Couch Comparisons

Ashley Furniture vs Design Within Reach: Who Has Better Couches?

August 30, 2024

Are you ready to uncover who reigns supreme in the luxury couch realm: Ashley Furniture or Design Within Reach? Let the comfy showdown begin!

Alex Back | Couch.com CEO & Founder

Imagine sinking into the perfect couch made just for you. Today, we put Ashley Furniture and Design Within Reach head-to-head to see who crafts the ideal blend of comfort and sophistication for your living space.

Side By Side

Features	Ashley Furniture	Design Within Reach
Made to Order Lead Times	N/A	8-12 weeks
Free Shipping Option
White Glove Delivery Option	$99.99-$249.99+	$399-$599
Return Option
Warranty Included
Financing Option	Ashley Advantage Card / Acima	Affirm
Assembly Required	Varies
Large Fabric Selection
Free Swatches Available
Manufacturing Origin	USA + Import	USA + Import
Avg. 3-Seat Couch Price	$$	$$$$

Looking for the perfect couch companion? Ashley Furniture and Design Within Reach each bring something distinct to the table. Ashley Furniture offers a vast selection of budget-friendly styles with decent durability, catering to those seeking affordable yet sturdy seating options. Meanwhile, Design Within Reach focuses on high-end designer pieces crafted from premium materials, ideal for those who prioritize luxurious comfort. While Ashley Furniture provides a practical and budget-friendly couch range, Design Within Reach delivers sophisticated, high-quality options that stand out in both style and durability.

BRAND #1: Ashley Furniture

From humble beginnings in 1945, Ashley Furniture has grown into a global powerhouse, known for their massive selection of affordable and stylish furniture. They prioritize convenience and accessibility, offering both online and in-store shopping experiences. While they don't boast the most luxurious materials, their focus on value and their commitment to community and environmental efforts make them a popular choice for families and budget-conscious shoppers alike.

Ashley Furniture | Brand Summary

Ashley Furniture is like the big box store of the furniture world. They offer a dizzying array of styles, and you’re almost guaranteed to find something that fits your budget. Ashley Furniture Homestore is known for its customer experiences with purchasing furniture, highlighting both positive aspects such as affordable pricing and extensive selection, and negative experiences involving delivery issues and varying furniture quality. They have a laser focus on affordability.

While you won’t usually find exclusive designer pieces, their furniture is surprisingly sturdy for the price point. Ashley Furniture's focus on affordability and extensive selection makes it a popular choice among budget-conscious shoppers. Their online shopping platform makes it easy to browse their extensive selection and find the perfect piece for your home.

Ashley Furniture | PotatoMeter Rating:

Online Shopping Experience Score	93%
Durability and Quality Score	93%
Shipping and Lead Time Score	90%
Vibe Check Score	95%
Customer Focus Score	93%
Overall PotatoMeter Rating	93%

Read Our Ashley Furniture Brand Review

Ashley Furniture | Pros & Cons

Pros

Wide array of styles and budget-friendly options
Surprisingly sturdy construction for the price
Multiple delivery options including white-glove
Easy online shopping experience
One-year warranty with labor coverage
Commitment to community and environmental efforts

Cons

Limited customization options
Warranty coverage could be more comprehensive
Vague information on materials and sourcing
Potential inconsistency in quality between different models
Reguard protection plans cost extra

Ashley Furniture is your friendly neighborhood giant in the furniture world, with options galore to suit any style and budget. Their sofas are surprisingly sturdy for the price, and their commitment to making shopping easy shines through with a user-friendly website, multiple delivery options, and even in-store pickup for the adventurous. They even offer a one-year warranty with labor coverage, which is a bonus in this price range.

But hey, even giants have their shortcomings. While their sofas might not be heirloom-quality, they're definitely built for real life. However, customization options are limited, and the materials and sourcing information could be more transparent. The standard warranty, while a good start, could be more comprehensive, and those extra protection plans will cost you.

If you're looking for a stylish, affordable sofa without the fuss, Ashley Furniture is worth checking out. Just be sure to do your research and choose a model that fits your needs and lifestyle. After all, a couch is more than just a place to sit – it's where life happens.

Shop Ashley Furniture Now

BRAND #2: Design Within Reach

Founded in 1998, Design Within Reach has long been a trailblazer in making iconic modern designs accessible to the masses. With a focus on partnering with renowned designers and showcasing timeless pieces, they have become a go-to destination for those seeking furniture that is both functional and visually stunning. DWR's commitment to quality craftsmanship is evident in their sofas, often featuring premium materials and meticulous attention to detail. While their price point might be a barrier for some, their dedication to design excellence and exceptional customer service continues to attract a loyal following of design enthusiasts.

Design Within Reach | Brand Summary

Design Within Reach markets itself as the source for accessible, authentic design pieces. Those are some big promises! As a furniture nerd, I had to try them out for myself. Overall, the hype is mostly justified – there's a reason DWR has staying power in this industry. Their focus on quality stands out, but their offerings aren't for everyone's budget (or style). Let's dig into why (or why not) these couches might be your thing.

Design Within Reach | PotatoMeter Rating

Online Shopping Experience Score	92%
Durability and Quality Score	93%
Shipping and Lead Time Score	90%
Vibe Check Score	91%
Customer Focus Score	93%
Overall PotatoMeter Rating	92%

Read Our Design Within Reach Brand Review

Design Within Reach | Pros & Cons

Pros

Curated selection of high-end designer pieces
High-quality materials like Italian leather and performance fabrics
Variety of customization options including modular sectionals
White-glove delivery for a seamless experience
In-home design services offered
Partnership with Affirm for financing

Cons

Expensive price point
Limited 30-day return window
High return shipping fees and potential restocking fee
Limited information on frame construction and cushion details
Varying manufacturing origins with potential for inconsistent quality control

Design Within Reach (DWR) is a sanctuary for design aficionados, offering a meticulously curated collection of high-end designer sofas that could make even the most discerning critic swoon.

Their commitment to quality is undeniable, with premium materials like buttery-soft Italian leather and durable performance fabrics, coupled with a seamless white-glove delivery experience.

However, DWR's allure comes with a price tag that might give some pause. Their sofas are an investment, averaging between $4,000-$8,000, and the 30-day return window could feel a bit tight for such a significant purchase. The potential for hefty return shipping fees and restocking charges further amplifies the financial commitment. And while they boast about their quality craftsmanship, specifics about frame construction and cushion details are surprisingly elusive.

Ultimately, DWR is a haven for those who prioritize design and impeccable service and are willing to pay for it. If you're seeking a statement piece that embodies timeless elegance, DWR could be your holy grail. But for budget-minded shoppers or those who crave transparency in every detail, it might be wise to explore other avenues before diving into the world of DWR.

Shop Design Within Reach Now

And the winner is...

After scrutinizing the details, the verdict is in: Design Within Reach takes the crown in the realm of luxurious couches. With their focus on high-end designer pieces and premium materials, they shine as the go-to choice for those seeking sophistication and top-notch quality.

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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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