BUYING GUIDES
THE CALL STANDARD™ - HOW I GRADE A SOFA
The Call Standard judges furniture by what it is, what it costs, what the seller discloses, and how the piece is likely to live. Ten categories. One hundred points. Scored against price.
WHY IS FURNITURE SHOPPING SUCH A PAIN?
A clear look at how design, policy, and access determine winners and losers. This piece reveals hidden system advantages—in technology, cities, workplaces—that favor some and marginalize others. With sharp examples and practical steps, it shows how design reinforces inequality and what designers, leaders, and citizens can do to level the field. Concise, urgent, and solution-driven, THE UNLEVELLED PLAYING FIELD challenges assumptions and points to design-led paths to fairness.
THE BEST CRATE & BARREL FABRICS RANKED
Want a Crate & Barrel sofa that actually survives real life? Mr. Call is ranking their top fabrics by everyday durability, not just good looks. Skip the guesswork and learn which powerhouse performance fabrics to choose—and which delicate ones to skip.
WHAT EXACTLY IS INSIDE A $6,000 SOFA?
A great sofa is so much more than just a place to sit—it’s a stack of hidden details. Mr. Call breaks down exactly what you're paying for in a $6,000 benchmark couch, what to look for, and where cheap construction likes to hide.