How about Martha's line of Signature furniture for the middle range stuff?
I don't know how the sofas rate, but my sister has a Martha dining room table and its gorgeous. Not sure what she paid (she got it at Foremost in NYC) but the whole line is great in that restrained-waspy-Ralphish way.

I stopped in Hold Everything over the weekend, and they have a cute sofa on sale for something like $899 that comes in 3 colors.

What about Ligne Roset? I'd think they'd be in there in the higher end category. For what it is worth.

De la Espada and B&B Italia have my kind of esthetic. The kind my pay-check do not allow me to purchase.

Has anybody delt with www.funkysofa.com or their sister site, www.modernsofa.com ? A couple of the models are intreaguingly non-hideous and I'm wondering what the service is like.

As beautiful as B&B sofas are, they are not always well made. I know someone who had a Charles that showed unusual structural wear-and-tear after a few years. B&B actually told them that once it is installed, it should never be moved.

I would also have to agree with Jenny, who mentioned Ligne-Roset. While I don't like their sleeper, futon-esque models, the new Feng, and others are pretty fab. And at less than 1/2 the price of a comparable B&B, I think it is a good value at the high end.

And on the plus side, higher-end furniture retains its value much better than the mid-to low manufacturers.

Finally, on a personal note. I'm just not sure what the fascination with DWR is. Their products are overpriced (I bought a lamp at Crate & Barrel that was 50% less than the same product at DWR), service is terrible, and the quality nothing special.

The B&B showroom is my temple.

I like the boconcept sofas because if it's modularity. It's nice to be able to configure the way I need it when space is so tight in the city. I'd say the price is somewhere between lower and middle.

Needless to say I am a big fan of B&B Italia
www.apartmenttherapy.com/main/archives/001755.html

Looked at MDF Italia, Cappellini, Edra, Moroso and kept coming back to B&B Italia. They simply have the best looking sofas but I had to wait for the redesigned Dadone to come out before I jumped (the previous version had the base cusion subdivided with deep "cuts" as opposed to the single piece on the one that came out in 2003). Can't speak for the longevity - we've only had the sofa for a couple of years but both pieces get daily abuse from twin toddlers and survived a crane insertion and subsequent extraction through a 4th floor window yet the whole thing still looks like new.

BTW, I hope Maxwell doesn't mind but I love your site Kim - right up my, ahem, alley - though I see we don't agree on the chocolate brown ;o)

Thanks. It's a combination of color and fabric that makes it work, and then only in the right context.

macy's actually has a good selection of sofas. i would be it in your "middle" category.

I'd also suggest Baker Furniture, falling somewhere at the top of the middle range and/or well within the top range, depending on whose (designer) line you end up selecting. The showroom in TriBeCa is the best way to buy, and they have great seasonal sales.

Speaking of Macy's I was astonished to see, about 18 months ago, a flyer/catalog depicting an almost identical copy of the B&B Italia Charles sofa in sectional form in Crimson (there were only two color choices and I forget the other one). This was not only copyright infringment but also a major departure from their normal wares of overstuffed, bulky sofas. I never saw it again so I guess the B&B lawyers were quick off the mark.

One more to add to the mix, high end... George Smith (georgesmith.com). Currently having a relocation sale.

I recently was sofa shopping all around NY and finally settled on Ligne Roset's Snowdonia. In the color and leather I wanted, it was going to cost my over $6000. I added some other things from there and put a deposit down of $3500. Well, I couldn't sleep after that and I just *knew* there was a great looking/comfortable sofa out there that was less expensive. Anyway, to make along story short I found it at Natuzzi in SoHo. They are the largest manufacturer of leather upholstered furniture in the world and their quality/style/comfort/price are unmatched. I cancelled Ligne Roset and get an Italian leather sofa, coffee table, custom made cushions and 2 ottoman cubes all for less than my deposit at Ligne Roset. Check Natuzzi out! Awesome stuff.

