A Tale of 2 Couches: Part 2 Retro Naugahyde

By Mandi 02/11/2015

Yesterday I shared Part 1 of the couch saga all about the green chesterfields. If you haven’t read it you will absolutely want to get caught up before continuing!

Today you get to hear the rest of the story!

Before I found out that the green couches were still available, I found a SUUUPER good couch on KSL (for those that aren’t in Utah, it is a classified site that is more popular than Craigslist.) The style is totally the retro fabulousness that I was talking about in this post.

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And it totally reminded me of an old chair that I had.

It was listed at $150 so I called the guy and told him that I would be in Salt Lake in a week and asked him if he would be willing to hold it (because remember you always ask!) He said yes, I love it when that happens!!

We picked the couch up yesterday and I and having mixed feelings about it.

Vintage Black Sofa-2

 

I was SURE that this was the couch that would go in my living room, but I don’t know if I am 100% sold on the fabric.

Vintage Black Sofa-3

Its pretty texture-y and shiny and the foam underneath needs to be replaced, but I am beyond obsessed with the shape and overall vibe.

 

So which one is your fave? The green Chesterfield, or this black beauty?

LoveYourGuts14

134 thoughts on “A Tale of 2 Couches: Part 2 Retro Naugahyde”

  1. The green Chesterfield with legs similar to the black beauty! That Chesterfield needs some height! Both are gorgeous, the black beauty would be great for break time in your school room.

  2. I really love the green but this seems more your style. With that being said, I think if you changed the legs on this to something more clean it would look a lot more expensive. Some great finds lately, lady!

  3. They both have there perks – Green awesome color, better fabric, a little more polished looking. Black is more retro and looks comfier (is that a word?). Too bad ya don’t have a family room or den or basement.

  4. i love the shape of the black one and with work (change the legs and change the upholstery) you wd gave a very special piece. That being said definitely the green one.

    Heather

  5. While I loved the green, if you had this reupholstered it would be freaking amazing. The shiny textured faux leather look just covers up the beauty of the shape.

    1. I’m with Amanda- this one, recovered and refluffed, would be amazing and more of a statement piece than the chesterfields. I like the lightness you get from the legs here over the thick, low ones on the green couches. This couch has such great bones! That being said, reuphstery is NOT cheap so I’m sure that’s a factor. But overhauling a vintage find you love could really prolong it’s life (RIP orange couch).

  6. Change the legs on the black to something more mid-century and re-upholster in acid green velvet or (for the timid) a natural-looking linen-type fabric. The shape on the black couch is fabulous and one of a kind; you can find a chesterfield anywhere.

  7. So why cant you have both? Change them out when the mood hits?
    I would recover the black one and change the legs out.
    Good finds, I am Jelly!

  8. Love the vibe of this one. Swap the feet for an easy and fast fix, but long term I worry that the upholstery needs of this babe will be $$$.

  9. I knew everyone was going to say the Chesterfields… because they’re trendy and SAFE. But I personally love the uniqueness of the black one and the awesome shape. Only a few people could rock a couch like that… and you’re one of them!

    1. Funny – I would describe the black one as “trendy” and the green ones as classics. The black one, while interesting, has a very dated appearance and when the current trend for all things mid century moves on it will lose its appeal.

      The only thing that dates the green ones is the colour. If I’m not mistaken there are ways of adding stain to the leather – darkening the green to a deep brownish green would be fantastic. Even then – it would be entirely possible to work with the green as is. The only thing I would insist on changing is the bun feet for something a little classier.

  10. The green one!!! Over and over again it is the green one. It might be the love of my life. Don’t tell my husband 🙂

  11. CHESTERFIELDS! The texture on the black one is weird and I’m not loving the legs (which I know can be swapped but still). The black couch is a college boyfriend with a motorcycle. He’s edgy and fun for a while, but the Chesterfields are the ones you want to have kids with.

    That got weird. Sorry.

    1. Elizabeth-love your metaphor. I love them both. I love the green for the leather and color. I love the shape of the black sofa- super unique vibes. I would KEEP the legs! They are so quirky and fun.

