Couch Comparisons

Ballard Designs vs CB2: Who Has Better Couches?

August 20, 2024

Alex Back | Couch.com CEO & Founder

This article was automatically generated.

Side By Side

Features	Ballard Designs	CB2
Made to Order Lead Times	10-12 weeks	8 weeks
Free Shipping Option
White Glove Delivery Option		$279-$399
Return Option
Warranty Included
Financing Option	Affirm / Ballard Designs Credit Card	CB2 Credit Card
Assembly Required	Varies
Large Fabric Selection
Free Swatches Available
Manufacturing Origin	USA	Import
Avg. 3-Seat Couch Price	$$$-$$$$	$$$

BRAND #1: Ballard Designs

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

BRAND #2: CB2

CB2, the younger sibling of Crate & Barrel, is a modern furniture brand that pushes the boundaries of design with its innovative and eye-catching pieces. They collaborate with top designers to create a unique aesthetic that blends contemporary style with a touch of eclecticism. CB2 is known for its emphasis on high-quality materials and craftsmanship, although their pricing tends to be on the higher end. While they have set ambitious sustainability goals, the lack of a warranty and strict return policy may be areas for improvement.

CB2 | Brand Summary

CB2 offers glamorous, stunning couch options, but their nonexistent warranty, concerning return policies, and expensive delivery charges are issues that are impossible to ignore. I love so much about the presentation, the brand, and the selection, but there’s room for serious improvement in the customer focus department.

CB2 | PotatoMeter Rating

Online Shopping Experience Score	94%
Durability and Quality Score	83%
Shipping and Lead Time Score	91%
Vibe Check Score	84%
Customer Focus Score	80%
Overall PotatoMeter Rating	86%

Read Our CB2 Brand Review

CB2 | Pros & Cons

Pros

Glamorous and stylish couch options
In-stock fabrics ship quickly
Large selection of high-quality fabrics
White-glove delivery options
Free fabric swatches
Sectional builder tool for custom designs

Cons

No warranty on couches
Strict return policy for custom orders (non-returnable)
Expensive delivery charges
Requires 50% non-refundable deposit on custom orders
Limited transparency regarding materials and construction details

CB2 certainly knows how to make a statement with their glamorous and stylish sofas, featuring an impressive selection of high-quality fabrics and a handy online sectional builder for those who crave a truly custom piece.

Their white-glove delivery option adds a touch of luxury to the experience, while the availability of free swatches helps you confidently choose the perfect fabric.

However, CB2's allure might lose some of its luster when you delve deeper into their policies. The lack of a warranty on their couches is a notable concern, especially considering their price point. Additionally, their return policy is quite strict, especially for custom orders, which are non-returnable and require a hefty deposit.

Ultimately, CB2 could be a dream come true for design enthusiasts seeking a statement piece, as long as you're confident in your choices and willing to forgo the safety net of a warranty.

Shop CB2 Now

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.

Expand

Learn more about our experts

Copy Link Copied!