04-20-2007 - Lori, The problem with your seams, is the manufacture probably didn't use double stitch or proper nylon seams. You'll always learn more in the buying experience when you have a problem with something, and next time you will know what to look for. Proper seam strength in the stitching is not one of the most talked about features when purchasing a leather sofa, but is very important, especially with attached backs. Depending on how long you've had this sofa, most factories will warrant this for 2 years, However this problem is fixable, but you have to take off the inside back panel and restitch from the inside with the proper strength nylon, depending on the thickness of your leather. I would use a professional reupholster for repair. We have used "diversified upholstery" and "expert leather repair" in the past for leather repair, but call around and get pricing, they're some companies in town that seem to be a rip off.    « less

04-30-2007 - Brian, it would be cost prohibitive to recover you sofa in leather, It takes approximately 50 square ft of leather to cover a sofa. Factoring in the labor and the Materials cost your sofa would probaly cost twice what you paid for it to be recovered in leather. If you just need minor repair and cleaning I would a leather restoration specialist in Winston Salem. I really don't know who to recommend, but their are alot of listings in your market. Call some of the furniture stores and ask them who they use to repair leather and this might guide you to the most reputable sevice.   « less

04-30-2007 - Brian, if you have a digital camera, I would suggest trying ebay, especially if they are estate quality pieces. It takes a little more work, but you would probably get the most money for your furniture. Their are other internet sites like furnituretrader.com you can try as well. Option 2 would be the classifieds in the News Sentinel, which could create alot of phone calls and people wanting to barter. Optional 3 would be a local used furniture store, which would probably offer you the least amount. Generally you asking price should be unfortunately about 1/3 of you purchase price if their in good condition. And option 4, you can donate to a charity and get a tax deduction . option would be to list your items in the News Sentinel classifieds.   « less

05-07-2007 - Ann, I'm sorry you've had this problem, its not supposed to be this hard to buy furniture. "Stevens furniture" website states they have been in business for 38 years. You can't be in business this long if you don't take care of you customers. If a factory authorized repair person acknowleged you have a defective design within the warranty period, their is no reason the retailer wouldn't help you out of this situation, the factory should refund or take back the defective leather sofa and allow you to reselect for a new one. It shouldn't be a problem for "Stevens" because they can get full credit back from the factory. I would find out who the "Lane" sales representative is for that market, he is the one who can make the decison about your furniture. If that doesn't work, contact "Furniture brands international" corporate headquarters, They are the parent company of Lane. If this problem is as bad as discribed, it might take a little more work, but they should understand your problem and the amount of hard earned money you've spent on their product. Usually these big publically traded companies will take care of their customers, they don't like bad press.   « less

05-22-2007 - I wouldn't worry too much about the quality of Lane, They seem to make a good product for the money. Just like any furniture company, they have different levels of quality. They seem to have a good warranty on their product and put it in writing. The retail price is bogus, but a Lane Sofa for $600 in a quality microfiber seems to be a good buy. No manufacture is problem free, it really depends on who you buy it from and how they handle their customers should a problem exist. One way you can usually find out if the sofa has a quailty frame is to check and see if the legs are built into the frame, not screw on legs. Also ask the salesperson about the density of the fire retardent foam in the seat cushion(should be 2.0 or better). When sitting in the sofa, make sure each cushion sit even from one end to the other.( No sagging in the ends. Hopefully this will help you make you decision    « less

06-08-2007 - Cathy, by your description, it doesn't seem this sofa was tailored right. It would be helpful if you could send me an image of your sofa and I can better analyze the leather. You can send it to pom@mindspring.com    « less

06-19-2007 - Their is a new fabric on the market called Crypton. Its a especially engineered fabric with an integrated moisture barrier that promises permanent performance. No stains, No spills with a five year warranty against stains, spills, moisture, bacteria, and odor's. I personally inspected samples of this fabric in the spring furniture market and was amazed. It feels as great as it looks, comes in many different textures: Suedes, Prints, Twills, Chenille's and even velvets. It's so new it hasn't hit mainstream yet. It seemed a little expensive, but so was microfiber when it first came out, now you can find it everywhere. I know Crate and Barrel sells it, and I believe Flexsteel as well. To find out more about this fabric go to cryptonfabric.com.    « less

06-19-2007 - I would suggest purchasing a deodorizer which uses enzymes to destroy smells caused by body odor and other materials. It does this by consuming the matter which causes the smell. This will give your furniture and upholstery a pleasant scent.    « less

06-21-2007 - The two companies you mentioned are good brands, but I would personally recommend Italian leathers as my first choice because they have the best leather tanning facilities in the world. I would look at a full grain aniline leather with protection. Full grain leather is the most genuine type of leather, as it retains all the original texture and markings of the original hide. Most of the Full grains are processed in Italy. The two most popular leather companies in Italy are "Natuzzi"(which is a little pricey) but great craftsmenship and "Softline" which in my opinion for the price range your looking for is you best best. If you would like to see softline, we carry this brand at "Brown Squirrel" and Natuzzi is at "Bradens". In Italy Leather is their heritage and they take pride in their craftsmanship just like their leather shoes and pocketbooks. It is very important to ask the sells person what type of leather you are looking at. Basically you have Four types: (1). Full grain, (2)semi aniline or protected leather (Which is also a good choice), this is a anilined dyed leather which has been corrected and has more consistent color, (3)Pigmented or painted leather (Stay away from). Alot of companies use this process to save cost and is less durable. (4)Nubuck, which is a suede type natural leather but isn't resistent to stains. Their are alot of leather companies but only a few have really great leathers. Their are also some brands you probably haven't heard of that also have great leather and features. LG-interiors is a company we also carry which uses Italian leathers, with 8-way hand tied coil spring foundation, coil spring seats, down in the seats and backs. The best advice I can tell you is to shop several dealers with good leather selections and ask questions about the hand of leather and construction of the frame. Does it sit comfortable? Is the leather Soft? Generally the softer the leather, the better the grade.    « less

07-02-2007 - One theory about cats is if something doesn't pose a challenge for a cat's claws, it doesn't interest them. They tend to go for things that are wicker, rattan and stuff that really gives them a workout. Smooth fabrics work best. One of the best is velvet as well as microfiber. The Fabric should be as tight weave as possible so it won't snag as well as preventing hair getting caught in them. We've had lots of customers who have bought microfiber fabrics for a pet friendly environments and have been very satisfied. Another recommendation would be washable slipcovers which can be sized to your sofa or have a special animal blanket made for your sofa.   « less