Hi! Ann and Jin here, Neo Livin co-founders. This is a story we never thought we’d tell until we sat on one of too many “meh” sofas.
Let’s be honest. You’ve probably been there. You scroll through a beautiful listing, hit “add to cart”, and wait in excitement for your new sofa to arrive. And when it finally does? You sit down and… meh. It looks good, sure, but it’s not cozy. It’s not comfortable. It’ just… mid.
We thought the same thing. Did we just waste our money? Are all affordable sofas like this now? Do we have to spend RM5K just to get something that won’t wreck our backs?
Turns out, we weren’t alone. As online furniture shoppers ourselves, we realized it’s getting harder to find a sofa that looks good, feels amazing, and doesn’t cost a small fortune. And we were determined to find out why.
Polyester Fibre, the Common Affordable Sofa Material
Back when we first moved in together, like many Malaysians, we hunted for a great deal online. We found a sleek sofa that promised “premium comfort at a budget price”. The photos looked stunning, the price was right, and delivery was fast.
But within months, things went downhill. The frame started creaking. The seats lost their bounce. Every time we sat down, it felt like we were sinking into a sad, saggy sponge. And during movie nights? It got hot and sticky within minutes. Not exactly the cozy sanctuary we imagined.
That’s when we started digging. And what we found explained a lot!
Most budget sofas are made with engineered wood for the frame. It’s cheap but it’s nowhere near as strong as solid hardwood. It bends, it breaks, it sags. Especially if you’ve got pets like us that would turn our sofa like a jungle gym.
Then there’s the filling. Polyester fibre is super common because it’s affordable and easy to produce. But it’s heavy, traps heat (which is not great in Malaysia) and doesn’t breathe well. Overt time, it flattens out and loses its shape.
That experience lit a fire in us. Why does “affordable” have to mean “uncomfortable”? Why can’t a sofa look good, feel great, and last?
That’s how our Watashi sofa journey began. And it led us to something game changing.
Why Microgel Filling Might Just Be Your Sofa’s Secret Weapon
After a long search (and a few more disappointing couches), we stumbled onto something interesting. A material used in luxury bedding and hotel-grade seating. Microgel!
Microgel isn’t your average filling. It’s a down-alternative fibre that’s soft, supportive, and breathable. It gives you that plush “sink in” feeling, without trapping heat like standard foam or fibre.
Even better? It molds to your body, then springs right back. Meaning your cushions keep their shape way longer. When paired with a high-density foam base, you get support that lasts for years, not months.
We were hooked. We tried it. We loved it. And that’s when the lightbulb moment hit.
What if we curate a sofa that used microgel, felt amazing, and didn’t cost a fortune?
Watashi Sofa with Microgel for Next-Level Comfort
And just like that, Watashi Sofa 3 Seater was born.
We poured all our sofa frustrations into making something better. Something thoughtful. Something real.
The Watashi Sofa is our answer to every “meh” sofa we’ve ever sat on. It’s deep-seated for real lounging. Whether you’re napping, binge-eating, watching dramas, or reading with your cat curled up next to you.
And the magic ingredient? You guessed it. Microgel. It gives you hotel-level comfort that’s plush but supportive, cool but cozy, and built to last. No more sagging. No more sweaty backs. Just cloud-like comfort every day.
Life Happens, That’s Why Watashi is Washable
But comfort alone wasn’t enough. Life is messy. We have pets, trust us, we know. So, we made the covers removable and washable. Want to switch from Japanese minimalist to vintage chic? Go ahead. We curated Watashi to flex with your life and your style.
We’ve had coffee spills. Fur everywhere. Curry nights gone wrong. And that one time our cat decided the sofa was a scratching post. We knew one thing for sure. Our dream sofa had to survive real life.
That’s why Watashi comes with fully removable and washable covers. Zip them off, toss them in the wash, zip them back on. Done! No stress, no stains, no weird smells. It’s perfect for pet parents, food lovers, or anyone who just wants their home to feel and smell fresh. (We have few other designs that are pet-friendly).
And did we mention it’s hypoallergenic and moisture-wicking too? Healthier, comfier and way more breathable than anything we used to own.
Built to Last with Solid Meranti Wood
Inside Watashi, we chose solid meranti wood for the frame. WHY? Because it’s tough. It’s the kind of hardwood that holds its shape, resists moisture, and doesn’t warp when life gets a little chaotic. Like when your dog thinks the sofa is his new launchpad.
Engineered wood just couldn’t keep up with our lifestyle. But meranti? It’s stable, strong, and built to last for years. That’s the kind of reliability we wanted for ourselves and for you.
If you’re tired of average sofas, the ones that look good online but disappoint in real life, we feel you. We were you.
That’s why we created the Watashi Sofa. A sofa that’s deep, soft, cool, durable and actually made for your everyday.
Because you deserve better than “meh”. You deserve a sofa that feels like home.
Watashi. The sofa that’s truly yours.
Cool and cozy, just for you.
Pet-friendly. People-friendly. Home-friendly.
Switch styles, not comfort.
FAQ
How To Tell If the Sofa is High Quality?
Start by looking underneath the hood or rather, the frame and filling.
Frame: Solid hardwood (like oak or rubberwood) is stronger and lasts longer than engineered wood.
Filling: High-density foam + materials like microgel feel plush without collapsing over time.
Upholstery: Look for durable, tightly woven fabric or premium faux leather.
Oh, and set-test it! A quality sofa should feel supportive, not like you’re sinking into a beanbag.
Which Type of Sofa is The Best?
That depends on your lifestyle, but here’s a cheat sheet:
For all-day lounging: Deep-seated sofas with plush filling (like Watashi‘s microgel)
For homes with pets/kids: Sofas with removable, washable covers
For long-lasting style: Timeless designs that fit multiple aesthetics, from Japandi to vintage
How Much Should a Good Quality Sofa Cost?
A truly good sofa shouldn’t feel like a luxury reserved for a few. While high-end brands can run RM5,000 – RM10,000, we believe a great sofa can start at around RM2,500 – RM3,999. If it’s built smart, like Watashi. You’re paying for materials that last, not just the brand name.
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