Eager to find out whether 7th Avenue or West Elm has the superior couches? Get ready to uncover the answer in this comprehensive comparison!
Alex Back | Couch.com CEO & Founder
Thinking about upgrading your couch game with either 7th Avenue or West Elm? Discover the ultimate couch showdown in this article as we analyze each brand's offerings to determine who comes out on top.
Side By Side
Features
7th Avenue
West Elm
Made to Order Lead Times
N/A
8+ weeks
Free Shipping Option
White Glove Delivery Option
$0-$100
$279-$429
Return Option
Warranty Included
Financing Option
ShopPay / Klarna / Affirm
Affirm
Assembly Required
Large Fabric Selection
Free Swatches Available
Manufacturing Origin
USA
Import
Avg. 3-Seat Couch Price
$$$
$$-$$$
7th Avenue and West Elm present contrasting approaches to couch offerings. 7th Avenue shines with its emphasis on sustainability and durable materials highlighted in their single modular design. They provide a unique, customer-centric experience with free fabric swatches and a focus on eco-consciousness. In comparison, West Elm offers a vast array of stylish sofas, particularly in luxury fabrics, at competitive prices. However, their imported couches lack a standard warranty, which contrasts with 7th Avenue's lifetime frame warranty. While West Elm has a larger selection, 7th Avenue's commitment to sustainability and quality craftsmanship sets them apart significantly.
BRAND #1: 7th Avenue
Founded in 2022 by Billy Shaw and Josh Stinson, 7th Avenue is a relatively new player in the furniture industry, aiming to revolutionize the concept of "functional luxury." They focus solely on their modular sofa, prioritizing quality craftsmanship and sustainable practices. Their commitment to eco-consciousness is reflected in their use of OEKO-TEX certified fabrics and FSC-certified wood, as well as their emphasis on products designed to last a decade or more. Despite being a young company, 7th Avenue has quickly gained recognition for its innovative approach to furniture design and its dedication to sustainability.
7th Avenue | Brand Summary
As a furniture connoisseur, I’ve seen my fair share of sofas, and 7th Avenue has consistently caught my eye. Their sofas are not just pieces of furniture. They’re a statement. The quality of their products is evident in the craftsmanship. Each sofa is designed with attention to detail and built to last, reflecting the brand’s commitment to excellence. 7th Avenue’s customer-centric approach is another aspect that sets them apart. They understand that a sofa is more than just a seat - it’s an integral part of your home. The brand vibe is modern, chic, and inviting, much like their sofas. It’s clear that 7th Avenue isn’t just selling sofas. They’re selling a lifestyle.
Warranty doesn't cover wear and tear on cushions and fabrics
Requires assembly (white-glove service available for a fee)
Limited customization options
Limited availability outside Southern California
7th Avenue offers a unique approach to sofa shopping with their focus on a single, customizable modular design. Their commitment to sustainability and high-quality materials is evident in their product and manufacturing practices. While they offer a generous warranty and free returns within 10 days, the shipping costs and limited fabric options might be a drawback.
The modular design, though innovative, also means the sofa requires assembly, although white-glove service is available. Some customers have reported issues with fabric pilling over time. If you value sustainable practices, modern aesthetics, and a sofa that can adapt to your changing needs, 7th Avenue is worth considering, despite the limited options and potential assembly challenges.
West Elm launched in 2002 and opened its first storefront in 2003. They're owned and operated by Williams-Sonoma who also owns Pottery Barn. Despite their corporate nature, West Elm actually has a great emphasis on sustainability and eco-friendly initiatives.
West Elm | Brand Summary
West Elm has stylish, modern furniture with the quality and backing of the Williams-Sonoma brand. They have surprisingly competitive prices considering their selection and their quality. They also get some points for focusing on sustainability and supporting a worldwide community of artisans.
But operating under the umbrella of Williams-Sonoma does have downsides. Most of West Elm's couches are imported from overseas, they don't have any meaningful warranty program, and the lead times could be better than they are. West Elm's prices are more affordable than other brands with similar styles, but there's also not a strong reason why you should choose West Elm over another brand that has better lead times and a stronger customer focus.
Competitive pricing, especially on their leather options
3rd party warranty option
Strong sustainability initiatives
Has brick-and-mortar locations
Cons
Couches are all imported
No standard warranty
Can't return made to order couches
7 day return window may not apply even to In-Stock options
Shockingly low 1.1 star rating on TrustPilot
Is West Elm good quality? The brand has become a go-to brand for stylish sofas at surprisingly affordable prices. But those lower prices come at a cost. There’s no standard warranty on their couches, made-to-order couches can’t be returned, and their 7-day return window may not apply to their In-Stock or Quick Ship couches. That could make them an expensive gamble. Additionally, West Elm has a very low 1.1-star rating on Trustpilot, which could give you pause. But one saving grace is that you can purchase a 3-year Allstate Protection warranty for your sofa. This covers accidents, stains, material damage, and more.
On the positive side, West Elm has a huge number of glamorous couches to choose from. They’re also generally available in a wide range of luxury fabrics. So you can really design a couch that you love. The pricing is wonderfully competitive for their quality and the number of sofa styles available. West Elm also has plenty of brick-and-mortar locations where you can test out their couches in person. And if sustainability is important to you, West Elm has some impressive initiatives on that front. However, they are part of a big corporate umbrella, which might negatively affect some shoppers.
In the showdown of couch supremacy, 7th Avenue emerges as the victor with its strong emphasis on sustainability, high-quality materials, and innovative modular design. While West Elm offers a vast selection of stylish options, 7th Avenue's commitment to excellence and eco-conscious practices give them the edge in providing the best couch for your space. Therefore, in this couch clash, 7th Avenue takes the crown as the superior choice.
Alex Back
Couch.com CEO & Founder
Alex Back is the founder and CEO of Couch.com. Previously, he was the co-founder and COO of the popular furniture brand, Apt2B, which was acquired by a large US retail furniture chain in 2018. He worked to integrate Apt2B, one of the very first online furniture retailers on the Shopify platform, into the operations of the 100 year old larger business entity and was deeply immersed in the business operations of both online and brick and mortar retail for 4 years before leaving in 2023 to start Couch.com. Working in various parts of the furniture industry since 2004, he has 20 years experience in retail sales, e-commerce, marketing, operations, logistics and wholesale manufacturing and distribution. He has worked extensively with partners such as Costco, Bed Bath and Beyond and Amazon and his work has been highlighted in many publications such as Forbes, CNN and HGTV, among others. Alex is delighted to bring his experience and authority on couches and the furniture industry to this platform, along with many of his industry colleagues who are helping him keep the Couch.com audience informed and engaged on a daily basis.