(not affiliated with them in any way, just a happy customer.)

just wanted to say the comment about the B&B not being well made. The frames are steel....almost eveyone else is wood. the foam is cold-foam and is molded around the frame. i really do not believe that anyone from B&B would tell someone not to move it as I have had Charles bed, sofa etc from the company and have moved NUMEROUS times and have used them for years. most times it is people who destroy things. you still can destroy an expensive car as well as you can an expensive piece of furniture.

Has anybody bought/sat in a Jackson sofa at Room and Board? I'm in northern New England and can't (easily) get down to the NYC showroom for a tryout. I'd really love some feedback on the comfort factor. Thanks, whoever!

Dorothy,
I just went to Room & Board in Soho yesterday, and I did sit in the Jackson sofa upholstered in Bison leather. I thought it was very comfy. The seat is neither too firm nor too soft, and the leather is really nice and buttery. However, sofa preferences are very personal. A couple I know has a B&B Charles sectional. The husband finds it uncomfortable because it's too deep, but the wife likes the depth because she can curl up on it. Also, I have a friend who has a sofa, which he likes but I find the seat too firm and too deep. YMMV.

m, I'm pleased to hear your take--really I just wanted to be sure the thing wasn't hard as a board, since naps are a constant temptation. I appreciate the effort and expertise of your posterior. Thanks so much.

The Neo sofa at DWR is very comfortable and well made. Nice modern design and price isnt that bad.

Does anyone own a Comfort Sleeper sofa from American Upholstery/American Leather? Their technology seems to make sense. I was thinking of getting one to replace the bed in my studio apartment. Can one sleep on these every night? Where would I get the best price? Something tells me Macy's is not the place to go. Thanks!

Just wanted to thank Patrick for his support of Baker Furniture as I'm the one down there selling it!

Don't buy anything from Macy's or Bloomie's as far as furniture! They are usually buying furniture from manufacturers like Baker and marking the price way up. Save money by going directly to the manufacturer.

Most of the stuff I've seen there is cheap imports anyways.

I guess I am in the minority here, but I must post these two questions in regards to sofas. 1. Why has no one mentioned Jennifer Convertibles? My budget is limited and their prices are affordable. Is it because the quality of the sofas are not up to par? 2. Does anybody know about the durablity of microfiber or microsuede? Even with the fabric protection added in, it must require lots of maintenance to keep the nap clean, smooth and tidy. Personally, I hate it, but for some reason every store in the U.S. are making sofas from this material.

Does anyone know of a good narrow sleeper sofa that will get in the 28" door of our guest room?

We're moving into a new apartment and want to get a sleeper sofa for the second bedroom. Almost bought a nice one, then double-checked the measurements and realized it wouldn't fit. We're having a hard time finding anything narrower than 30" at the narrowist. Any suggestions?

We too own a B&B sofa and just love it. It's a gorgeous piece of furniture that is very well made. I haven't heard of anyone saying that it shouldn't be moved from our local dealer. A very nice sofa indeed (pricey, whoa!) but it fit the bill perfectly for the San Francisco, open air, loft-like, California space we needed it for.

I have never bought a couch before and have something particular in mind - thank you all for your contributions to this article - they have really helped my research!

Regarding Jennifer Convertibles. When I did a search for them on the web, I found this Consumer Affairs series of web pages with incredible stories of bad, bad service and professionalism. Take it for what its worth, I haven't had any first hand experience with them:

http://www.consumeraffairs.com/furniture/jennifer.html

How about a $499 Sofa? from JC Penney (actually $399 sometimes; might be a mistake, but, i clicked & they delivered).

