Thought I'd share that I recently bought a modern sofa from an Ottawa based company called MIKAZA HOME. I was really impressed with their service and prices. I think it's a mom and pop shop and they work out of their home, but the couch came in flawlessly and on time! They also have a great website!

Wouldn't pay more than $2K for a sofa. DH bought loveseat & sofa 4 yrs ago around $4k for both. It is very good quality - yes - no doubt. But in the event that you want to upgrade, nobody would buy it for half of what you paid. Plus with small children, it is advisable to not go for the expensive ones unless you really have the money. When kids are all grown up, it's probably wiser to buy an expensive good quality where you'll have more time to entertain guests & show off one of your best buys.

I would pay up to about $4000.00 for a sofa that I loved. I have a new leather I love that was $3500. and a fabric that was about $2500. for me it is more about style and comfort than cost we are emty nesters so our sofas don't get hard wear so comfort more than wearability for me.

I was thinking of buying an Ikea sofa can anyone give me any input?

Well, if you are talking about classic furniture, which has a resale value, than I would pay thousands of dollars. For example, if you buy a Knoll Barcelona couch, it would certainly keep a good part of its value, as well as it is definitely a better quality, which lasts longer.

Also, it is made in Canada... not China.

I'm am currently looking for a leather sofa. I saw one for around $3500. I certaininly look for comfort.  The sofa has to be a bit firm. The sitting height has to be the right and the sofa not too bulky. I wouldn't pay more than $4000 for a good set.

We have a mid range sofa and love seat, I love the material and shape - wish the seats were holding up a little better than they are after six years.  If I had more in my budget i.e. $4K plus I would probably purchase a more expensive but similar product.  I would also have washable slip covers made for summer and our dogs but that is hindsight.  Keep in mind that tastes and locations change and you are bound to make some mistakes along the way as you buy furniture for your home.  Mid range suits our lifestyle I'd rather spend more on original art and travel!

Has anyone tried "Barrymores"?  They will let you pick the furniture pieces and the fabric you like.  Just wondering about their quality and their prices?

Thanks.

In response to Julia Spittel's question about Barrymore furniture.  I purchased, believe it or not, a sofa and chair from Simpson's in Toronto when my husband and I were married 35 years ago and I just recently replaced it.  It is top-notch quality.  The frame was a traditional Lawson style.  It never goes out of fashion.  There furniture is solid and well-crafted.  You won't go wrong by purchasing a Barrymore sofa.

I am still using my Barrymore couch and chair that was purchesed 48 years ago. It has been recovered 3 times, and could use it again. I would like a smaller couch, but just can't part with it...classic style, never been changed.

My sister has a lovely red leather Ikea sectional sofa in her family room.

Totally durable but not all that comfortable to sleep on when the house is full.

If I didn't have cats I'd pay alot more but as it is I'd be willing to spend $1000 - 1500.

I am considering purchasing a chair and sofa from Stressless by Ekornes  (Norway).  They will cost about $6000 for the two.  I have never had leather before  and am concerned about durability, but as I am an empty nester..just me and the cat, I'm thinking it should be okay. Has  anyone else bought the Stressless products, and how  well do they stand up?  Also, how do people feel about leather versus microfibre?

I recently bought a quite cheap sofa (less than 500$) at Brick and barely can entertain in it, for it is so confortable, that everyone that sits on it, complements its confort, thinks I bought it for a high price, and falls asleep not long after the compliment. So, for those who come often, they now ask to sit on harder chairs. I bought it for the confort and now am paying for it. So for extra confort, there's no need to pay more then 4k for it.

Ikea is built for their showroom so buy now because it is cheap - period.  Great for a quick fix or students.

Comfortable - no.  Their foam quickly disintegrates- and it is not long wearing.  Great for staging!

I shop at Barrymore with my clients.  The best built quality, options and service and price is mid-range as far as the sofas you are showing above.  Also you are supporting your local economy - everything is done there on the spot!

That to me is very important.

Leather is terrific, and hard-wearing with kids, if its done on a good sofa.

I once owned an Ikea couch for two weeks.  I bought the Ektorp sofabed and returned it after it broke while my sister was pushing it aside to vacuum the carpet.  I learned that you get what you pay for.  I recently purchased a sofa from Montauk for over $6000 (cotton velvet upholstery and twill slip cover).  The down filled cushion is wonderful, hopefully it will last for many years.  I also the Knoll Barcelona series (bought a chair and ottoman) but I believe they are made in Italy and not Canada.

Just bought an IKEA sofa Ektorp bed for cottage -should I replace cushions right away with something denser? Liked it because I can get good slipcovers. I could use cushions as floor seats. any suggestions?

"Ektorp" is Swedish for uncomfortable.

