Hi, I've read -- I'm not sure where -- that Ethan Allen has "proprietary" construction techniques. If I remember correctly, there is a Comsumer Reports article that gives Ethan Allen the highest rating, but I think they were comparing just low- and mid-range sofas.

Can't recall what the criterion were for the rankings, maybe someone here is a Consumer Reports subscriber & can pull & summarize the info from CR archived reports.

We decided against EA because we're hoping that we can do better price-wise and quality-wise from outfits that specialize in upholstery. EA in the last few years has switched to "every day" pricing with their mark-up built-in. You also can't do COM with them, as I believe that they want to make a profit on your fabric choice as well, but others may speak to this better--I'm still trying to educate myself!!

My sister-in-law furnished her Florida condo with a couple EA upholstery pieces, they were floor samples--the only way you can get EA discounted now. The sofa is quite comfortable.

Michelle

Thanks so much Michelle. I have actually found Ethan allen to be similar in price to say Crate and Barrel and I feel it is better quality over all although I do know some of the c&b pieces are very high quality suprisingly enough.

Hi, agree that you'll find EA better quality than C&B. Unless their upholstery products have changed dramatically, I don't think you'll be disappointed going with EA.

FYI, if you're considering C&B, Smart Money did an article on quality of C&B, Pottery Barn and Restoration Hardware products, search the Internet for "Pottery Barn Unstuffed".

Also, search upholstery quality on this forum, there is a long and interesting post on upholstery.

Michelle

FWIW, I was told EA is made in Mexico. I myself am making a conscious effort to buy American if at all possible. OK, I'll get off my soapbox now!!