Decisions, decisions..

As many of you are doing (or have done) I'm shopping for a new sofa and recliner.

I'm wondering if anyone out there owns any of the pieces I'm considering and is willing to give feedback, good or bad.

Both pieces will be Hancock & Moore.

I'm almost certain I'm going to choose the Evening sofa, but the other 2 choices are the September and the Kodiak.

The recliner is a bit harder for me, so if anyone has one, please chime in! :)

Harbison, Abbott, Campbell are a few I'm considering. If you have a different model that you think is the best, I'm all ears too..

Thanks for your help everyone!

Rob

H&M Evening/September/Kodiak. All popular sellers and they all sit well. Among those three I'd say pick the style you like best, because they will not sit all that much different in my opinion.

On the recliners, my fav is still the # 1044 Sadler. The Harbison has a HUGE, 1-piece back cushion on it, and that will 'wrinkle' from some leather stretching over time, so if you don't like that look, skip that one. The others are good picks (but not as good as the Sadler!)

Thanks Duane, was thinking that there probably wasn't a significant difference in the way the sofas sit when you're talking such top of the line choices. I like the fact that the evening has a slightly curved back profile, gives it some character. And also the fact that it's so long - 69" inside - Plenty of room to stretch out fully. :)

I love everything about the sadler except the footrest when it reclines. It looks a little small in proportion to the rest of the chair to me. I hope I don't sacrifice too much comfort for looks..

1 more question - What is the major difference between a bustleback vs. a regular back? Is it mainly looks?

Thanks SO much!!! :)

Ahh...but the Sadler has a tuck-under extension! Here's photos of my well-used # 1044 I have in my home (Kipling Whiskey) that shows the extension.

Bustle Backs are all about the comfort. Nothing really beats them as they have the dual pillow backs to sit back upon. Flat panel recliners can't hold a candle to them and then there is the leather stretch pocketing issue as they age. Button Tufted backs are much better than flat panel backs in this regard as well and are a good second choice to a bustle back style.

I too am shopping for a H&M sofa. I am only 5'1" tall and my husband and son are about 5'9" tall. I need a sofa that does not sit too deep or cushions that don't pitch too far back. I cannot go anymore than 86"wide. I have seen the September in person but also wanted to get your opinion on the Austin 8234NB, the Downes 1847 or the City 9840. Also, regarding the leather I saw samples of the Document saddle and sable but if I read your posts correctly you recommend some others over these. I would like something in that general color range. What do you consider to be the Most "bullet proof" leather? I have 3 cats. They do not have front claws but still have backs. I want the best protected leather. Would you be able to give me any pricing on these sofas in a grade 1 and 2 protected leather? Thank You.
My other question is that someone else also recommended a Bradington-Young 674 Hartford sofa. Do you know anything about it? How do the finished B-Y leathers compare to H&M protected leathers? I really appreciate your assistance.

I hate to tell you this, but what will fit you at 5' 1" so that your feet will touch the floor is almost non-existent. I have a couple of Leathercraft recliners that are designed for petite women but that's all that comes readily to mind. Sometimes we can take an existing sofa and lower the seat height by an inch or so without having to rebuild the entire frame (I have a H&M Parisian getting delivered this weekend that we did a 1" drop on for these same reasons).

The September is a medium to large sofa, you may not like it because of size. 8234 Austin I've not had real good luck with - back pitch and large single cushions that stretch and pocket over time. 1847 Downes is good. I think you would like that. The City 9840 likewise, its not overly large.

Any of the Protected leathers with a 2 Serviceability will give you the same overall protection (which are not claw-proof, btw). Protected leather means resistance against spills and stains. The best is Antelope, a class 3 hide. Equestrian is another class 3 that is thick and sturdy - it feels like saddle leather and will make some noise (squeaks). I also like Fenway, a class 2. In class 1, only Columbia.

Sample pricing:

1847 Downes:

Grade 1: $ 3,045
Grade 2: $ 3,577
Grade 3: $ 3,934

9840 City Sofa:

Town and Country Cavalier Henna or Mocha: $ 2,099 M/C
Class 1: $ 2,765
Class 2: $ 3,262
Class 3: $ 3,612

Leather is Leather. As long as its top grain, its all very similar from various makers. Some even use the same leather supplier and just rename it to suit them.

