Seeking the ideal couch for your home but torn between Arhaus and West Elm? Find out which brand crafts the comfiest and most stylish seating options!
Alex Back | Couch.com CEO & Founder
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Ready to upgrade your relaxation station with a brand new couch? Find out if Arhaus or West Elm holds the key to your perfect sofa in this comprehensive comparison.
Side By Side
Features
Arhaus
West Elm
Made to Order Lead Times
6 weeks
8+ weeks
Free Shipping Option
White Glove Delivery Option
$299-$599
$279-$429
Return Option
Warranty Included
Financing Option
Arhaus Credit Card
Affirm
Assembly Required
Large Fabric Selection
Free Swatches Available
Manufacturing Origin
USA
Import
Avg. 3-Seat Couch Price
$$$-$$$$
$$-$$$
When comparing Arhaus and West Elm sofas, Arhaus boasts shorter lead times for made-to-order items, offering elegant and unique designs. Meanwhile, West Elm provides a wide range of stylish options at competitive prices but lands lower on the customer focus spectrum compared to Arhaus.
BRAND #1: Arhaus
Founded in 1986, Arhaus has established itself as a premier destination for distinctive, high-quality furniture. With a commitment to sustainability, the brand partners with artisans worldwide, utilizing reclaimed, recycled, and natural materials. Their unique designs, often inspired by global travels and cultural influences, offer a refreshing alternative to mass-produced furniture. Arhaus' dedication to quality craftsmanship and customer satisfaction has earned them a loyal following of discerning homeowners who seek furniture that is both beautiful and built to last.
Arhaus | Brand Summary
Arhaus, as a brand, has consistently demonstrated a commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. Arhaus sofas are not just pieces of furniture but a blend of comfort, durability, and style that stands out in the market. The craftsmanship is evident in every stitch, and the attention to detail is commendable. Arhaus has created a positive brand vibe with their responsive customer service and user-friendly website. Arhaus sofas, sectionals, modular, and other sofa types cater to diverse customer needs, making Arhaus furniture a reliable choice for your next sofa purchase.
Limited transparency regarding specific construction details
Arhaus offers a captivating blend of artistry and practicality in their sofa collections, with each piece meticulously crafted using high-quality materials. Their commitment to sustainability and unique designs, often inspired by global artisans, makes them a standout in the furniture market. However, the allure of Arhaus sofas comes at a premium price, reflecting their commitment to quality and craftsmanship.
While their white glove delivery ensures a seamless experience, the limited 14-day return window and 10% restocking fee might deter some potential buyers. Additionally, the lack of readily available warranty details and limited transparency regarding specific construction techniques might be a concern for those seeking comprehensive information before making a significant investment.
Despite these considerations, Arhaus remains a top choice for those who prioritize unique designs, quality materials, and sustainable practices. Their sofas, whether a plush sectional or a sleek modern design, are more than just furniture; they are a testament to the brand's dedication to creating pieces that elevate your living space and reflect your values and personal style.
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.
Taking into account sustainability, lead times, and overall value, Arhaus emerges as the top choice for those seeking unique designs and eco-conscious options. However, customers in need of quick shipping and a broad style selection might find West Elm more appealing due to its competitive pricing and distinct designs.
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.
