Need sofa advice! Ethan Allen or Pottery Barn?
jah1108
8 years ago
Featured Answer
Sort by:Oldest
Comments (234)
Heather Whiteman
3 years agoNoosh Ebrahimi
3 years agoRelated Discussions
ethan allen bennett sofa
Comments (4)Hi, I've read -- I'm not sure where -- that Ethan Allen has "proprietary" construction techniques. If I remember correctly, there is a Comsumer Reports article that gives Ethan Allen the highest rating, but I think they were comparing just low- and mid-range sofas. Can't recall what the criterion were for the rankings, maybe someone here is a Consumer Reports subscriber & can pull & summarize the info from CR archived reports. We decided against EA because we're hoping that we can do better price-wise and quality-wise from outfits that specialize in upholstery. EA in the last few years has switched to "every day" pricing with their mark-up built-in. You also can't do COM with them, as I believe that they want to make a profit on your fabric choice as well, but others may speak to this better--I'm still trying to educate myself!! My sister-in-law furnished her Florida condo with a couple EA upholstery pieces, they were floor samples--the only way you can get EA discounted now. The sofa is quite comfortable. Michelle...See MorePottery Barn vs Crate and Barrel Sofas
Comments (9)I agree that reupholstering your EA sofas may be the way to go. I have a pair of hand-me-down 60 yo EA Bergere chairs and they're in wonderful condition. They're well-made, comfortable and came back to life with new upholstery. Of course, if you don't care for the lines of your old EA sofa, then there's nothing to be done for it. I bought a vintage sofa on Craigslist for $25, found 13 yards of fabric at an outlet for $37 and had an old country preacher reupholster it for $350. All told, I got a new-to-me sofa for just over $400. I wouldn't rule out EA, Thomasville, Drexel today. Their reputation is that they're pricey, but they've really had to drop their prices to stay in business. I was in EA this spring and they had a slipcovered sofa for $1200 or so that I looked at long and hard before going my vintage-cheap route. I've never heard a bad word about PB, et al, so I dug up the article lovesummer mentioned. I'd be very interested in these same folks looking at their furniture today. That article is now a full 3 years old and I've seen plenty of blurbs in the PB/C&B catalogs touting improved quality and value. Interesting findings. Here is a link that might be useful: Pottery Barn Unstuffed...See MoreEthan Allen Retreat - Do or Don't?
Comments (16)Thank you all for your help. :) Chris, your sofa is beautiful! And Fori, I go through the same thing at dinner, only my son (who is nine!) likes to use his shirt...while the napkin is right in front of him. He's a work in progress! Carolina Kitchen, we like the Borini gray; it's kind of a herringbone look, and the weave is pretty tight, which I was thinking/hoping would resist snags. I'm not sure if they'll give me a sample, but I'll ask. Good idea! Chris, did you buy the extra five year warranty?...See MoreEthan Allen a quick ship fabrics
Comments (13)Christopher, thanks for the rendering it looks great! The windows at the top of the picture happened to be French doors that lead into the living room. Knowing this would you still do a sofa that extends past the opening? Or would you push everything back? That is the biggest issue I am having right now is organizing this room, the French doors. Behind the sofa area on the left, is a round kitchen table and then the kitchen. So I can’t go to far back....See Morekzcampbell
3 years agoLaura Fahr
3 years agokzcampbell
3 years agoulisdone
3 years agokzcampbell
3 years agocatwintersteen
3 years agocatwintersteen
3 years agolbezdek21
3 years agoNoosh Ebrahimi
3 years agoJem
3 years agoTamara Robinson
2 years agolast modified: 2 years agoTamara Robinson
2 years agolast modified: 2 years agoHU-180460520
2 years agokzcampbell
2 years agoMissy Bee
2 years agokzcampbell
2 years agoNoosh Ebrahimi
2 years agokzcampbell
2 years agoNellah
2 years ago1998lee2015
2 years agokzcampbell
2 years agobeeboo22
2 years agokzcampbell
2 years agobeeboo22
2 years agokzcampbell
2 years agokzcampbell
2 years agolatoran
2 years agodianabreen
2 years agokzcampbell
2 years agoD W
2 years agoLC Stam
2 years agoJeff Meeks
2 years agojules2764
2 years agoNoosh Ebrahimi
2 years agoLaura Fahr
2 years agoNoosh Ebrahimi
2 years agoJeff Meeks
2 years agolast modified: 2 years agokzcampbell
2 years agokzcampbell
2 years agolilywags
2 years agokzcampbell
2 years agoNoosh Ebrahimi
2 years agoJanet B
last yearpatricia peloquin
7 months agolast modified: 7 months agomomiss12
7 months agoMissy Bee
7 months agokzcampbell
7 months agolorenamichelle
7 months ago
Related Stories
FURNITUREYour Essential Sofa Buying Guide
Here’s what to consider when looking for a quality sofa that will last
Full StoryFURNITUREHow to Buy a Quality Sofa That Will Last
Learn about foam versus feathers, seat depth, springs, fabric and more for a couch that will work for years to come
Full StoryFURNITURESecond-Life Sofas Show First-Rate Style
With unexpected upholstery, antique sofas can live happily in modern interiors
Full StoryFURNITUREWhy It's OK to Hate Your New Custom Sofa
It takes time to get used to bold new furniture, but dry your tears — the shock can be good for you. Here's what to expect
Full StoryDECORATING GUIDES7 Home Purchases Worth the Splurge
Make buyer's remorse over furniture, textiles and more a thing of the past with this wise purchasing advice
Full StoryFURNITURE10 Reasons to Love Big, Comfy Sectionals
With their soft lines, visual heft and casual versatility, modular sofas are a great choice for many rooms
Full StoryHOUZZ TOURSHouzz Tour: Charming, Bright Country Home in France
An old Normandy rectory house and barn become a lovely tailored home for a Parisian couple
Full StoryFURNITUREHow to Keep Your Upholstery Looking Good
You wouldn't expect your car to maintain itself. Show your sofa and chairs the same courtesy with this 3-part strategy
Full StoryUPHOLSTERYSlipcover Magic: Casual, Washable and Fresh for the Season
Reinvent your sofas, chairs and ottomans with surprisingly chic and versatile slipcovers
Full StoryENTERTAININGTips for Squeezing in More Guest Beds
Put up your overnight guests in comfort and style with these sofa bed, bed and mattress options
Full Story
Linda Stacey