Who takes the crown for the most durable and high-quality couches - CB2 or Crate and Barrel? They are technically the same company, with CB2 being the younger sibling of Crate and Barrel. This should be a fun one!
Alex Back | Couch.com CEO & Founder
Looking to revamp your living space with a new couch but can't decide between CB2 and Crate and Barrel? Let's compare these two top furniture brands to see which one offers the best value for your home.
Side By Side
Features
CB2
Crate and Barrel
Made to Order Lead Times
8 weeks
4-10 weeks
Free Shipping Option
White Glove Delivery Option
$279-$399
$279-$399
Return Option
Warranty Included
Financing Option
CB2 Credit Card
Crate and Barrel Credit Card
Assembly Required
Large Fabric Selection
Free Swatches Available
Manufacturing Origin
Import
USA + Import
Avg. 3-Seat Couch Price
$$$
$$$
When making your decision between CB2 and Crate and Barrel, it's essential to consider various factors. The biggest one is... SPOILER ALERT: they're the same company. Crate and Barrel is the older sibling of sorts to the younger-focused, trendier CB2. CB2 offers a larger fabric selection and customization options for your couch, making it great for those seeking a unique piece. On the other hand, Crate and Barrel stands out with some sofas made in the USA, ensuring quality craftsmanship. In terms of return policies, Crate and Barrel has clearer terms compared to CB2, while both brands offer white-glove delivery for an added touch of luxury. Lastly, financing options may sway your decision, with CB2 and Crate and Barrel providing credit card options for easier payment.
BRAND #1: CB2
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.
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.
Crate and Barrel, founded in 1962 by George and Carole Segal, emerged from a passion for simple, beautiful, and practical housewares discovered during their European honeymoon. With over 60 years of experience, the brand has become a household name, celebrated for its modern, timeless style and high-end aesthetic. Boasting a wide range of products for the entire home and numerous physical stores across North America and internationally, Crate & Barrel has solidified its position as an aspirational brand for those seeking a touch of elegance in their living spaces.
Crate and Barrel | Brand Summary
Crate & Barrel is a brand name that everyone knows. Crate and Barrel collaborates with artists and designers worldwide to curate globally inspired designs. Everyone has a sense that they’re a high-end, somewhat luxury brand with a price point that’s not outside the realm of attainability. They have a modern, tasteful-yet-inoffensive style that works well in most modern homes.
Crate and Barrel outlet stores are elegant and chic, but does that same style translate to their online shopping experience? Lackluster customer focus and dodgy transparency detract from an otherwise beautiful selection of couches.
Crate & Barrel, a household name in home furnishings, offers a stylish selection of sofas that blend modern flair with classic appeal. However, the allure of their elegant designs is tempered by some notable drawbacks.
The lack of a clear warranty policy raises concerns about long-term support. Additionally, the restrictive return policy for custom orders, coupled with inconsistent lead times, can lead to frustration for buyers seeking flexibility and timely delivery.
While these shortcomings are worth considering, Crate and Barrel also boasts several compelling advantages.
The brand's extensive fabric selection, detailed cleaning instructions, and complimentary swatches empower customers to make informed choices and maintain their sofas' pristine condition. White-glove delivery adds a touch of luxury to the purchasing experience, ensuring your new furniture arrives hassle-free. Furthermore, the availability of some USA-made collections appeals to those who prioritize domestic craftsmanship.
Overall, Crate & Barrel sofas offer a blend of style and convenience, albeit with some caveats. If you're willing to navigate the potential pitfalls and prioritize aesthetics and fabric choices, their collection might hold the perfect piece for your home.
It's sort of odd to declare a winner in a contest between a younger and older sibling but, sometimes, a victor must be crowned. In the battle of CB2 versus Crate and Barrel, Crate and Barrel takes the crown as the ultimate couch champion. With a more transparent warranty, USA-made collections, clear return policies, and a focus on customer service, Crate and Barrel proves to be the preferred choice for those seeking quality and reliability in their furniture. While CB2 offers excellent customization options and fabric choices, Crate and Barrel's overall package makes it the standout winner in this couch face-off.
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.
