If you’re in the market for a new sofa, and have spent hours scrolling through instagram, like I have, you’ll want to hear about Anabei. What captivated me about Anabei was not just their sleek and contemporary designs, but their practical approach to luxury living. They've managed to blend style with practicality in a way that's truly refreshing.  From my research, it seemed this was a fairly new brand, which had me a bit concerned.  I reached out to the company to get my questions answered before I committed to the product and I’m glad to report my findings (and experience), as I’m sure many of you have the same questions. Come to find out,  Anabei is part of a larger furniture company who’s been around since 2018. With sister brands like Inside Weather and Diorama Living, I felt more at ease knowing the history of the brand. So I took the first step and ordered a free swatch kit - hoping this would help me reach a decision. Of course, I fell in love with all the options, made a decision and I took the plunge and ordered a Modular 3-Seater Sofa. 

And the countdown begins! I will say, be prepared for quite the wait time. Understanding that each sofa is custom made, and the brand is experiencing an extremely high demand, the wait is longer than if you were to order via Amazon or Costco.  But all good things are worth waiting for, right? A few weeks wasn’t going to change the fact that this sofa stands out against all the competition - especially at this price point.  While other sofas of similar aesthetic and features can run for thousands of dollars, Anabei has a 2-Seater Sofa starting at only $639! The 3-Seater sofa I ordered was $1602, discount included, still a great value. 

What stood out to me was Anabei’s ability to offer high-quality furniture at a more accessible price point, making stylish living attainable. The game-changing aspect for me was the machine-washable slipcovers – an absolute lifesaver for anyone who values cleanliness and ease of maintenance. Moreover, the flexibility to switch slipcovers means you can transform your space with the seasons or your mood without a hefty investment.

But the cherry on top? Anabei’s customer-friendly Risk Free Returns policy means you can return your sofa for a full refund. No questions asked, no shipping fees. This risk-free approach reflects their confidence in the quality of their products and their commitment to customer satisfaction. It’s rare to find a brand that aligns affordability, functionality, and style so seamlessly, and Anabei does it with flair. I really had nothing to lose by placing an order - and I did just that!

Placing my order in November, I’ve finally received the sofa! Which, in case you’re curious, shipped Fedex, which was a breeze. Tracking information provided a few days before arrival, and email with updates on my order, the entire process was seamless. Now, moment of truth, let’s go through the unboxing experience because you’ll want to know if you’re considering making a purchase. 

Easy Unboxing

Unboxing the Anabei Sofa is indeed akin to unwrapping a thoughtful gift. Each module, securely and neatly packed in its own box, epitomizes convenience. What stands out is the labeling on every box, a small but significant detail that eases identification and organization. This feature is particularly handy for someone like me, navigating apartment living solo. The boxes are not just lightweight but also thoughtfully designed to contain the frame, minimal hardware, and the back and seat cushions, all vacuum-sealed for compactness. Anabei's dedication to minimizing packaging, while ensuring that every element arrives in pristine condition, is a commendable balance of environmental consciousness and customer convenience. Let’s just say, you won't be contributing packing peanuts to the landfills.

Assembly

Assembling this sofa is as breezy as a Chicago afternoon. You have to consider this in two parts - assembling the frame itself as part one, then adding the final touches with your covers and pillows. 

When assembling the first frame module, let’s say it does test your patience, a bit like deciphering a piece of modern art, but it's a satisfying puzzle. Once you're over that initial learning curve, it's smooth sailing. The assembly video Anabei emailed was my silent, efficient companion in this DIY adventure – truly a touch of modern customer care!

