I’ve had a MGBW sofa, Dexter, for 15 years and it’s been great, no issues

I like the style of the bottom sofa much better!

I also like the MGBW sofa better, and considered it for our LR last year. I went with a Verellen sofa but did COM (a RL fabric)

This is a better pic of the RL couch. They said the bright blue was due to lighting.

The RL is more formal, luxurious than the MGBW sofa, which is more modern with its clean lines and legs. Which look are you going after? Will the sofa be used daily? Seldom? If daily, which material will hold up longer? Resist staining? Be easier to clean?

If you can find a friend or associate with a trade discount, you could probably save 20% off the RL and more off the MGBW.

I like formal and modern. For me either look would work. A RL sofa styled similar to MGBW is out of my price range. It will be used daily by just me. The RL, on Perigold, says wool in its initial description, but cotton blend in its specs. The other is a velvet, blended materials.

Perigold didn’t have much info other than what’s on the site. The RL home site had even less info. I called the number on the RL site, but they only service items available online (his furniture, textiles, etc aren’t on his regular site. They are on ralphlaurenhome.com with no prices).

I am mostly concerned about quality and longevity. After hours of research it seems that the brands I thought were good, Ethan Allen, Bernhardt, MGBW, etc. have gone down hill. That’s what sent me looking at RL, EJ Victor, Baker, etc.

One of my main questions for the RL is if you can sit back on it without damaging it with the pillows not necessarily needing to be in place.

Ya, I don’t know anyone who would qualify for a trade discount.

I went to the RLH website to see. Geez, they don't give much info on their pieces. The back is low, but looks doable without all the pillows (has photos using only 2).

I cannot speak for RL or MGBW furniture, but Baker makes exceptional pieces. Have you looked at Hancock and Moore, Sherrill, and Theodore Alexander?

Yes, I looked at all 3 of those brands, as well, once I discovered that my old go-to brands are not what they used to be. So many nice pieces!

The RL back seems so low. I would have to sit on one before I would pull the trigger.

Some of the best velvets have a mohair base. FYI. I think that's why you see "wool" in the velvet description. It's a high end fabric.

I think Ethan Allen still makes a good sofa. I'm surprised to hear that Sherrill doesn't make a good product. Those are the first places I would go if I were in the market. I definitely would stay away from Restoration Hardware. I've heard very bad things.

You have a 20 year old Ethan Allen sofa? Keep and reupholster it.

From what I read while researching this, Sherrill is still making very high quality products. Ethan Allen, however, appears to be hit or miss. .

Curious that my 20 year old, 90” EA sofa was about 2000$ if I remember correctly. Currently, at EA the similar style, sized, and optioned sofa is about 2800$ full price, about 2200$ on sale. They have done something to keep prices down.

Very recently, EA started a members program that offers 20% off and free shipping on all items for an annual fee, similar to the members program at MGBW. I don’t know that I like these programs.

I've heard lots over the years about MG sofas and upholstered furniture, a lot of it good; I know they used to have an excellent reputation but am not sure about lately. I've heard next to nothing about RL furniture. My main concern with RL is that they may have licensed the name.

I have two blue and white RL lamps I bought at Winners. Does RL home furnishings have different levels, as the clothing does?

Sherrill still makes high end quality furniture. We had a Sherrill sofa two houses ago. It was our main sitting place for 12yrs and the cushions held their shape. Wrong size/color for here, so we sold.

RL furniture is made by EJ Victor in NC.

The home goods, ie bedding, dinnerware, etc have several lines: Ralph Lauren, then a lower priced Lauren Ralph Lauren, and a few eclectic/ random and expensive items in the RRL line.

He had sold some furniture in the past under the LRL label, but I think LRL is now limited to rugs, lamps, dinnerware, bedding, and bath. I’m not sure who made the LRL furniture, but it was carried at Macy’s and the like, while RL furniture (EJ Victor) is carried at his flagship stores, on a few non RL websites, and once in a while at Bloomingdale’s.

Henredon made the RL line prior to EJ Victor.

Oops, Sherrill sofa was two houses ago. Henredon sofa was at our last house.

I would want to know seat height and depth, and back height on the RL sofa before ordering - if I could not see it in person. It is a beautiful sofa, and probably comfortable, but doesn't look like one I could curl up on. Knowing the measurements would clarify.

The only specs I can find are W97" D41" H29". No Inner dimensions, so I am just estimating those.. But it’s depth is part of why I like it. I like to curl up, slouch, etc. Never do I sit the proper way. That’s another reason for wanting durability. The way I lounge isn’t good for cushions.

Plus with this sofa, pillow arrangement is subjective. It comes with 5 but I have a collection of decorative down pillows just waiting to get used, several different brands and sizes.

