Buyer beware of this company's leather furniture. After just 10 months, a leather sofa, chair and ottoman that we purchased from this company all have problems even though we upgraded to the 300-series leather. The ottoman came in the wrong color, was returned and replaced but has faded considerably and now picks up stains from any magazines or newspapers left on it – you can almost read the headlines! On the chair, a back panel and the welting have also faded. And the back of the couch has faded significantly, far more than the two other pieces. We have corresponded at great length with both the Miami retailer and the manufacturer Decor-Rest, and sent them photos of the items. Decor-Rest has insisted that the leather faded due to direct sunlight from a window. We have explained to them that this window faces north and the sun is to the south of us, and that we had a previous leather couch and chair in exactly the same position for 22 years without suffering any damage. All to no avail. Even the Miami retailer agreed that the leather has failed, and wrote the following in an email to Decor-Rest: “The less than 10 months warrants that this should have never have happened, plus the top grade should be enough for the discoloration not to have happened also, regardless of where they have the furniture located.” We requested that the furniture be taken back and a full refund be issued. Decor-Rest and the retailer offered to replace only the failed leather panels, but would not guarantee that this would not happen again. This is obviously unacceptable.
- Approximate cost of services:
- $4,710.00
- Company Response
Decor-Rest only uses the best 100% top grain cowhide leather available world-wide for over 45 years, we love leather! There are many variations on the market but in the top grain cowhide category there are two main versions.
1) Top Grain Cowhide Protected – buffed, pigmented, protected. Most commonly sold.
2) Top Grain Cowhide Pull Up Full Grain – not buffed and minimally protected at the tannery to ensure the beautiful natural markings of the cow are visible. There is an entire market for this distressed look and the markings are not cause for warranty claims, but instead are considered an elevated look for the consumer with expertise in leather appreciation.The cow hides, like human skin are unique to each animal to a degree but all are breathable natural surfaces. They change over time with use and environment (sun, dry, moist atmosphere, amount of use, aging, etc). If you protect your skin from the sun you can resist the suntan, if you do not put protection, the sun will cause color changes, it is the same with cowhide leather. Many times when you scratch the surface of these pull up full grain hides a mark is guaranteed. Many consumers choose this type of pull up hide specifically to show the distressed markings OR if that is not their desire, then they choose a protected leather instead. You have chosen RAVEN BROWN, a pull up leather. The information on the back of this leather swatch says ‘finished with a pull up effect for an aged appearance, this leather shows markings and variances in texture and color from hide to hide’.
Decor-Rest works very hard to make customers happy however we cannot control the type of hide purchased. Our goal is always to have happy customers. We have worked very closely with your Retailer to understand your dissatisfaction and have offered options for you. We do hope that you can continue dialogue with the Retailer and choose one of the options made so that you can enjoy your purchase.