Couch Comparisons

Burke Decor vs Room & Board: Who Has Better Couches?

August 15, 2024

Which brand offers the ideal combination of style, quality, and sustainability – Burke Decor or Room & Board? The answer awaits as we compare their top-notch couch collections.

Alex Back | Couch.com CEO & Founder

Are you wondering which brand, Burke Decor or Room & Board, offers better couches in terms of style and quality? Dive in to find out!

Side By Side

Features	Burke Decor	Room & Board
Made to Order Lead Times	8-10 weeks	4-10 weeks
Free Shipping Option
White Glove Delivery Option	$150	$119
Return Option
Warranty Included
Financing Option	Affirm	Affirm
Assembly Required
Large Fabric Selection
Free Swatches Available
Manufacturing Origin	USA + Import	USA
Avg. 3-Seat Couch Price	$$$-$$$$	$$$

Burke Decor and Room & Board offer a side-by-side comparison on features like lead times, shipping options, manufacturing origin, price range, and more. Room & Board boasts comparatively better lead times, free returns, and 'in stock' fabric options for faster delivery. On the other hand, Burke Decor shines with an array of fabric choices and financing options. Both brands focus on craftsmanship, with Room & Board emphasizing American-made products and Burke Decor offering a mix of USA and imported items.

BRAND #1: Burke Decor

Founded in 2007, Burke Decor is an online furniture retailer that aims to bring high-end design to a wider audience. Their founder, Erin E. Burke, sought to make stylish furniture accessible to those living outside major cities. They offer a curated selection of sofas from various brands, prioritizing unique designs and quality craftsmanship. While their commitment to sustainability could be stronger, their focus on accessibility and design-forward pieces resonates with modern consumers.

Burke Decor | Brand Summary

Okay, I've gotta admit, Burke Decor surprised me (in a good way!). Their sofas are stylish, well-made, and feel like they'll stand the test of time. Their commitment to making good design accessible even outside of major cities is a big plus in my book. And you know what? They're not afraid to be a little different, and I admire that.

Yes, Burke Decor sofas come with a slightly higher price tag, but it feels like you're getting what you pay for. So, if you want a sofa that'll be a statement piece in your home and won't look like it came from the same old big box store, Burke Decor is a contender.

Burke Decor | PotatoMeter Rating:

Online Shopping Experience Score	92%
Durability and Quality Score	88%
Shipping and Lead Time Score	90%
Vibe Check Score	86%
Customer Focus Score	88%
Overall PotatoMeter Rating	89%

Read Our Burke Decor Brand Review

Burke Decor | Pros & Cons

Pros

Stylish, well-made sofas
Focus on making good design accessible
Decent range of fabric options
Free shipping on orders over $299
White glove delivery option
Financing options available

Cons

Long lead times for some items (3-15 weeks)
No free returns (5% restocking fee + customer pays return shipping)
Limited transparency about sustainability practices
Limited transparency about materials and construction methods for some sofas
Limited customization options beyond fabric and legs

Burke Decor offers a refreshing take on sofa shopping, boasting stylish and well-crafted pieces that feel unique and inviting. Their commitment to making good design accessible is commendable, especially with free shipping on qualifying orders and white glove delivery options.

However, the long lead times for some items and the less-than-stellar return policy could be drawbacks for some. Additionally, the lack of transparency regarding sustainability practices and detailed construction information might leave some buyers wanting more.

Overall, Burke Decor is a great option for those seeking a statement sofa with a touch of personality, but be prepared for potential wait times and factor in the costs associated with returns.

Shop Burke Decor Now

BRAND #2: Room & Board

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 & Board gets 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.

Compared to other well-known brands that offer stylish and affordable sofas, Room & Board provides a higher-end alternative with superior durability and quality. If you’re OK with those caveats, then Room & Board is a phenomenal choice for your couch purchase.

Room & Board | PotatoMeter Rating

Online Shopping Experience Score	95%
Durability and Quality Score	91%
Shipping and Lead Time Score	89%
Vibe Check Score	97%
Customer Focus Score	87%
Overall PotatoMeter Rating	92%

Read Our Room & Board Brand Review

Room & Board | Pros & Cons

Pros

Beautiful and useful website
Excellent quality
Made in the USA
Measurable and attainable sustainability goals
"In Stock" fabric options for faster shipping
Free returns with no charge for return shipping

Cons

Long lead times for custom upholstery
Long delivery wait times
No warranty on couches
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.

Shop Room & Board Now

And the winner is...

In the ultimate couch duel, Room & Board takes the crown over Burke Decor! With a shorter lead time, free returns, and a warranty on their couches, Room & Board offers a superior overall package for those seeking style, quality, and peace of mind in their sofa purchase.

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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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