Couch Comparisons

Apt2B vs Ballard Designs: Who Has Better Couches?

Which brand crafts the comfiest couches - Apt2B or Ballard Designs? Find out in our sofa face-off!
Alex Back | Couch.com CEO & Founder
Apt2B vs Ballard Designs

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    Get your popcorn ready because it's time for a sofa showdown! Apt2B and Ballard Designs step into the ring, each boasting unique strengths in the world of couch craftsmanship. Who will reign supreme in this battle of style and comfort? Let the sofa face-off begin!

    Side By Side

    Features
    Apt2B
    Ballard Designs
    Made to Order Lead Times 2-4 weeks 10-12 weeks
    Free Shipping Option
    White Glove Delivery Option $149
    Return Option
    Warranty Included
    Financing Option Bread Pay Affirm / Ballard Designs Credit Card
    Assembly Required Varies Varies
    Large Fabric Selection
    Free Swatches Available
    Manufacturing Origin USA + Import USA
    Avg. 3-Seat Couch Price $$$ $$$-$$$$

    In the style arena, Apt2B and Ballard Designs offer diverse options to cater to various preferences. While both brands prioritize durability, Ballard Designs stands out for its sustainability initiatives, appealing to environmentally conscious buyers. Apt2B shines in providing value through its vast customization options and durable constructions. Combining elegance with durability, Ballard Designs offers a premium experience, making it an attractive choice for those seeking long-lasting, sustainable, and top-tier sofas.


    BRAND #1: Apt2B

    A black and white logo consists of two sections: the left side reads "APT 2B" and the right side reads "Modern Furniture." The text is enclosed in a rectangular border.

    Apt2B was founded in 2010 with the goal of providing customizable, USA made apartment size sofas at an affordable price. They've since expanded their offering to include sectionals, sofa beds, and more. Apt2B was recently acquired by The RoomPlace.

    Apt2B | Brand Summary

    Apt2B is a really fantastic option if you’re looking for a couch, sleeper sofa, or sectional that’s made in the USA, customizable, is made from quality materials, and ships quick. The delivery process is smooth and stress-free, highlighting the convenience from order placement to receiving the product.

    But Apt2B furniture also offers “exclusive import” products that are manufactured overseas and don’t match the rest of their quality. This leads to a bit of an identity crisis on the website and weakens their overall rating. For the sake of this review I will mostly be focusing on their collection of Made in the USA couches, which is also what you should do when shopping at Apt2B.

    Couch Potato Note: Like Joybird, I’d recommend that you only order Apt2B couches when they’re on sale (and they’re almost always on sale).

    Apt2B | PotatoMeter Rating:

    Online Shopping Experience Score 93%
    Durability and Quality Score 90%
    Shipping and Lead Time Score 96%
    Vibe Check Score 86%
    Customer Focus Score 88%
    Overall PotatoMeter Rating 91%
    Read Our Apt2B Brand Review

    Apt2B | Pros & Cons

    Pros

    • Most couches made in the USA
    • Exceptionally fast lead times
    • Huge fabric selection
    • Tons of couch styles and sizes
    • High quality materials for the price
    • Fabrics are all the same price

    Cons

    • Some couches imported from overseas
    • Essentially only offers a 1-year warranty
    • Returns can be costly
    • No brick-and-mortar locations

    Apt2B has a bit of a split personality when it comes to their couch offerings. They have high-quality, made-in-the-USA sofas, but they also sell cheaper, lower-quality, imported couches. It can be hard to tell which is which when shopping on their website. Their imported couches do not have a warranty, and their USA-made couches essentially have a 1-year warranty despite language promoting a lifetime warranty. A lack of brick-and-mortar locations makes it difficult to judge Apt2B’s quality and comfort in person.

