We decided to review the Birch Lane furniture brand because it represents Wayfair's attempt at classic, traditional styling. Their marketing promises timeless design and high-quality upholstery at accessible prices. My team and I wanted to see if these pieces could truly compete with established brands like Pottery Barn or Ethan Allen. We ordered their most popular models to our studio. We assembled them. We lived with them. We tested them for durability, comfort, and authentic traditional appeal.
My testing team consists of six diverse individuals with unique preferences. I am Chris Miller, the lead reviewer. I worked alongside Marcus, Carlos, Mia, Jenna, Jamal, and Ethan. We also consulted Dr. Adrian Walker. He provided expert insights on the ergonomic support of these rolled-arm classics. We stripped the slipcovers. We inspected the cushion fill. We sat for hours. We napped. We analyzed the fabric performance against everyday life.
Our workflow was practical and rigorous. We simulated a busy family home environment. We timed the delivery and setup process. We noted the packaging protection. We then rotated through specific usage scenarios. These included reading by the fire (simulated), hosting tea, and family movie nights. We paid attention to seat depth and back height. We tracked how the down-blend cushions maintained their loft. This review details our unfiltered, honest findings.
Product Overview
| Sofa Model | Pros | Cons | Ideal For | Price (Approx) | Overall Score |
| Kittrell 89" Sofa | Classic rolled arms, plush feel | Down cushions need fluffing | Traditional family rooms | $1,200 - $1,500 | 4.5 |
| Lockridge 90" Sofa | Deep seating, slipcovered look | Slipcovers wrinkle easily | Farmhouse style, lounging | $1,300 - $1,600 | 4.6 |
| Clonmel 83" Sofa | Chesterfield style, sturdy | Very firm, low back | Formal living, libraries | $1,100 - $1,400 | 4.2 |
| Imperia 86" Sofa | Tailored look, firm support | Seat cushions can slide | Transitional spaces | $1,000 - $1,300 | 4.3 |
| Montgomery 88" Sofa | Skirted base, cozy feel | Skirt catches dust/pet hair | Cottage or coastal themes | $1,100 - $1,400 | 4.4 |
| Derry 84" Sofa | Simple lines, affordable | Foam breaks down faster | First-time homeowners | $800 - $1,000 | 4.0 |
Birch Lane Sofas Comparison Chart
| Feature | Kittrell | Lockridge | Clonmel | Imperia | Montgomery | Derry |
| Width | 89" | 90" | 83" | 86" | 88" | 84" |
| Depth | 40" | 42" | 38" | 38" | 39" | 36" |
| Seat Depth | 24" | 26" | 23" | 22" | 23" | 21" |
| Seat Height | 20" | 19" | 18" | 19" | 20" | 18" |
| Cushion Fill | Down Blend | Down Blend | Foam/Poly | Foam/Spring | Down Blend | Foam |
| Fabric Type | Performance / Linen | Cotton / Linen | Velvet / Linen | Polyester Blend | Cotton Blend | Polyester |
| Leg Style | Turned Wood | Hidden/Low | Bun Feet | Tapered Wood | Skirted | Tapered |
| Arm Style | Rolled | Track | Rolled/Tufted | Track | Rolled | Square |
| Cover Type | Upholstered | Slipcovered | Upholstered | Upholstered | Slipcovered | Upholstered |
What We Tested and How We Tested It
We established a strict testing protocol for these Birch Lane sofas. The primary focus was the "classic comfort" claim. We evaluated the down-blend cushions versus standard foam. We timed how long it took to fluff the cushions back to shape. We assessed the slipcover fit and ease of removal for washing. We inspected the frame joinery, looking for corner blocking.
Comfort testing involved distinct user scenarios. We sat upright to mimic formal conversation. We reclined to simulate reading. We lay flat to test napping potential. We assessed the "sink" factor. We checked if the rolled arms were comfortable as headrests. We noted the seat height for accessibility. We invited testers of different heights to sit simultaneously. This helped us gauge the ergonomic fit.
Durability and material quality were also critical. We rubbed the fabrics with denim to check for dye transfer. We cleaned simulated spills like tea and wine on the performance fabrics. We let our office dog walk on the surfaces. We checked for pilling on the linen blends. We measured cushion compression after two weeks of daily use. This data formed the basis of our scores.
