Curious to uncover the champion in the battle of couches between BenchMade Modern and IKEA? Let's find out!
Alex Back | Couch.com CEO & Founder
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Welcome to the showdown of sofas! In one corner, we have BenchMade Modern with its custom luxury offerings. In the other, IKEA brings its affordable, stylish furniture game. Curious to see which brand reigns supreme in this living room face-off?
Side By Side
Features
BenchMade Modern
IKEA
Made to Order Lead Times
2-6 weeks
N/A
Free Shipping Option
White Glove Delivery Option
$399
Return Option
Warranty Included
Financing Option
Affirm
IKEA Projekt Credit Card
Assembly Required
Large Fabric Selection
Free Swatches Available
Manufacturing Origin
USA
Import
Avg. 3-Seat Couch Price
$$$$
$-$$
As the dust settles in the couch showdown, BenchMade Modern champions in style variety and superior durability, positioning itself as a premium choice. In contrast, IKEA impresses with sustainability efforts and a vast range of styles, making it a solid mid-range contender. While BenchMade Modern excels in luxury and durability, IKEA stands out for its sustainability efforts and broad style selection, offering exceptional value.
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.
IKEA, a Swedish furniture giant with a global presence, has revolutionized the industry with its affordable, ready-to-assemble furniture. Founded in 1943, the company has become synonymous with modern, functional design and a commitment to sustainability. Their unique shopping experience, complete with showrooms and Swedish meatballs, has made them a beloved destination for home decor enthusiasts worldwide.
IKEA | Brand Summary
You know that feeling when you find the perfect pair of jeans on sale? That's how some of their IKEA sofas make me feel. Sure, IKEA isn't a high-end designer brand, but that doesn't mean they don't deserve a spot on your radar. You've just got to be a little pickier and know what to look for. Overall, I'm pleasantly surprised with their focus on modern design and budget-conscious craftsmanship. Let's just say, there are definitely some hidden gems at IKEA.
Limited transparency on material sourcing and construction details for some models
180-day return window for opened sofas may not be sufficient for everyone
Restocking fees for returns
IKEA is the undisputed king of affordable furniture, and their sofas are no exception. They've got a whole buffet of styles, from sleek and modern to cozy and traditional, so no matter your taste (or your budget), you're bound to find something you love. And the fact that they're putting serious effort into sustainability? That's the cherry on top of those delicious Swedish meatballs.
Now, let's get real. You're not buying an IKEA sofa for heirloom quality craftsmanship. These babies are designed for everyday life, not museum displays. That means some assembly is required (hello, Allen wrench!), and the materials might not be as luxurious as those high-end brands. Plus, while their 365-day return policy for unopened boxes is amazing, the 180-day window for assembled sofas might feel a bit short.
But here's the thing: IKEA knows its strengths. They offer a mind-boggling array of designs, with most sofas under $2,000. Their 10-year warranty on frames and cushions is surprisingly generous for the price, and their commitment to sustainability is more than just lip service. So, if you're after a stylish, functional sofa that won't break the bank, IKEA's got your back (and your bum!).
In this sofa face-off, BenchMade Modern emerges as the champion, offering unique customization and top-notch durability that outshine IKEA's strengths. With a focus on luxury and long-term value, BenchMade Modern takes the crown in this living room showdown.
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.
