Couch Comparisons

Crate and Barrel vs Ethan Allen: Who Has Better Couches?

Which brand brings the A-game when it comes to couch craftsmanship – Crate and Barrel or Ethan Allen? Find out who steals the spotlight in the luxurious world of living room seating.
Crate and Barrel vs Ethan Allen
Wondering which brand offers better couches, Crate and Barrel or Ethan Allen? Dive into this article to discover all the details and make an informed decision.

Side By Side

Features
Crate and Barrel
Ethan Allen
Made to Order Lead Times 4-10 weeks 5-7 weeks
Free Shipping Option
White Glove Delivery Option $279-$399 $99+
Return Option
Warranty Included
Financing Option Crate and Barrel Credit Card Ethan Allen Platinum Card
Assembly Required
Large Fabric Selection
Free Swatches Available
Manufacturing Origin USA + Import North America
Avg. 3-Seat Couch Price $$$ $$$-$$$$

When deciding between Crate and Barrel and Ethan Allen, consider the lead times; Crate and Barrel ranges from 4-10 weeks, slightly longer than Ethan Allen's 5-7 weeks. While Crate and Barrel provides a variety of fabric choices and a financing option through their Crate and Barrel Credit Card, Ethan Allen boasts high-quality materials, customizable designs, and a lifetime warranty on mechanisms. Furthermore, Crate and Barrel offers free shipping with the White Glove delivery option, but Ethan Allen starts shipping from $99 with a similar White Glove delivery service.


BRAND #1: Crate and Barrel

The image shows the Crate & Barrel logo, consisting of the words "Crate&Barrel" in bold, black font on a white background.

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 and Barrel | PotatoMeter Rating:

Online Shopping Experience Score 91%
Durability and Quality Score 85%
Shipping and Lead Time Score 86%
Vibe Check Score 89%
Customer Focus Score 82%
Overall PotatoMeter Rating 87%
Read Our Crate and Barrel Brand Review

Crate and Barrel | Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Beautiful, high-end aesthetic
  • Modern, tasteful style
  • Wide variety of fabric options
  • Some couches made in the USA
  • White glove delivery service
  • Offers free fabric swatches for easy selection

Cons

  • Unclear Crate and Barrel warranty terms
  • Limited returns on custom orders
  • Inconsistent lead times
  • Mixed customer service Crate and Barrel reviews
  • High prices for quality level

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.

Shop Crate and Barrel Now

BRAND #2: Ethan Allen

The image features the "ETHAN ALLEN" logo in bold, black, uppercase letters on a white background.

Founded in 1932, Ethan Allen has become synonymous with American style and craftsmanship. Their commitment to quality and innovation has made them a trusted name in the furniture industry for nearly a century. They offer a vast array of customizable designs, allowing customers to create unique pieces that reflect their personal style. With a focus on sustainability and a dedication to providing a premium customer experience, Ethan Allen continues to be a top choice for those seeking high-quality, timeless furniture.

Ethan Allen | Brand Summary

Now, here's a brand that's been crafting sofas since before your grandpa was a twinkle in his dad's eye. They've practically written the book on American furniture style, and their couches are no exception. But what makes an Ethan Allen sofa truly stand out in a sea of seating options? Let me tell you, it's their unwavering commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and creating pieces that are truly built to last.

You can expect top-notch materials, customizable designs that let you express your unique style, and a white-glove customer service experience that'll make you feel like royalty. But are Ethan Allen sofas worth the investment? Let's dive deeper into their collection and find out.

Ethan Allen | PotatoMeter Rating

Online Shopping Experience Score 93%
Durability and Quality Score 92%
Shipping and Lead Time Score 90%
Vibe Check Score 90%
Customer Focus Score 92%
Overall PotatoMeter Rating 91%
Read Our Ethan Allen Brand Review

Ethan Allen | Pros & Cons

Pros

  • High-quality materials (top-grain leather, performance fabrics)
  • Made in the USA
  • Lifetime warranty on mechanisms
  • Free swatches
  • White-glove delivery
  • Customizable designs

Cons

  • Pricey
  • Long lead times for custom orders
  • Limited warranty for upholstery
  • Limited in-stock options
  • Return policy only 10 days for Premier In-home Delivery

Ethan Allen is like the grand dame of American furniture, with a legacy that whispers of timeless elegance and craftsmanship. Their sofas, whether adorned in supple leather or plush velvet, exude a classic charm that's hard to resist. And with their commitment to quality, you can rest assured that your Ethan Allen couch will be a cherished companion for years to come. Plus, their white-glove delivery service is the cherry on top, ensuring a seamless and stress-free experience from showroom to living room.

Now, let's be real – this kind of luxury doesn't come cheap. Be prepared to loosen those purse strings for an Ethan Allen sofa, as they're definitely an investment piece. And if you're the impatient type, you might want to look elsewhere, as custom orders can take weeks (or even months) to arrive. Their return policy could also use a bit of a refresh, especially for those who opt for the premium in-home delivery service.

But hey, if you're all about that heirloom-quality furniture that'll make your grandma proud, Ethan Allen might just be your perfect match. Their sofas are more than just a place to sit – they're a statement of timeless style and enduring craftsmanship. So, if you're willing to invest in a piece that'll become a cherished part of your home for years to come, go ahead and treat yourself to a little bit of Ethan Allen luxury.

Shop Ethan Allen Now

And the winner is...

Crate and Barrel and Ethan Allen both offer impressive couch options, but the edge goes to Ethan Allen for its superior craftsmanship, high-quality materials, and lifetime warranty on mechanisms. Although Crate and Barrel shines with its elegant designs and fabric selection, Ethan Allen's dedication to customization and American-made products secures its position as the top choice for discerning sofa shoppers.

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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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