POLY & BARK Essex 89” Full-Grain Italian Leather Sofa – Tufted Back, Feather-Down Comfort, Solid Wood Frame, Cognac Tan

We purchased two of these couches to replace 10 year old fabric sofas. The delivery was quick with minimal packaging (just the box with no pallet). The only assembly was attaching the legs. Pros: feels deeper than other sofas as there are no back cushions or rolled side arms, low back helps the room to feel larger, color is beautiful and rich and not as orange as a leather couch we purchased from a big-box warehouse store. Cons: low back and lack of back cushions means it is NOT as cushy as other sofas. We purposely bought these sofas because they are large but streamlined in a tight fitting area. We typically have 8+ teenagers at our house every weekend, and our son said he felt like 4 across was fine if they were comfortable sitting that close (not possible on our previous sofa of the same length). HOWEVER. The lack of back cushion and side cushions means the space is ample but it isn't super cozy feeling. Throw pillows and a quilt thrown behind my back helped. Also, they were rather stiff for the first month. Again, great sofas, just not a cozy sofa. They also slide all over our wood. We got some sticky grippers for the legs which helps. They scratch easily. I've purchased leather conditioner which I am hoping helps since we regularly have a wood burning fireplace going all winter and we have very hot summers with lots of light in this room. I wanted to note that these couches went on a deep sale the day they were delivered. Amazon does NOT price match. So be aware that when buying two, you might want to watch the price changes because you can easily get these at 50% of the sticker price. I also didn't realize we have a brick and mortar Poly and Bark store just 90 minutes from us and I regret not going to see them in person first (my sister did and got a different model that is much more comfortable). Overall, five stars, because they fit our purpose. I wish they were cozier, but then they would not be as deep or low line and wouldn't fit our purpose in this small room. I would purchase again but not at the full price.

Fabulous in every respect. Make sure to purchase the deluxe in room delivery and assembly. While the assembly is easy, the product arrives full size and is unwieldy. It requires at least two people to move it and a great deal of clearance to navigate it. Cushions are a bit firm, but very comfortable. Leather is of high quality, stitching is solid and attractive. I would order again from poly and bark without hesitation.

Beautiful, well crafted sofa. The leather is thick and high quality. Assembly took 10min. Sofa was packed very well and all the parts were there. The sofa is very well built, no issues there. The sit is a tad firm but I would assume it will get softer once broken in. I did have to condition/ oil the leather as it was pretty dry out of the box. It took about 30min with some leather conditioner. Otherwise fantastic sofa. Wish it was a little less expensive but I'm satisfied. The only concern I have is the warranty after the 1 yr mfg warranty. Not sure how much I trust the sellers warranty. You will not get an extended warranty from Poly and Bark, I called them to confirm.

Instructions manual can be found under cushions. Cushions have leather on one side, fabric on other. The back portion of couch is lower than normal and width is decent enough to fully and comfortably lay down. Love the leather smell! HAVE MONETARY TIP PREPARED FOR DELIVERER because they will make a huge fuss about bringing box into house. Also, ensure to purchase leather cleaner for maintainance. Seats feel firm; not too soft, not too hard. Lastly, you WILL need two people to flip couch over once legs are in place.

Shipping speed and coordination was horrendous. When it did finally get here, I was pleasantly surprised. Sofa is beautiful and the leather looks great. Some reviewers mention inconsistency in the staining, but ours does not have any of that. Nice and even. Aniline leather is meant to wear—like a good pair of cowboy boots. After several days of dogs and their people, I’ve noticed it is far more scratch resistant than the brand lets on. Certainly a plus. I did not notice in the photos, but there are no buttons in the tufting. At first I was disappointed, but quickly realized this is better for a house with a puppy that takes offense to buttons lol My only complaint is that the cushions are a little firm for my taste. Better too firm than sagging though! And I suspect they will soften with wear. This was the reason for 4 stars instead of 5. I’ll be ordering a matching ottoman (looking for the bench-style one) and likely a chair in the same color (cognac) but different style so it doesn’t look overtly matched. I already had it in my head that if I didn’t like this sofa when it arrived that I was going to bite the bullet and go to Pottery Barn. So glad I don’t have to do that! Also, no reason to pay full price for this piece as it goes on sale from time to time. We got it during a $400 off promo.

