I thought my budget was reasonable too, but most of the sofas I see in that price range just look really cheap and poorly made. I have seen some that are good quality, but are very modern looking with the square arms and block feet. Do you think I could do a more modern sofa with my chairs (which are being scratched to death by the cat even as we speak)? Thanks for the options dee and yayagal. Those are lovely, but I should have mentioned that I have a real aversion to leather - not sure why. I should also mention that I'm in a small city in Canada so furniture prices are (I seem to be finding out) quite a bit higher. Here are links to a mid-priced brand of sofa many retailers carry here. If anyone has an inclination, have a look and see if there is anything that would go with my chairs. Here is a link that might be useful: van gogh sofas

I can see it in one of those all shades of white/cream rooms with dark flooring and beams (and, of course, the requisite "pop of color" $200 a shot pillows). Or with a trendy ikat inspired print couch and some vaguely Moroccan accessories. But I think it would look best in my LR, hanging with the elegantly wasted leather couch, oriental rug, brass lamps, stone FP and doug fir ceiling. I don't know, it just has character IMO and the fact that it turns is a bonus, "Yo, don't pass the hors d'oeuvres, just turn the table!" sandyponder

The sofa we did over was an old Scandinavian Design (remember them?) three-cushion gray and white striped thing. We ditched the rather cheap cushions, fattened up the arms a little, gave it a tailored waterfall skirt, added the aforementioned single seat cushion, and then used five square down pillows with thick short fringe for the back cushions. So it was a pretty big job, but I got something that would have cost about $4,000 for about $1,200. That was 15 years ago, and it needs to be done again. The fringed back pillow thing is so 80's! One note, if you decide to do it. Make sure that the seat cushion has some form of subtle strap included in the design to secure the cushion to the frame. Otherwise, it will slide around when you sit on it, which will drive you right round the bend. What comes to my mind is a couple of simple self-fabric belts with velcro closures incorporated into the back edge. The front corner detail will help hold it (and make sure that detail is in the design as well), but I think when you put fabric on metal, slippage is a given. But to your question...I cut several pictures out of design magazines (known in the trade as "shelter books," a term I've always found hilarious, tho I don't know why...) of sofas that looked exactly like what I wanted, and talked them over with my upholsterer. We agreed on the kind of construction and the dimensions and the price. I was specific about the shape of the corners, the size of the welting, and everything else about the piece. I made copies of the pictures and my sketches and notes to leave with him, so there would be no question. I even gave him a picture of something similar but not what I wanted, so he would see what I wanted him to avoid. This is a good time to say again something I say all the time (so I must believe it!). First, to communicate a visual idea, use a visual medium. Second, do not leave any detail out of the discussion, and go over it and have it repeated back to you until you are sure that the vision in your head (and in your notebook) is the same in your tradesperson's head (and notebook). How I do run on...

You're right to be wary of RH as they are overpriced for the quality. I would look for an American-made company that does 8-way hand tied suspension (which is a good indicator for overall quality). I'm partial to Lee Industries and they have a lot of traditional styles. You can see their sofas here. They don't have that exact style, but a quick look came up with something similar, the 3903-03 Most manufacturers have traditional styles. Once you find one you like, use the retailer locator to find out where to purchase one. My shortlist of high quality, mid-range priced, American sofa manufacturers is: Lee Industries The MT Company Hancock and Moore Taylor King Stanford CR Laine (though I have read some reviews that their quality is suffering lately) Thayer Coggin