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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Considering a Hickory Chair Devon Sofa vs. a Lee Industries sectional. Can you please compare these 2 brands, especially in terms of the quality of their construction and the springs, cushions, etc. Which will be more comfortable for a heavier person and will last longer?
For a sofa that will be in a Florida great room, surrounded by sliders and windows, and a covered lanai on the outside, do you think using a sofa fabric that is 52% linen and 48% cotton would be durable enough? Please provide pros and cons of using this fabric and others you would recommend, besides performance fabrics. What can I add to the fabric mentioned above to make it more durable (i.e., blue jeans rubbing off, stains, sunlight). Thanks and I love what you do!!
I love the Vanguard sofa, however, I need a smaller length which is causing problems in my search. kincaid was very nice, but the legs were not to my liking. I very much want to support the american furniture makers. I’ve looked at Bassett and loved the options. Do you know of their quality these days? I’ve heard some very good and some bad which is very frustrating. Thank you.
I love your work, Marina! I wrote in a couple of years ago and your blog (and the lovely Laurel Bern Interiors blog) helped me choose furniture, so thank you. I wanted to share my experience of best furniture maker and slipcovers. I Virgo-researched (=out the wazoo) and came to conclude that Lee Industries was right for me. I love Lee for many reasons including: style; quality; price point; that it’s hand made; by American crafts people; and all with careful consideration of environmental sustainability. The use of 8-way hand tied coils, corner blocking and a kiln dried hardwood frame are hallmarks of a quality piece. Another two suppliers for them are Serena & Lily and Williams Sonoma Home. I ordered my Lee 3278-03 english roll arm sofa through WS Home, and despite the kids and dog, bravely (stupidly?) had it upholstered in Sunbrella Sailcloth in ‘Salt’ (love!). But, I did have a couple of problems ordering slipcovers through Lee. 18 months ago as part of a big furniture order, we purchased two washable slipcovers (Lee calls them “coveralls”) to go on the existing sofa (via Eastern Furniture in CA, now Mark Thomas Home). We went ahead as time was tight (we were moving country) – not ideal. The main issue was that Lee’s only slipcover for this sofa came with a ruffle skirt that was a little shabby chic/feminine and dated for my taste. I wanted a tailored, modern look (think knife edge, pleated skirt, like Windsor Smith’s “butter pat” or similar). Unfortunately it wasn’t possible to modify the skirt, or even specify no skirt, so I settled again as-is, thinking I could remove or modify the skirts later. Now I have since found that removing them will make them too short i.e. this will expose not only the leg but the upholstery underneath. The second issue was that Lee’s in-house fabric options were limited. They didn’t have a washable white/off white cotton duck denim or similar, so I settled for a tan/white Oxford stripe washable alternative). The quality of the slipcovers is superb, but if I’d had my time again, I’d recommend a custom slipcover expert (who can in turn recommend the best fabrics for you). Finally, keep up the great work, Marina!
Hey Tamara,
Thank you so much for kind words and I’m very happy that you found what you were looking for!
I came across this post from googling Massoud furniture. I have found a beautiful formal arm chair made by Massoud, but I’m nervous to spend so much money without sitting in it first. Is Massoud furniture comfortable? Can I curl up with a cup of coffee (or glass of wine) and read a book? Thanks!
Hi Melinda,
Masoud furniture is known for high quality. Which chair is it? Can you post a picture?
My wonderful leather section by Elite Leather “Echo Park” was purchased in 2007. I was waited a little too late to replace it because Elite Leather is now out of business. I recently googled the “Echo Park” and found the identical sofa that is now made by Mola di Bella sold by LeatherFurniture Expo. M original sectional was purchased through Christina at Elite Furniture. The frame is great but the leather is showing a lot or wear and could be redyed but I am told it never last–plus I have a gold colored leather. Has anyone heard of or worked with either of these companies. Apparently they grade leather differently and the site claims there is not real difference in leather quality. Is that true? The color has worn off of the armed side of the sectional and the arm has a few rough spots as well. The sectional doesn’t get natural light but did absorb some blue jean dye. Any suggestions or comments. If I ordered, I plan to get 3 separate seats instead of one bench seat so I can rotate them. I was also hoping to order and extra seat cover or hide of leather to have one made.
Sorry, I never worked with Leather Furniture Expo or Mola Di Bella. I happen to have Elite leather sofa myself. I also know Christine Connes from Elite Interiors Gallery in South Carolina and I worked with her a lot. I like American Leather https://www.americanleather.com/ company as a second choice. I will keep on researching this so stay tuned.
I have always been pleased with Sherrill and Taylor King chairs and sofas but not always able to find the fabric I desire. I do not want to give up quality. Can you compare these two brands to Massoud? I am familiar with Lee and Vanguard.
