Couch Comparisons

Ballard Designs vs Ethan Allen: Who Has Better Couches?

July 30, 2024

Curious about which brand, Ballard Designs or Ethan Allen, offers the best warranty, financing options, and fabric selection for couches? Get ready to uncover the details!

Alex Back | Couch.com CEO & Founder

Get ready to settle in and find out which brand takes the crown for the ultimate couch showdown – Ballard Designs or Ethan Allen!

Side By Side

Features	Ballard Designs	Ethan Allen
Made to Order Lead Times	10-12 weeks	5-7 weeks
Free Shipping Option
White Glove Delivery Option		$99+
Return Option
Warranty Included
Financing Option	Affirm / Ballard Designs Credit Card	Ethan Allen Platinum Card
Assembly Required	Varies
Large Fabric Selection
Free Swatches Available
Manufacturing Origin	USA	North America
Avg. 3-Seat Couch Price	$$$-$$$$	$$$-$$$$

Let's break it down for you to make that choice easier. Ballard Designs might make you wait for several weeks or months for their customized sofas , but their focus on offering a large fabric selection and free swatches can give you that perfectly customized couch. In contrast, Ethan Allen's 5-7 week lead time may suit the more impatient ones, with an extensive warranty to seal the deal. While Ballard Designs boasts free shipping, Ethan Allen has you covered with white-glove delivery, ensuring your couch arrives in style. The average 3-seat couch price range is similar, so the decision boils down to whether you prefer fast delivery and lifetime warranty or extensive customization options and fabric choices.

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: Ethan Allen

Founded in 1932, Ethan Allen has become synonymous with American style and craftsmanship. Their commitment to quality and innovation has made them a trusted name in the furniture industry for nearly a century. They offer a vast array of customizable designs, allowing customers to create unique pieces that reflect their personal style. With a focus on sustainability and a dedication to providing a premium customer experience, Ethan Allen continues to be a top choice for those seeking high-quality, timeless furniture.

Ethan Allen | Brand Summary

Now, here's a brand that's been crafting sofas since before your grandpa was a twinkle in his dad's eye. They've practically written the book on American furniture style, and their couches are no exception. But what makes an Ethan Allen sofa truly stand out in a sea of seating options? Let me tell you, it's their unwavering commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and creating pieces that are truly built to last.

You can expect top-notch materials, customizable designs that let you express your unique style, and a white-glove customer service experience that'll make you feel like royalty. But are Ethan Allen sofas worth the investment? Let's dive deeper into their collection and find out.

Ethan Allen | PotatoMeter Rating

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

Read Our Ethan Allen Brand Review

Ethan Allen | Pros & Cons

Pros

High-quality materials (top-grain leather, performance fabrics)
Made in the USA
Lifetime warranty on mechanisms
Free swatches
White-glove delivery
Customizable designs

Cons

Pricey
Long lead times for custom orders
Limited warranty for upholstery
Limited in-stock options
Return policy only 10 days for Premier In-home Delivery

Ethan Allen is like the grand dame of American furniture, with a legacy that whispers of timeless elegance and craftsmanship. Their sofas, whether adorned in supple leather or plush velvet, exude a classic charm that's hard to resist. And with their commitment to quality, you can rest assured that your Ethan Allen couch will be a cherished companion for years to come. Plus, their white-glove delivery service is the cherry on top, ensuring a seamless and stress-free experience from showroom to living room.

Now, let's be real – this kind of luxury doesn't come cheap. Be prepared to loosen those purse strings for an Ethan Allen sofa, as they're definitely an investment piece. And if you're the impatient type, you might want to look elsewhere, as custom orders can take weeks (or even months) to arrive. Their return policy could also use a bit of a refresh, especially for those who opt for the premium in-home delivery service.

But hey, if you're all about that heirloom-quality furniture that'll make your grandma proud, Ethan Allen might just be your perfect match. Their sofas are more than just a place to sit – they're a statement of timeless style and enduring craftsmanship. So, if you're willing to invest in a piece that'll become a cherished part of your home for years to come, go ahead and treat yourself to a little bit of Ethan Allen luxury.

Shop Ethan Allen Now

And the winner is...

In the ultimate couch showdown, our winner is Ethan Allen. With its shorter lead times, lifetime warranty, and diverse financing options, Ethan Allen provides a luxurious yet practical sofa experience. While Ballard Designs impresses with customization, Ethan Allen's overall package clinches the victory for those seeking enduring quality and a touch of American craftsmanship.

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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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