Couch Comparisons

Ballard Designs vs CB2: Who Has Better Couches?

Alex Back | Couch.com CEO & Founder
Ballard Designs vs CB2

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    Side By Side

    Features
    Ballard Designs
    CB2
    Made to Order Lead Times 10-12 weeks 8 weeks
    Free Shipping Option
    White Glove Delivery Option $279-$399
    Return Option
    Warranty Included
    Financing Option Affirm / Ballard Designs Credit Card CB2 Credit Card
    Assembly Required Varies
    Large Fabric Selection
    Free Swatches Available
    Manufacturing Origin USA Import
    Avg. 3-Seat Couch Price $$$-$$$$ $$$

    BRAND #1: Ballard Designs

    The image shows the logo of Ballard Designs, featuring the company name "Ballard Designs" in a serif font with capitalized letters, on a white background.

    Ballard Designs, established over 35 years ago, has become a household name in the home furnishings industry. Their enduring legacy is built upon a foundation of timeless design, quality craftsmanship, and a passion for creating inspiring living spaces. The brand's dedication to sustainability and collaboration with renowned designers further solidifies their position as a leader in the market. With their commitment to excellence and customer-centric approach, Ballard Designs continues to offer furniture that stands the test of time, both in style and durability.

    Ballard Designs | Brand Summary

    When it comes to Ballard Designs' couches, my overall impression is genuinely positive. Their catalog reflects a dedication to craftsmanship and style that's hard to overlook. Each sofa feels like a tribute to both comfort and design, blending practicality with a touch of luxury. Amazingly, they manage to cater to a broad range of tastes without compromising on quality. From the plush cushions to the fine fabrics, Ballard Designs prioritizes user satisfaction and durability. Their market presence is strong, not just because of their product quality, but due to their understanding of what makes a home feel like home.

    Ballard Designs | PotatoMeter Rating:

    Online Shopping Experience Score 91%
    Durability and Quality Score 93%
    Shipping and Lead Time Score 93%
    Vibe Check Score 93%
    Customer Focus Score 94%
    Overall PotatoMeter Rating 93%
    Read Our Ballard Designs Brand Review

    Ballard Designs | Pros & Cons

    Pros

    • Elegant and timeless designs
    • High-quality materials (top-grain leather, performance fabrics, etc.)
    • Made in the USA
    • Free shipping for smaller items
    • Free fabric swatches
    • Wide range of customization options

    Cons

    • Long lead times for custom-made pieces
    • Return shipping fees are not covered and a restocking fee may apply
    • Lack of transparency regarding warranty details
    • Assembly may be required
    • White-glove delivery is an added cost

    Ballard Designs captures the essence of refined living with its elegant and timeless sofas. The brand's dedication to quality is evident in their use of high-end materials like top-grain leather and durable fabrics, all crafted in the USA. With a wide range of customization options and a generous selection of free swatches, you can create a sofa that perfectly complements your style and space.

    The premium experience, however, comes with a few tradeoffs. The price tag for a Ballard Designs sofa can be substantial, reflecting their commitment to quality and craftsmanship. While they offer free shipping for smaller items, larger sofas may require additional delivery fees, and in-home delivery and assembly come at an extra cost. Additionally, returns, while possible, are subject to fees and certain exclusions.

    Overall, Ballard Designs caters to discerning homeowners who appreciate quality, craftsmanship, and timeless design. While the investment may be significant, the brand's commitment to customer satisfaction and sustainable practices makes their sofas a worthy addition to any home.

    Shop Ballard Designs Now

    BRAND #2: CB2

    The image features the logo for CB2, with large, bold black letters "CB2" centered inside a rectangular red border on a white background.

    CB2, the younger sibling of Crate & Barrel, is a modern furniture brand that pushes the boundaries of design with its innovative and eye-catching pieces. They collaborate with top designers to create a unique aesthetic that blends contemporary style with a touch of eclecticism. CB2 is known for its emphasis on high-quality materials and craftsmanship, although their pricing tends to be on the higher end. While they have set ambitious sustainability goals, the lack of a warranty and strict return policy may be areas for improvement.

    CB2 | Brand Summary

    CB2 offers glamorous, stunning couch options, but their nonexistent warranty, concerning return policies, and expensive delivery charges are issues that are impossible to ignore. I love so much about the presentation, the brand, and the selection, but there’s room for serious improvement in the customer focus department.

    CB2 | PotatoMeter Rating

    Online Shopping Experience Score 94%
    Durability and Quality Score 83%
    Shipping and Lead Time Score 91%
    Vibe Check Score 84%
    Customer Focus Score 80%
    Overall PotatoMeter Rating 86%
    Read Our CB2 Brand Review

    CB2 | Pros & Cons

    Pros

    • Glamorous and stylish couch options
    • In-stock fabrics ship quickly
    • Large selection of high-quality fabrics
    • White-glove delivery options
    • Free fabric swatches
    • Sectional builder tool for custom designs

    Cons

    • No warranty on couches
    • Strict return policy for custom orders (non-returnable)
    • Expensive delivery charges
    • Requires 50% non-refundable deposit on custom orders
    • Limited transparency regarding materials and construction details

    CB2 certainly knows how to make a statement with their glamorous and stylish sofas, featuring an impressive selection of high-quality fabrics and a handy online sectional builder for those who crave a truly custom piece.

    Their white-glove delivery option adds a touch of luxury to the experience, while the availability of free swatches helps you confidently choose the perfect fabric.

    However, CB2's allure might lose some of its luster when you delve deeper into their policies. The lack of a warranty on their couches is a notable concern, especially considering their price point. Additionally, their return policy is quite strict, especially for custom orders, which are non-returnable and require a hefty deposit.

    Ultimately, CB2 could be a dream come true for design enthusiasts seeking a statement piece, as long as you're confident in your choices and willing to forgo the safety net of a warranty.

    Shop CB2 Now
    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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