"Only thick, dyed-through leather hides will stand up to the test of time." So true. Many places have leather which is actually very thin since they shave it off in layers. That's why so many couches look stretched out. We purchased our leather one from JC Penneys. On sale. It a cordovan (brownish burgandy) color. At the same time, we got Flexsteel and Broyhill couches which were not cheap. The Flexsteel frame got wobbly and the fabric shredded. The Broyhill is looking worse for wear and has a slipcover. The leather is holding up great with only occasional wiping. We have 4 normal kids and 2 messy adults. The shape of the cushions is still looking good. I will never buy anything else again. The better the quality the leather the better it will hold up. Don't fall for a salesman's speech. Read up and decide what will work for you. I have a friend with microfiber and she's "OK" with it. Not overly impressed. Gloria

We have the RH Lancaster sectional and a chair and ottoman, they are the deeper versions. We got them about 3 years ago and they are in the Brompton Cocoa. Our Golden is not to get on them unless invited and only when "his" blanket is there for him to jump up on, except when he gets excited and totally misses the blanket. So, yes, we have some toenail marks but they seem to fade. Overall they still look great, I would buy the leather again. Visitors do seem to comment on liking them. The guys around here are big and tall which has probably led to my only quasi-gripe: the cushions kind loose their "loft" and you have to try to punch the down around again. There was a leather store that I heard about in the Furniture Forum back when I was buying a lot (3-4 yrs ago)...I think is was Mabels Leather or something like that. I talked to them but we are in SoCal and they are in the east and I didn't want to make such a big purchase from somewhere so far away. Forum people liked it though. They did similar styles to RH. Good luck...

Just saw your California comment. I can't get Smith here either. The Omnia leather I have been looking at is based in California. They are US made and 100% leather. The ones we've been looking at are all very cofortable and I especially like that the cushions (seat and back) can have the inserts replaced. Even those pillowy arms that are the first thing to go flat (though I still prefer a true arm for myself). Surely you can find a dealer out there. They have a couple of online retailers I'v found -- if nothing else, you can compare pricing (leather furniture expo and leather showroom, which is the online part of texas leather interiors). We had two cats when we got out current leather sectional and they were with us another 10 years. I have exactly one small scratch on the end where back claws tried to did in as one was being chased. It could be coveed up with shoe polish but because of the location, I tried it once and never worried about it again. Don't be tempted to use a marker -- someone did that on a spot on a reclinging sofa we saw at a clearance center -- the ink soaked right in, bled and made it larger, dark and awful. We've had the sectional now for nearly 13 years and 2 boys and their friends and family grew up during those years as well as aquired two 50-60 lb dogs who have lived on that sectional with us. It's still functional, but one seat is showing wear and the arms have lost some oomph in the padding. And it was a Lane -- which people now say is junk. Maybe not the same reputation 13 years ago -- I don't know. The leather should hold up well -- if the frame is solid, you should be good for a long time.

I am looking for the best Italian brands sectionals. Need Your advice please! Thank You!