It always amazes me how hard it is to tell the difference between a good quality English arm sofa and its mediocre copy from a computer screen. Even more, most manufacturers claim that if you buy from them, and only from them you will get the best quality sofa ever! Because we are all confused when shopping online, I decided to compare four similar styles of sofas within similar level sofa makers.
Of course, if you are wary of buying any sofa that you have not sat on, your next best choice is always a local furniture store. In this case, I hope that this article will help you to ask the right questions. So, keep on reading.
Lee Industries
Lee Industries offers numerous options, gracious classic English arm sofa lines, and comfortable construction. In addition, Lee is a go-to upholstery maker if you have allergies or want eco-friendly options. Finally, they provide some of the Performance Fabrics, such as Crypton and Sunbrella.
In general, most of my clients find Lee’s sofas heavenly comfortable. But because many of Lee’s cushions’ options can be confusing, be careful when you choose them. I heard complaints that back cushions “felt heavy and “crunchy as if they had the straw in them.” In other words, the cushions were selected incorrectly for this particular person. So please ask questions about the cushions and only after that think whether you should look into other features. In addition, you might want to read about the cushions. Here are the links for the charts: back cushions and seat cushions.
Width 87 inches; Depth 42 inches; Height 34 inches; Seat 18 inches; Inside depth 27 inches
This sofa has gracious lines and a good height. It’s quite wide – 42 inches. Obviously, if you have a narrow room it might be too deep. Also, the inside depth is 27 inches, which is deeper than usual. Back or lumbar cushions can be used for more comfort. If you have trouble getting up and down, note that the seat is low- only 18 inches. Because of its flat back, I would struggle floating it in a room. See how they put a sofa table behind it? This makes sense.
I looked at Lee’s fabrics and ordered some samples. I always try to go for a nice blend of fibers. For example, Crypton Hopsack Linen is 57% Rayon, 22% linen, 16% polyester and 11% cotton. This tells me that it will wear well and it is stain resistant because Crypton has embedded stain resistant quality. The cleaning code is W, which means that it can be cleaned with water. Obviously, be quick to remove that stain because of rayon the fabric can stiffen. But overall you should be okay.
Washable alternatives- pretty and tailored slipcovers
Have a look at some of the slipcovers details:
Features:
- A variety of organic and natural fabric choices
- Crypton and Sunbrella are available as well as other performance fabrics
- Soy-based, eco-friendly components
- Finishes are all very low VOC’s (Volatile Organic Compounds).
- Wood for the frames used by LEE comes from certified sustainable forests and is bonded with a soy-based resin.
- Springs are 80% recycled metal.
- Foam products have been rigorously tested by CertiPUR-US and contain their seal of approval.
- Slipcover options are available.
- Many trim options, such as tapes and chic nailheads.
Where to buy a Lee Industries:
2. CR Laine
CR Laine used to be a “go-to” traditional furniture manufacturer but now it developed both modern and transitional styles. In addition, the company developed a more updated loom with colorful fabrics and accessories. I love CR Laine fabric choices. They are on-trend without being trendy. Due to a variety of performance fabrics options, the choices are much more sustainable for a long term.
The frames are solid hardwood, glued and dowelled, with 8-way hand-tied springs, which makes the sofas one of the best on the market. Most of Cr Laine sofa seats are between 19-21 inches in height compared to the average of 18 inches. This is a great feature for someone who is older and has to push hard getting up this is a lifesaver. In addition, it’s hard to beat the selections of creative options, such as tapes, fringe, braids, and other embellishments.
Telford sofa has elegant lines and accurate piping. Note: the above sofa is shown without the feather fill for the cushions. If you like to sit “on the sofa” this is your best bet. But if you want a softer feel, consider feather and down cushions instead.
Brick-and-Mortar and Online Sources:
Elite Furniture Gallery, contact Christine Connes at christine@eliteinteriors.biz
3. Massoud Furniture
Massaud used to be targeting mostly Southwest market and older folks. Now, it seems like they finally started to understand the demand for more updated looks of the furniture. In addition to traditional styles now we see a larger number of more transitional and modern looks. Moreover, the prices were quite high without an option for less expensive pieces. Finally, the company has expanded to a 60,000-square-foot facility with retail pricing for their sofas between $1,399 to about $4,000. Currently, they offer over 80 sofas, some with matching chairs. Because they have over 1000 fabrics and over 100 trims you can create a unique look for your style. Massoud is obsessive about technology and the factory is state-of-the-art. The workers don’t cut anything by hand as the automated cutters do everything.
Massoud sofa 2091 reflects a marriage of tradition and modern sophistication. It inherited an English arms silhouette and interpreted it to a smaller space. Because the overall depth is only 38 inches it is perfect for a narrow room. Moreover, the inside depth is 23 inches, which is generous if you like to lay down for a nap. In other words, with the seat of 19 inches, this couch is what most people will enjoy. No struggling getting up and down! Finally, the back of the couch has a slightly slanted shape. Place it in the middle of the room if you wish it to “float.”
Massoud Furniture Features:
- Family owned and operated
- Superior technology
- Many exciting fabrics and trim choices
- Crypton fabrics are available
- Sleek design with quality construction
- Many custom options including sizes for any room layout
- Higher seat (19 inches on average)
Online Stores:
4. Vanguard Furniture
Vanguard Furniture is a family-owned and operated company with many handmade processes still in place. In fact, it is quite common to see the name of the craftsman who made a piece on the tag. In addition, fabrics and leather are very good. Because of the high quality, the price tag is higher as well.
Winslow sofa is elegant as it is built to last. It’s sculptured English arms and back frame combined with lush back pillows are easy on the eyes. The overall depth is 43 inches, which is wide and comfy. Due to its generous depth, it will not work in a small and narrow room. But it will look best either against the wall or in a larger room floating. For a formal look in a large living room place two sofas across from each other. The seat height is 19 inches, which is quite comfortable for most people. With a height of 36 inches, the sofa provides good back support.
Vanguard is now making better quality sofas at a lower price point!
Because of the overall demand for smaller furniture Vanguard introduced American Bungalow Collection. It is a more affordable and versatile line. For example, the Bungalow sofa features many personalized options for style and function.
Finally, following the demand for more versatile couches at a lower price point, the company introduced Ease Collection.
Features:
- Family owned and operated
- Hands-on craftsmanship
- Exciting fabric and trim choices
- Performance fabrics are available
- Quality construction with 8-way ties
- Exact matching of numerous wood finishes
- Modern collections for a smaller room
- New collections on lower price points without compromising quality
- Many custom options including sizes for any room layout
You can buy Vanguard furniture at Kathy Kuo Home
Warranty
- Firstly, check out what is actually covered by the warranty.
- After that, ask the store how they would handle the claims if you want to file them. For instance, the warranty can be different depending on each part of your couch. It can be a lifetime on frame and springs and a 5-year warranty on the cushions, for example.
Please tell me what you call “the best quality sofa” and if you had any luck finding the one you love?
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