Hi Nancy,
Taylor King and Sherrill are more traditional brands. I mean, they do try to make transitional pieces and the quality is good but the frames are still very traditional. Massoud sofas look more elegant to me and their fabric choices are more updated. If I were to choose between these three brands I would go for Massoud. For example, if I compare Gemma sofa by Taylor King and 2341 sofa by Massoud, I like the later for a European inspired look. But Gemma is higher seat, so for people who struggle getting up and down the couch this is a better choice. The wood construction is similar I am sure. The springs- depends on the model. Which models are you comparing? Fabric is very important! If you see a good fabric at Massoud that you like, seriously consider it. Also, what is the lead tine? Meaning, when are they promising the delivery? Make sure that the fabric you like is enough so that you are not dealing with a discontinued or back ordered fabric. Just in case, I always try to select one fabric and then another as alternative. Then ask retailer to follow up within a few weeks after you order to make sure the fabric mill sent the fabric to the factory for production. Lmk which models you’re looking at. Hope this is helpful.
Any thoughts on the quality of Ethan Allen? We’re in our mid-60s and want quality in a sofa and some chairs, maybe even a recliner, maybe even some leather (!?), but don’t want to break the bank. The 8-way hand-tied vs sinuous springs, and kiln-dried hardwood discussions always confuse me. Should joints be glued or screwed or bolted? Etc. any help much appreciated. Oh, and my choice would be for easily washable slipcovers—we have a 3-year-old granddaughter and like to really LIVE on (oread eat and drink and use) our furniture.
Hi-
I like Lee sofas and am in the market for a new slipcovered version.
I’d like washable slipcovers in a white or off-white color. Don’t want the denim super-casual look though.
Can you recommend any particular fabric names that I should consider?
Hi Kathryn,
I would recommend requesting for SAMPLES from Lee- all of what you like on the computer screen and then try them at home by washing, rubbing, soiling etc.
I hope you still read these comments…
I loved Berne Furniture, and when they went out of business, I recovered the classic sofa and chairs I had from them. My children have said they want the (25 year old) furniture if I buy new. I’d love to find some of similar quality!
Do you have an opinion on Smith Brothers, or Best Home Furnishings? Is there a brand similar to Berne?
How do you feel about Hickory Chair? Thanks for sharing your knowledge…much appreciated.
Hi Terri,
I love Hickory Chair! All about them. Workmanship, choices, fabrics, service. I am not sure what product you are considering, please let me know if you need another pair of eyes.
Just getting to this email after almost three months! I’m not in the market for a new sofa, but this is a wonderful post. Thanks for it!
Hi Sharon,
Thank you very much. I work very hard to bring the best to my readers. You just made my day!
Great info Marina!!!
Thank you, Noa!
I had never heard of Michael Thomas but took a chance because he had a chair very similar to one I couldn’t afford by Baker Furniture. The chairs are great. Your get to chose your wood color and fabric. My chairs sit in front of a large window so I chose a Sunbrella fabric that wouldn’t fade. The seat cushions are the best. They have coils in the middle which is the best kind of cushion you can get. Most are just foam wrapped in polyester batting and a cotton cover. The wood finish is very smooth. I do a little upholstery and I can testify that fabric is sewn well and the patterns are matched. You can’t feel the springs when you lift up the cushion which as another great sign of quality. Century Furniture has a great video called the deconstruction of a chair. Viewing it will help consumers become educated consumer and know what they are paying or not paying for. I purchased my chairs through Elite Furniture Gallery in SC.
Jeljet,
Thank you so much for sharing! I love Elite Furniture gallery and I always work with Christine Connes christine@eliteinteriors.biz
She is a doll! She is very knowledgeable and sweet!
I guess I am in between Miles Talbot and Lexington. Are you familiar with either of these and would you recommend one over the other? Thank you!
Hi Judi,
I worked with Lexington, and I know that some furniture comes from China. I ordered a bed and it is beautiful- made in China. I ordered a dining room table and it shipped from overseas, not sure where, but it was good quality, not as good as Hickory Chair, but good enough for the money. I never worked with Miles Talbot, sorry. Questions you may want to ask”Are the springs in this sofa 8-way hand tied to the frame, or is it an 8-way hand tied drop in a box?” Drop in a box is shipped from overseas and it is not supported underneath. The box s only secured to the frame in the corners, so there is less stability. An old-fashioned hand 8-way I saw at the High Point presentation. It is very different from “components” that are shipped in. Sinuous springs if made well work great. For some styles they just can’t have 8-way because then it makes the sofa deck too high. I am totally okay with sinuous. Believe it or not, the fabric you choose will get outdated or destroyed before a decently constructed sofa. It depends on your lifestyle and use. If kids just up and down all day nothing will help 🙂 I always go for the style I like knowing that nothing lasts forever. If you are set on Lexington, let m know. I have a wonderful rep for the brand and she can give you more information.
I would like to get your opinion between The MT Company and Lexington. I know that MT is 8-way hand tied and Lexington is a sinuous coil. I understand they use a 8 gauge wire. I love the look of the Lexington but am drawn to the 1100 series in Miles Talbot because it is a good price point for the quality. I was also considering Sherrill but still think MT is a better value. What are your thoughts? I can’t seem to find anything online about Lexington quality.
Hi Judy,
Which particular models are you considering? I am asking because different models can be made differently and shipped from different sources. Yep, confusing, I know. Please tell me which ones. Thanks