Ah, the cushy life
Already a hit in the US and Europe, these Thai-made sofas have now caught on here too
COMPARE HER to an angel if you like, Patchareewan Charoenyos can perch you comfortably on a cloud. Her Jas Platinum custom-made sofas are clad in leather, but they’re as soft as can be.
Patchareewan edged into the export business while studying in California and, on her return to Bangkok, lined up Thai suppliers for buyers in the US. Then in 1995 she opened her own factory to produce these ultra-comfy couches and sells them in the US and Europe. They’re not cheap, but they’re popular nonetheless.
“Two decades ago we discovered that most of the Thai craftsmen in this line were producing simple, compact sofas and armchairs for Japanese firms, quite different from what the Americans and Europeans wanted.
That’s what sparked my idea to open this factory,” Patchareewan says.
Three years ago she decided that Thais were ready for the same sort of larger, more elaborate sofas and set up a booth at the Thailand International Furniture Fair. Her wares were a hit, so she opened a shop at the Crystal Design Centre.
That’s where you’ll find a broad selection of comfy, custom-made sofas, stools, day beds, lounge chairs and
electronically controlled armchairs. The emphasis is on functionality but also luxurious sensation that truly well-made furniture imparts.
There are more than 300 designs and the quality is guaranteed, with fine craftsmanship in pine and hardwood meeting European standards. The leather, both genuine and PVC, is imported from Italy, Brazil and Argentina in several textures and shades. Customers can choose the materials, patterns and size to match their home, taste and pocketbook.
Patchareewan has recently reached out to a wider clientele with two new brands. “Sofa Relax offers smaller sofas in 15 designs and at reasonable prices, and Jas Gallery is sofas in designs and materials that are ideal for young families,” she
says. “But, if your wallet is deep enough, Jas Platinum’s super-comfy sofa is well worth the money.”
She often shows her wares at furniture fairs in Europe, where she can keep up with the latest trends. “For now I want to promote Jas Platinum as a concept store, where customers can shop for furniture and home decor for the living room. I have attractive carpets, coffee tables and lamps imported from aboard and beds that are also covered with genuine leather.”
Among the top sellers are compact, vintage-style sofa beds in red, purple and black and the home-theatre iSofa, which is equipped with a stereo unit and speakers for an iPad and iPhone. The elegant Jerome sofa has an adjustable backrest so that everyone in the family can take turns on the “cloud”.
Right now Jas Platinum is offering discounts of up to 50 per cent on selected items.
LOVELY FOR LOAFING
>>Jas Platinum is on the second floor of Building D at the Crystal Design Centre.
>>It’s open daily from 10am to 7.30pm.
>>Call (02) 102 2573 or visit www.Jas-SofaGallery.com.