http://www4.jcpenney.com/jcp/ProductsHOM.aspx?DeptID=25438&CatID=26011&CatTyp=DEP&ItemTyp=G&GrpTyp=ENS&ItemID=0c4d3bd&ProdSeq=5&Cat=sofas-loveseats&Dep=Home+Furnishings&PCat=sofas+%26+chairs&PCatID=26010&RefPage=ProductList&Sale=&ProdCount=14&RecPtr=&ShowMenu=&TTYP=&ShopBy=0&RefPageName=WindowSolutionHOM%252Easpx&RefCatID=26010&RefDeptID=25438

OK, I know what you hi-falutin types are thinking but get this; I ordered this in Beige (not that nasty pink color) and it was delivered for under $500. My brother had it next to a Crate Barrel Cameron Sofa ($1600+) and he said they looked the same in quality & scale (heavy solid feel, chunky legs, track arm style, etc).

How did i find this? well my doctor had it in his waiting room and I asked him.

Also their $349 Club Cigar Chair / Ottoman can't be beat; they delivered that too for $500, with an ottoman. I know it bi-cast leather (real leather treated) with some pleather side panels. But for most young-types your Crate/Pottery/Restoration/Room&Board Club chairs are a bit too huge in scale & will be scratched up/spilt on/stained in your transition living and you will question why you spent $1500-1800 on it, when this gets you 80% there for 33% of price and you can sell it used for $250 to a newbie in 5-10yrs.

http://www4.jcpenney.com/jcp/ProductsHOM.aspx?DeptID=25438&CatID=28273&CatTyp=DEP&ItemTyp=G&GrpTyp=PRD&ItemID=0d17237&ProdSeq=1&Cat=chairs&Dep=Home+Furnishings&PCat=Sofas+%26+Chairs&PCatID=26010&RefPage=ProductList&Sale=&ProdCount=20&RecPtr=&ShowMenu=&TTYP=&ShopBy=0&RefPageName=WindowSolutionHOM%252Easpx&RefCatID=26010&RefDeptID=25438

i had a great experience with the door store -- we got a beautiful, well-made microsuede couch for around $800, which included delivery to brooklyn! friendly, knowledgable sales staff too.

hey,
I like jennifer convertibles. I ordered from their Klaussner line and did a custom order. Great solid stuff. Later I found out that macy's sells the same thing as does Roche Bobois for almost 3-5 times as much what I paid for it. I say theres nothing wrong with saving money. I recommend Jennifers Convertibles

You guys are missing the boat... the best kept furniture secret on the internet is http://www.clubfurniture.com Get North Carolina quality leather, fabric, and slipcover furniture at a big discount.

About to plunk down $1600+ on the Cameron Sleeper from Crate and Barrel after looking at Room and Board (Metro), Troy (Crate), and so forth. Has anyone heard anything about it?

Roger, Saw it and sat on it yesterday in Chicago. So comfy and very attractive. I say go for it!

Does anyone have experience with apt-ny sofas? We want a modern sofa bed, that's comfortable to sit on. I particularly like their lounge sofa and their formula sofa. Their prices are reasonable, mid-end I guess. Is the quality OK?

You missed my favorite - HighTower!

http://www.hightoweraccess.com/pricelist/index2.html

My husband and I moved into our new apartment but our couch didn't make it. It was too big to manuver into the halls. So we donated it and started looking for a new couch. We found a nice "apartment size" sleeper sectional couch at (www.downtownfurniturenyc.com). We bought a Divon couch (www.divon.com) - they are modular pieces and are put together in your apartment. They take up to 4 weeks for delivery and set up. the store delivered and set up for free too. We're very happy with it.

for anyone having problems getting sofa into doorways - I had the arms of mine cut off to fit into the elevator. It was put back togerher perfectily - amazing what upholsteres can do. B

I work for a great store in Ct. called Lillian August. Our Norwalk Ct.store is 3 minutes from the metro north station and is 60,000 square feet of furniture emporium. We'll be running an upolstery sale in March and there is a warehouse outlet store in South Norwalk that has 40-70% off all the time. Come see us!!

