1. American or European made. Most will be better quality pieces than those made in Asia, which have to endure longer shipping times and more dramatic climate extremes.
2. Top-grain leather. This comes from the outermost layer of the leather hide, producing the highest quality.
3. Better seat cushions. Go for high-resilience foam wrapped in down for long-lasting comfort.
4. Down or down-and-feather throw pillows. By comparison, all-foam throw pillows can feel like they're pushing you off the sofa. Stay away from down-and-synthetic blends. They tend to clump up, making pillows look flat.
5. Good detail work such as nailheads, a contrasting welt or rope cord or button tufting.
