Someone once said, “First necessity invented stools, convenience next suggested elbow chairs, and luxury the accomplished sofa last.”
For those setting out to buy the latter, this task is not always taken with ease, especially since the sofa is one of the most-used pieces of furniture in a home. There’s comfort, style, durability and fabric to consider, as well as the couch’s ability to withstand the keiki, pets or a clumsy wine-spilling guest.
Three months ago, a new furniture store opened in Kona’s Old Industrial Area and is helping Big Island residents get to sofa heaven.
Whether you’re looking for serious lounging or something with more structure and support, Sofas & More on Luhia Street has a large selection of moderately priced sofas, sofa sleepers, sofa sectionals, leather sofas and recliners. Twin to Cal King mattresses are also offered, with free delivery.
Pat and John Hahn own Sofas & More and the nearby Kona Coast Upholstery. With more than 30 years of experience in upholstery, the couple has a deep love and appreciation for furniture. At their family-operated shop, they thoroughly enjoy breathing new life into old couches, chairs and other favorite items.
For years, John has talked about expanding the operation to furniture. He first got the idea after attending his first furniture trade show, where he was amazed by the plethora of decor available. Also, the couple has long heard from their clients about the need for more furniture stores, particularly one specializing in sofas and recliners.
“Big Islanders really like a slouchy sofa and are determined to find the right one,” John said.
Since opening Sofas & More, Pat said the response has been “really good.” Most of the customers so far have been condo owners or people who have recently relocated to the island. The most popular request is for America-made furniture, which is something the store proudly carries.
Among the recognizable brands featured are Best Quality Furniture, Emerald Home Furnishings, and Stylus. Special orders and customization are welcome.
In the recliner section, there’s a fit for everyone, from smaller chairs for the petite and sturdy ones for those weighing up to 400 pounds to the deluxe massage chairs that conform to the shape of the user’s body and includes a system of pressurized air bags that mimic human hands. Nearby are also chairs that use electric power to tilt back or lift up a person too weak to do it on their own. Even the hunters get their dream chair — a camouflage-print recliner to settle down in and hopefully not be spotted.
No matter one’s budget, Pat recommends all shoppers always have the precise measurements of the space their furniture piece will be in and might have to squeeze through to get there. She encourages buyers to not only sit down and relax into their potential new seat, but to also ask about construction, to think about the cushions and fabric, and have the space’s color-scheme in mind.
Sofas & More is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. For more information, call 326-1966 or email p.hahn3@hawaiiantel.net.