Looking for the perfect couch but torn between Castlery and Hem? Discover which brand steals the spotlight in the battle of comfort, durability, and design.
Alex Back | Couch.com CEO & Founder
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Hold onto your cushions as we compare Castlery and Hem, giants in the world of chic couches. Which brand will steal the show with their design prowess and durability, leaving you ready to upgrade your living space?
Side By Side
Features
Castlery
Hem
Made to Order Lead Times
N/A
1-7 Weeks
Free Shipping Option
White Glove Delivery Option
$100-$150
$299
Return Option
Warranty Included
Financing Option
Affirm
Affirm
Assembly Required
Varies
Large Fabric Selection
Free Swatches Available
Manufacturing Origin
Asia
Europe
Avg. 3-Seat Couch Price
$$
$$$$
Castlery and Hem duke it out in the couch arena. Castlery hits the stage with budget-friendly prices, while Hem leans towards the premium range offering durable construction and transparent shipping information. Castlery shines with fast lead times and a user-friendly online shopping experience, but Hem stands out for its Scandinavian twist on modern designs and a strong emphasis on sustainability.
BRAND #1: Castlery
Castlery was founded in 2013 with the goal of making designer furniture accessible to everyone. Their imported, direct to consumer model has allowed them to achieve that goal, as evidenced by their stylish selection of sofas at affordable prices.
Castlery | Brand Summary
Castlery does an amazing job of presenting and displaying their couches. Browsing their website is a joy, and their collections of Castlery furniture are good quality at this price point. They have fast lead times and their customer focus is great for the lower price tier that they occupy.
If you feel priced out by places like Joybird, West Elm, or CB2, then Castlery Furniture's stylish, budget-friendly selection will be a pleasant surprise.
Castlery furniture offers a breath of fresh air for those seeking a stylish sofa without the hefty price tag. Their online shopping experience is top-notch, featuring a user-friendly website, glamorous photos that make their couches even more tempting, and impressively fast shipping times. Plus, their 3-year warranty offers a sense of security for your investment.
However, don't let the low prices fool you entirely. As Castlery furniture reviews reveal, fabric selection might leave you wanting more variety, and their 20% restocking fee could be a deterrent if you're unsure about your purchase. Additionally, while most of their sofas require minimal assembly (just attaching the legs), it's worth noting that they don't offer white-glove delivery service.
So, if you're a savvy shopper with a penchant for modern design and a willingness to tackle minor assembly, Castlery could be your ideal match. Their combination of style, affordability, and convenience makes them a compelling option for those looking to elevate their living space without breaking the bank. Just be sure to carefully consider your fabric options and be prepared to commit to your purchase, as returns can get a bit pricey.
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.
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.
And the winner is Hem! With its premium quality construction, focus on sustainability, and stylish designs, Hem outshines Castlery in this couch comparison. If you value durability, sustainability, and modern aesthetics, Hem steals the show and emerges as the top pick for upgrading your living space.
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.