Testing Team Takeaways
I found the Lockridge to be the ultimate lounge sofa. It is deep and soft. It felt like a hug. The slipcover gave it a relaxed, lived-in look that I loved. The Clonmel, however, was a different beast. It is beautiful but hard. It forces you to sit up straight. It is for looking good, not napping. The assembly was minimal for most, mainly just legs.
Marcus Reed focused on the frame strength. “The Kittrell feels heavy and solid,” he noted. He liked the turned wood legs. They felt substantial. He found the Derry frame a bit lighter. It shifted when he flopped down. He preferred the firm support of the Imperia for his back. He worried the skirt on the Montgomery would get dirty fast with his dogs.
Carlos Alvarez analyzed the posture support. He praised the Imperia. “It has a good upright angle,” he stated. He found the firm seat excellent for reading. He disliked the Lockridge for working. He sank in too deep. He appreciated the high back of the Kittrell. It offered good shoulder support.
Mia Chen loved the Montgomery. She curled up in the corner. “It feels like a cottage,” she said. She liked the skirted look. She found the Clonmel too deep for her legs but too hard for curling up. She enjoyed the soft fabric on the Kittrell. It felt premium. She noted the seat height on the Kittrell was high, which she liked for getting up easily.
Jenna Brooks and Ethan Cole tested the couple suitability. They found the Lockridge amazing for movie nights. “We have so much room,” Jenna noted. They liked the shared space. Ethan noted the Kittrell cushions needed fluffing often. He had to reshape them. They agreed the Clonmel was strictly for guests, not for them.
Jamal Davis had issues with the seat depth on the Derry. “My knees are way past the edge,” he complained. He loved the Lockridge depth. It supported his long thighs. He found the rolled arms on the Kittrell comfortable for leaning. He advised tall users to check the seat depth carefully.
Birch Lane Sofas: Our Testing Experience
Kittrell 89" Sofa
Our Testing Experience:
I started with the Kittrell. It is the classic rolled-arm sofa. I sat down. The down blend cushions hissed as they compressed. It is soft but has a core. I felt supported. I read a book here for an hour. The back cushions are loose. I adjusted them to fit my back.
Jenna Brooks joined me. She liked the traditional look. “It reminds me of my parents' house, in a good way,” she said. She sat in the corner. The rolled arm was the perfect height for her arm. She noted the fabric felt thick and durable.
Marcus Reed tested the frame. He shook the arm. It was solid. “This is a good build,” he noted. He liked the turned legs. They added a nice detail. He found the seat height of 20 inches excellent. It was very easy to stand up from. Dr. Adrian Walker praised the height for accessibility.
Pros & Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
| Classic, timeless rolled arm design | Down cushions need daily fluffing |
| High seat height (20") is accessible | Fabric can wrinkle slightly |
| Plush down-blend comfort | Loose back cushions can look messy |
| Sturdy frame feel | Bulky visual footprint |
Details:
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Price: $1,200 - $1,500
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Dimensions: 89" W x 40" D x 37" H
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Seat Depth: 24"
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Seat Height: 20"
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Cushion Firmness: Medium-Soft
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Frame Material: Solid Wood
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Fabric: Performance Blend
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Assembly: Legs Only
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Warranty: 1 Year
Review Score:
| Metric | Score | Remarks |
| Seat Comfort | 4.6 | Plush and inviting. |
| Back Support | 4.4 | High back offers good support. |
| Seat Depth Fit | 4.5 | Good standard depth. |
| Cooling | 4.3 | Fabric breathes well. |
| Durability | 4.6 | Solid construction. |
| Overall | 4.5 | The gold standard for traditional comfort. |
Lockridge 90" Sofa
Our Testing Experience:
The Lockridge is the farmhouse dream. It is deep and slipcovered. I sat down and sank. It is 26 inches deep. I pulled my legs up. I felt relaxed immediately. The slipcover gives it a casual vibe. I watched a movie here. I fell asleep. It is that comfortable.
Mia Chen loved the depth. “I can live on this couch,” she said. She curled up. She liked the track arms. They are wide enough for a phone. She noted the slipcover wrinkled when we sat. She said it adds character.
