Couch Comparisons

Crate and Barrel vs Lumens: Who Has Better Couches?

In a sea of couch options, which will leave you lounging in luxury - Crate and Barrel's chic designs or Lumens' modern marvels? Let's unravel the couch conundrum together.
Alex Back | Couch.com CEO & Founder
Crate and Barrel vs Lumens

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    Step into the ultimate sofa showdown between Crate and Barrel and Lumens. Curious about which brand crafts the comfiest lounging experience? Join us as we unravel their couch-centric secrets.

    Side By Side

    Features
    Crate and Barrel
    Lumens
    Made to Order Lead Times 4-10 weeks 4-5 months
    Free Shipping Option
    White Glove Delivery Option $279-$399 $229+
    Return Option
    Warranty Included
    Financing Option Crate and Barrel Credit Card Klarna
    Assembly Required Varies
    Large Fabric Selection
    Free Swatches Available
    Manufacturing Origin USA + Import USA + Import
    Avg. 3-Seat Couch Price $$$ $$-$$$

    Delve into the world of couches with Crate and Barrel and Lumens. Crate and Barrel impresses with its high-end aesthetic and fabric options targeted at buyers seeking premium quality. On the flip side, Lumens offers diverse styles along with quality craftsmanship, suitable for those prioritizing mid-range prices. Both brands provide free fabric swatches, allowing you to make a personalized choice that aligns with your style and preferences.


    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: Lumens

    The image shows the logo of "LUMENS," a company. The word "LUMENS" is written in large, bold, black capital letters with a stylized "L" that has curved, feather-like lines extending from its base. Below it, the tagline "Enlightened by Design" is written in smaller text.

    Lumens has established itself as a reputable brand in the home furnishing industry, renowned for its dedication to quality, innovation, and design. Their diverse collection of sofas, sourced from acclaimed manufacturers and designers, showcases a variety of styles to cater to different preferences. Lumens' customer-focused approach, including their seamless online shopping experience and responsive support, further enhances their appeal to discerning shoppers.

    Lumens | Brand Summary

    In my expert assessment, Lumens earns a solid spot on the sofa spectrum with its blend of quality craftsmanship and contemporary design sensibilities. What sets Lumens apart is its unwavering commitment to delivering sofas that not only look good but also stand the test of time. From sleek modern designs to more classic silhouettes, Lumens offers a diverse range of options to cater to various tastes and preferences. I've found Lumens to be particularly customer-focused, with an emphasis on providing a seamless shopping experience and responsive customer support.

    Lumens | PotatoMeter Rating

    Online Shopping Experience Score 95%
    Durability and Quality Score 93%
    Shipping and Lead Time Score 93%
    Vibe Check Score 90%
    Customer Focus Score 94%
    Overall PotatoMeter Rating 93%
    Read Our Lumens Brand Review

    Lumens | Pros & Cons

    Pros

    • Quality craftsmanship and contemporary design
    • Diverse range of styles
    • Customer-focused with responsive support
    • Free ground shipping on large items
    • Multiple delivery options including white glove service
    • Free fabric swatches

    Cons

    • Lead times can vary for made-to-order items
    • Return shipping costs are deducted from refunds
    • Restocking fee may apply to returns over $5,000
    • Assembly may be required for some sofas
    • Limited transparency regarding manufacturer warranty details

    Lumens, a leading name in home furnishings, offers a stylish selection of sofas that seamlessly blend quality craftsmanship with contemporary design. With a wide range of options to suit diverse tastes and budgets, Lumens caters to those who appreciate both aesthetics and functionality. Their dedication to customer satisfaction shines through their free ground shipping on larger items, multiple delivery options, and free fabric swatches to ensure you find your perfect match.

    However, as with any brand, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. Lead times can vary, especially for made-to-order pieces, and the return process, while straightforward, involves return shipping costs and potential restocking fees. Additionally, some assembly might be required, depending on the sofa and delivery option chosen. While they facilitate manufacturer warranties, a lack of clear details about coverage and duration could be a point of improvement.

    Overall, Lumens offers a compelling blend of style, quality, and customer-centric service, making them a strong contender for your next sofa purchase.

    Shop Lumens Now

    And the winner is...

    In the clash of the couch titans, Lumens shines as the winner, excelling in style, durability, and customer focus. Lumens' commitment to quality craftsmanship and contemporary design, combined with a seamless shopping experience, sets it apart as the top choice for anyone looking to enhance their living space. Lumens' diverse range and customer-centric service give it that edge over Crate and Barrel, making it the ultimate winner in the sofa showdown.

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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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