We have a leather sectional and with two dogs it is great, we did however re-stuff ever cushion to a higher grade/denser foam because the original simply did not hold it's shape. That is going to the rec-room as we up-size from condo to house and we need GOOD but pet friendly living room furniture. Comfort and ease of care are crucial but I don't want leather everywhere.  We have two slipper chairs that simply didn't last from Lazy-boy and in my experience although they looked good, Lazy-boy stands for the effort they put into the materials and construction. One rung up from the student furniture from IKEA.

I bought what I thought was a leather sectional from a shop called Fine Furnishings in Hamilton for $1500.00. It was comfortable and perfect for my room but it started cracking in the areas where the cushions compress after about 4 months and also split at the side seam. Thats when I found out only the tops of the cushions were leather and the rest was a vinyl. So all I can say is whatever you buy research the product and the store thoroughly because there are so many places that just sell garbage and you might as well just throw your money away.

If you are looking for great quality leather furniture at a reasonable price, try Tannery Manor in Milton, ON. The gentleman can explain the different types and qualities of leather, the tanning process and you custom pick the style, colour, cushion firmness etc. I paid $2000 for an extremely good quality leather (with kids). We have a very large family with lots of visitors and are thrilled with it. My sister has 2 couches and a chair and a half in thier family room and it gets even more use (kids and a couch potato husband). They look fabulous and are super comfortable.

We purchased a Barrymore sofa four years ago and looks just as good

as it did directly from the factory.  I believe they make a very good

product.  We paid $1500.00 at the time.  It  should last as long as we

need a sofa.

Quality is very important-high price does NOT always mean quality. Five years ago, purchased an expensive, leather Lazy Boy chair. Has had the springs repaired 3 times, the chair is not "tight" anymore, the leather has worn through on several places on both arms. Just empty nesters here, no pets on furniture. Lazy Boy has changed, no longer the quality furniture it was. The 30 year old chair that this new one replaced was an incredibly SOLID chair in comparison. Check the warranties of new furniture, lazy boy's fabric or leather is guarrented for only 30days. Buyer beware.

Some suggest inexpensive and others will tell you to spend the big bucks but it all comes down to quality workmanship.  I purchased a sofa 25 years ago that lasted almost too long, I was sick to death of it.  I was fortunate enough to be able to have the arms rebuilt and the cushions changed and get a completely new look.  Was it worth the $3 grand I spent so long ago?  You bet it was!

I'd pay more than I paid for my current couch.  At the time, 6 years ago, $734 was a LOT of money to me.  The couch cushions sagged from day one...the back cushion is lumpy, out of shape.  I learned my lesson. This couch is going to stay until I've saved enough for a "grown up couch."  Quality construction and classic style.

I spent $40 on a Bauhaus couch and loveseat from Goodwill, then another $300 on quality foam and fabric (waited for the half-price sales), totally tore it apart to the frame and rebuilt it.  The trick is to buy quality furniture with a hardwood frame, and you can make it look great.  Plus - it is much more fun than simply buying something that anyone could get.  And, you get a "$3000+" set for a tenth the cost.  I would never buy new again!

I thank everyone for their comment. We are in need of a comfortable couch or chair for our very small family room. My neck and back have been hurting (requiring treatment at the chiro) since we both cuddle on a small couch to watch the news/movies. We are looking for something that would be equally comfortable for both of us, look nice and not cost an arm and a leg. We are considering selling our home in a couple years, so the furniture must . My inclination was not to go to Ikea as nothing holds it's value if you buy it there. Quality is another matter. Check out the ads! I am not a Brick fan, had my negative experience with them. We are an older couple, with no pets. Between conservative and contemporary style... Any suggestions for a store in or near Ottawa?

Has anyone noticed the order of the sample couches in articles are not as listed and one is missing.... it actually goes counterclockwise....

Thanks for letting us know about the error Nicole. The missing blue sofa from the list is the SOLO Sofa from EQ3.

Comfort is priceless so I think $3000 is reasonable but for a spurgle I'd do a Montauk for $7500

I hardly ever actually buy full price furniture: Freecycle, Craigslist and kijiji amply supply most of my needs, given our consmerist habits of throwing out perfectly good stuff. But when I do buy, the only place I buy from is Crate Designs of Chesley. The renewable-source wood has a beautiful finish, it's all Canadian, provides jobs in an area that used to be depressed when my parents lived there; for a reasonable charge they will deliver and put it all together for you very cheerfully (none of this extra charge to go up or down stairs rubbish) and it comes with a FREE lifetime guarantee. How good is that? I love it.

i once bought sofa that cost me 3600cds thinking i will use it for years, making my kids feel uncomfortable in the livingroom trying to protect the sofa, when i was moving from my old house, a little part of the sofa got riped and it lost its beauty, i felt so bad and i dont want to go through that again. my ikea sofas  i pay few 100s for them and i love them so much, i go for stylist and comfy sofa i dont care much about the mark or the quality of the materials around them. i alway use nice cushions and throws to up grade them. i change decor every two years and i dont feel bad to give them away.

