Update to my posting above. The Crate and Barrel reps called back and left me a message saying they'd contacted Lee who agreed the loveseat wasn't up to their standards and would give me a "do over," but Lee thought the sofa was w/in their standards. Crate and Barrel offered me 10% off. I thought about it and then called them back and said I didn't think that was satisfactory; it wasn't the money, it was the fact that I'd have to look at the imperfections for as long as I had the sofa. The rep agreed to try again with Lee. I got a phone call back the same day saying she'd talked to the Crate and Barrel regional manager and they'd decided to give me a redo on the sofa too! They didn't want me to be dissatisfied and since the local people agree the sofa doesn't look as good as it should, Crate and Barrel will take it up with Lee again. Obviously, I am extremely happy about this resolution. I should add that it all happened in a most timely way and that the Crate and Barrel people were very responsive. They really seemed to care about my satisfaction as a customer. In this case, I'm very glad to have had Crate and Barrel as a middleman between me and the manufacturer. I'm really impressed with their customer service and I hope Lee comes through with a better product next time.

Yes, I bought one of their sofas (actually the queen size sleeper). I decided on C&B after loving two of their arm chairs for a couple of years. I've been very satisfied. You can choose one of their fabrics, or buy your own for them to upholster the piece, which I did. The sleeper is fine -- slept there a couple of times. I've been very satisfied with the sofa. It doesn't get hard, or even much, use so I can't say anything about durability (although the arm chairs have constant use and have worn very well).

I have been looking at sofas (need two) and have visited C&B, Room & Board and Ikea. I have to tell you, I was pretty disappointed with the offerings at C&B. Every sofa they carry is different of course, different manufacturers, fabrics, etc. My requirements are pretty strict size-wise, so I did not consider everything there. But, my advice is to go and sit if you can. I went with a friend and some that were comfortable to me were uncomfortable to her. It is all very personal. As for microsuede, I have had very good luck with it. Pale blue dining chairs + a flying bowl of tomato soup kind of luck! :-)

Crate and Barrel carries a couple different manufacturers so the construction may differ depending upon the style. If you choose a Lee Industries style, their frames use both double-dowel with corner blocks and mortise and tenon construction. Lee Industries offers a lifetime warranty on their frames - they last forever!