I Designed My Custom-Made Albany Park Sectional Sofa Down to the Feet—Here's Why It's Worth the Investment

Albany Park's motto is, "Owning quality furniture has never been easier." And, indeed, the order process was simple and straightforward. I chose my bouclé fabric and colorway from a wide range of options (which also include performance velvet, linen and both vegan and genuine leather), settled on the exact construction of the feet (between brass, black metal, natural oak and brown oak) and chose whether I wanted to be left facing or right facing.

All of the brand's products, including the Lido chaise sectional, come with free shipping. Once you place your order, the brand begins creating your sofa. Then it's a bit of a waiting game because you won't hear from the brand again until the couch is ready to leave the warehouse (that is, be shipped to you). Weeks passed before I received a text and email stating it was time to schedule a delivery.

Soon after I set a date, I received a call from Albany Park's delivery partners, who provided confirmation of the delivery and information about what to expect (including how many people would be doing the drop off). They also told me that the deliverers were only required to leave it at the front door of my apartment building. Since I live on the second floor, this was challenging, especially because I live alone and knew I wouldn't be able to carry the boxes up a flight of stairs myself. To be on the safe side, I asked my boyfriend to help bring it up on the delivery day. Unfortunately, he had to take time off work because the brand only offered weekday deliveries.

The Set Up

The snazzy sectional arrived in four large boxes, each weighing 30, 53, 55 and 100 pounds. All the pieces were organized, and it was apparent how they all connected, so we didn't have to read any instructions. We started putting it together right out of the box, and two hours later, it almost looked like the photo online. We were so proud and excited that we dramatically sat down to take it all in, only to notice a slight dip. It wasn't until the next day that we realized we weren't crazy; the sectional was missing a leg in the back, which was causing it to sink.

Since there was no way to fix it, I reached out to the brand, and they immediately offered a replacement and pickup of the faulty sofa. So, the waiting process began all over again, but the second time was a charm.

Fast Facts

• Dimensions: 108.5 inches by 33 inches by 62 inches
• Weight: 200 pounds
• Upholstery: Performance velvet, basketweave, chenille, bouclé, linen, brushed canvas, Sunbrella linen, vegan leather, leather
• Warranty: Limited lifetime

The sectional measures 108.5 inches wide, 33 inches tall and 62 inches deep, making it the ideal in-between size for small and large rooms alike. More importantly, it features a contract-grade wood frame and removable seat cushions filled with foam to lounge in utter luxury.

To say it's an upgrade from my 5-year-old sleeper sofa would be an understatement. Within the first week of it being the centerpiece of my living room, I noticed how much easier it was to clean, for one thing. Unlike my old couch, which absorbed liquids and took forever to dry, the L-shaped sectional in the bouclé upholstery slightly repels water, and any spills dry quickly. I've also since removed the cushion covers to see how they held up in the washing machine, and they came out looking as good as new. So there is no question in my mind about the sofa's durability (and whether it can withstand heavy traffic from kids and pets).

But, more importantly, how does it feel? Well, if you think it looks inviting and cozy, that's because it is. I can't tell you how many times I've napped on the couch because it's that comfortable, and I'm not the only one who thinks so. I've had several guests stay over, and they've all raved about getting a good night's sleep on the roomy, cushy cushions.

Needless to say, if there's anything I've learned about the brand's sectional over the past six months, it's that it's elegant, easy to clean *and* just as snooze-worthy as a bed, making it worth every penny (and day of waiting) and then some.

The L-shaped sofa typically starts at $3,339 (though the bouclé one I chose costs $3,740). If you're interested in investing in a forever couch, it's worth the full price. However, you can save up to $1,603 on it during the brand's Labor Day sale, so I would consider springing it for it while you can save big. It's luxurious, comfy, easy to clean and made exactly how you want it. Plus, it's almost guaranteed to last forever—it comes with a limited lifetime warranty, after all.