I am sofa-obsessed. When I was 10, I fell in love with Ligne Roset's Togo, and vowed I woud get it as my first move-out sofa. I did. Seventeen years later, it is woefully in need of replacement. With kids and older parents, it now seems like the perfect family room/tv room sofa.

After much hemming, hawing and trips to furniture stores, I have picked the perfect sofa for the second phase of my adult life (and beyond): one by Axel Vervoordt (off the top of my head, it is the M1011, but I could be wrong). It goes with everything -- modern, antique -- is solidly built (made with horsehair), and really fits with the Belgian aesthetic that I seem to have these days -- sort of a stripped-down and streamlined Dagwood Bumstead very bourgeoisie sort of look. Plus, they have the most gorgeous Belgian linen slipcovers...

Check this site.
We have one . Very good quality and plenty of storage.http://www.wiederusa.com/

WIEDER is a surprise - in spite of its minimalist looks it offers excellent comfort, thanks to high quality filling and wooden slats in the seat. Roomy and comfortable while not taking up too much space. Even more surprising is the ease with which the sofa converts into a double bed.

How do people feel about Pottery Barn? I was surprised that Crate and Barrel is listed, but not Pottery Barn.

To: Posted by Dorothy at 03/18/05 5:52 PM & Posted by Dorothy at 03/21/05 9:23 AM. I am curious if you ever bouth the Kacson Sofa at Room and Board. I was in the store yesterday, admired it, and was thinking of buying two. Any feedback?

I was thinking of going to jennifer sofas...any thoughts?

what is the middle range leather couch run????

cheap sofas - manhattan with free delivery

try www.downtownfurniturenyc.com they will make a custom sofa for you in 2 weeks ...delivered the showroom is not much ....scan the website for what you want ...then go in

Has anyone purchased any upholstered furniture from klaussner in the last year? I saw an upholstered loveseat & sofa by them that I want to buy & after reading pages of posts from disgruntled customers on GRUMBLETEXT, I'm a little leary.

Is anyone familiar with STAGE DOOR in putnam & dutchess county? How are they one service, quality of merchandise carried?

I got a sofa and matching chair and loveseat at Jenifer Convertables for $799. They look modern and blend in well with my funkyer decor. Had them for 2 years and they still look great.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/84995794@N00/98117429/in/set-72057594062445393/

for those of you who were thinking about jennifer's convertibles, i'd definitely be wary. they've been sued by the state of new jersey for fraud allegations, and multiple customers have had very bad experiences with them. google them and you'll see. here are a few:

http://www.realestateabc.com/insights/jenniferfurniture.htm

http://www.consumeraffairs.com/furniture/jennifer.html

I have a klaussner couch and i love it. I customized the legs i wanted and the colour. Its stain guarded, etc. Ordered it from from Katz Bros in Manhattan, after seeing it in a shop in Nj. Took a few pics of the couch in the NJ shop, and emailed them to katz with colour and leg specs. They got me a great deal on the couch and delivery...

macy's furniture (leather chairs) are of high quality. It will last a long time and still look like brand new.

ABC Home has to be put on this list...by far the best store in new york city...

Do not buy from Jennifer Convertible...
If you do not belive me then try
http://www.stanford.edu/~dru/jenniferconvertibles.html
still do not belive.. go check http://BBB.ORG ...

Again do not make the mistake I made...I wish they were a decent company with decent products.

