Choosing a Quality Leather Sofa

iandv

Hi

When choosing a leather sofa, what questions should we be asking regarding its quality?, as I dont want to pay for something that will rip or the cushions will be out of shape within 2 years - So I am ruling out the likes of DFS, SCS, Harveys etc

What about Furniture Village or M&S - good quality sofas? For example what is the quality of this one like?....

http://www.furniturevillage.co.uk/Inventory/Upholstery/Ohio.aspx

Also can anybody recommend any good independent furniture retailers in the South West?

Many Thanks

*debbie*

Well, I can't say about any 'posh shops' - 10 years ago (actually 10 years and 1 month!) we bought a really cheap three seat and two seat leather sofa from land of leather. It came with a free swivel seat and was the grand total of £499 delivered. We needed it for Christmas, and hoped to get 3-4 years use out of it.
As I type, I am sitting on it! It has sagged a bit in the past year or two, but has coped with two dogs, two cats, four kids, me and DH!! I think it was an amazing bargain, and am seriously thinking of replacing it with another cheapie. That way I won't feel stressed about keeping it in prisine condition, and as foster carers, that is of vital importance!

geo555

Make sure that it is genuine leather, not eco-leather/ coated or bonded leather.

crayola

FWIW our DFS leather sofa has not gone out of shape in that timeframe at all, but I know that's a debate that will rage forever

bobble_1

Hi

I would ask the following questions
What is the frame made from (beech or birch is best not chipwood)
Does the base contain cardboard (in the arms)
Is the leather top grain or split (top grain is best avoid splits)
Can the cushion fillings be replaced easily if they wear

iandv

Just a quick question

What is the difference between the following types of leather on G Plan sofas, the salesperson was very helpful and as we have a 2 year old she recommended that we went for the cheaper "L Grade Corrected Leather' as it was more hard wearing than the N or P Semi Aniline leathers?

Any ideas on what the main differences are between

"L Grade Corrected Leather' and
"N Grade Semi Aniline Leather' or "P Grade Aniline Leather" ?