  12. The black one. Think of everything you could learn from it! Partner up with a local upholstery place and make it a series and keep the green one in the living room while you work on the black one. The green one is gorgeous but I love the slouchiness of the black one and plus the green one is safe and not fearless. So tear into that black one, I dare you.

  13. The green ones definitely. They have more personality and seem to be in better condition. The black one just seems sad to me.

  14. The green one has the best color and texture, but the black one has my heart. I also really like Monica’s suggestion of a couch rehab series. In short, black FTW!

  15. Use both! Is your room big enough for two? Or use the green love seat along with the black couch.

  16. Oh the green for sure!
    Honestly, there’s just something about the black one that skeeves me out a little. Sorry!

  17. i had a feeling everyone would vote for the chesterfields. as much as i like the shape, i just don’t know that i see them in your living room. maybe with a leg swap out and some room tweaking. but i don’t know. the black one is so you, but i think it needs an overhaul before you’ll be happy with it long-term (well, for the next couple of years at least). i think you’d get super tired of the current fabric super fast. i dig the quirky legs. make it work, girl. but it may be more of an investment piece.

  18. Oh, Mandi! The Chesterfields for sheezie! They are super fabulous, and the black one has a cool shape, yes, but is less striking due to the fabric. I’m sure you’ll figure out how to rock whichever one you choose, though. You’re the magic maker!

  19. I love the green leather–they’re in amazing shape. BUT the black couch is totally more you. You could reupholster it in some swanky velvet or dare to do white Sunbrella fabric ala Emily Henderson.

  20. The Green. but I do like the SHAPE of this sofa, I think that with a bright pink fabric or a very girly fabric would make it look beautiful in a office or sewing room

  21. I don’t know what the black material feels like… But I think it’s cool looking and the structure… Im dying! However I’m a sucker for a chesterfield!!! And the color…. Gahhh!
    That being said, WHY oh why does used furniture shopping (for those prices) stink to high heaven!!! When I search for vintage couch, all that come up is horrid orange florals and cushions as saggy as my grandmas…well you get the picture! Lol!
    You can’t go wrong either way. Even if you have to reupholster the black, it’ll be a solid piece for ages! Can’t wait to see what you decide 🙂

  22. Green chesterfields are safe & comfortable….black is WAY cool & unique. Do you have space to put the black one elsewhere (Den? Master?) and use the chesterfields in your prime living (TV viewing/hanging out) space?

  23. The green ones! I couldnt bear for you to let those go! The black one will be around again at some point. Can’t wait to see what you pick

  24. For me, Green. I love that style bar none other. However, you could try each of them. Live with one for a month or so then change out. Don’t worry, your heart will know!!

  25. I just HAD to look at your house tour again. Def use the green ones in your living room…and use the black one at the foot of your bed in your master…so swanky!

  26. I think the lines of the black ones are really fun and different but I would go with the green Chesterfields. They are ready to go and are just so lovely.

  27. I’ve seen the leather Chesterfields in eclectic rooms, traditional rooms, and as transitional items in contemporary settings. I love Chesterfields!!!! And I’m crazy about the green.

  28. Green!! The colour is gorgeous….the shape is divine! If you have a den, study or other living area that can hold another couch I would keep the black. It’s gorgeous but the green ones seem more suited for a living room.

  29. I’m loving the green one; the black looks like it got married a while back and let itself go.

  30. Black. So you can sell me the green (All the way in Atlanta, GA). HaHa. Both are great, but Green all the way!

  31. As is the green ones for sure. Reupholstered I’m not sure. The shape of the black is gorgeous.If you want to reupholster in leather it is not cheap or easy. I’ve used a leather dying product called rub n restore that could change the color and shine but not the texture issue. You can check out my blog for 2 posts on it. Good luck!

  32. If you were to leave them both as in (plus a good cleaning), I say the green machine all the way. But the black has potential, with the right about of stuffing. It looks like a smashed piece of licorice as is though… sorry! I love the green!

  33. the GREEN beauties are my fav!!! They are gorgeous.

    this black one looks like what you would lay down on and tell your therapist all your problems on! Maybe for the office?

