Nancita, You may get more helpful answers if your question was a little more specific regarding what you mean by "prefer". I live in a metropolitan area that has both stores, and I shop (or browse) both of them frequently. I have bought many accessories and accent pieces at Crate and Barrel, and I generally am very positve about the style, value, and customer service I receive there. But, when it comes to furniture, I think C&B has a very broad range of quality (some nearly as low-end as Ikea/discount stores and some solidly mid-range furniture brands). Pottery Barn is not as good a fit for me from a style perspective as C&B. I think they have pretty decent quality furniture, but think some of their products tend to be a little overpriced. Also, I remembered while I was writing this response that there was an article about a year or so ago in a local magazine that offers a comparison between these two stores, the now defunct Storehouse, and Restoration Hardware. I am providing a link to it. For both stores, if you are buying major furniture pieces, ask who the manufacturer is and research them. Here is a link that might be useful: Article comparing stores

I was/am (can't make up my mind!) considering a slipcovered loveseat or sofa for our sunroom. A blog friend recently bought one from Ikea and is very happy with it. Of course, she hasn't had it long. Do you have Ikea? We don't. There is also one at JCPenney (Linden St.) that got good reviews (look at their webpage, then furniture and you can read reviews on the pieces), especially after they changed the covering of the down stuffed cushions. The only complaint I remember reading was that sometimes the feather would poke out. They have since changed the covering. We dont' have Crate and Barrel here and I have not looked at the sofas in our Pottery Barn. It is a smaller store, I don't think they have alot of the furniture. Let us know what you decide! LOL It might help me in my decision. tina

Mrykbee and pandtkendall, thank you for your replies. That's great you found what you wanted on Craig's List. Nothing better than getting what you like at a price you like. Pandtkendall that's great you enjoy your HM sofa and enjoyed working with Duane. Here's to many, many years of enjoyment. I am comfortable buying furniture from a distant company. Thanks for mentioning Duane. I will look him up. I'd love to travel to his store in the near future. I bought a Classic Leather sofa and recliner in 1987 from a company in Southern Pines owned by two fantastic brothers Miller and Cliff Barnes. I never met them and did everything over the phone The furniture has seen heavy use and three large dogs over the years. I love the leather but I'm tired of the style. The sofa still looks good but the recliner is aging. My husband and I used to sit in the recliner together and then our 90 pound dog would climb up on our laps. I took care of the furniture and faithfully cleaned it and moved the cushions around. Maybe around ten years or so I had new insides made for the cushions. The sofa sits right in front of a big window with lots of light. There isn't any sun damage. At some point I tried to kill the furniture using 409 or water and vinegar to clean it but didn't die. (Not cleaning products I'd ever suggest). I have no idea what type of leather but it's soft and indestructible. I realize today's leather will not be as good as the older leather we have but we want our next set to also be leather. Again, thanks for getting back to me..

If you have the extra money go for crate and barrel. Living Spaces doesn't have bad quality but crate and barrel has better. If you plan on keeping your house and furniture for awhile it is always better to invest more in something you'll like. If budget allows this.