Why settle for ordinary when you can pick the perfect couch champion? Apt2B and Schoolhouse face off – who will take the crown?
Alex Back | Couch.com CEO & Founder
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Gather 'round, furniture fanatics! Today, we're pitting Apt2B against Schoolhouse in an epic sofa showdown like no other. Which brand will emerge victorious in the battle of the couches? Let's unravel the fabric of these contenders and see who comes out on top!
Side By Side
Features
Apt2B
Schoolhouse
Made to Order Lead Times
2-4 weeks
6-8 weeks
Free Shipping Option
White Glove Delivery Option
$149
$399
Return Option
Warranty Included
Financing Option
Bread Pay
Affirm
Assembly Required
Varies
Large Fabric Selection
Free Swatches Available
Manufacturing Origin
USA + Import
USA
Avg. 3-Seat Couch Price
$$$
$$$$
In the realm of style, Apt2B offers a wide array of options appealing to modern design lovers, while Schoolhouse focuses on timeless elegance. Durability-wise, both brands showcase high-quality materials; Apt2B features a mix of locally made and imported pieces, while Schoolhouse shines with its emphasis on American craftsmanship. In terms of sustainability, Apt2B’s mix of origins might raise questions, while Schoolhouse's commitment to American-made products carries a sustainability edge. Overall, Apt2B caters to those seeking modern styles with customization, while Schoolhouse targets customers valuing classic sophistication and durability.
BRAND #1: Apt2B
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 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.
Schoolhouse is an American-made furniture brand that champions craftsmanship and timeless design. Their sofas are made-to-order with a focus on quality materials and construction. While their limited selection and high prices might not appeal to everyone, their commitment to sustainability and support of local manufacturing resonates with those seeking enduring pieces that reflect their values.
Schoolhouse | Brand Summary
Schoolhouse sofas lean towards timeless rather than trendy, which is a smart move if you're after that "anchor piece" for your living room. I dug into their construction, materials, and customer feedback, and honestly, their quality does impress. Think sturdy frames, durable fabrics, and that reassuring sense that someone actually cared when putting your couch together. That said, they definitely cater to a specific taste and come with a premium price tag.
Bottom line: If you're searching for a beautifully built American-made sofa, and classic styling speaks to you, Schoolhouse is absolutely worth considering.
Schoolhouse sofas exude timeless elegance and are built to last, using quality materials and expert craftsmanship in the USA. However, their steep price point and strict no-return policy might make some shoppers hesitant. While the white glove delivery is convenient, the lack of free swatches and limited transparency regarding warranty details could be a drawback. If you prioritize quality, craftsmanship, and classic designs and are willing to invest in a long-lasting piece, Schoolhouse might be the perfect fit.
Emerging victorious in this showdown is Schoolhouse, championing timeless elegance, unbeatable craftsmanship, and unmatched durability for those seeking enduring quality. With a focus on American-made excellence and classic designs, Schoolhouse stands out as the premier choice for those valuing sophistication and lasting style.
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.
