BenchMade Modern vs Ballard Designs: Who Has Better Couches?
Looking for the ideal luxury couch to fit your unique style and comfort needs? Join us as we compare BenchMade Modern and Ballard Designs to unveil which brand delivers the ultimate combination of quality, design, and coziness for your living space.
Alex Back | Couch.com CEO & Founder
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Step into the ring as we present a clash of the couch titans: BenchMade Modern vs. Ballard Designs. Wondering which brand crafts the perfect blend of luxury and comfort for your living space? Get ready to unravel the secrets behind these standout sofa makers in a head-to-head comparison.
Side By Side
Features
BenchMade Modern
Ballard Designs
Made to Order Lead Times
2-6 weeks
10-12 weeks
Free Shipping Option
White Glove Delivery Option
$399
Return Option
Warranty Included
Financing Option
Affirm
Affirm / Ballard Designs Credit Card
Assembly Required
Varies
Large Fabric Selection
Free Swatches Available
Manufacturing Origin
USA
USA
Avg. 3-Seat Couch Price
$$$$
$$$-$$$$
In the clash between BenchMade Modern and Ballard Designs, style, durability, sustainability, and overall value are key considerations. BenchMade Modern shines with its rebellious luxury and customization, offering a premium option for style-conscious buyers. In contrast, Ballard Designs excels in refined living with its enduring elegance and high-quality materials, positioning itself as a top choice for those valuing timeless design and exceptional durability.
BRAND #1: BenchMade Modern
BenchMade Modern is a brand that prides itself on challenging the norms of the luxury furniture industry. They offer custom-made sofas with surprisingly fast lead times, manufactured in the USA. Their unique selling point is their customization process, which allows you to tailor your sofa to your exact preferences, from the fabric to the leg color and even the depth. While their prices lean towards the luxury end of the spectrum, their lifetime warranty on frames and generous return policy offer peace of mind. With quirky sofa names and a focus on customer satisfaction, BenchMade Modern caters to a new generation of design enthusiasts who value individuality and convenience.
BenchMade Modern | Brand Summary
BenchMade Modern furniture stands out for its custom-built, USA-made couches, designed for buyers who want luxury furniture without the long wait times. Their sofas are handcrafted with high-quality materials and delivered in as little as two weeks, making them one of the fastest custom couch brands on the market.
Generous 100-day return window with free return shipping
High-quality fabrics (30,000 to 100,000 double rub counts)
Offer full-grain and top-grain leather options
Wide range of customization options (size, fabric, leg color, depth)
Cons
Expensive compared to similar quality sofas from other brands
Use of plywood in some frames
Limited cushion options (foam and fiber or foam and trillium)
Minimal sustainability initiatives beyond manufacturing in the USA
BenchMade Modern, the self-proclaimed "rebellious luxury" brand, offers a tempting proposition: custom-made sofas with quick turnaround times, backed by a generous warranty and return policy. However, the allure fades slightly when you consider their premium price point, which doesn't always align with the materials and construction quality.
While their high-quality fabrics and leather options are a definite plus, the use of plywood in some frames and stapled joints might leave discerning buyers wanting more. Additionally, their online customization process could use some streamlining to avoid potential confusion.
However, if you're drawn to their unique designs and prioritize fast delivery and a hassle-free return policy, BenchMade furniture might just be your perfect match. Just be prepared to pay a premium for the privilege of owning one of their "rebellious" creations.
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.
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.
In the showdown of luxury couch brands, BenchMade Modern emerges as the victor with its rebellious luxury, extensive customization options, and premium quality craftsmanship. For style-conscious buyers looking for personalized elegance and top-notch durability, BenchMade Modern offers the ultimate sofa experience that's sure to elevate any living space.
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.