http://www.newyork.bbb.org/reports/businessreports.aspx?pid=44&page=1&id=200

Government Actions

In December 2001, New Jersey State's Division of Consumer Affairs sued Jennifer Convertibles in response to consumer complaints regarding defective merchandise, false advertising claims, non-delivery of goods, failure to honor product warranties and failure to provide refunds. The case is currently pending. Under a 1998 consent order by the New York Attorney General, this firm agreed to resolve all outstanding complaints previously filed with the Attorney General's office and the BBB. The company also agreed to pay a _$70,000 civil penalty. By entering into the consent order, the company has admitted to no wrongdoing. In April 2004, Attorney General Eliot Spitzer announced the filing of a motion of contempt against Jennifer Convertibles for its alleged non-compliance with a 1998 court order forbidding the company to engage in deceptive business practices. Complaints filed with the Attorney General's office before and after the 1998 order alleged that Jennifer Convertibles failed to provide refunds for damaged or defective furniture, failed to repair or replace defective merchandise, and did not honor guarantees and warranties. In July 2004, NY Attorney General Eliot Spitzer announced a consent order and judgment against this firm. The judgment permanently enjoins this firm from engaging in deceptive, fraudulent or illegal business practices, and requires the company to make significant reforms to its sales practices and customer service operations. In addition, the company will pay $277,000 in penalties and costs. Under this judgment, the firm must: 1) give consumers full notice of their rights for damaged or defective goods or to choose to have the merchandise repaired or replaced 2) honor its warranties and guarantees and disclose any restrictions 3) maintain a toll-free telephone number for consumer inquiries. In October of 2005, the New York City Department of Consumer Affairs sought over $185,000 in total fines and consumer restitution from this firm and three other major other furniture retailers in the New York Metropolitan area. Responding to a pattern of complaints from consumers, the DCA cited a number of violations including bogus return policies, deceptive promotions, defective merchandise, missed or non-deliveries, selling used items as new, and failure to resolve consumer complaints.

Thanks
Troy
http://realestatepress.org

Jennifer sofas?? Pay them up front, & you might get your sofa in 2-3 months or you might never get it?? If you do, it will probably be defective. Read the reports on consumeraffairs.com !!! Thank God for that web site!! It sure saved me from wasting my hard earned money!! They have court orders against them it's so bad.

Check this site.
We has a lot of styles and excelent quality. Modus Custom Sofas

www.moduscustomsofas.com/

What about Cassina? Roche Bobois? Higher then high end?

Its so hard to get a high end sofa, a really good looking well designed sofa, that is really comfortable. I find the B&B and most other Italian makes to be a little too clean cut and cold- they don't make you want to sink into them at the end of a long day...

I've looked around the world for one, and finally found a great Italian company called Flexform.
(http://www.flexform.it). I bought a great looking sofa which I (and all my guests!) want to sink into as soon as I look at it.

They have a showroom in New York, (the Poliform showroom, the same building as B&B, on east 58th street).

highly recommended!

We had a terrible experience with funkysofa.com. Our sofa was not the right material, and the delivery was supposed to be 'white glove' which cost $350....we ended up carrying our sofa up the steps and into our loft only to discover the wrong material. That was in Sept. 06......we're still trying to get the proper fabric. I do not recommend!

There is also Jensen-Lewis on 7th Avenue at 15th Street. They carry American Leather and also a new line called Incanto that are both top of the line when it comes to Leather Sofas. Unlike B&B, DDC and other crazy expensive stores like that, Jensen-Lewis is actually fair priced.

Their website is actually http://www.jensen-lewis.com I believe.

In the UK, you should check out from cheap sofas at Suite Success. There is a wide range of fabric and leather suites, as well as beds, sofabeds, and dining furniture.

In the UK, you should check out from cheap sofas at Suite Success. There is a wide range of fabric and leather suites, as well as beds, sofabeds, and dining furniture.

http://www.suitesuccess.co.uk

Excelent Quality Sofas

I found out that MODUS sells the same thing as does Roche Bobois and Ligne Roset for almost 3-5 times less.
Try www.moduscustomsofas.com they will make a custom sofa for you in 2 weeks ....scan the website for what you want ...then go in.

Wanted the B&B Charles for our living room, but settled on the Bensen Neo sectional in Alcantara due to price. The Neo is a very good sofa if you have it upholstered in a quality fabric (don't go with the low grade fabrics @ DWR).

Now we are looking for a larger sectional for our family/media room. Would love the Ligne Roset Togo, but can't afford multiple pieces.

