Who emerges victorious in the battle of couches between Anabei and West Elm?
Alex Back | Couch.com CEO & Founder
Are you ready to settle the score between Anabei and West Elm's couches? Find out which brand comes out on top in this ultimate couch showdown!
Side By Side
Features
Anabei
West Elm
Made to Order Lead Times
4+ weeks
8+ weeks
Free Shipping Option
White Glove Delivery Option
$279-$429
Return Option
Warranty Included
Financing Option
Shop Pay
Affirm
Assembly Required
Large Fabric Selection
Free Swatches Available
Manufacturing Origin
USA
Import
Avg. 3-Seat Couch Price
$$$
$$-$$$
If you value customization and a shorter lead time, Anabei could be your pick. Their modular design and machine-washable covers offer flexibility and easy cleaning. On the other hand, West Elm provides a larger selection of sofas and quick shipping for in-stock items. While Anabei focuses on U.S. manufacturing, West Elm offers competitive pricing and a warranty option. When it comes to returns, Anabei's risk-free trial contrasts with West Elm's limitations. Ultimately, if you prioritize flexibility and practicality, Anabei might win your heart, but if style variety and quick availability matter more, West Elm could be the choice for you.
BRAND #1: Anabei
Anabei is a relative newcomer in the furniture scene, but they've quickly made a splash with their innovative approach to sofa design. Founded by millennials who understand the needs of modern consumers, they focus on creating stylish, practical, and eco-conscious furniture that can adapt to your changing lifestyle. Their modular sofas, crafted with durable materials and machine-washable covers, have become a hit among those seeking a hassle-free and chic seating solution.
Anabei | Brand Summary
It's clear that Anabei is hitting the mark with its modular, machine-washable sofas. And they're doing it at a pretty sick price point. They've tapped into the sweet spot where practicality meets modern design, offering a refreshing alternative to traditional sofas. The brand's focus on quality materials, like their durable performance fabrics and sturdy steel frames, is evident in their products, ensuring that your Anabei sofa won't just look good but will also stand the test of time (and kids, pets, and spilled drinks!).
While Anabei might not be the go-to for those seeking top-tier luxury, they've mastered the art of providing exceptional value. Their sofas are comfortable, stylish, and, most importantly, easy to maintain – a winning combination for anyone who wants a beautiful living space without the stress of constant cleaning. So, if you're looking for a sofa that's as practical as it is chic, Anabei is definitely worth considering.
Limited transparency about sustainability practices
Potential for shipping delays due to made-to-order process
No physical showrooms for in-person viewing
Anabei's modular sofas are a game-changer for those seeking adaptable and easy-to-clean furniture. Their innovative design, coupled with high-quality, performance fabrics, makes them a practical choice for busy households and pet owners alike. And with a generous 30-day risk-free trial and full refund policy, you can try out their sofas without any financial worries.
However, if you're after extensive customization options or a white-glove delivery experience, Anabei might not be the perfect fit. Their fabric and color choices are limited, and you'll need to roll up your sleeves for assembly. Also, while they emphasize sustainability, they could be more transparent about their overall practices.
All in all, Anabei is a solid choice for those who prioritize functionality, style, and a hassle-free return policy. Their sofas might not be the most luxurious on the market, but they offer a practical and stylish solution for modern living.
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 between Anabei and West Elm, the clear winner is Anabei. With its focus on practicality, modular design, and machine-washable covers, Anabei presents a compelling option for those seeking adaptable and easy-to-maintain furniture.
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.