Hey Duane - I see the Evening listed in the table of contents for the T&C program, but don't see a pic anywhere in the sticy thread. Can you tell me what they are pairing with the Evening?

Evening sofa is not on T&C in leather, only in fabric as the model # 1514

ahh ok, thanks!

Thanks Duane. I had to laugh... Trust me I would love to have longer legs but I have to work with what I got. You know they say that good things come in small packages, right? Anyway, Thanks for the suggestions and pricing. I went to the H&M website and looked at the swatches for Antelope and Columbia. I see a few colors that might work. Have you seen either the Antelope Rust or Antelope saddle made up? Is one much redder than the other? I do like the look of the Downes sofa. Have you seen one in person? I do plan on having some type of a cocktail ottoman as well. I guess I can just rest my stubby legs on that. Do you think the Downes is the better choice between the City and the Downes?
Also, do you have any opinion on the Bradington Young 674 Hartford sofa? I am still trying to make a comparison. Thanks very much.

Sammysmoon... you can go to the Photo Gallery to see and Austin 8234 sofa in Antelope Saddle. This is a very nice leather choice. The photos you will see are from a piece approx. 4.5 years old at the time.

Good Luck in your choices

Cuse69 Thanks so much. That is a very nice looking leather.

I hear you, and know how frustrating it is to find a sofa that feels comfortable for you AND the men in the house. Most the time your feet will not be on the floor unless you get one small enough and then your husband and son won't like it. I even made a suggestion to the head people at H&M that they make a sofa with one side having an electric adjustable seat (similar to a power seat mechanism in a car). That way someone your side could bring it forward and down without moving the whole sofa. Not sure they thought my idea would sell, however.

I've had both the Downes and City comet through the store. I'm partial to the Downes because I like the attached back cushions and overall styling. THey will sit about the same, with the Downes being slightly firmer in the back vs. The City.

The B-Y is on a different level. The 674 is blocky looking, and dated. Also, I cannot stand the paneled back which to me screams 'cheap' ! You will never see that on an H&M, they don't use pieced up leather like that.

Hope that helps!

Thanks again Duane. I do like the styling of the Downes sofa too. Do you have any opinion on the Antelope saddle vs. Antelope rust? Is one much redder or browner than the other? I wondered about the cushion style with the seams on the B-Y. I was only going by a photo and have not actually seen one in person. You answered my question. I had asked a salesman about the cushions and he thought they looked just fine but I thought maybe not... I am going to try and do a little more leg work regarding the Downes sofa and hope to be able to make a decision within the next week or so. Your help is sincerely appreciated.

Saddle is a brown with a just a hint of red, and Rust is a true burgundy. Both handsome colors, just depends if you would like brown or burgundy.

Seams on the face of any cushion are a sign of cheapness in leather furniture. Its much more costly to use full, 1-piece hides per seating cushion area. They may tell you that its part of the 'design element' of the piece, but those of us in the trade peg 'em immediately as an economy move.

The Downes is a nice piece. Don't think you would be disappointed, especially in the Antelope hides.

Thanks again Duane. Then how does the antelope nugget compare to the saddle and rust? Also, how would you describe the Columbia Butternut? Sorry for all of these questions but I'm not sure how true a color my computer monitor shows. I would appreciate any input or comparisons you can make.

Sorry, Duane I also meant to inquire about the Columbia coffee vs. The Columbia butternut. Thanks.

Columbia is the best of the fully finished hides (you can see photos of several pieces in Colombia in PHOTO RESOURCES section of the LEATHER forum). Its class 1, but its not in the same league as Antelope.