After your frames are all set up, it’s time to dress the frame with the duvet covers, and your back pillows and seats.  As I mentioned previously, all of the foam inserts arrive vacuum sealed, so these are tightly packed. Be super careful when you're unpackaging these, as you want to make sure you don’t cut into the foam.  If you can use scissors, or just turn the sharpest edge of your tool away from the foam, you should be okay.  Once the foam inserts are all open, it takes a couple of fluffs to get them to expand to their desired plushness.  These will be pretty overstuffed - but keep in mind that over the course of a few days, these will settle into the correct comfort level. I have the option to remove some of the foam if I want them less stuffed, but for the time being, I'm keeping the inserts as they are and will assess after I’ve sat on these for a few more days. As of now, I’m loving the softness and plushness of it all. 

Overall, it’s hard to believe all these components shipped in such minimal packaging. I admire the innovation, and approach to a more sustainable delivery. 

Modularity

Currently, my 3-Seater ensemble fits perfectly in my Chicago apartment, but knowing I can expand it for future spaces is like having an ace up my sleeve. This feature is a love letter to flexibility and long-term value, something every design enthusiast appreciates.

Arranging/Connection

Connecting the modules of the Anabei Sofa is a process marked by simplicity and effectiveness. Each module comes equipped with two small but heavy grade straps. These straps are designed for easy use: you attach one at the front and one at the back of two modules to securely join them. This method ensures that the sofa maintains its shape and stability, whether it's a cozy two-seater or an expansive sectional. Yes, I was curious if they’d slide around but the straps hold them as tightly as you set them.  There’s no sliding at all - but just keep in mind that your flooring also plays a role here. The straightforwardness of this system is a testament to Anabei's commitment to user-friendly design, making the arrangement of your living space both enjoyable and hassle-free.

The simplicity of the Anabei Sofas connection system opens up a world of flexibility in configuration. You can effortlessly rearrange the modules, shifting them around to suit your space or occasion. Whether you're hosting a large gathering or just craving a change in your living room layout, these straps make it possible to reconfigure your sofa setup without any hassle.

Fabrics

Now that the sofa is dressed, let’s discuss the curated fabric selection.  Like I previously mentioned, I ordered a complimentary swatch kit the moment I discovered the brand. I wanted to get a sense of what colors and textures they had to offer. The kit included the 13 fabrics they have to offer, along with the performance features of each.  These are ideal for any type of household - especially because all of them are machine washable. 

I fell in love with two fabric options, the Willow Heirloom Velvet and Oat Blended Weave - so why not order both.  Anabei provides customers with the option to order additional slipcovers, such a convenient feature that offers versatility in aesthetics. This flexibility is perfect for adapting to seasonal changes or just having an extra set for convenience.

I opted for these fabrics not only because the feel and color of them are great, but because they are also easy to clean, stain and liquid repellent. Though I don’t have kids or pets, this was important to me because I love to host, which can lead to occasional spills. I can only imagine how convenient this would be for families and pet owners.  And to be honest, I did a little bit of fabric testing myself before making a decision.  Anabei shares this page with customers, which shows how customers test their fabric swatches, and put them to the ultimate test. So I got creative, and did my own testing only to conclude these were truly performance.  

Comfort

Initially, the notion of a steel frame had me skeptical. Would I be trading comfort for style? But no, Anabei dispels that myth. The cushioning is like sinking into a cloud, with the duvet’s down alternative layer adding a plush embrace. The ability to adjust the foam inserts allows for personalized comfort, echoing the brand’s dedication to catering to individual preferences. It's a haven of comfort, shielding you from the urban hustle with its layers of softness.

Concluding Thoughts

After thoroughly experiencing the Anabei Sofa, it's clear this brand has masterfully blended style, functionality, and adaptability. From the moment of unboxing to the daily enjoyment of its comfort and aesthetic appeal, every aspect of this sofa speaks to the thoughtfulness behind its design. Whether it's the practicality of machine-washable slipcovers, or the flexibility of its modular design, Anabei has truly catered to the dynamic needs of modern living. Taking all of this into consideration, there is nothing else like Anabei in the market that can offer quality, comfort, and value at this price point.  It truly exemplifies convenience, comfort, and style, if this is what you’re looking for.  Learn more about the collection here, or even better, book a call with their Virtual Showroom and talk to their Design Services team.