Overall I love this couch. It had been sitting in my cart for quite some time as I've been gathering items for a living room makeover. Recently it went on sale for around $1400, so I decided to go ahead and buy it. I had a lot of trepidations about buying such an expensive and large item without actually sitting on it first. But I'm glad I made the jump. Here are my key takeaways (neither Pros or Cons as everyone's preferences differ). I've only had the couch for a couple weeks now, so take this with a grain of salt... -Its quite firm. From the cushions to the arm and back rest. I was expecting this though, and I'm sure that the cushions will loosen up a bit over time. -Compared to some other reviews, I did not find any issues with the stitching or any other constructed aspects. Maybe I just got lucky. -The angle in which you'll sit is going to be rather upright. I wouldn't say an absolute 90 degree angle, buts its close. The frame of the couch is build in a manner that positions the cushions at a slight angle, so that does increase the angle at which you'll sit. If I had to guess, I'd say you'll sit at approximately 95 degree or so, give or take. -I wouldn't recommend this couch if you're looking for something that more plush and conducive for to being an absolute couch potato. -Adding an ottoman/ chaise lounge or some other type of footrest makes for a very comfortable seated/ lounge position. -The leather itself is very nice. It is REAL full grain leather. I am very impressed with the quality and feel of the leather. Educate yourself on the different types of leather or "leather" products. -The natural grain of the leather is beautiful and leather has a pleasant natural scent. Very very subtle... as it should be. -The leather will scratch with day to day use. Duh. That is normal. If you have pets or other rambunctious humans roaming around your house, I wouldn't recommend this couch if scratches will bother you. -Assembly was straightforward and easy. Unbox, attach the legs, done. -Delivery was seamless and the two gentlemen that delivered it was very professional. -The packaging was thick robust cardboard and the couch itself was well protected and delivered without damage. The hardest part was of the whole thing was breaking down the cardboard box so it would fit in the recycling bin. For the environmentally conscience, I was very happy to find that the packaging didn't consist of a any Styrofoam, only some sheets of protective foam. The only thing I'd change about the couch is that I wish there was just a little more padding in the arms and back. If I encounter an issue, I'll try to update this review accordingly.

DO NOT buy!!!! First order was cancel due to “item being damaged” second time around the delivery crew damaged the sofa! Amazon made it almost impossible to received a refund and the item had to be picked up almost a week later! Huge hassle!!!! Forms and you have to send documentation of the damage. Very poorly handle. Also as someone who appreciates a nice leather piece….this looks very cheap. Do not waste your time and money at this price please do what I didn’t- just visit a furniture store were you can see the quality in person! Good luck! Very dissatisfied.

UPDATE: I purchased this sofa and matching chair on March 4, 2021. It is not September 12, 2023. My sofa and chair are still wonderful. The new leather smell has faded, but the leather is just as gorgeous as the day it was delivered. I have two dogs, and the leather does get scratch marks, but never punctured. And I use Weiman's Leather Conditioner on it and even they fade away. I am still so happy with this purchase. My Poly & Bark Essex sofa was delivered at 8 a.m. this morning. It's hard to even find words to tell you how amazing it smells in my living room. The sofa is gorgeous in every way. I'm absolutely thrilled. Thrilled with the quality, thrilled with the leather, thrilled that it has a center (5th) leg under the center of the sofa that I didn't realize it had when I bought it. IF there is a downside, it's that it took two weeks to get it, and this is with Amazon's own delivery service. I will say that this item has taken longer than any other item I've ever ordered on Amazon. That said, it was totally worth the wait.