I think the EJ Victor sofa looks far more comfortable with its gently curved back and sloping arm rests. They do make a high end sofa( a friend bought one years ago and paid over 10,000.). It was beautifully made. If you don’t mind this sofa being very deep and having loose back pillows of course; the single bench seat will make it sit a bit firmer but that’s not necessarily a bad thing either.

I have used EA, Sherril, RH and others over the past 5 years and had good luck. But you have to specify materials, styling, and all the details, very carefully. Some EA styles are imports and those have gotten bad reviews, but the last ones I got for a client for a sectional were made in US (north Carolina I believe) and have been in their home now for 2 years with 2 kids, two adults and various animals and look brand new. This is in their family room which gets the most use. We selected a good leather and it is one of their deep styles, because the hubby is 6'6" and never had a piece of furniture in their home he could be comfortable in. They all love it now. And on sale, it was reasonably priced for the quality. You do have to catch their sales though. I have a good in-house designer/sales person at my local store and she let's me know when sales are coming.

Yes Flo; if you are spending this kind of $$$ on a good sofa please don’t order it on line! Companies like Sherrill, Pearson, Hickory Chair ,etc. that can customize your sofa; arm style, skirt, legs , wood finish and countless fabrics and most importantly the cushion selection you will be investing in! How your sofa sits and how you enjoy it for years to come ! This is an investment I would never chance to an internet purchase! I realize that some of these great upholstery houses are to the trade only but it may not be a bad idea to search out a designer who deals with one and get a quote! Not all furniture is sold on line or in furniture stores!

-lynartist

How does your friends EJ Victor sofa look after the years and is it comfortable? I have always dreamed of having a very deep sofa. Was worried that putting my weight directly against the back without the throw pillows would hurt it, but allison0704 pointed out that it is also pictured with only 2 throw pillows, so it seems like it would be ok.

The single bench seat is new to me. I am hoping it isn’t too “stiff” for lounging.

I have tried to contact RL Home via email twice this week to no avail. Just wanted to verify how its built, warranty, etc. No one has responded. Maybe the only respond to trade people.

Daimler, hers was a custom sofa and as we were in the trade it was a very fancy, traditional piece! It was very high quality, eight way hand tied , solid wood construction, all down filled. I’m guessing yours is more of a production piece but that doesn’t mean it isn’t good! You are also paying for the RL tag;)! BTW, hers also had a loose cushion back( lots of large down pillows) and there were no problems at all. It was a very sturdy piece. She had it for many years but gave it away when she downsized( it was huge!) I’m old school! I want sit on it, touch it, choose my options and see the construction first! But then again, that’s what I had to do for years .

I have designed a custom sofa for our living room with single cushion. It looks beautiful, but it was not as comfortable as I hoped. I use the sofa to curl up and half lay-down too. So think about that. When sitting on it the ends can lift a bit. I started with the down wrapped cushion type and found it too soft. So I had to redo the cushion insert to firm it up. Just something to think about.

I believe this is down something or other. It doesn’t specify. Hopefully, the single cushion doesn’t start looking sloppy since I will be the only one using it, it may pull-up on one end and sink on the other.

Going to the store and seeing things is getting harder. I’m in OC, CA, and a lot of the stores I saw over the years (back when I didn’t dare officially look further than EA) are very sadly closed. One I drove past since I was 18, von Hemert Interiors, Costa Mesa, is literally going out of business as we speak, and they’ve been in OC and LA since 1920. Very sad and scary. Soon, our brick and mortars will be only be the likes of Jerome’s and Sit n Sleep.

There is always the route of the custom sofa shop that caters to interior designers. They are out there. Unfortunately, it is the bitter truth that most of will redecorate before we wear them out. You could always reupholster your current model.

I did look at the specs and the seat says down filled. As this sofa is not on the EJV website it is an exclusive style to RL so there is very little real detail available! Be aware that if the seat cushion is down/ feather blend only it will be soft. It will also not keep its shape over time. This is inherent with down and not necessarily a drawback but does require occasional fluffing, etc. I prefer a combination seat cushion of spring, foam and down wrap but everyone has their preference! Foam core with an outer down wrap gives a nice seat also with that soft down cushion look. The problem with buying a sofa on the net is you don’t get these options!

What about McKee & Company? Mecox? You might need to take a couple of day trips to nearby cities and try out options you can sit on.

If you want durability, Hancock and Moore will last. They are still made the way furniture should be made vs. today's plywood with a nice covering.

Down will not be supportive and I only use it for the "wrap" of a firm inner core.

Well, I came across both sofas on Chairish.com. I’m glad to see both in a natural setting, outside the studio-perfect setting.

RL is advertised as brand new, although there seems to be wear on several seams around the left seating area. Listed at 4950$, plus 1019$ shipping.

The MGBW is advertised as 2 years old and gently used. Listed for 2500$, plus 609$ shipping.