This is a product review of the Pottery Barn Big Sur Sectional Sofa (and an update on the wear and tear after four+ years of ownership).
Buying a sectional is like buying two sofas so it is a a big investment.
If you have a higher to more moderately priced budget, the quest for the perfect sectional sofa often leads to Pottery Barn.
Sofa 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. 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 in North Carolina 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 six 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 Seadrift, Antique Umber or Warm Black
- 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 recommend going with a performance fabric like Oatmeal Performance Everyday Linen, Ivory Performance Heather Tweed and Ivory Perennials Premium Performance Basketweave (to name a few). There are 136 choices and the chambray shades are really good looking too.
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. 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. They recently washed their slipcovers in cool water and put them back on while slightly damp and are very pleased with the results.
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
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.
While the price represents an investment, the quality, comfort and enduring appeal make it worthwhile.
You may also like: The Couch Everyone Loves.
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Do you know how the cushions themselves hold up after four+ years? I understand the fabric may pill but how about the way the cushions look and slouch? A PB couch I had from 2014 looked horrible and very slouchy after a year. I don’t want to purchase something so expensive that won’t hold up decently well!
I know what you mean about some of the PB sofas. But look for the ones made in the USA. My friends sectional looks great after 4 years. She recently washed the slipcovers in cold water.
Such helpful information! I had no idea that performance fabric sometimes pilled! I would love a sectional, but you’re right about making sure it fits and that you plan to stay a while!
Have you seen the Big Sur with the chaise in leather? We are considering it for an upstairs bonus room. My husband doesn’t want another white couch since we already have a similar sectional in white in our family room. We are wondering if it’s as comfortable in leather, if it looks good in person and, how it holds up.
Sorry, haven’t seen it in leather.
Thank you for this review it has been so helpful in making the decision on the Big Sur. I have two questions. The manager at my local PB said the fabric on the bench cushion would rouch after wear and will not smooth . Is that true? Have you seen that?
What do you know about the Performance Heathered Basketweave? Will it durable with dogs?
We like the basketweave…but the fabric may stretch a bit over time. You still have to spot clean the fabric as it gets dirty…especially with dogs. You could cover the base cushions with a painters drop cloth or washable throw blanket. That’s what we do when we let dogs on the sofa.
We are looking at the Big Easy sectional. What do you know about the performance chenille fabrics? They say 50,000 rub count. Our kids are grown and we have a small dog. Our last sofa pilled and lost all shape. We don’t want to repeat this situation.
Over 30K rub counts is really durable…so that is good. I haven’t used the chenille fabric (no one wanted it) or the Big Easy…just the Big Sur and it’s been good.
Thanks for the review. I’m considering the leather sectional. Do you have any idea who actually manufactures it for PB?
Not really, it could be Lee Industries, but it’s nice it’s made in the USA.
Hi, Mary Ann. The Performance Heather Tweed, Performance Chateau Basketweave, and Performance Slub Basketweave are some of the fabrics known to pill the most. On the PB website there’s also a rub count for durability, you can find lower grade fabrics that are very durable and don’t cost as much as a Performance fabric.
Also a con for most high grade fabrics is usually that they must be professionally cleaned instead of machine washed at home.
Thank you, for an accurate review I’m a former Pb employee with the Big sur.
Thanks, Elizabeth for this!
Thank you for this straight forward review. The Big Sur w/chaise is at the top of my list. This has definitely helped me with thinking it may hold up.
I think you will like it, Jill.
Thank you for that product review on something in the price range that the average American family is likely to be able to afford.
Yes…but still an investment, Janet.