Jamal Davis sat in the middle. He liked the space. “It fits my legs perfectly,” he said. He stretched out. He noted the back cushions were soft. He sank into them. Dr. Adrian Walker noted the deep seat. He advised using extra pillows for lumbar support if sitting upright.
Pros & Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
| Deep, lounge-worthy seating | Slipcover wrinkles constantly |
| Removable washable slipcover | Very deep for short users |
| Soft down-blend fill | Requires frequent tidying |
| Casual farmhouse aesthetic | Large footprint |
Details:
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Price: $1,300 - $1,600
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Dimensions: 90" W x 42" D x 36" H
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Seat Depth: 26"
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Seat Height: 19"
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Cushion Firmness: Soft
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Frame Material: Wood
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Fabric: Cotton / Linen
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Assembly: Legs Only
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Warranty: 1 Year
Review Score:
| Metric | Score | Remarks |
| Seat Comfort | 4.8 | Cloud-like softness. |
| Back Support | 4.0 | Soft back offers less structure. |
| Seat Depth Fit | 4.7 | Perfect for lounging. |
| Cooling | 4.5 | Cotton/Linen is cool. |
| Durability | 4.4 | Slipcover is washable. |
| Overall | 4.6 | Best for relaxed, casual living. |
Clonmel 83" Sofa
Our Testing Experience:
The Clonmel is a Chesterfield. It has deep button tufting. I sat down. It is firm. Very firm. The back is low and upright. It looks stunning. I felt very formal sitting here. I drank tea. It is not a couch for slouching.
Ethan Cole admired the look. “It looks expensive,” he said. He ran his hand over the velvet. It felt lush. He sat on the rolled arm. It was sturdy. He tried to lie down. The tufts were bumpy. He needed a blanket under him.
Marcus Reed liked the support. “This forces good posture,” he noted. He sat straight. He liked the bun feet. They looked classic. He found the seat depth a bit shallow for his height. Dr. Adrian Walker praised the firm back. He said it is excellent for social settings where alertness is key.
Pros & Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
| Stunning Chesterfield design | Very firm and upright |
| Durable, tight upholstery | Low back offers no head support |
| Excellent for formal rooms | Not comfortable for napping |
| Sturdy frame and arms | Tufting can trap crumbs |
Details:
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Price: $1,100 - $1,400
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Dimensions: 83" W x 38" D x 30" H
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Seat Depth: 23"
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Seat Height: 18"
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Cushion Firmness: Firm
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Frame Material: Wood
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Fabric: Velvet / Linen
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Assembly: Legs Only
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Warranty: 1 Year
Review Score:
| Metric | Score | Remarks |
| Seat Comfort | 3.8 | Style over softness. |
| Back Support | 4.5 | Rigid and supportive. |
| Seat Depth Fit | 4.1 | Standard but feels shallow. |
| Cooling | 4.0 | Velvet can be warm. |
| Durability | 4.7 | Tight tufting holds shape. |
| Overall | 4.2 | Best for libraries and formal sitting. |
Imperia 86" Sofa
Our Testing Experience:
The Imperia is a transitional piece. It has clean lines. I sat down. It is medium-firm. It felt supportive. The cushions are foam with springs. They bounced back instantly. I worked on my laptop here. It was comfortable. I liked the tapered legs.
Carlos Alvarez preferred this one. “It’s a good balance,” he said. He sat with his feet flat. He liked the back height. It supported his shoulders. He noted the seat cushions slid forward a bit. He had to push them back.
Jenna Brooks liked the tailored look. “It’s neat,” she said. She sat in the corner. The track arm was a bit hard. She used a pillow. She felt the fabric was durable. It resisted a water spill well. Dr. Adrian Walker noted the spring support. He said it offers consistent resistance, good for back health.