I recently purchased an Ashley 6 piece sectional for $2000 and began falling apart after the first week--cushions lost the puff, seams coming apart, very squeaky when sitting on them etc.. Cannot even close the recliners in them as it is near impossible. The microfibre fabric is so wrinkly now. We are very small people and very careful.  Numerous calls to service and we are in the same boat.  Will not return our money.  What a giant waste of money!!  3 months later and it looks like an old beater.  Any other ideas for a sectional that seats 6?  I would love to buy second hand sectional and recover it with quality fabric?  Just try finding one.

- In 1981 the small coffee company caught the attention of Howard Schultz, a plastics salesman that noted the large quantity of plastic drip-brewing thermoses that they were buying from Hammarplast, the Swedish manufacturer that Shchultz represented here in the foyer each time you felt like one?  bunn coffee pots bunn spare parts

We purchased a sofa three years ago from Sears Home Store and upgraded the fabric to the $300 a yard and we are no sorry that we did. The fabric is wonderful, it still looks like the day we purchased it and it has already gone through 4 grandkids, and more on the way.  The construcion of the cushion, pillows and armrests we upgraded and that to is fab when it helps a weary back.  The $3000 for just the sofa was well worth it.

We are looking to buy a sofa and loveseat.  We cant decide between leather and material.  To me, comfort, is the number one thing. any suggestions????

Speeeeeeennnddd money on a sofa!! or safaS!

Especially if they're in a room where they are used a lot by both children and adults! You wanna make sure the sofa structure is more durable. Then you can start thinking about the fabric.

Leather is fine. More so fine for a living room rather than a family room. Easy to clean if the children make a mess. But a lot of people don't find leather comfy and warm. & the cats might ruin it for you.

If you ever need/want a change... change the fabric! Reupholstery! Or for a family room I highly suggest using couch skirts! They come in many colours and patturns and they can be taken off & washed or tossed when its time for an update.

You know what I really hate about leather though.. even when you try making it comfortable-looking by adding cushions.. they slip off. and when you try laying down with a blanket.. the blanket is slippery and you slip off.

Gr. Hate leather.

I recently bought a house and started furnishing it. Looking for the perfect sofa is the most challenging aspect of the search.

I ended up buying from GH Johnson a fabric sofa. I just hope that they deliver on time after I take possession later this month. They told me they could get it to me in 2 weeks since the sofa is made here in Toronto.

I am in possession of a three-seater couch and chair, both purchased from Barrymore's in 1949.  Needs recovering but the frame is solid with nice mahogany legs.  

DO NOT EVER buy a sofa from EQ3. I bought a sectional, it was uncomfortable and was falling apart after a few months. The service there was disrespectful. Any problems I had fell on deaf ears and all in all a VERY BAD EXPERIENCE.

I have now purchased my first leather sofa and am awaiting it's delivery. I am a little nervous about it esp. seeing comment about blankets slipping off and not being cozy as this is very important to me but, the back was higher then most while still looking mosern (the style i like) and am crossing my fingers that it will be as loved at home as it was in the store.

Oh, and if my cats start at it, anybody interested in having them!! lol

I am surprised about your EQ3 comment. I purchased an upholstered bed frame from there and I love it. I had a problem with the bed rails and they were very helpful and found a solution that worked for us.I have been considering buying more furniture there.

I am in the market for a leather sofa at the moment. Buyers beware. It is STILL legal in Canada to sell "bi cast" as "genuine" leather. It is NOT leather at all. It rips and scratches easily. Sales people in Canada are not required to inform you that it is bi cast. In the UK and other countries you are no longer allowed to sell this as "leather" The Brick, Leon's and Ikea and other such stores sell BI CAST, not LEATHER.

Go to a reputable leather sales store and ask questions about frame construction, and what KIND of "leather" it is. Bi cast is junk. I nearly bought a "leather" sofa on kijiji and asked questions until I found the person bought it at "The Brick" and it was only a year old with "minor" scratches...fabric bonded to strip leather..is not leather. I'd rather pay a little more for something that will last twenty years.

I hope Canada will follow suit and make a law that requires these stores to grade the leather and to tell you when you are paying 2000.00 for bi cast junk.

I have inherited my mother's Barrymore sofa - it is only 13 years old, but it needs recovering/slipcovering as it's becoming threadbare.  That is mostly due to the sun's rays having broken down the fabric - that darn 18' window!!.  Anyhoo - if anyone knows of a reputable place to get a quality recover (I still like the cotton duck fabric that's on it), would you please let me know?  I live in Port Coquitlam, BC, just east of Vancouver.