apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

Quality should be comparable. They're both probably made in North Carolina. Wear depends largely on the fabric you choose. I prefer the Francine, only b/c i like low arms.

All three are lovely in their own way. I would love to know what the rest of your place looks like and also what type of upholstery fabric you plan to use. For me, this information would be critical to make the decision.

Without any further info -- I pick the Ethan Allen one only because I like the one solid seat cushion.

Where's the Hudson?

If it helps break the tie any, you can also compare the eco-policies of the two companies. MG is-- and has always been-- environmentally responsible. And their products are indeed made in the US.

I personally don't like skirts on furniture. I love the quality if MG sofas. I almost bought an MG, then got an R&B instead -- without a flop test of any kind. I love my R&B.

Of the two I can see, I like the Ethan Allen sofa better for the legs and solid seat cushion.

Ethan Allen has absolutely no green policies. Also, the Hartwell may have to be taken apart to get into your apartment. Fabric choices can get very expensive with Ethan Allen.

Mitchell Gold Hudson is here:
http://www.mitchellgold.com/hudson_UPH.asp

Do you have existing end tables? End tables should always be the same height as the arm of the sofa/chair which it's next to - too tall and the table looks spindly and you will knock your elbow, too low and it will be difficult to set down your cocktail (if you don't spill it)

Do you take naps on the sofa? Do you sit upright with your feet on the floor or do you sit sideways to read? Medium height arms are more comfortable for propping up pillows to lounge - higher arms make you sit up more and lower arms can allow the throw pillows to slide off the end of the sofa when you're reclining.

Someone mentioned a slab cushion: larger seat cushions can often result in rumpled-looking fabric depending on the quality/content of the cushion and the weight of the fabric.

Personally, given your preferences I'd choose the Mitchel Gold Baxter
http://www.mitchellgold.com/baxter_sf.asp

Thanks for all the suggestions.

We're in the process of a total redesign and want to start with the couch. Colors are still up in the air but it will likely be neutral with amazing accent pillows. (Bepsf, thanks for the tip on the end tables - read that somewhere but forgot.)

We're not couch-skirt people but we assumed (maybe wrongly?) that the skirt v. exposed legs was an option. That may make the choice easier. Thanks again. I'm sure we'll have future questions popping up here as we continue on this journey.