Couch Comparisons

AllModern vs West Elm: Who Has Better Couches?

Wondering whether AllModern or West Elm has the superior couch offerings? Let's analyze and compare the key aspects of these top furniture brands to reveal the best choice for you.
AllModern vs West Elm
Ready to dive into the ultimate showdown between AllModern and West Elm couches? Get your popcorn ready as we compare these two stylish brands to determine who emerges victorious.

Side By Side

Features
AllModern
West Elm
Made to Order Lead Times 3-5 weeks 8+ weeks
Free Shipping Option
White Glove Delivery Option $149.99 $279-$429
Return Option
Warranty Included
Financing Option Affirm / Bread Pay / AllModern Credit Card Affirm
Assembly Required Varies
Large Fabric Selection
Free Swatches Available
Manufacturing Origin USA + Import Import
Avg. 3-Seat Couch Price $$ $$-$$$

AllModern and West Elm present compelling options for furniture shoppers. AllModern boasts shorter lead times and more affordable shipping options, including white glove delivery at a lower cost compared to West Elm. On the other hand, West Elm offers a larger fabric selection and has a range of financing options. Overall, the decision between these brands may come down to personal preferences on lead times, shipping, and financing choices.


BRAND #1: AllModern

The image shows the AllModern logo. The word "ALL" is written in thin black capital letters, and "MODERN" is in bold black capital letters. The text is centered on a white background.

Founded in 2006, AllModern revolutionized the online furniture market with its wide selection of modern designs. Now owned by Wayfair, AllModern continues to offer affordable furniture options, including both imported and USA-made couches. Their focus on convenience and affordability appeals to a broad range of customers. While they may lack a cohesive brand identity and could improve transparency regarding materials and construction, AllModern remains a popular destination for those seeking trendy furniture at accessible prices.

AllModern | Brand Summary

AllModern seems to have two clashing identities. On the surface, AllModern appears to be a place to shop for affordable furniture, offering inexpensive but trendy couches that are relatively well-priced (All Modern Furniture is owned by Wayfair, after all). But beneath that is a company that custom builds couches in the USA. These are surprisingly high quality considering the low price tag.

Yet you might never know the second option exists due to the way AllModern furniture hides it on their site. If I were only rating their made in the USA couches, they’d probably be closer to a 92%. But when you factor in the abundance of imported, lower-quality couches that are actually on display, an 85% feels more appropriate.

AllModern | PotatoMeter Rating:

Online Shopping Experience Score 87%
Durability and Quality Score 82%
Shipping and Lead Time Score 94%
Vibe Check Score 78%
Customer Focus Score 82%
Overall PotatoMeter Rating 85%
Read Our AllModern Brand Review

AllModern | Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Wide range of affordable and trendy couches
  • Fast shipping for in-stock items
  • Free white glove delivery on many sofas
  • Variety of financing options available
  • 3-year warranty on frames (for USA-made couches)
  • Mortise and tenon joints in USA-made couches

Cons

  • Potentially inconsistent quality for 3rd party couches
  • 30-day return window with potential fees
  • Lack of transparency regarding materials and construction for some couches
  • No free shipping on all couches
  • Limited fabric swatch options for some couches

AllModern is a haven for budget-minded shoppers seeking a trendy new sofa. Their vast selection spans a wide range of styles and colors, ensuring you'll find something that speaks to your unique taste. With in-stock couches shipping out in as little as two days and free white-glove delivery on many models, your new centerpiece could be gracing your living room in no time. Those opting for one of their USA-made couches can rest easy knowing they come with a 3-year warranty and are constructed with durable mortise and tenon joints.

However, navigating AllModern's offerings requires a discerning eye. While their USA-made sofas generally boast good quality, their third-party couches can be a mixed bag. Some lack detailed information about materials and construction, making it difficult to assess their long-term durability. Additionally, the 30-day return window might feel a bit short, especially with the potential for restocking fees and the responsibility of return shipping falling on the customer.

Despite these caveats, All Modern Furniture remains an appealing option for those who prioritize style and affordability. With a little research and careful consideration of the specific sofa model, you can find a stylish and functional piece that fits your budget and lifestyle. Just be aware that their offerings might not satisfy those seeking the highest-quality materials or a hassle-free return experience.

Shop AllModern Now

BRAND #2: West Elm

West Elm logo featuring the brand name in lowercase, black, sans-serif font on a white background.

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.

West Elm | PotatoMeter Rating

Online Shopping Experience Score 85%
Durability and Quality Score 88%
Shipping and Lead Time Score 84%
Vibe Check Score 93%
Customer Focus Score 82%
Overall PotatoMeter Rating 86%
Read Our West Elm Brand Review

West Elm | Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Large selection of stylish sofas
  • In-stock couches ship quickly
  • 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.

Shop West Elm Now

And the winner is...

After thorough consideration, AllModern emerges as the winner over West Elm in the couch battle. With faster lead times, more budget-friendly delivery options, and competitive financing choices, AllModern offers a winning combination for those seeking trendy couches with convenience and affordability.

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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.
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