Chunk vs Nugget: The Ultimate 2024 Kid’s Couch Showdown!
Last Updated on August 2, 2024 by Beth Martin
Imagine walking into your living room and seeing your kids gleefully building forts, slides, and castles out of… a couch? Welcome to the world of modular kids’ furniture!
In recent years, these versatile play couches have taken the parenting world by storm, with The Nugget being the OG trailblazer. But now there’s a new kid on the block—The Chunk.
Both The Nugget and The Chunk are the brainchildren of the company Nugget Comfort, but they offer an entirely different play experience. I love how innovative this brand is, so I couldn’t wait to dive into this Chunk vs. Nugget showdown.
Let’s explore these innovative pieces and find out which one is the perfect fit for your family’s building adventures!
We’re reader-supported. We may earn an affiliate commission when you buy through links on our site.
What is The Original Nugget?
So, The Nugget. This bad boy hit the scene a few years back and basically changed the game when it comes to kids’ furniture. I remember first seeing one at my friend’s place and thinking, “What are those giant, colorful building blocks in your living room?” Turns out, it was genius in disguise.
The Nugget started as a Kickstarter project back in 2014. These guys had this wild idea to create a couch that kids could go crazy with. Not just sit on, mind you, but climb, jump, and build with.
It took off like crazy, and before you knew it, everyone and their mother wanted one. I mean, who wouldn’t want a piece of furniture that doubles as a toy? And better yet, this means your actual couch cushions are saved from impromptu forts.
“The Original Play Couch” is four pieces of foam, and with each set you get:
- A sturdy, stable base
- A soft, comfy cushion
- Two triangle pillows
With these four pieces, you will be shocked at all the variations your kiddos can create. And if you need some extra inspiration, check out my massive list of creative Nugget Couch ideas you can make using just one play couch!
What is The Chunk?
Now, enter The Chunk. There are tons of Nugget dupes, and it seemed almost impossible that The Nugget be entirely reimagined. But the team did it again, and this new kid on the block is giving the original a run for its money.
When I first heard about The Chunk, I was a bit skeptical. But lemme tell you, these folks at Nugget Comfort have brought their A-game.
The basic concept behind both these couches is pretty simple, but the new Chunk is one of those “why didn’t I think of that?” ideas.
Nugget Comfort calls The Chunk “The World’s First Play Ottoman,” which is basically a series of nesting foam circles. The foam is sturdy, so the circles will hold their shape.
Each set includes four circle sizes.
- A large outside ring
- A thin “lid”
- Two “wheels” that fit in the larger ring
You might be surprised by how many things you can build with these four simple rounds. Fill the ring with toys, make a table, roll around on the “wheels” – just let your imagination run wild!
The Chunk vs Nugget Price Difference
The cost of the Chunk and The Nugget varies depending on the fabric type you choose for the covers.
The Nugget costs $249 for microsuede, $269 for double-brushed microsuede, and $279 for corduroy. Corduroy is the softest option but is only available in one color. If you have pets, the double-brushed microsuede will be a more durable choice in the long run.
The Chunk ranges from $199 for microsuede to $219 for double-brushed microsuede. It doesn’t come in corduroy right now, but this may change in the future since it’s a new style.
While The Nugget is slightly more expensive, it’s hard to beat the original. However, $50 is nothing to sneeze at, so The Chunk is a great option for those who want to save a little money while still having the original play furniture.
Versatility and Play Value: Imagination Unleashed
The Nugget and The Chunk both come with four pieces of foam, but what sets these designs apart?
Configurations + Design
Even though both sets have the same number of pieces, The Nugget still offers way more configuration options. The variation of parts in the original set allows for so much imagination that it is just hard to beat.
What The Chunk lacks in variety, it makes up in style. I love that this set already looks like an ottoman, so it can easily fit in with a living room or playroom setup.
Even at its most compact, there’s no arguing that The Nugget still has the look of a kid’s toy. If you have a small space where you really don’t want toys to be the star, The Chunk is a versatile play couch.
While The Nugget is a more versatile play couch, The Chunk is significantly smaller, making it perfect for smaller living rooms or playrooms.
The ultimate hack is to combine the eight unique pieces of The Nugget and Chunk to make a super kids’ couch. I’m so inspired by all the options that can be created that I’ve already started working on this guide – so keep your eyes peeled!
Age range suitability for Chunk vs Nugget
The Nugget is suitable for kids over 1, but The Chunk is only recommended for kids over 3. This fact may be the ultimate decision maker if you hope to buy a play couch for a younger child, or add more little ones to your home in the future.
The Chunk has an outside ring and a “lid,” which could be dangerous for children under 3.
Since The Original Nugget is appropriate for younger kids, it’s possible to get more life out of this set. If you want to give your children the maximum build variations, you can always add The Chunk to your Nugget set once they are the right age.
Napping
The Chunk isn’t suitable for sleeping since the foam is firm and better for building. The Nugget is an excellent place to take a little cat nap because it includes a variety of foam densities.
If you see your kiddos napping, The Nugget is a no brainer.
Materials
As I discussed earlier, Nugget Comfort offers three removable fabric cover types but only two for The Chunk. The Original Nugget has way more color options than the Chunk, but I am willing to bet this changes in the future.
Nugget Comfort is great at offering special edition colorful fabrics, and I can’t see any reason why they won’t offer these for The Chunk soon as well. They always have loads of creativity!
Maintenance and Cleaning: Tackling the Mess
Since The Nugget and The Chunk are made by the same brand, the care for both sets is the same. Both have machine-washable removable covers that are easy to clean, which is a must because they will be well-loved.
Both versions have optional liner sets, which is a no-brainer if your kids are on the messy side – or if you are like me and just like the insurance!
Safety Features: Keeping Little Ones Protected
Just like the care instructions, the safety features are the exact same for The Nugget and The Chunk. They both are GREENGUARD Gold certified, use Certi-Pur® foam, pass California’s TB-117, and don’t use flame retardant chemicals.
Customer Reviews: Real Parents, Real Opinions
Even though The Chunk is new, it’s already getting rave reviews. When I last looked at the Nugget Comfort website, The Chunk had over 400 reviews with an impressive 4.9-star rating.
The Original Nugget has over 31,000 reviews and a 4.9-star rating, which is absolutely shocking. It’s too soon to tell if The Chunk will ever reach this icon status, but there’s no doubt that these play couches are truly loved.
That’s a Wrap
Whew! We’ve bounced, climbed, and lounged our way through this Chunk vs Nugget comparison, and what a ride it’s been! Both versions offer exciting possibilities for creative play and comfy relaxation.
The Original Nugget brings years of experience and a devoted fan base, while Chunk enters the arena with a fresh design and features you know and love. Ultimately, the best choice depends on what will foster your kid’s imaginative play.
Remember, investing in a play couch isn’t just about furniture – it’s about fostering imagination, encouraging physical activity, and creating countless memories (although it doesn’t hurt that these look pretty good too).
So, which team are you joining – Team Chunk or Team Original Nugget? Or maybe a combo? Whatever you choose, get ready for a world of giggles, pillow forts, and “Look, Mom!” moments. Happy playing, parents!
Cheers!
