Design Within Reach vs Burrow: Who Has Better Couches?
Ready to discover which sofa star shines brighter: the iconic pieces by Design Within Reach or the modern innovations by Burrow? Step into the world of luxurious lounging and find out which brand truly steals the show.
Alex Back | Couch.com CEO & Founder
Step into the ring of sofa supremacy as we pit Design Within Reach against Burrow. Wondering which brand will steal the show in the world of cozy seating? Join us on this couch-tastic journey to find the ultimate winner!
Side By Side
Features
Design Within Reach
Burrow
Made to Order Lead Times
8-12 weeks
N/A
Free Shipping Option
White Glove Delivery Option
$399-$599
Return Option
Warranty Included
Financing Option
Affirm
Affirm
Assembly Required
Large Fabric Selection
Free Swatches Available
Manufacturing Origin
USA + Import
USA + Import
Avg. 3-Seat Couch Price
$$$$
$$-$$$
Looking at style diversity, Design Within Reach offers high-end designer pieces for a premium feel, while Burrow's modular and expandable options cater well to modern lifestyles. In terms of durability, Design Within Reach uses top-notch materials, ensuring longevity, while Burrow provides functional pieces with room for quality enhancements. Sustainable practices are highlighted, with Design Within Reach's high-quality craftsmanship and Burrow's emphasis on materials innovation. Combining style, durability, sustainability, and overall value, Design Within Reach edges ahead with its luxury appeal and meticulous attention to detail, making it an enticing choice for those valuing exquisite design and quality.
BRAND #1: Design Within Reach
Founded in 1998, Design Within Reach has long been a trailblazer in making iconic modern designs accessible to the masses. With a focus on partnering with renowned designers and showcasing timeless pieces, they have become a go-to destination for those seeking furniture that is both functional and visually stunning. DWR's commitment to quality craftsmanship is evident in their sofas, often featuring premium materials and meticulous attention to detail. While their price point might be a barrier for some, their dedication to design excellence and exceptional customer service continues to attract a loyal following of design enthusiasts.
Design Within Reach | Brand Summary
Design Within Reach markets itself as the source for accessible, authentic design pieces. Those are some big promises! As a furniture nerd, I had to try them out for myself. Overall, the hype is mostly justified – there's a reason DWR has staying power in this industry. Their focus on quality stands out, but their offerings aren't for everyone's budget (or style). Let's dig into why (or why not) these couches might be your thing.
High-quality materials like Italian leather and performance fabrics
Variety of customization options including modular sectionals
White-glove delivery for a seamless experience
In-home design services offered
Partnership with Affirm for financing
Cons
Expensive price point
Limited 30-day return window
High return shipping fees and potential restocking fee
Limited information on frame construction and cushion details
Varying manufacturing origins with potential for inconsistent quality control
Design Within Reach (DWR) is a sanctuary for design aficionados, offering a meticulously curated collection of high-end designer sofas that could make even the most discerning critic swoon.
Their commitment to quality is undeniable, with premium materials like buttery-soft Italian leather and durable performance fabrics, coupled with a seamless white-glove delivery experience.
However, DWR's allure comes with a price tag that might give some pause. Their sofas are an investment, averaging between $4,000-$8,000, and the 30-day return window could feel a bit tight for such a significant purchase. The potential for hefty return shipping fees and restocking charges further amplifies the financial commitment. And while they boast about their quality craftsmanship, specifics about frame construction and cushion details are surprisingly elusive.
Ultimately, DWR is a haven for those who prioritize design and impeccable service and are willing to pay for it. If you're seeking a statement piece that embodies timeless elegance, DWR could be your holy grail. But for budget-minded shoppers or those who crave transparency in every detail, it might be wise to explore other avenues before diving into the world of DWR.
Burrow is an online-only retailer that was founded in 2016. The original idea was actually a class project before it transformed into a real company. Burrow's goal was to modernize the entire couch shopping and couch ownership experience. Modularity, expandability, and ease of assembly were the core principles.
Burrow | Brand Summary
Burrow provides a clever and creative solution to the many issues that have historically plagued couches – bulkiness, inflexibility, and immobility to name a few. Burrow’s modern, modular methodology has some major benefits over the competition, but it also leads to several flaws that are hard to gloss over. Their emphasis on sustainability and eco-friendly practices are admirable and commendable. However, the materials used for their modular couches are not as high a quality as you’d hope for given the price.
Burrow’s primary goal is to modernize the furniture market. Their couches are designed to be modular and expandable so that they can grow with you. They’re also delivered in boxes and easily assembled and disassembled. Great for apartment dwellers!
Burrow’s couches ship for free via FedEx, though you might end up with a dozen boxes if you order a sectional. Their couches come with a 1-year warranty on craftsmanship. A Mulberry extended warranty is also available, which protects against accidents and damage.
Several of Burrow’s couches have multiple customization options so you can really design a sofa that suits your style. There are also modern, high-tech options like having a phone charger built right into the couch. Perfect for those nights you’re browsing on your phone while half-watching “Love is Blind” on TV.
One of Burrow’s drawbacks is that the material quality could be better. It’s not terrible at the lower end of their price range, but for their higher-priced couches, the cushions could feature higher-quality fill materials. On top of that, their business model implies that their couches will be inexpensive, but they can actually get quite pricey.
Lead times are also longer than you’d expect. If a couch is in-stock it could ship out in 1-2 weeks. It could take 4-6 weeks or even 4 months if not. And once your couch arrives, assembly can be much more challenging than advertised.
In the clash of couch champions, Design Within Reach emerges as the definitive winner, offering unparalleled luxury, durability, and sophistication that surpasses Burrow. With a focus on timeless elegance and premium craftsmanship, Design Within Reach is the go-to choice for those seeking the epitome of high-end comfort. Elevate your living space with Design Within Reach, where quality meets elegance and exceeds expectations.
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.
