Couch Comparisons

BenchMade Modern vs Hem: Who Has Better Couches?

August 23, 2024

Can BenchMade Modern outshine Hem in the couch game, or will Hem steal the show with their contemporary designs? Get ready to explore the battle of comfort and style!

Alex Back | Couch.com CEO & Founder

In a face-off of furniture finesse, BenchMade Modern and Hem lock horns to claim the throne of the coziest couches. Are you curious to uncover which brand dominates the living room decor scene? Let's unravel the velvety mysteries and find out!

Side By Side

Features	BenchMade Modern	Hem
Made to Order Lead Times	2-6 weeks	1-7 Weeks
Free Shipping Option
White Glove Delivery Option	$399	$299
Return Option
Warranty Included
Financing Option	Affirm	Affirm
Assembly Required		Varies
Large Fabric Selection
Free Swatches Available
Manufacturing Origin	USA	Europe
Avg. 3-Seat Couch Price	$$$$	$$$$

In the realm of style, BenchMade Modern offers unique designs that cater to individual tastes, while Hem provides a Scandinavian twist on modern pieces. Durability-wise, BenchMade Modern boasts high-quality materials such as full-grain leather, while Hem emphasizes durable construction and sustainable practices. For sustainability-focused buyers, Hem's commitment to responsible materials shines through. In terms of value, BenchMade Modern positions itself in the luxury range, while Hem falls within the premium category. These brands have distinct strengths, appealing to diverse buyer preferences.

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 vibe. BenchMade Modern's offerings include some really great lead times for custom, USA made couches. Plus they have lifetime warranties on their frames and a seriously generous 100 day return window.

But customizing a BenchMade Modern couch on their website can be a cumbersome and misleading experience. On top of that, the quality of their materials and workmanship is simply not good enough to justify their luxury pricing.

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	91%

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

Potentially tricky online customization process
Expensive compared to similar quality sofas from other brands
Use of plywood in some frames and stapled joints in construction
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 Modern 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: Hem

Hem is a design-forward furniture company that partners with renowned designers to create modern pieces with a Scandinavian aesthetic. Their commitment to quality is evident in their use of premium materials and focus on durable construction. Founded by Petrus Palmer, Hem aims to be a driving force in the design community, offering stylish and functional furniture that stands the test of time. Their emphasis on sustainability is also noteworthy, with a focus on responsible materials and minimizing waste in production and packaging.

Hem | Brand Summary

Hem nails the balance between playful design and grown-up craftsmanship. Their sofas won't fall apart after a month, and the fabrics feel surprisingly luxurious for the price point. While I have a few nitpicks (which we'll get into shortly!), I was pleasantly surprised by how well the brand walks the line between trendy and timeless. If you're looking for furniture with personality but don't want to compromise on quality, Hem is absolutely worth checking out.

Hem | PotatoMeter Rating

Online Shopping Experience Score	93%
Durability and Quality Score	92%
Shipping and Lead Time Score	93%
Vibe Check Score	95%
Customer Focus Score	90%
Overall PotatoMeter Rating	93%

Read Our Hem Brand Review

Hem | Pros & Cons

Pros

Stylish, modern designs with a Scandinavian twist
Durable construction with quality materials
Transparent shipping information and multiple shipping methods
Financing options available through Affirm
Free fabric swatches
Strong emphasis on sustainability

Cons

Limited return window
Expensive return shipping and repackaging fees
No free shipping
Limited customization options
Limited information on cushion construction and support systems

Hem offers stylish, Scandinavian-inspired sofas that boast quality craftsmanship and durable materials. Their dedication to transparency is evident in their clear shipping information and detailed care instructions. However, the limited return window and hefty return fees could be a dealbreaker for some, and the lack of free shipping adds to the overall cost. While their customizable options are decent, they might not satisfy those seeking extensive personalization.

Overall, Hem is a strong contender for design-conscious buyers willing to invest in quality, but potential customers should weigh the costs and limitations before committing.

Shop Hem Now

And the winner is...

After careful examination, the crown goes to BenchMade Modern. With its focus on customization, high-quality materials, and generous return policy, BenchMade Modern stands out as the go-to choice for those valuing luxury and comfort in their living spaces.

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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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