BenchMade Modern vs Blu Dot: Who Has Better Couches?
Who will win the battle of the couches: BenchMade Modern or Blu Dot?
Alex Back | Couch.com CEO & Founder
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Get ready to discover which brand wins the battle of the couches: BenchMade Modern or Blu Dot. Get your popcorn ready for some stylish showdown!
Side By Side
Features
BenchMade Modern
Blu Dot
Made to Order Lead Times
2-6 weeks
8-12 weeks
Free Shipping Option
White Glove Delivery Option
$399
$249-$349
Return Option
Warranty Included
Financing Option
Affirm
Affirm
Assembly Required
Large Fabric Selection
Free Swatches Available
Manufacturing Origin
USA
USA
Avg. 3-Seat Couch Price
$$$$
$$-$$$$
BenchMade Modern and Blu Dot offer custom-made sofas with different lead times and shipping options. While BenchMade Modern boasts faster lead times and a higher free shipping option cost, Blu Dot shines with a slightly longer lead time but a lower free shipping charge. Both brands provide return options and financing, with BenchMade Modern standing out in assembly requirements and fabric selection.
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 is a cool brand with a laid-back energy. BenchMade Modern's offerings include some industry-dominating lead times for custom couches (which are made right here in the USA!). Plus they have lifetime warranties on their frames and a seriously generous 100-day return window.
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.
Blu Dot was born out of a shared frustration among three college friends - two architects and a sculptor - who sought to create affordable, well-designed furniture. This passion for accessible design continues to drive the brand, evident in their commitment to quality craftsmanship, innovative designs, and sustainability. Blu Dot's sofas are a testament to their dedication to creating pieces that not only look great but also enhance the user experience. Their focus on sustainable materials and practices further solidifies their position as a socially responsible brand.
Blu Dot | Brand Summary
Diving into the world of Blu Dot, I'm continually struck by the allure and functionality of their sofas. They aren't just pieces of furniture. They are expressions of a design philosophy that puts the user's experience at the forefront. Their sofas embody a fusion of comfort and style, constructed to enrich any living space they inhabit. The attention to detail, the responsive customer service, and the vibrant community Blu Dot has cultivated speak volumes of its dedication to excellence. Engaging with their products, one can't help but feel part of something genuinely forward-thinking—wow, what a brand!
High-quality, durable materials like kiln-dried hardwood and performance fabrics
Generous 5-year warranty
30-day return policy with free return shipping
Free fabric swatches
Strong emphasis on sustainability
Cons
Lead times can vary depending on product and customization level
10%-20% restocking fee for returns after initial 30-day window
Specific cleaning techniques required for certain materials
Limited transparency regarding specific construction techniques
Limited availability of white-glove delivery service for some locations
Blu Dot is a brand that excels in creating stylish and functional sofas that prioritize the user experience. Their commitment to quality is evident in their use of premium materials like kiln-dried hardwood and performance fabrics, and their 5-year warranty offers peace of mind for buyers.
However, lead times can be unpredictable, and returns come with a restocking fee after the initial 30 days. Some might find the cleaning instructions for certain materials to be a bit demanding. Overall, Blu Dot is an excellent choice for those seeking a well-made sofa with modern design and sustainable features.
With all factors considered, the battle of the couches sees BenchMade Modern emerging as the top choice. Its fast lead times, customization options, and generous return policy provide an enticing package for those seeking a convenient and personalized sofa experience. While Blu Dot impresses with its design and sustainable materials, BenchMade Modern's overall offerings edge it past the competition.
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.
