Pottery Barn Big Sur Sectional Review: Should You Buy It?

This is a product review of the Pottery Barn Big Sur Sectional Sofa. As an advocate for stylish and comfortable interior design, I like to periodically review things I have experience with personally. And tell you honestly the good and the bad, as well as, all the things you should consider.

Buying a sectional is like buying two sofas so it is a a big investment.

If you have the budget (and some of my clients do) you can have a custom sofa built by an American company like Lee Industries or Hickory Chair (using a designer) or retail like Serena & Lily for example.

But if you have a more moderately priced budget, the quest for the perfect sectional sofa often leads to Pottery Barn.

Sectional Size and Configuration Caution

Size: It seems obvious, but make sure the size and scale (especially through fitting through the door) are correct. I like to tape the measurements out on the floor allowing for about 16″ to 20″ to the coffee table and 36″ for the major walkways to another room. The Big Sur is LARGE and there are different configurations.

Configuration Don’t invest in a sectional if you are planning to move soon and you are not sure where. I had a young family in San Francisco who were so excited about the new townhome that they purchased. But their existing sectional’s left arm configuration totally blocked the entrance to their living room. I had the tough job of telling them that they had to sell it or give it away as it would never work.

Pottery Barn Big Sur Sectional Review

Pottery Barn was not always known as a brand for its quality craftsmanship. But that has changed, in my opinion, with their furniture that is made in the United States like the Pottery Barn Big Sur Sectional.

We have purchased the Big Sur Square Arm Upholstered 3-Piece L-Sectional for three different clients over the last four years. Each client wanted a white or off white modern square arm, comfortable depth sofa.

Big Sur Sectional Product Details

Customization

The modular design allows for customization. You can select the configuration that works best in your room. Like perhaps a chaise sectional works better than an L shape. You can also select the depth 41″ versus 47″. My clients wanted the 41″ depth.

I like the bench cushion for a streamlined look versus individual seat cushions.

Contract Grade Construction Per Pottery Barn’s Site:

Removable legs are finished in Espresso.
Cushions are loose.
Down feather blend-wrapped cushions for a softer feel.
Expertly crafted engineered wood frame with mortise-and-tenon joinery provides exceptional structural integrity.
Adjustable levelers provide stability on uneven surfaces.
Hidden steel connectors hold modular pieces securely together.

Fabric Review For Upholstered And Slipcovered Sectionals

You can order free fabric swatches from Pottery Barn. I recommended going with a performance fabric like Oatmeal Performance Everyday Linen, Ivory Performance Heather Tweed and Sunbrella fabric Pebble Premium Performance (to name a few).

Pros: These are tough stain resistant fabrics, in good colors.

Customer comment: “Having a white sofa isn’t the smartest thing, not with just kids but with husbands and his friends. I will say that it truly is performance because we have spilled red wine on the sofa and it completely came out.”

Cons: It is performance fabric…but you still have to clean the upholstery. Another negative that all three clients mentioned was that the performance fabric pilled and required periodically shaving with a fabric shaver from Amazon. Which is true with other high end performance fabrics like Perennials. Pottery Barn sells this Fuzz Remover.

Square Arm Sofa Comfort And Durability Review

Pros Everyone loves the comfort and deep seats, even the customer with the four year old slipcovered sofa. And this well-used sectional still looks good after two and a half years of popular use.

Cons You might have to replace the accent pillows periodically to freshen things up. But that is so with any sofa.

Note: Freshen Up with PILLOWS! My Ten Favorite Sources

Pottery Barn Big Sur Sectional Review: Final Thoughts

The Pottery Barn Big Sur Sectional, with all things considered, is a good purchase if you are staying in your home for the long term so that the configuration works.

It’s the perfect fusion of style, comfort, and durability. While the price represents an investment, the quality and enduring appeal make it worthwhile.

You may also like: The Sofa Everyone Loves.