Couch Comparisons

Ballard Designs vs What A Room: Who Has Better Couches?

Ready to settle the score on who dominates the couch kingdom – Ballard Designs or What A Room? Join us as we dissect their offerings to determine the heavyweight champ in comfort, quality, and design. Get comfy, and let's find out who emerges victorious!
Alex Back | Couch.com CEO & Founder
Ballard Designs vs What A Room

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    Imagine a world where couches battle for the title of supreme comfort provider. In one corner, we have Ballard Designs, and in the other, What A Room. Who will emerge victorious in the ultimate sofa face-off? Let the friendly furniture fight begin!

    Side By Side

    Features
    Ballard Designs
    What A Room
    Made to Order Lead Times 10-12 weeks 4-6 weeks
    Free Shipping Option
    White Glove Delivery Option $99+
    Return Option
    Warranty Included
    Financing Option Affirm / Ballard Designs Credit Card Affirm, Shop Pay
    Assembly Required Varies Varies
    Large Fabric Selection
    Free Swatches Available
    Manufacturing Origin USA USA
    Avg. 3-Seat Couch Price $$$-$$$$ $$$

    When weighing up Ballard Designs against What A Room, customers encounter a tough decision. While Ballard Designs exudes timeless elegance and quality craftsmanship in a premium to luxury price range, What A Room shines with its customizable options, commitment to eco-friendly materials, and exceptional customer service in the premium segment. Both brands offer durable, stylish designs made in the USA, catering to different needs and design preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two boils down to individual priorities, whether it's classic sophistication or tailored customization that wins your heart.

    BRAND #1: Ballard Designs

    The image shows the logo of Ballard Designs, featuring the company name "Ballard Designs" in a serif font with capitalized letters, on a white background.

    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 87%
    Durability and Quality Score 90%
    Shipping and Lead Time Score 88%
    Vibe Check Score 90%
    Customer Focus Score 86%
    Overall PotatoMeter Rating 88%
    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: What A Room

    A black and white line drawing depicting a woman playing guitar. She is seated with long hair and is shown in a relaxed pose. Her eyes are closed as she strums the guitar, conveying a sense of concentration and enjoyment.

    What A Room was founded with the goal of offering fully customizable sofas and sectionals, made in the USA with high-quality materials. By owning their own factory in Los Angeles, they are able to offer quicker production times (4-6 weeks) while ensuring a personalized customer experience. Their key milestone includes providing over 250 fabric choices, with a focus on pet-friendly and eco-conscious options. Known for their craftsmanship, durability, and commitment to customer satisfaction, What A Room has carved out a niche as a go-to brand for buyers seeking custom, high-end furniture with a fast turnaround.

    What A Room | Brand Summary

    When it comes to custom sofas made in the USA, few brands match the level of quality, customer service, and design flexibility that What A Room offers. But do What A Room reviews reflect this same level of excellence, or is it just good marketing?

    As a direct-to-consumer furniture brand, What A Room manufactures its own sofas, offering full customization with high-end materials—all without sky-high retail markups. That’s a rare find in today’s sofa market. With handcrafted frames, premium foam cushions, and free design consultations, What A Room gives buyers full control over their couch.

    Let’s see if they live up to the hype in What A Room reviews or if there are better alternatives.

    What A Room | PotatoMeter Rating

    Online Shopping Experience Score 84%
    Durability and Quality Score 86%
    Shipping and Lead Time Score 88%
    Vibe Check Score 83%
    Customer Focus Score 86%
    Overall PotatoMeter Rating 85%
    Read Our What A Room Brand Review

    What A Room | Pros & Cons

    Pros
    • Fully customizable sofas and sectionals
    • Quick manufacturing times (4-6 weeks)
    • High-resilience foam cushions for durability
    • Eco-friendly, PFAS-free fabrics
    • Made in the USA with quality craftsmanship
    • Personalized customer service with design consultations
    Cons
    • 20% restocking fee for returns
    • No free shipping option, delivery fees can be high

    What A Room offers a customizable sofa experience, perfect for buyers seeking a unique, made-to-order product. Their quick 4-6 week production time is faster than many competitors, and they provide over 250 fabric choices, including pet-friendly options. Owning their manufacturing facility in the USA allows them to maintain high-quality standards while meeting customization needs.

    However, their return policy has a 20% restocking fee, which can be a drawback for some customers. Delivery fees are also an added expense, and there have been occasional complaints about delays in receiving custom orders.

    On the plus side, What A Room excels with personalized customer service and free design consultations to ensure you’re getting exactly what you want. Their use of eco-friendly, chemical-free fabrics and durable high-resilience foam cushions makes them a great choice for families, and their made-in-the-USA production is a strong selling point for those seeking quality craftsmanship.

    Shop What A Room Now

    And the winner is...

    The winner of the couch crown in this battle is Ballard Designs. Combining timeless elegance, top-notch craftsmanship, and a touch of luxury, Ballard Designs steals the spotlight. Its commitment to quality, style, and customer satisfaction sets it apart and makes it the top choice for those seeking enduring sophistication and comfort.

    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.
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