Bloomingdales has a new mid century looking sectional called the Fulton. We like the look very much, but are concerned that the quality of construction will not hold up. It is made by Max Home LLc in the U.S.

Unfortunately, it seems hard to find stylish pieces in the midrange!

I think a lot of charity shops do great work in selling furniture. If you look around you can find some incredibly varied shop with cheap beds not just sofas, and other bits of furniture.

http://furniture-beds-info.blogspot.com/

This site provides some good inside knowledge on the furniture trade.

I would throw High Fashion Home in the mix.

http://www.highfashionhome.com

there's always craigslist...

A trip to Ligne Roset is more bitter than sweet. While the furniture is well made and very comfortable & attractive, their pieces are very pricey.

RESTORATION HARDWARE has a beautiful selection of sofas (as well as other furniture), although I cannot attest to their furniture quality.

.....Troy closed a few years ago. How are they still on the list?

Another vote for Flexform as a high end candidate. My wife and I were looking for a minimalist looking but cushy feeling sofa this past year and must has sat in 50 sofas in four countries. We felt like Goldilocks: too hard, too soft, rarely just right. Most of the ones that looked good to us (le.g., the Bensen Neo mentioned above), were too hard to sit in. Flexform has several sofas that passed the cushy test. Also consider Living Divani, another high end Italian sofa - their Family Life and Box sofas also fit our cushy requirements.

Eh...Perhaps stop into the Conran Shop? Not seeing anyone mention that here.

My best find in all these years is my Perobell Sofa from Spain. Incredible. Oberon is the style. Every single person that has layed or sat on this has been in awe with the comfort. It is very deep also.

http://www.designprovision.co.uk/sofas/perobell_sofas.html

What's great you will only see this in design mags not someone elses apt. First rule of design. It all starts with the sofa. Go big there cut corners on storage and wood related products. Meaning ikea does just fine for bookshelves, etc.

I have purchased from an online manufacturer called simplicity sofas. You can see their product here: http://www.simplicitysofas.com

They have apartment size high-quality sofas, not IKEA quality. They also have full size living room furniture too. I buy the groups for my condos. The sets arrive in boxes so you can easily get them up stairs or elevators. I assembled the sofa in 10 minutes!! No tools needed. And the quality is awesome. It is all MADE IN THE USA too! High Point, NC

They specialize in small scale sofas and ready-to-assemble sofas, and offer a choice of 50 different fabrics as well as optional slip covers. You can give them your own fabric too! Check it out.

I didn't check through all the many comments already posted but I have to mention this website...if you live on the East Coast, its free shipping! http://www.carolinagirlfurniture.com

I would like to offer one store where I got a great sectional sofa. This store isn't so popular and it hasn't got Super luxurious furniture. Most of the sofas are affordable and qualitative enough.

All this raving about the Charles sofa from B&B...As an unfortunate owner of this terrible piece of furniture, I say find something else! It's uncomfortable and it's cushions needs to be plumper up permanently for it to look half decent. Worse still, the cushion cover rotates round the seat cushion, giving the impression that the stuffing is depleted along the front edge. Finally, its pièce de résistance: the chaise longue skids away from the sofa when you sit on it. Don't waste your money. It looks great at the moment of delivery, thereafter, it looks and feels like a whore's mattress.

I can't believe Shabby Chic hasn't been mentioned! All their pieces are custom made in the US, and they're the most comfortable, practical slipcovered pieces sofas you'll ever have. Probably in the higher end price range, but definitely worth it. Been loving mine since 2004! I know they closed down for a little bit of time, but I think they've reopened on Mercer Street in Soho.

I would add Zin Home Sofas to that list. High End Sofas and Sectionals with more affordable prices.
http://www.zinhome.com/simena-sectional-sofa/
http://www.zinhome.com/florence-style-loft-sofa/
http://www.zinhome.com/simena-sofa/