<p>D will be in a 6-person suite style dorm this fall. They have a common area and apparently are considering what to do about a couch. Some have suggested buying a used couch, which I get squeamish about without seeing it due the the possible presence of bugs or to it being way too heavy to move easily. </p>
<p>D would like for me to say that she can buy whatever gold-plated item she so desires. I have a bit of an issue however, because our family room couch has seen better days to put it mildly. Last summer I had an opportunity to buy a decent used couch for $75 (appeared to be bug-free!) that could at least be sat upon. D and H put the kibosh on that, and I have to live with the current mess until hot places freeze, or at least until we’ve paid for their college fun. </p>
<p>Meanwhile, she wants me to fund something for her and the roomies. I offered to make new cushions for a metal couch frame in the basement, which used to be a sun porch couch, but is actually quite utile. She turns up her nose, of course, despite the fact that I slept on said couch numerous times in earlier years, and am quite capable of whipping up some new cushions.</p>
<p>Maybe offer to let her pick out the fabric or pattern for the cushions? Or let her roommates do it together? Or something. Might help her warm up to the idea.</p>
<p>Also, have you checked with the University? Some not only provide furniture, but most require that the provided furniture cannot be removed from the suite. And still others have rules about what type of furniture you can and can’t bring (to avoid bug infestation. Bedbugs are a nightmare in college ResHalls)</p>
<p>How much (and/or what) are the roomies contributing?</p>
<p>Bedbugs or even fleas are a real possibility with a used couch of unknown origin. Not to mention some weird biological fluids that could be embedded in the fabric… Cigarette smoke, too.</p>
<p>Stay firm. mom. She gets new furniture when SHE buys it. You are offering viable options. She likely won’t use this couch more than up to four years of undergrad college. What will she do with it over the summer? Why spend money on something when her tastes are likely to change soon? The couch may not even work her second year. You don’t want to buy a new couch every year to fit her current living situation, do you? She needs a reality check and it seems as though your practicality is the way to go.</p>
<p>If she is going to have 6 roommates, let them figure it out together. And pay for it together. Out of their own money. If they want to buy a used couch, it’s their business. You don’t approve it, and you don’t pay for it. Maybe someone else’s family will have an old couch they can use.</p>
<p>You might suggest to her that they look into renting a futon couch for the year. It would have the added advantage of functioning as an extra bed, should someone be sexiled or have guests. There are rental services at many colleges.</p>
<p>We had our kids work out furniture options themselves, including how to pay for what they wanted, getting it to their housing, storage, etc. Believe both had 2nd hand couches at some point. D’s friend acquired one and S acquired one via Craigslist. No bugs or other problems. </p>
<p>Be sure to have them sit on whatever they are considering before purchasing. The futon I sat on at Target and KMart stores felt like you are sitting directly on the metal as the foam in the mattress compresses to nothing. </p>
<p>Both were able to sell the couches when they were done for about the price they bought the couches for. </p>
I like this idea. 6 girls should be able to scrape up enough money for something. She may end up wishing she had taken me up on making new cushions for the basement couch. My one-time only offer. It’s time they stopped thinking we’re made of money :)</p>
<p>This year my D is in a “pod” and managed to score 2 couches that outgoing seniors were trying to offload last minute. I think one was $10 and is “pretty nice” and the nicer of the 2 a “really good couch” was free. It used to be that almost any ill (short of bugs and body fluids) could be hidden under a nice India print bed spread.</p>
<p>I personally have not seen anything from IKEA I would purchase over other stores’ products- even Walmart quality. I do not get the fascination people have for their products, they look cheap to me.</p>
<p>I agree with others that the 6 of them should be able to come up with something themselves. She should check as it seems most schools provide basic furniture for a common area. I would definitely not invest much as there is a good chance it will either get trashed or not be used the next year. Your offer of new cushions for your existing furniture is more than fair!!! I would leave your offer on the table and let her handle it if she chooses something else. You are being more than fair!</p>
<p>I did buy my son a love seat for his room. It was blue velour (sp?), with very comfortable side arm rests. He had it for years I do not know if he gave it to his House, or sold it. It went the way of the window a/c. The kid’s bed was lofted, and I suspect he slept on couch often. It was about $400, so money well spent. </p>
<p>THAT SAID, IF I HAD THE ABILITY TO MAKE A COUCH WITH FRAME, AND HOW TO SEW CUSHIONS, THAT would be my contribution. My son’s roommate was full need, so I never questioned my son when he asked for something. These young men are still friends. My son hosted kids in his room, and I am sure the couch and a/c added to his college experience.</p>