Unveiling the Rex 3-Seater Sofa and Ottoman in Genuine Leather
As the CEO and founder of Couch.com, I've spent over 20 years immersed in the world of furniture and I have my pick of the litter when it comes to couches for my own home. It's one of the many perks of being a Couch CEO... With all of the options available to me, I chose to go with my second piece of furniture from Simpli Home, the Rex Modular Leather Sofa. This three-piece wonder has got me feeling like a kid in a candy store.
I'm a single dad with two boys and I was looking for something that was durable enough to withstand the animals (...the two boys) but also something that was worthy of being one of the centerpieces of the home of a Couch King (...that would be me). I asked my girlfriend, Kathrin, to come over and help me get it set up and I also wanted to get the perspective of a non furniture expert.
Why do I like Simpli Home so much?
One of the things I love about Simpli Home is their commitment to quality and to not over-charging for it. Another thing is their focus on sustainability and the environment; Simpli's manufacturing and shipping practices are among the best in the furniture industry so I'm proud to have their furniture in my home. I’m eager to share my thoughts and sprinkle in a bit of fun along the way. I'm smitten with Rex.
The Unboxing Experience
If you’re like me, opening a new piece of furniture is like Christmas morning. The Rex Leather Sofa and Rex Ottoman in Genuine Leather arrived in four boxes, each impeccably packed. Simpli Home deserves a HUGE shout-out for their eco-friendly, carbon-neutral packaging. There is no plastic or styrofoam! It's almost all recyclable materials- different types of cardboard and the pieces are wrapped in a bio-friendly felt. The felt wrapping was a thoughtful touch, ensuring the leather arrived scratch-free and in pristine condition.
High-Quality, Sustainable Kind Leather
Now, let’s talk about the leather. This isn’t just any leather; it's called Kind Leather. Kind Leather is the most sustainable leather on the market and it ain't cheap. Here's a blurb about it direct from the source, Kind Leather: "This production system, in which the hide is a main source of collagen, means we are able to use only the most desirable parts of surface area to produce leather. With this approach the remaining sections are employed as raw materials in other major industries such as beauty and pharmaceuticals, thus minimizing waste generation." Very cool if you ask me! You can read more about it here: Link to Kind Leather
But how does it feel? We’re talking high-quality, natural grain leather that ages beautifully. It’s the kind of leather that proudly displays its natural markings, which only adds to its charm over time. The stitching is sharp, and the seams are crisp, giving the sofa a polished, high-end look. It’s like owning a fine wine that gets better with age—only this one you can sit on.
Innovative Alligator Clip Connectors
One of the coolest features? The alligator clips that hold the modular sections together. These aren’t your everyday sofa connectors. Alligator clips are small, sturdy metal clamps designed to keep each piece of the sofa securely attached.
They’re easy to use, allowing you to rearrange the sofa into different configurations without any hassle. And the best part? Whether they're being used or are not in use, they stay hidden UNDERNEATH the couch, maintaining the sofa's sleek and modern look. It’s a clever design element that shows Simpli Home’s attention to detail and commitment to both form and function. As CEO and Founder Yoram Weinrich said to me in our recent interview: "I don't want to make crap." You guys are doing pretty well I'd say, Yoram!
Comfort and Durability
First impressions matter, and the Rex Modular Leather Sofa doesn’t disappoint. When it comes to comfort, this sofa strikes a balance between firm and cozy. The built-in back cushions are a nice touch, offering support without sacrificing style. It's not for everyone, however- the back cushions are low-profile and they're certainly not like sitting on a cloud. But they are soft and very comfortable, focusing more on the contour and angle than fluffy cushioning. While the sofa starts off a bit firm (like most new couches), it’s clear that it will soften up over time, much like a well-worn pair of jeans.
One thing to note is the seat height. In my video review, I mentioned it being about 15 inches off the ground. Turns out, it's actually 16 inches, which still maintains that ultra-modern low-profile feel. This might be a tad low for some, especially for older folks or those who prefer a higher seat. But for others, it’s perfect. It’s deep enough for lounging but supportive enough for sitting upright, making it versatile for various activities—from binge-watching your favorite shows to hosting a lively gathering. Here's a great article and video we have on couch specifications if you need a little more guidance on this subject: Link to Couch Specifications Post
Durability-wise, the Rex is built to last. The kiln-dried wood frame and high-density foam cushions wrapped in polyester fiber ensure that this sofa can withstand the daily hustle and bustle of a busy household. Plus, the leather not only looks good but is also tough enough to handle the occasional spill or scratch, developing a unique patina over time.
