Excellent. Thanks for the reply. I’m thinking baskets are the way to go as you suggested. Off I go to make room!