  34. love the shape of this couch! I think the fabric is all wrong for it, it needs to be in a super worn camel/tan leather. The reflection in the black fabric is kinda weird. I love those green couches though! MAJOR score! Lastly, can we talk about the computer and Britannica collection in that room btw?

  35. The black has better style lines and is “neater” but would need some love on the legs to not look so fake and to be recovered because the fabric is just not lovely up close, for this reason I pick the green! The green is great as is, maybe run some leather conditioner over the green and call it a day. (I also have a green couch, it’s my husband’s favorite color and one sneaky way I get to have my mid-century style).

  36. like it but the leather is terrible! I think recover in a soft velvety fabric with less tufting would be sooo much better. Maybe better mid-century style legs that flare out (instead of straight down) and are streamlined would make it look better too.

  37. I have a feeling that everyone is voting for the chesterfields because of the color. The shiny textured black vinyl is the turn off of the second couch. If it was matte leather or a fun color fabric I bet the voting would be different. Just looking at it makes me think it’s going to be “cha-ching!” to get it recovered but it would be so worth it. Personally, I would try to find a place for both if you can. They are both fabulous.

  38. I agree with Sandy: I think the Chesterfield love is partly for the green leather as opposed to shabby black vinyl. But the black couch is way more interesting than the Chesterfields. And you could really put your own stamp on it if you reupholstered.

    1. The barge-bottom black is more your style – especially if you replace the legs with chrome plated pole legs. HOWEVER, it will be more work + $$$ to restore. The greens are cool, but more in a gentleman’s club sorta way… I think the color is turning heads more than the style. If only the black was green….

      The barge-bottom black is more your style – especially if you replace the legs with chrome plated pole legs. HOWEVER, it will be more work + $$$ to restore. The greens are cool, but more in a gentleman’s club sorta way… I think the color is turning heads more than the style. If only the black was green….

      The barge-bottom black is more your style – especially if you replace the legs with chrome plated pole legs. HOWEVER, it will be more work + $$$ to restore. The greens are cool, but more in a gentleman’s club sorta way… I think the color is turning heads more than the style. If only the black was green….

  39. The funny thing is I just bought a black chair at my local Layton Di that matches that black couch !!! Crazy I will send you a pic . Maybe they were a set a long time ago lol

  40. I would kill for this couch! It’s too bad I live all the way in NJ. I would totally be trying to buy this one from you. It is exactly what I’ve been searching for. Nothing good ever happens in NJ 🙁

    1. Not true Jessica! The used furnishings market is more saturated here, but you have to act quickly since there’s more competition. 🙂 Just keep scouring craigslist, estatesales.net, and ebay local. We found a bargain priced Eames lounge in Red Bank last month! Dreams can come true!

  41. Green. There is nothing “safe” about a shiny green chesterfield! And it suits your living room better. The black one would be $$$ to reupholster, and as is—I wouldn’t go there.

  42. Ok, we all love the green because it is GREEN. But the shape of the black one is amazing. If you can reupholster it, say green, would there be a question about which one? What a great problem to have :). I think which ever you choose will be great. You are really good at this. Thanks for all you share.

  43. Girl,……THE CHESTERFIELD ALL DAY LONG!!!!!The black couch has got to find a new home.Nada,noway,outtie,be gone. The black one has seen it’s days. Just my opinion.

  44. The Chesterfields are amazing! But, I love the shape of the black couch. I think if you reupholstered the black one in a heavy tweed or an amazing print, and changed out the legs, it would be crazy good!

  45. Please go with the black couch. Take it to the alter. If you reupholster it, I would like to see it in black leather.

  46. I like the green ones because they are -a- a nice color as opposed to imo boring black -b- they are more timeless as opposed to extremely retro, -c- they are in better condition.

  47. GREEN! Are you kidding? Are you even ASKING???? Colour! Size! Gorgeousness! GREEN, my darling. GREEN.

  48. GREEN!!!!! absolutely the green chesterfields! If you choose the black how about a masculine tweed or lush velvet for upholstery?

  49. I was actually going to say exactly what Erin said above me…so I’m a very aggressive vote for green! GREEEEEEEEEEEN!!! The shape of the black couch is interesting and I’m curious…but the Green Chesterfields are GORGEOUS! I also just can’t imagine how you can style two green couches in a living room so I would LOVE to see how this plays out.

