BenchMade Modern vs Room & Board: Who Has Better Couches?
Curious to know if BenchMade Modern or Room & Board is the top choice for your next couch investment?
Alex Back | Couch.com CEO & Founder
Looking to invest in a new couch but unsure whether to go with BenchMade Modern or Room & Board? This comparison will break down all the key factors, so you can make an informed decision tailored to your preferences.
Side By Side
Features
BenchMade Modern
Room & Board
Made to Order Lead Times
2-6 weeks
4-10 weeks
Free Shipping Option
White Glove Delivery Option
$399
$119
Return Option
Warranty Included
Financing Option
Affirm
Affirm
Assembly Required
Large Fabric Selection
Free Swatches Available
Yes
Manufacturing Origin
USA
USA
Avg. 3-Seat Couch Price
$$$$
$$$
Alright, folks, it's decision time. BenchMade Modern boasts custom couches with a lead time of 2-6 weeks, trumping Room & Board's 4-10 weeks waiting period. However, Room & Board takes the price point victory with a lower average cost for a 3-seat couch. For those seeking convenience, Room & Board shines with a more affordable white glove delivery fee of $119, compared to BenchMade Modern's $399. Both brands proudly produce their couches in the USA, ensuring quality craftsmanship and supporting local talent. The choice is yours - prioritize speed and customization with BenchMade Modern or opt for affordability and quality with Room & Board.
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. They offer 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 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.
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.
Founded in 1980, Room & Board is a veteran in the furniture industry, known for its timeless designs and commitment to American craftsmanship. They partner with local artisans and prioritize sustainability, setting ambitious goals for eco-friendly practices and materials. Their transparent approach to pricing and focus on customer satisfaction make them a trusted name in the furniture market.
Room & Board | Brand Summary
Room & Boardgets it. They have a beautiful and useful website that makes shopping for a couch delightful. Their quality is excellent, their couches are made in the USA, and they have measurable and attainable sustainability goals. If their lead times were better and if they had an actual warranty on their couches then they would get a MAJOR bump in their PotatoMeter rating.
If you’re OK with those caveats, then Room & Board is a phenomenal choice for your couch purchase.
No sale events (bummer if you're looking for discounts)
Limited information on specific construction details
Room & Board offers a delightful online shopping experience with high-quality, American-made couches and a strong commitment to sustainability. However, their 4 to 10-week lead time for custom upholstery might test your patience. The $119 white glove delivery fee, while convenient, adds to the overall cost. They don't offer a warranty on their couches, relying instead on a guarantee, which could be a concern for some.
Despite these drawbacks, Room & Board's focus on quality, sustainability, and customer satisfaction makes them a top contender for your next sofa purchase. Their "In Stock" fabric options are a great way to get your new couch faster, and their generous return policy provides peace of mind.
The verdict is in - BenchMade Modern takes the crown in this couch brand face-off. Boasting faster lead times, extensive customization choices, and a generous return policy, BenchMade Modern excels in providing a top-notch buying experience. While Room & Board impresses with quality and sustainability, BenchMade Modern's comprehensive features make it the ultimate winner in the competition. Time to pick your perfect couch companion!
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.
