Description
BONUS- Matching footstool INCLUDED in the given price! This listing was written in 2014 and SOLD within days of being listed for $1595 back in 2014. In 2018 I’d price this ensemble for at least $1895. And now in 2019 I’d price it at about $2195. See the recent screenshot added to this listing.
Background Info and Provenance
An Ercol designer daybed / sofa lounge WITH MATCHING FOOTSTOOL built in the 1960’s or early 1970’s. Inspired by Danish design, the 355 Studio Couch was designed by Lucian Ercolani in 1958 and manufactured by Ercol in the 1960s into the 1970s. These are nearly impossible to get in Australia. I’ve seen a couple in my travels but this is the first one I’ve been able to get. I fell in love with this design years ago. I love the sweeping lines, the simplicity of the styling and the versatility of the piece. The back can be removed to form a bed in seconds. The other thing that draws me to Ercol pieces is the quality of the construction. They’re sensational pieces of furniture and after about 45 years of use this piece is as rock-solid as the day it was built. The joints are all incredibly strong and I’m sorry to say that I would choose this piece over a Parker or Fler piece any day. Parker and Fler sofas are great but they’re not quite as durable. With a small amount of common-sense this Ercol day bed will last a lifetime (most likely several). They do not make them like this these days and when they do they’re asking $3800+ (which is really what this should fetch in Australia). To my knowledge this design was never retailed in Australia- they’ve only found their way here when families chose to move their furniture when immigrating to Australia or when Australian dealers have gone to Europe to bring in shipments of vintage furniture. Ercol has an enviable reputation and deservedly so- I’m happy to recommend this piece to my customers.
If you love the look of the piece and want to watch a lot of TV on it I’d suggest you buy some feather-down (or super-soft) cushions for the back and bring them out whenever you want to use the sofa for longer periods. I’m fussy though. Soft cushions don’t hold their shape and don’t look as good so I personally wouldn’t want them on a sofa like this all the time. I think the sofa looks better the way it is- just something to consider if you’re like me. (The current back cushions are high-density foam. This is an advantage as far as durability is concerned- high density lasts longer- but they’re not as comfortable. If you’re going to use it as an occasional piece it’s great as it is.)
The big advantage of buying this one is that the MATCHING FOOTSTOOL IS INCLUDED! This means you have the advantage of creating a L-shape so you can stretch out your legs too. This is what most modern chaise lounges do. I have never seen the footstool with one of these daybeds and because it greatly enhances the function of the piece (and kinda modernizes the design) it makes this ensemble a lot more valuable so a better investment for you. This gives this piece another advantage over the majority of Parker/Fler sofas.
Buying vintage furniture that has stood the test of time is one of the best ways to invest in your home and reduce landfill.