Design and Aesthetic Appeal
The Rex Modular Leather Sofa is a showstopper. Its modern, low-profile design gives it a sleek, contemporary look that fits well in any stylish living space. The sofa’s clean lines and minimalist aesthetic make it a versatile piece that can easily blend with different décor styles.
One of the standout design elements is the hand-stitched details, which add an artisanal touch to the overall look. The seams are not just functional but also serve as a subtle design accent that enhances the sofa’s visual appeal. Available in multiple leather finishes, the Rex can be customized to match your personal style and home décor. With leather furniture, it's common to see extra stitching in certain places because it's more cost effective and efficient to use smaller pieces of leather material and stitch them together. This may be one of the ways that Simpli Home and other manufacturers keep costs down but, in this case, they do it VERY well. It seems only like a positive style element!
Let’s not forget the practicality of its modular design. Whether you’re entertaining guests or enjoying a quiet night in, you can rearrange the sections to suit your needs. This flexibility is a huge plus for anyone who loves to change up their living space now and then. This mostly pertains to the ottoman but you can move all the pieces around and they look good on their own (i.e. an armless chair) or together.
Comparison to Other Products
In the world of high-end sofas, the Rex Genuine Leather Couch stands out as a fantastic value. And like all of Simpli's products, for the price, it truly is an (almost silly) bargain. If you’ve ever wandered through a luxury furniture store, you probably know that similar sofas can easily run into the $7,000-$10,000 range. The Rex, with its Genuine leather and modern design, offers comparable quality at a fraction of the price.
What sets the Rex apart is its modularity. As I said before, unlike many high-end sofas that come as one fixed piece, the Rex can be rearranged to fit your space and needs. This flexibility is a game-changer for those who like to switch things up or have multi-functional spaces. Plus, the eco-friendly packaging and sustainable practices of Simpli Home give it an edge over competitors who might not prioritize these aspects.
The leather quality is another major plus. While many luxury sofas use synthetic materials or lower-grade leather, the Rex features genuine, natural grain leather that not only looks sophisticated but also ages beautifully. This adds a level of character and charm that synthetic materials simply can’t match and the fact that it's Kind Leather (see description of Kind Leather above), makes a huge difference. That, mixed with all of the other humanitarian efforts that Simpli Home engages in, makes it a top choice for sofa shoppers like me.
Pros and Cons of the Rex 3-Seater Sofa and Ottoman in Genuine Leather
No product is perfect, and the Rex Modular Leather Sofa is no exception. Here’s a quick rundown of the pros and cons:
Pros:
- High-Quality Leather: The natural grain leather is not only luxurious but also durable, developing a unique patina over time.
- Modular Design: Flexibility to rearrange the sofa sections to fit different spaces and needs.
- Eco-Friendly Packaging: Carbon-neutral packaging and sustainable practices from Simpli Home.
- Affordability: Comparable quality to high-end sofas at a much more accessible price point.
- Modern Aesthetic: Sleek, low-profile design that fits well in contemporary living spaces.
Cons:
- Initial Firmness: Like most new sofas, the Rex starts off a bit firm and needs some time to break in.
- Seat Height: The 16-inch seat height, while modern, might be a bit low for some people, especially older adults or those who prefer a higher seat.
- Lumbar Support: Depending on personal preference, some users might find the built-in back cushions needing additional lumbar support for long periods of sitting.
Should you buy the Rex 3-Seater Sofa in Genuine Leather?
Overall, the Rex Modular Leather Sofa from Simpli Home is a stellar addition to my living space. It combines high-quality materials, thoughtful design, and sustainable practices, all at a price that won’t break the bank. No matter what your house looks like, the Rex is a sofa that delivers on both style and substance.
If you’re in the market for a new sofa, the Rex is definitely worth considering. Just remember, every great sofa deserves a good throw pillow—or two.
