Another option is to have your Rowe sofa rebuilt and re-upholsterd--maybe leave bed to save coasts, in a family/kid friendly durable fabric and maybe have slips made in same

I don't think that will be cost-effective. We want the new sofa in a completely different style- more mid-century modern with legs that raise the frame off the floor and much skinner track arms. It would basically be just trashing the sofa and rebuilding it using the scrap wood. It's not a fine enough level of furniture to justify the cost of that. I think it was around $1200 brand new.

Try Natuzzi. Long wait (exactly 3 months as far as I remember), but they deliver it the day they promised to deliver it:) Lots of choice of leathers/fabrics. You specify what you want. They have some nice models. Not sure about the price.

Here's their US website, with all the models and specs, and dealers:

http://www.natuzzi.us/en-US/collections.html

Of course I'd attempt to try different models first. It's amazing how uncomfortable can be even very expensive sofa..)) and Natuzzi was reasonably priced. Not low, but reasonable.

I used to have them when overseas; then we had to get new furniture, and went with Italsofa(cheaper Natuzzi's line)..well I can't say it's bad, it's pretty comfy and all, but it's not as good as original Natuzzi either. The price point is obviously better though. Macy's Home carry these.

I don't know whether you have a store called HD Buttercup in your vicinity; but I remember myself being pleasantly surprised with some comfortable armchairs there:)

Interestingly, now I'm surprised much more when I find a sofa that's actually comfortable. Than 20 years ago. Lol.

So tibbrix's suggestion can be very good too. Even no need for an antique-20 years ago they were better made; if you go 40 years back-probably even better..:)

Of course there are great sofas nowadays too; it's just that they rarely cost 2000. In my limited experience, at least.

I recently was in the market for comfortable durable replacement sofa/loveseat for our much sat in family room. I found it super difficult with the lack of furniture stores in the area. I also wanted decent quality but decided that my "better" purchases were possibly just more $$ but not better lasting. I should clarify that perhaps what I consider $$ is not that high so possibly the super pricey is worth it but it''s not in my realm.

Upholstering is very pricey and was more expensive than buying decent quality new, at least in my area.

In any case after much time and deliberation I decided on a Rowe sofa/loveseat (Bleeker is the model I dont know if it's still in their offering). I got them about 2 years ago and I am still quite pleased. I had heard good things about Rowe, but as with many manufacturers what was true 10 years ago or 20 years ago is not the case currently. They have attached back cushions which I never opted for before but they do stay neat and in place obviously, and don't seem to show the wear. I do rotate the seat cushions when I remember. The only thing that has been happening to mention is that some of the feathers are coming out of the fabric. It's not at all troubling to me, but I have never had that.

I think Rowe is a good choice. (and last I checked it was made in Virginia USA)

Look at Smith Bros.

Our sofa in our library is bassett and it's fine. I do prefer the loose cushions as, not only are they flippable and swappable, but they are removable should you need to use the sofa as a place for someone to sleep.

Sadly, I think you're making the right decision. When I looked into reupholstering my sofa it ended up that it would be double the cost of buying a new sofa… I also like Annie's take on sofas. I have two sets of slipcovers (one light and one dark) and like that I can just take everything off and send it to the cleaners and have a new set ready to go. If you decide to go with the slipcover type approach be sure and order the second set at the same time it's easier for them to make both sets well they've got everything in the shop

Which Room & Board sofas were you looking at - I've tried all of them!

I was able to go to room and board because I'm in the DC area. We liked the cade and Harrison the best. However in terms of looks I like the jasper best but it was to shallow and just not that comfortable.

I like Harrison best of the 2 but there are quite a few complaints of the back cushions losing shape quickly which concerns me.