    However, they have an excellent range of USA-made couch sizes and styles available in dozens of fabrics. They sell large 2-piece sectional sofas, sectional sleeper sofas, apartment-size sofas, and big modular couches. If you want mid-century modern couches or modern couches you’ll have plenty to choose from at Apt2B furniture. Apt2B also has some of the fastest lead times for custom-built, USA-made sofas we’ve ever seen. The icing on the cake? Apt2B uses high-quality materials, especially at their competitive, mid-tier price point. Plus, every upholstery fabric option is the same price, so you can customize to your heart’s content.

    Shop Apt2B Now

    BRAND #2: Ballard Designs

    The image shows the logo of Ballard Designs, featuring the company name "Ballard Designs" in a serif font with capitalized letters, on a white background.

    Ballard Designs, established over 35 years ago, has become a household name in the home furnishings industry. Their enduring legacy is built upon a foundation of timeless design, quality craftsmanship, and a passion for creating inspiring living spaces. The brand's dedication to sustainability and collaboration with renowned designers further solidifies their position as a leader in the market. With their commitment to excellence and customer-centric approach, Ballard Designs continues to offer furniture that stands the test of time, both in style and durability.

    Ballard Designs | Brand Summary

    When it comes to Ballard Designs' couches, my overall impression is genuinely positive. Their catalog reflects a dedication to craftsmanship and style that's hard to overlook. Each sofa feels like a tribute to both comfort and design, blending practicality with a touch of luxury. Amazingly, they manage to cater to a broad range of tastes without compromising on quality. From the plush cushions to the fine fabrics, Ballard Designs prioritizes user satisfaction and durability. Their market presence is strong, not just because of their product quality, but due to their understanding of what makes a home feel like home.

    Ballard Designs | PotatoMeter Rating

    Online Shopping Experience Score 91%
    Durability and Quality Score 93%
    Shipping and Lead Time Score 93%
    Vibe Check Score 93%
    Customer Focus Score 94%
    Overall PotatoMeter Rating 93%
    Read Our Ballard Designs Brand Review

    Ballard Designs | Pros & Cons

    Pros

    • Elegant and timeless designs
    • High-quality materials (top-grain leather, performance fabrics, etc.)
    • Made in the USA
    • Free shipping for smaller items
    • Free fabric swatches
    • Wide range of customization options

    Cons

    • Long lead times for custom-made pieces
    • Return shipping fees are not covered and a restocking fee may apply
    • Lack of transparency regarding warranty details
    • Assembly may be required
    • White-glove delivery is an added cost

    Ballard Designs captures the essence of refined living with its elegant and timeless sofas. The brand's dedication to quality is evident in their use of high-end materials like top-grain leather and durable fabrics, all crafted in the USA. With a wide range of customization options and a generous selection of free swatches, you can create a sofa that perfectly complements your style and space.

    The premium experience, however, comes with a few tradeoffs. The price tag for a Ballard Designs sofa can be substantial, reflecting their commitment to quality and craftsmanship. While they offer free shipping for smaller items, larger sofas may require additional delivery fees, and in-home delivery and assembly come at an extra cost. Additionally, returns, while possible, are subject to fees and certain exclusions.

    Overall, Ballard Designs caters to discerning homeowners who appreciate quality, craftsmanship, and timeless design. While the investment may be significant, the brand's commitment to customer satisfaction and sustainable practices makes their sofas a worthy addition to any home.

    Shop Ballard Designs Now

    And the winner is...

    In the grand sofa face-off, Ballard Designs comes out on top, offering a blend of luxury, durability, and sustainability that caters to discerning homeowners. Their commitment to elegant designs and top-notch materials makes them the ideal choice for those seeking sophistication in every stitch. While Apt2B presents a strong contender with its focus on customization and mid-range prices, the overall winner in this bout is Ballard Designs, setting the standard for premium couch craftsmanship.

    A smiling man with short brown hair and a beard stands on a beach during sunset. He is wearing a black short-sleeved shirt with small white dots. The ocean and sandy shore are in the background, creating a warm and relaxed atmosphere.
    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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