Classic Leather vs. American Leather vs. Crate and Barrel (Lee?)
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
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Anyone own a Lee industries sofa?
Comments (22)Prettybutton, that is exactly what I was able to do. The bench I ordered was not carried by Crate. But I have such a good salesman there he knows the folks at Lee, called them and ordered the bench for me (and said he could order anything from them as they are a major vendor) and gave me the sale price on it and also on the customizations I wanted -- castors and nailhead trim. Those weren't on the bench originally so first step was to see if they were possible and then to order them up. At one point I wanted to change the leg style and he called about that as well (I couldn't). It's a pleasure. Obviously, special orders aren't going to be returnable but I know the Lee quality and it's a copy of a bench that's 6 times as expensive. I used the extra fabric he ordered for me when I bought my sofa. I could have gone with one of their leathers (also 25% off) or another fabric. Last year at this time I took advantage of the same sale (mid Sept-mid Oct) to order a sofa and chair. If I need upholstered things I spend time figuring out what I need and wait for this so I can get the customizing at 25% off. I have access to the wholesale market as well and have gone through the showrooms. To order a sofa from one of the Brand names would have doubled the cost and I honestly couldn't see double the quality. Custom is also available here and, of course, if you're going with that from a high end upholsterer it's a whole different game. But again, I just cannot see spending thousands on upholstered furniture which basically depreciates to the Craigslist level the day it's delivered. But that's me and others may not agree. Don't know if every Crate store or salesperson can offers this level of knowledge or service but it's worth a visit if that's possible....See MoreLee Industries Sofa--Better deal using this Forum info
Comments (32)Hi! Dimensions do tell alot of the story. I give you credit for taking the plunge. Enjoy your new sofa! One thing I've learned - from sitting in so many sofas trying to decide - is that each model, even within the same manufacturer, may have a different pillow depth as well as slant to the back part of the frame. For example, alot of Lee's are just too slanted back for my sitting perference. The Norwalk's are less so and 'fit' me better. But I want the hand tied approach Lee uses, so go figure. I've looked at Sherrill, Miles Talbott, Michael Thomas, Isenhour, and a few others. Unfortunately, I have not yet seen in person a high back which works. They are all too deep in the seat (40"). I have narrowed my search to a higher back, approximately 36" deep seat (maybe up to 38"). I've noticed that all the tags for the ones which are too deep are over 38" - still not sure what the depth measurement means, but I have concluded it doesn't account for the back slant. I am continuing my search, if anyone has come across my future couch, please feel free to share where it is! Oh, has anyone bought Norwalk and what do you think of it? They are not 8 way hand tied and that makes me nervous, especially since I want an extra firm seat. Thanks!...See MoreBeachy style + leather sofa = Doable?
Comments (28)We have a beach house in New England, so I'm guessing we'd have different decor styles, but my two cents -- we had a big brown leather chair that DH insisted on relocating from our full-time house to our beach house, and it just bugged me for so long... it just didn't feel right. Finally when we remodeled the house, we got rid of the chair. As an alternative to leather, you might check out Ultrasuede. We have an ultrasuede sectional from American Leather, and so far it's been indestructible! It was expensive, but after about 5 years it still looks practically brand new. And the color is a fairly light gray -- I was nervous to get such a light color, but it has been great. We also have a Bayside slipcovered sofa from Crate and Barrel, which is the most comfortable sofa I have ever owned! The slipcover has held up well -- I have washed the seat cushions just once because the dogs kept sneaking up there. It, too, is a light color (blue and white print) but it still looks pretty good. Here's our gray sectional and our Bayside sofa...See MoreSplurge vs on the cheap
Comments (52)I was raised to buy rather high quality. Kindel, Baker, etc. And when we did our current house 7 years ago, I spared no costs in finishes, furnishings, lighting etc. In retrospect, I think that was really dumb. It is not nearly as satisfying as it might sound to just buy whatever you want, period. I think it is more satisfying to get things you like AND to feel as though you made sound decisions. No matter what I can afford, when I overspend I am spending money that I could otherwise give to charity or leave to my heirs. So being able to afford something does not at all justify wasting money, in my book. At seven years, my primary house it kind of dated already. For example, most of my faucets are shiny nickel. Today, I would choose natural brass. I am sure that as time goes on many things I chose will start to look "wrong". It is nearly impossible to avoid. We are looking at buying a snowbird home, and right away if the colors are warm tones like off white and cream, I don't like it. I want it all to be grey and white. No doubt in a few years that will change again. Already a grey kitchen is more au courant than a white one which displaces the creamy taupey ones which displaced the cherry ones. So I'd rather spend less and replace it when I feel like it, with most things. I would not spend so little that something does not wear or function, but really so much in decor is totally overpriced....See MoreRelated Professionals
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