Couch Comparisons

Burrow vs Hem: Who Has Better Couches?

In a world of cozy couches, who will emerge victorious between Burrow and Hem? Let’s unravel the tale of trendsetting sofas and comfort kings.
Alex Back | Couch.com CEO & Founder
Burrow vs Hem

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    Ready for some sofa showdown drama? In the Burrow vs. Hem face-off, we'll unravel the mysteries of comfort and chic design. Join us on this quest to find the perfect couch companion for your home.

    Side By Side

    Features
    Burrow
    Hem
    Made to Order Lead Times N/A 1-7 Weeks
    Free Shipping Option
    White Glove Delivery Option $299
    Return Option
    Warranty Included
    Financing Option Affirm Affirm
    Assembly Required Varies
    Large Fabric Selection
    Free Swatches Available
    Manufacturing Origin USA + Import Europe
    Avg. 3-Seat Couch Price $$-$$$ $$$$

    Burrow and Hem present contrasting styles and approaches to couch craftsmanship. Burrow offers modern, modular designs at a mid-range price point with slightly longer lead times, focusing on customization and tech features. In comparison, Hem stands out for its stylish Scandinavian-inspired pieces crafted with premium materials and durable construction. While Burrow prioritizes sustainability, Hem excels in quality and clear shipping information. The decision between the two brands ultimately rests on whether you prefer customizable, tech-enabled sofas or stylish, premium pieces with a stronger durability focus.


    BRAND #1: Burrow

    The image shows the word "BURROW" written in bold, modern, black uppercase letters against a plain white background.

    Burrow is an online-only retailer that was founded in 2016. The original idea was actually a class project before it transformed into a real company. Burrow's goal was to modernize the entire couch shopping and couch ownership experience. Modularity, expandability, and ease of assembly were the core principles.

    Burrow | Brand Summary

    Burrow provides a clever and creative solution to the many issues that have historically plagued couches – bulkiness, inflexibility, and immobility to name a few. Burrow’s modern, modular methodology has some major benefits over the competition, but it also leads to several flaws that are hard to gloss over. Their emphasis on sustainability and eco-friendly practices are admirable and commendable. However, the materials used for their modular couches are not as high a quality as you’d hope for given the price.

    Burrow | PotatoMeter Rating:

    Online Shopping Experience Score 86%
    Durability and Quality Score 85%
    Shipping and Lead Time Score 83%
    Vibe Check Score 90%
    Customer Focus Score 84%
    Overall PotatoMeter Rating 86%
    Read Our Burrow Brand Review

    Burrow | Pros & Cons

    Pros

    • Incredible modular and small space options
    • Free shipping via FedEx
    • 1-year + extended warranty
    • Modern tech options
    • Great customization options

    Cons

    • Limited fabric catalog
    • Material quality could be better
    • Long lead times
    • Pricier than expected
    • Assembly can be challenging

    Burrow’s primary goal is to modernize the furniture market. Their couches are designed to be modular and expandable so that they can grow with you. They’re also delivered in boxes and easily assembled and disassembled. Great for apartment dwellers!

    Burrow’s couches ship for free via FedEx, though you might end up with a dozen boxes if you order a sectional. Their couches come with a 1-year warranty on craftsmanship. A Mulberry extended warranty is also available, which protects against accidents and damage.

    Several of Burrow’s couches have multiple customization options so you can really design a sofa that suits your style. There are also modern, high-tech options like having a phone charger built right into the couch. Perfect for those nights you’re browsing on your phone while half-watching “Love is Blind” on TV.

    One of Burrow’s drawbacks is that the material quality could be better. It’s not terrible at the lower end of their price range, but for their higher-priced couches, the cushions could feature higher-quality fill materials. On top of that, their business model implies that their couches will be inexpensive, but they can actually get quite pricey.

    Lead times are also longer than you’d expect. If a couch is in-stock it could ship out in 1-2 weeks. It could take 4-6 weeks or even 4 months if not. And once your couch arrives, assembly can be much more challenging than advertised.

    Shop Burrow Now

    BRAND #2: Hem

    The image features the word "Hem" in bold, black text against a plain white background.

    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...

    Stepping into the winner's circle is Hem, championing with its premium quality, durable construction, and clear commitment to sustainability. Hem's stylish Scandinavian designs and focus on enduring craftsmanship set it apart as the top choice for those seeking both sophistication and longevity in their living room centerpiece.

    A smiling man with short brown hair and a beard stands on a beach during sunset. He is wearing a black short-sleeved shirt with small white dots. The ocean and sandy shore are in the background, creating a warm and relaxed atmosphere.
    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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