Coffee is dark brown, Butternut is warm mid-tones.

sammysmoon... we replaced the Austin sofa and chair pictured on the Photo Gallery with a new Journal sofa and Grainger tilt back chair in Columbia Coffee. My wife wanted to redecorate and change the color scheme.
We like the color and hand of the Columbia and is a lit less glossy than the Antelope Saddle on the Austin pieces. The Antelope is certainly a great leather and seems at least to be to be a bit more substantial feeling and a bit more elegant, but the Columbia is indeed a very nice leather, especially for the price.
As a grade 1 it certainly compares well with any of the grade 2 leathers and even some of the grade 3s. I will post some new pictures when I get a chance to get the camera out.

Thanks Cuse69. I'm really looking forward to seeing those photos. Best of Luck with your new furniture. Enjoy!

Hi Duane,
I did a little more leg work today and was able to obtain samples of the Antelope saddle, Antelope wine and the Antelope rust. I also picked up a sample of Berkshire Merlot and Columbia blackberry. Now, of course my husband says what about the Antelope claret and harness. He thinks maybe some of the others look dark. Do you have any opinion on the Berkshire Class 2 leather? It seems pretty sturdy.
I also looked at some photos of ottomans and would like your opinion and possibly price on a few models. They are the:
084 Robinson
076 Somerset
I would want to price them in both the Class 2 and Class 3 leathers. Also, do you sell the trays to put on top of the ottomans and if so can you recommend some place online where I might view them?
I live in Bucks County,Pa and was also wondering approximately how much you think the delivery charge may be for a sofa and ottoman? Thanks again so much.

I have Berkshire in my house on an office chair. Its just OK, certainly thick enough but has a pebbly feel to it and not one of my favorites. Antelope is considerably nicer.

Both good cocktail ottomans. I tend to prefer button tufted myself, but the Robinson is great if you like the drawer space for storage underneath.

# 084

grade 2: $ 1,260
grade 3: $ 1,344

# 076

grade 1: $ 903
grade 2: $ 1,043

A sofa and ottoman to PA should run appx. $ 210 or so. No idea on trays offhand, sorry!

Thanks Duane. I guess I will eliminate the Berkshire. Can you please tell me the difference between the Antelope Claret and the Antelope Harness? It looks like my husband might like that color range.
I also wanted to ask if you think that the Somerset ottoman is a good height for the Downes sofa and would the Rogers bench be too high? So many questions... I really appreciate your help.

Just a color tone is all. Claret is a definite red/burgundy whereas Harness is a brown hide that has slight red tones to it.

A general rule on ottomans is you want them to be 2" less in height that the sofa/chair that you will be using them with. Just check the measurements and look for that in your selections and you'll be good to go.

Thank you. I will have to see if I can locate those additional Antelope swatches. I have another question for you. My family room is only 12.5' wide by 18' long. One wall is all brick with a fireplace. I have 2 upholstered recliner chairs in front of the fireplace. One of the walls perpendicular to that wall has my existing sofa. The wall directly across the sofa has a TV console. The 4th wall has a piano on it. My husband asked why we can't just replace the sofa with reclining chairs. In other words have no sofa in the room... Just 4 chairs. Would you ever do that or have you ever seen that done? I'm not so sure that I would like it although I see where he sees that it would probably open up the room. If you have any thoughts please feel free to share.

There is no right or wrong. Its what works for you and your family, that's all. Four recliners in a room as the only seating is not something I've seen in any residential layout before, however.

If you need samples from H&M, just PM me with what you want and your mailing address - I'll get them to you.

Thanks again Duane. I did send you an e-mail. Please let me know if you do not see it. I would love to obtain a few samples.

Hi Duane,
A few more questions. Have you ever seen the 9840 City sofa made up with studs added? I tend to prefer that look. Also, can you give me your opinion on the 2232 NB Austin Tilt back or any other tilt back chairs vs. the 1845/1844 Downes Chair & Ottoman and the 7039 Journey Lounger? Thanks so much.

Yes, I've done a number of City Sofas for customer with nail trim added. It looks nice!

The # 2232 Austin - I don't sell many of those. In fact, I've never sold the first one! Everyone who buys the Austin series in a tilt back buys the double pillow models.

I like the # 2047 Bradley Tilt Back to go with the Downes series. I've had several of those come through the store and they are excellent.