Have had this up and in the basement for about 4 months.  Bought earlier but it was in a box for a while for renovations.  The front piece that connects left arm to right arm is a thin 1x4" covered in linen and it has already split in half with minimal normal usage. So aggravating!!!! Looks beautiful but who cares if you cant sit on it!!!  Going to have to reinforce with a 2x4 and paint it or find similar fabric to hide it.  Can the split is completely through because the covered fabric is about 1/4" higher on the left and then feel it when you run your hands over the break.