If you’ve been shopping for modular furniture or kids play spaces lately, you may have come across two hot products: the Whatsie and the Nugget.
Both are marketed as versatile, convertible pieces that can transform into couches, forts, and more. But how do Whatsie and Nugget really stack up? Here’s an in-depth comparison of the key features and differences.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Category | Whatsies | Nuggets |
| Shape | Uniform cubes | Structured cushions |
| Configurations | Endless building options | Pre-set pieces connect into couches/chairs |
| Aesthetic | Chunky, colorful, playful | Refined mid-century modern |
| Usage | Kids playrooms, fort building | Family/adult lounge seating |
| Portability | Very portable lightweight cubes | Heavier pieces, not as portable |
| Price | More budget-friendly, especially for fewer cubes | Premium pricing, costlier upfront |
What Is A Whatsie?
The Whatsie is a type of foam modular furniture that’s shaped like giant building blocks. Each block is a cube measuring 36” x 36” x 36”. The blocks are covered in soft, washable microfiber and can connect together using an internal Velcro-like system.
With Whatsie blocks, you can build couches, chairs, beds, forts, walls, and anything else you can imagine. They’re most commonly marketed to kids and teens as playroom furniture that can be reconfigured anytime. Adults also use Whatsies to create home office furniture, guest beds, floor seating, and more.
Whatsie Pros:
- Extremely versatile – the modular cubes can be assembled into endless configurations
- Soft, padded microfiber is comfortable to sit and play on
- Lightweight foam construction makes blocks easy to move and rearrange
- Washable covers allow you to keep blocks clean
- Made in the USA from high-quality materials
Whatsie Cons:
- On the pricey side, especially if buying multiple blocks
- Cubes take up storage space when not assembled
- Foam may compress and lose loft over time with heavy use
- Not as stable for seating as a traditional couch – requires connecting many blocks
What Is A Nugget Comfort?
The Nugget Comfort is another popular foam play couch and furniture system for kids and adults. It consists of interchangeable soft foam pieces called “nuggets” that connect together.
The basic Nugget setup includes:
- 10 rectangular foam cushions
- 2 soft triangle corner pieces
- 18 moisture-resistant bottom pads
- Microsuede covers in choice of colors
You can zip and Velcro the pieces together to make sofas, benches, beds, and more. It’s got a more structured, mid-century modern aesthetic than the chunky Whatsie cubes.
Nugget Pros:
- Lets you create fashionable furniture shapes beyond basic blocks
- More structured construction feels stable for seating
- Bottom pads allow pieces to stick together firmly and prevent sliding
- Softer foam and microsuede feel extra plush and comfy
- Made in the USA with high-density foam that retains shape
Nugget Cons:
- Cushion shapes limit configurations compared to Whatsies
- Similarly high price point, especially for extra nugget pieces
- Foam and fabric may still compress over time
- Not as lightweight or portable as Whatsies
Whatsie Vs. Nugget: Key Differences
While Whatsie and Nugget share the modular furniture concept, there are some key differences between them:
- Shapes: Whatsie’s uniform cubes Vs. Nugget’s structured cushions and corners
- Setup: Whatsie’s endless options Vs. Nugget’s configuring cushions
- Aesthetic: Whatsie’s chunky and colorful Vs. Nugget’s refined and subdued
- Versatility: Whatsie’s limitless building Vs. Nugget’s structured seating
- Portability: Whatsie’s light foam cubes Vs. Nugget’s heavier structured pieces
In summary, Whatsies offer more open-ended building possibilities for play and fort-building, while Nuggets allow you to create more stylish and livable furniture forms.
Also Read: Is Roo And You Better Than Nugget?
Whatsie And Nugget: Which Is Better?
So which one is right for you – Whatsie or Nugget? Here are some factors to help decide:
- Budget – Whatsies are generally more affordable, especially if buying just a few cubes. Nuggets cost more upfront.
- Usage – Whatsies excel for playrooms and reconfiguring often. Nuggets are ideal long-term couch replacements.
- Kids Vs. Adults – Whatsies appeal more to kids and teens. Nuggets work better for adults and family spaces.
- Aesthetic – Whatsie’s colorful flexibility or Nugget’s refined, understated look?
- Space – Whatsies stack efficiently. Nuggets take up more room when not in use.
Both are great options. Whatsies offer budget-friendly flexibility for kid spaces, while Nuggets make stylish, sturdy furniture substitutes. Consider your needs, space, and budget to choose what works best.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Joey and Nugget are two different brands that make modular foam furniture. The main differences are:
Joey makes Whatsies, which are blocks, while Nugget makes structured cushion shapes.
Whatsies can be built into anything but don’t form sturdy couches. Nuggets make configurable but fixed couches and seats.
Joey focuses more on kids playroom use. Nugget targets both kids and adult lounge spaces.
Whatsies have a colorful, chunky look. Nuggets have a refined mid-century appearance.
While Nugget makes quality foam furniture, some alternatives may be better depending on your needs:
Traditional couches can offer more structure and seating support.
Modular sectionals provide even more configurations than the Nugget pieces allow.
Higher-density foam couches retain cushioning better long-term.
Upholstered furniture has a more upscale, sophisticated look.
Outdoor modular sets can be used in more locations.
The Nugget does have benefits like its versatility, washable covers, and made in USA production. But traditional couches or more premium modular sets may exceed it in terms of comfort, appearance, and durability.
There are a few key things that make Nugget Comfort foam couches unique:
Their versatility – you can unzip covers and rearrange the modular pieces into different configurations any time.
The foam cushioning provides excellent comfort and support.
It’s designed with both kids and adults in mind for family spaces.
The pieces connect firmly together thanks to the bottom pads.
The structured mid-century modern aesthetic looks refined.
Made in the USA using high-quality, durable materials.
While not cheap, the long-term flexibility and quality make the Nugget a smart long-term investment for many households.
There are no direct Nugget couch duplicates, but there are some comparable modular, convertible foam couches:
Burrow – More traditional modular sofa with armrests and back cushions.
Lovesac – Larger beanbag-style foam pieces connect to form sectionals.
Modway – More budget-friendly foam couch with Ottoman pieces.
Mocka – Kids multi-use foam couch and furnishings line.
Sitzzle Kids – Colorful foam couch cubes similar to Whatsies.
While they have their differences, these types provide a similar convertible functionality and kid-friendly soft couch vibe as the Nugget. The Nugget remains unique in its aesthetic and approach.
Also Read: Differences Between Halo Cuties And Nugget Couches.
The Bottom Line
When it comes to the great furniture debate between Whatsie and Nugget, there is no simple winner. Whatsie furniture emphasizes unique, artistic design and high-quality materials for a premium yet comfortable look and feel.
Meanwhile, Nugget takes a budget-friendly approach by using affordable materials and efficient manufacturing techniques to offer value-conscious consumers sturdy, if basic, furnishings. Whatsie has an edge on style and sustainability, but comes at a steeper price point.
Nugget wins on affordability and accessibility, though lags on originality and eco-friendliness. For shoppers prioritizing aesthetics and quality craftsmanship, Whatsie may be preferred, while those focused on price and versatility may favor Nugget. There are merits to both brands, so the choice ultimately depends on personal priorities and needs when outfitting a home.
