As far as leather peeling this is an inherent issue with any pigmented or semi aniline dyed leather in as much as the leather as a coating on the surface much like paint. We all know what eventually happens with paint. It peels. You are much better off spending a little more and purchasing a sofa with a full aniline dyed leather which is dyed all the way through and does not have a coating on the surface. In it not necessarily an issue with Bernhardt but rather the leather applied. I would contact the company directly. They should stand behind it.

We're looking at a Bernhardt sectional right now. Was your issue resolved? Do you remember the style name? The one we're considering has stitching in the middle of each cushion. It appears that Bernhardt makes a large quantity of this model for furniture stores to sell at a good price. Sound like yours?

I am really surprised Bernhardt uses leathers that are only surface dyed. I thought all high end furniture manufactures were using vat dyed or pure aniline's. If the store where you purchased is not helpful I would call Bernhardt direct. They are located in Lenoir, NC. I am friends with several people that work there and they are very helpful. Tanneries are equipped to do tests on leather to determine the colorfastness, rub test etc..If you think that the leather you have is defective I would insist that these test be done. As long as it has only been within the last year that you have made the purchase. A leather defect will not lay dorm it very long before it shows itself. If it has been over a year then it is usually the environment in which houses the furniture. Cleaners, chemicals or certain spills can cause that.