  50. I vote for the black, BUT only if it goes through upholstery. I think a lush velvet as Lisa above states. The lines are smart, plus comfortable! The green is too blocky. You will make it work however you choose. Midnight blue Velvet baby!

  51. The gorgeous green! The black is interesting looking; I know you can’t do anything about the texture, but if you’re not liking the shininess, have you considered Rub & Restore? It would re-condition the leather, and I think it would matte the finish a little. Gooooo with the greeeeen…

  52. Chesterfield of course. Black is okay but needs complete makeover. Chesterfields are classic.

  53. I absolutely love the green! They are so perfect! Also, I have been coveting your orange couch FOREVER!!! I’ll buy it from you if you don’t have other plans for it. I have been searching ksl forever in hopes of finding a similar one. 🙂

  54. The Green couch has literally been hunting me since I saw it. In a good way! I’m completely obsessed. Alt space for the black??? It looked really good outside. Maybe use it for photoshoots.

  55. I think I’m on the black train. I do think the green chesterfield is great but it reminds me of old men and their smoking jackets which would definitely work for a library. In the end whatever you decide I am sure will look fab!

  56. I changed my mind. I loooove this black one and voted for it earlier. But I know what it’s like when you are thrifting and diying every inch of your home and so sometimes when you come across something that is fabulous as-is, its something you can’t pass up. It’s an amazing couch (green) and will be so beautiful in your living room

  57. Green chesterfield, hands down. I feel like the black might fit better stylistically in you living room though.

  58. The black Naugahyde special has the most potential if you’re an mcm loving lady like myself. It needs new legs as many have said already- but with new upholstery (maybe even orange as an homage to your previous sofa) and more streamlined legs, it would be a stunner.

  59. I vote for the green one all the way! And since you probably won’t put the two green ones side by side, maybe you could send me the smaller one?!? (You said to always ask…) 🙂

  60. This one doesn’t appear to b anywhere near the quality of the green one!!ALWAYS pick quality over trend! The green one is classic chesterfield style and this one only looks cool now…don’t think it’ll look so great in a few years….too cheapo!

  61. Keep both! I agree about the black but it’s a cool couch to reupholster to a different fabric/color.

  62. I like the shape of the black just a bit better, but as-is, the greens have it obvi. If you do choose to recover the black, I read in one of Emily H’s posts that it can sometimes be tricky to redo a formerly leather piece into fabric…like the piece can get a little schlumpy because the fabric is softer? Something like that.

  63. Girl… the green couches. I feel like you already know this, otherwise you wouldn’t have made the trek to get them!

  64. I like the black couch because it looks like the couch/loveseat set that we picked up on Craigslist a couple of years ago. We did change out the legs – my husband made some that were more simple and modern looking. The woman who we bought it from said she bought if for a Halloween party. It does look kind of funeral parlorish…or something you might find in the Munsters living room – ha ha 🙂 We have had to tighten and replace some of the buttons – not a fun job but it is possible to do it yourself. I really like this set. We have people in our house all the time and people eating on the couch so it’s great not to have to worry about someone spilling something on it and staining it.

  65. The chesterfeild looks ready-to-go, however the black beauty with some elbow grease would be fabulous. I would reupholster it and give it new legs. The shape and vibe is totally there, I just fear without a little love it will look too dated!

  66. I love this one’s unusual line but I don’t think I could sell my honey on it. If you decide to sell the green ones let me know! ;-D

  67. I love love love the shape and lines…maybe a leather deglosser? Is it leather, or vinyl?

  68. For you, the black! I’d pick the green in a heartbeat, but I think the black will better fit your eclectic/modern/high energy style…i am sure you could love on the greens for a time, but I think they will get heavy and stuffy for you. I think putting elbow grease or money into the black would pay off. You could also go for nice non-matching

  69. I love the chesterfields as they are, they are the whole package. But this one has a shape that is so sexy it should have a centrefold in Playboy! I would love to see it in velvet, dark blue, black or purple with contrasting piping and those legs glamed up in a metallic!

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