Couch Comparisons

BenchMade Modern vs Crate and Barrel: Who Has Better Couches?

August 4, 2024

Wondering which brand, BenchMade Modern or Crate and Barrel, is the ultimate couch champion?

Alex Back | Couch.com CEO & Founder

Choosing the right couch is crucial for your comfort and home aesthetics. Today, we'll help you decide between BenchMade Modern and Crate and Barrel, two top-tier brands known for their quality and design. Let's find out which one is the ideal choice for you!

Side By Side

Features	BenchMade Modern	Crate and Barrel
Made to Order Lead Times	2-6 weeks	4-10 weeks
Free Shipping Option
White Glove Delivery Option	$399	$279-$399
Return Option
Warranty Included
Financing Option	Affirm	Crate and Barrel Credit Card
Assembly Required
Large Fabric Selection
Free Swatches Available
Manufacturing Origin	USA	USA + Import
Avg. 3-Seat Couch Price	$$$$	$$$

Comparing BenchMade Modern and Crate and Barrel, both brands offer custom-made couches, but BenchMade Modern boasts quicker lead times of 2-6 weeks compared to Crate and Barrel's 4-10 weeks. BenchMade Modern provides free shipping and more comprehensive warranty coverage, including a lifetime warranty on frames, while Crate and Barrel offers financing options and a mix of USA and imported manufacturing. In terms of customer service, BenchMade Modern stands out with a generous 100-day return window with free return shipping, whereas Crate and Barrel has a white glove delivery service for added convenience.

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.

BenchMade Modern | PotatoMeter Rating:

Online Shopping Experience Score	89%
Durability and Quality Score	93%
Shipping and Lead Time Score	94%
Vibe Check Score	88%
Customer Focus Score	92%
Overall PotatoMeter Rating	96%

Read Our BenchMade Modern Brand Review

BenchMade Modern | Pros & Cons

Pros

Fast lead times for custom-made sofas (2-6 weeks)
Lifetime warranty on frames
10-year warranty on sleeper mechanisms
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.

Shop BenchMade Modern Now

BRAND #2: Crate and Barrel

Crate and Barrel, founded in 1962 by George and Carole Segal, emerged from a passion for simple, beautiful, and practical housewares discovered during their European honeymoon. With over 60 years of experience, the brand has become a household name, celebrated for its modern, timeless style and high-end aesthetic. Boasting a wide range of products for the entire home and numerous physical stores across North America and internationally, Crate & Barrel has solidified its position as an aspirational brand for those seeking a touch of elegance in their living spaces.

Crate and Barrel | Brand Summary

Crate & Barrel is a brand name that everyone knows. Crate and Barrel collaborates with artists and designers worldwide to curate globally inspired designs. Everyone has a sense that they’re a high-end, somewhat luxury brand with a price point that’s not outside the realm of attainability. They have a modern, tasteful-yet-inoffensive style that works well in most modern homes.

Crate and Barrel outlet stores are elegant and chic, but does that same style translate to their online shopping experience? Lackluster customer focus and dodgy transparency detract from an otherwise beautiful selection of couches.

Crate and Barrel | PotatoMeter Rating

Online Shopping Experience Score	91%
Durability and Quality Score	85%
Shipping and Lead Time Score	86%
Vibe Check Score	89%
Customer Focus Score	82%
Overall PotatoMeter Rating	87%

Read Our Crate and Barrel Brand Review

Crate and Barrel | Pros & Cons

Pros

Beautiful, high-end aesthetic
Modern, tasteful style
Wide variety of fabric options
Some couches made in the USA
White glove delivery service
Offers free fabric swatches for easy selection

Cons

Unclear Crate and Barrel warranty terms
Limited returns on custom orders
Inconsistent lead times
Mixed customer service Crate and Barrel reviews
High prices for quality level

Crate & Barrel, a household name in home furnishings, offers a stylish selection of sofas that blend modern flair with classic appeal. However, the allure of their elegant designs is tempered by some notable drawbacks.

The lack of a clear warranty policy raises concerns about long-term support. Additionally, the restrictive return policy for custom orders, coupled with inconsistent lead times, can lead to frustration for buyers seeking flexibility and timely delivery.

While these shortcomings are worth considering, Crate and Barrel also boasts several compelling advantages.

The brand's extensive fabric selection, detailed cleaning instructions, and complimentary swatches empower customers to make informed choices and maintain their sofas' pristine condition. White-glove delivery adds a touch of luxury to the purchasing experience, ensuring your new furniture arrives hassle-free. Furthermore, the availability of some USA-made collections appeals to those who prioritize domestic craftsmanship.

Overall, Crate & Barrel sofas offer a blend of style and convenience, albeit with some caveats. If you're willing to navigate the potential pitfalls and prioritize aesthetics and fabric choices, their collection might hold the perfect piece for your home.

Shop Crate and Barrel Now

And the winner is...

After a thorough comparison, it's a tight race between BenchMade Modern and Crate and Barrel for the best couch brand. Both have unique strengths and cater to different preferences, making it a tie in this showdown of luxury couches.

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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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