Pros & Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
| Clean transitional design | Seat cushions slide forward |
| Supportive spring/foam seat | Armrests are hard |
| Durable performance fabric | Can feel generic |
| Good upright posture | Legs scratch floors without pads |
Details:
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Price: $1,000 - $1,300
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Dimensions: 86" W x 38" D x 34" H
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Seat Depth: 22"
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Seat Height: 19"
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Cushion Firmness: Medium-Firm
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Frame Material: Solid Wood
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Fabric: Polyester Blend
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Assembly: Legs Only
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Warranty: 1 Year
Review Score:
| Metric | Score | Remarks |
| Seat Comfort | 4.3 | Reliable and supportive. |
| Back Support | 4.4 | Good structure. |
| Seat Depth Fit | 4.3 | Fits most users well. |
| Cooling | 4.4 | Fabric breathes well. |
| Durability | 4.4 | Springs add longevity. |
| Overall | 4.3 | A safe, solid choice for any room. |
Montgomery 88" Sofa
Our Testing Experience:
The Montgomery has a skirt. It looks coastal. I sat down. It is soft. The down blend cushions are plush. I sank in. It felt very cozy. I liked the skirt. It hid the space under the sofa. I read a magazine here. It felt relaxed.
Mia Chen loved the cottage vibe. “It’s adorable,” she said. She sat with her legs up. She liked the rolled arms. They were soft. She noted the skirt caught some dust bunnies. She had to vacuum it.
Ethan Cole sat on the edge. He liked the support. “It doesn't collapse,” he said. He liked the fabric texture. It felt like cotton. He noted the back cushions needed fluffing. They sagged after a while. Dr. Adrian Walker noted the soft seat. He said it conforms well to the body.
Pros & Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
| Cozy cottage/coastal look | Skirt attracts dust/hair |
| Plush down-blend comfort | Cushions need fluffing |
| Skirt hides under-sofa clutter | Fabric can wrinkle |
| Soft rolled arms | Hard to check under for lost items |
Details:
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Price: $1,100 - $1,400
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Dimensions: 88" W x 39" D x 36" H
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Seat Depth: 23"
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Seat Height: 20"
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Cushion Firmness: Medium-Soft
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Frame Material: Wood
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Fabric: Cotton Blend
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Assembly: Legs Only
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Warranty: 1 Year
Review Score:
| Metric | Score | Remarks |
| Seat Comfort | 4.5 | Soft and homely. |
| Back Support | 4.2 | Decent, but soft. |
| Seat Depth Fit | 4.4 | Good standard depth. |
| Cooling | 4.5 | Cotton blend is cool. |
| Durability | 4.3 | Fabric feels a bit delicate. |
| Overall | 4.4 | Perfect for a cozy, relaxed home. |
Derry 84" Sofa
Our Testing Experience:
The Derry is the budget option. It has simple lines. I assembled the legs. It was easy. I sat down. It is firm. The foam feels a bit lighter than the others. I sank in slightly. It felt okay. I watched a show. After an hour, I felt the firmness more.
Jamal Davis sat down. “It’s small,” he said. His knees were high. He felt the seat depth was too shallow. He noted the arms were thin. He hit his elbow on the frame.
Marcus Reed tested the frame. He shook it. It wobbled slightly. “It’s lighter,” he noted. He felt it was good for a starter home. He liked the clean look. Dr. Adrian Walker noted the lack of deep support. He advised this for guest rooms or short-term use.
Pros & Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
| Very affordable price | Foam feels less dense |
| Simple clean lines | Shallow seat depth |
| Compact footprint | Frame feels lighter |
| Easy to assemble | Thin arm padding |
Details:
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Price: $800 - $1,000
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Dimensions: 84" W x 36" D x 34" H
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Seat Depth: 21"
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Seat Height: 18"
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Cushion Firmness: Firm
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Frame Material: Wood
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Fabric: Polyester
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Assembly: Legs Only
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Warranty: 1 Year
Review Score:
| Metric | Score | Remarks |
| Seat Comfort | 3.9 | Basic foam feel. |
| Back Support | 4.0 | Decent upright support. |
| Seat Depth Fit | 3.9 | Tight for taller users. |
| Cooling | 4.3 | Polyester breathes okay. |
| Durability | 3.9 | Feels budget-grade. |
| Overall | 4.0 | Good for starters or guest rooms. |
Compare Performance Scores of These Sofas
| Sofa | Overall Score | Seat Comfort | Back Support | Seat Depth Fit | Cooling / Breathability | Durability | Ease of Movement |
| Kittrell | 4.5 | 4.6 | 4.4 | 4.5 | 4.3 | 4.6 | 4.2 |
| Lockridge | 4.6 | 4.8 | 4.0 | 4.7 | 4.5 | 4.4 | 4.0 |
| Clonmel | 4.2 | 3.8 | 4.5 | 4.1 | 4.0 | 4.7 | 4.0 |
| Imperia | 4.3 | 4.3 | 4.4 | 4.3 | 4.4 | 4.4 | 4.2 |
| Montgomery | 4.4 | 4.5 | 4.2 | 4.4 | 4.5 | 4.3 | 4.0 |
| Derry | 4.0 | 3.9 | 4.0 | 3.9 | 4.3 | 3.9 | 4.5 |
The Lockridge wins for pure comfort. It is the lounge king. The Kittrell is the best all-rounder for traditional style and comfort. The Montgomery is the cozy choice. The Clonmel is for style over comfort. The Imperia is the safe transitional bet. The Derry is the budget pick.
