Y'all, I'm looking now at the Lee sofa on which I spent more than $5,000 6 or 7 years ago for the higher quality level, only to watch the cushions become WEIRDLY misshapen within 18 months: "pitching forward" (a good term for something I hadn't known could happen before seeing it here), sinking in the middle, the back cushions developing permanent horizontal folds that couldn't be returned to its intended shape, and slanting to one side in a way that wouldn't fluff back to its original shape. The seat straps collapsed in less than 3 years, and I used the throw cushions under the main seat cushions to bring it back to height somewhat. TOTAL CRAP! What's left of it is still here, due to a combination of pandemic issues (including my getting long covid) and the difficulty of finding smaller-sized quality furniture in the configuration I want. Wish I'd stuck with the beautiful Calico Corners sofa that the Lee replaced only because a new room configuration required an L-shaped sectional for TV viewing. During the pandemic, a new Calico sectional -- a small one -- was going to cost in the upper $7,000s - low $8,000s, and I was already out the $5,000-something for the Lee, so... After re-reading this thread, I'll look into the Quatrine, Massoud, and Arhaus. But ple-e-ease SAVE YOURSELVES from the Lee Industries experience!

Nice choices, tinker. Did you ask about doing some other leg, or something to eliminate the wheels on the couch? I don't care for the look of that, either. Can't wait too see how this all comes together. I think doing the couch and two chairs will prove to be a great choice for you. As for the floor plan, as I mentioned on the other thread, I think in part it depends on whether you are putting a tv above the fireplace. I like the second and third layouts, guess it depends if you want to have that extra accent chair. You might also try the two chairs on one side, couch opposite them (I would likely put the couch on the left side of the fireplace, so you don't have the feeling of a wall as you come into the room on the right. One other choice with just the two chairs would be to put the couch on the left, one chair on the right with its back to the counter, a table on the corner, and the other chair at a right angle to that, facing the couch. I might open up the seating area a bit.

"they're already upholstered in something neutral. Does that change your mind? " I think I like the simplicity of a solid for your table, because it's all very elegant together, although more formal. It might be a bit much with two directly on the rug. Is the cream even available? The blue would be a muddle of patterns, I think, without more contrast in color. I do think you might be able to do a flame on the drapes. I can definitely picture a chair in the corner without clashing. This post was edited by snookums2 on Fri, Jan 11, 13 at 13:19

valinsv -- I spend a lot of time looking at auctions. Auction houses all over have gotten hip to the internet format. I've explored this extensively but in the US and overseas. They list recommended shippers in their areas. You email and the shippers give you an estimate -- before you bid. Also, in some cases there is a lower buyers premium if you leave a bid directly with the auction house vs bid yourself via ebay or another service. The advantage of dealing with an established auction house vs an individual seller who may/may not be knowledgeable is that in most cases you will get more informed info as you are dealing with experts (though the quality varies from house to house, of course, and many individual sellers find and have terrific things). I always call for condition reports and have found houses to be very honest. I purchase many things in this way at prices which are much less than I would find in my community. I do my homework and see a lot of bargains. I study the expensive stuff to learn where the bargains lie. I saw a certain style coffee table for $2000 in a show go for $100 in a midwest auction and then saw it resold in an eastern auction for $750. It's how dealers work and how many designers (like myself) find gems for clients. I'm happy to share favorites houses etc by pm if you're interested send an email to my name at yahoo. As for fauteuil. Foe(rhymes with toe)-Toy but it's easier and just as correct to say French armchair. That's why I can't understand the ebay thing. Why not list as Rococo style armchair or French style armchair or a Louis armchair? Duh.