Natuzzi leather sofas: any good?

new_home

Hi Everybody,

I am thinking to buy a Natuzzi sofa and I have found mixed reviews on the internet (mostly from American buyers). Has anybody purchased a Natuzzi leather sofa in the past two-three years?

Most of the complaints refer to the poor leather quality and customer service. The shop where I am buying it from offers two years warranty. Is that too short? Or is it standard practice to receive two years warranty on a leather sofa?

Thank you!

Wyldwood

I bought a pair of wine coloured Natuzzi sofas about 6 years ago & if you saw them now you would think they were 20 years old. The colour has faded out of them on the seats & footrests (they're recliners). The store where I bought them told me I should not have bought "natural leather" but a type called "protecta" which apparently has some protection coating. Pity they didn't tell me that when I bought it. I don't have pets or small children so only normal wear. I couldn't recommend I'm afraid.

new_home

Wyldwood wrote: »

I bought a pair of wine coloured Natuzzi sofas about 6 years ago & if you saw them now you would think they were 20 years old. The colour has faded out of them on the seats & footrests (they're recliners). The store where I bought them told me I should not have bought "natural leather" but a type called "protecta" which apparently has some protection coating. Pity they didn't tell me that when I bought it. I don't have pets or small children so only normal wear. I couldn't recommend I'm afraid.

Thanks for the comment Wyldwood, the one I am thinking to buy would be "protecta", but I am a bit suspicious of the fact that the warranty is only for 2 years...in the shop they assured me it will not stain, but they didn't say anything about colour fading...would you recommend any other brand of sofas or shop instead? Thanks again!

D.Craftsman

Hi New Home,
Natuzzi have been making quality sofas for a long time.We had a ten year old sofa we gave away five years ago and is still in use!!
The type of leather has not changed much over the years but the finish on leather has.In the 70's people loved the shiny look, then came the natural look.There is now a finish being used to give an aged look.It means that a level of protection is actually left off in the tanning process.This allows the hide look old and will mark and crease.A lot of sales people will not even know this.I tell people all the time to buy from a good store with a reputation to maintain.Ask questions and do not be intimidated if the sales person seems to know more than you.They should.They should also explain not patronize.
Use a reputable store.Ask detailed questions to annoy the guy.Don't pay more than a 10% deposit.Get written confirmation of delivery dates and a drop out option if not met.

new_home

D.Craftsman wrote: »

Hi New Home,
Natuzzi have been making quality sofas for a long time.We had a ten year old sofa we gave away five years ago and is still in use!!
The type of leather has not changed much over the years but the finish on leather has.In the 70's people loved the shiny look, then came the natural look.There is now a finish being used to give an aged look.It means that a level of protection is actually left off in the tanning process.This allows the hide look old and will mark and crease.A lot of sales people will not even know this.I tell people all the time to buy from a good store with a reputation to maintain.Ask questions and do not be intimidated if the sales person seems to know more than you.They should.They should also explain not patronize.
Use a reputable store.Ask detailed questions to annoy the guy.Don't pay more than a 10% deposit.Get written confirmation of delivery dates and a drop out option if not met.

Thanks Craftsman! I have been in 2 shops that sell Natuzzi and they both asked 30% deposit upfront. I love a cream Natuzzi Sofa, but some friends have been telling me that cream sofas tend to stain with blue jeans and I was wondering whether a Natuzzi sofa would be different, since it is protected...don't really want to go for a dark colour...:(

D.Craftsman

New home,I wouldn't be too worried about the colour problem you mention.It again comes down to the material used.Cheap leather will not wear well.There are many different grades of upholstery hide available to manufacturers.Obviously the lighter the colour the more it will show dirt, but hide can be cleaned with a damp cloth,not wet,and mild soap.Been done for years.I cant see jeans being a problem but if it happened to your friend..Or did they just "hear about" it?
The deposit issue is to protect your money should the shop close.30% is a bit high but some shops get 75% deposits!!
I think Protecta is just a wipe clean coating like Scotchgard.They cannot give a longer guarantee.

new_home

Thanks Craftsman! I will look a bit more into the hide and cleaning products. The jeans myth is well spread over the internet as well. It seems that the dye of dark jeans tends to transfer on leather products (especially if the jeans are wet or sweaty) and while this is not much noticeable on dark sofas it is very visible on light ones. But again as you say it probably depends on the quality of the leather. A friend of mine bought a white sofa (or very light cream) about three years ago and if you looked at it now it seems new. I asked them and they said they use it all the time, so I suppose it's really down to quality...they did pay over €4000 for their corner group!