Best Picks
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Best Overall Birch Lane Sofa: Lockridge 90" Sofa
The Lockridge takes the top spot. Its deep seating, washable slipcover, and down-blend comfort make it the ultimate family sofa. Mia and Jamal loved the relaxed vibe and generous space.
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Best Traditional Birch Lane Sofa: Kittrell 89" Sofa
The Kittrell earns the traditional award. Marcus praised its sturdy frame and classic rolled arms. It balances formal looks with real comfort, making it perfect for a main living room.
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Best Value Birch Lane Sofa: Imperia 86" Sofa
The Imperia is the value winner. It offers a tailored look and supportive spring seat for a great price. Carlos found it perfect for everyday use, from working to hosting.
How to Choose the Birch Lane Sofas?
Choosing the right Birch Lane sofa depends on your style and usage.
First, decide how you sit. If you lounge and nap, get the Lockridge or Kittrell. They have down blends and deep seats. If you sit upright, get the Clonmel or Imperia. They are firm.
Next, consider maintenance. If you have kids or pets, the Lockridge slipcover is washable. The Clonmel velvet is durable but traps dust. The Montgomery skirt catches hair.
Think about style. If you want farmhouse, go Lockridge. If you want cottage, go Montgomery. If you want formal, go Clonmel.
Finally, measure your space. The Lockridge is deep (42"). Make sure it fits. The Derry is compact (36" depth) and fits smaller rooms.
Limitations
Birch Lane sofas have limitations. They are mass-produced. The down blend requires maintenance (fluffing). If you don't fluff, it looks flat. The slipcovers wrinkle. It is part of the look, but some hate it. The frames are sturdy but not hand-tied heirloom quality. Shipping can be fast, but boxes are heavy. Returns usually involve shipping fees.
Is the Birch Lane Sofa worth it?
The Birch Lane sofa lineup is worth it for specific buyers.
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Style Seekers: You get the Pottery Barn look for less.
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Families: The slipcovers and durable fabrics work well.
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Comfort Lovers: The down blends are genuinely soft.
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Trade-off: You sacrifice some custom options for speed and price.
If you want a classic, comfortable sofa without the designer price tag, Birch Lane delivers.
FAQs
1. Is the Lockridge slipcover washable?
Yes. You can remove it and wash it. We recommend air drying to prevent shrinkage. It wrinkles, so you might need a steamer.
2. Is the Kittrell comfortable for sleeping?
Yes. It is long and soft. The rolled arms make good headrests.
3. Do the cushions sag?
The down blend cushions will settle. You need to fluff them regularly to maintain loft. The foam cushions on the Imperia hold shape better.
4. Is assembly hard?
No. Most models just need legs screwed on. It takes 10-15 minutes. The Derry takes longer.
5. How fast is shipping?
Wayfair's logistics are fast. Usually within a week or two.
6. Does the velvet attract hair?
Yes, static can attract hair. A lint roller cleans it. The weave is tight, so claws don't snag easily.
7. Can I order fabric swatches?
Yes. We highly recommend this. Colors look different on screens.
8. Is the Clonmel too hard?
For some, yes. It is very firm. It is not a sink-in couch.
9. Do the legs scratch floors?
They usually have plastic glides. We recommend felt pads for wood floors.
10. What is the return policy?
30 days, but you pay return shipping. Measure twice.
