Hi, just ordered your book. I like the looks of a leather sofa from Restoration Hardware, but would prefer to have more options and save money at the same time by ordering it from the manufacturer. It is the Addision, an English roll-arm sofa. Would you know of any possible sources I can start with to find the manufacturer? I have checked Mitchell-Gold, American Leather, Classic Leather and Bradington-Young, all to no avail. I am looking for quality, at least the best that I can afford, to hold up to 3 teenagers and a 6 year old. I have been waiting for 3 years now and hopefully won’t have to wait much longer. Thanks for your help and insight. Also, what should I look for in a leather sofa? (I can’t wait for your book to be delivered - but realistically, the mail has been rather slow since Hurricane Katrina)
- Catherine
Hi Catherine,
Thank you for buying my book. I hope you will find it very helpful. Speaking of help…we will never know who is making the Addison upholstery for Restoration Hardware unless, and possibly, until we can see the law label on the item. Are you close to an RH store? If you are go in and look at the label that says never remove under penalty of law. It will list the manufacturer of the item. This is probably a private label item that RH buys and the whole purpose of the private label is to keep customers from shopping around for a deal from the same producer.
Leather is very, very competitive right now. I looked at the RH web site to see what your sofa looks like and see that it is produced in the US, is 8 way hand-tied, and kiln-dried lumber. Now all of that sounds good but critical areas to look at when shopping for leather furniture is to carefully check the stitching of the leather (you want very tight, close stitched lines), the thickness of the leather (open the cushion casing and slip you hand in to gauge the thickness of the leather), and a very stout frame (no wiggle in the arms…no flex in the back rail), flip the sofa over and get a feel for the number of springs and how they are braced…steep straps or what?).
Bottom-line: leather should wear well for years and years and years but to get years of wear you need a very good frame. You will find leather everywhere now from Costco, WalMart, to the best interior design shop in your local stores. Inexpensive leather is coming out of China now and is driving all leather prices down. Be careful and use your head….if the sofa you are looking at is less than $1,400 be careful….try to pick it up by hefting an arm…if it is very light weight don’t buy it….if the leather feels thin when you reach your hand in and check the cushion out don’t buy it… with boys, dogs, and lots of use don’t buy any of the unprotected leathers (aniline dyed or semi-aniline dyed leathers)((they mark easily)).
You mentioned the Hurricane! Are you close to Carolina? If so you may want to pop over and buy your leather directly at one of the factory outlets. I hope this will be a wonderful holiday season for you and the family and I hope you will enjoy my book. Contact me at any time if you have any more questions or concerns.
