Couch Comparisons

Design Within Reach vs Lovesac: Who Has Better Couches?

Curious about the ideal couch choice for your living room - Design Within Reach or Lovesac? Seeking the ultimate mix of luxury and functionality in your seating? Jump into the comparison to unravel which brand reigns supreme in the sofa showdown!
Design Within Reach vs Lovesac

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Get ready to witness a design duel like no other as we pit Design Within Reach against Lovesac. In this faceoff of furniture favorites, discover the nuances that set these brands apart and decide which couch contender best suits your style and comfort needs.

Side By Side

Features
Design Within Reach
Lovesac
Made to Order Lead Times 8-12 weeks 8-10 Weeks
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 Import
Avg. 3-Seat Couch Price $$$$ $$$-$$$$

Exploring Design Within Reach and Lovesac, we find distinct strengths in each brand's offerings. Design Within Reach boasts timeless elegance and impeccable craftsmanship, ideal for style enthusiasts prioritizing premium materials. Lovesac, on the other hand, excels in customization and family-friendly features, making it a practical choice for those valuing versatility and modern style. While Design Within Reach focuses more on luxury and design aesthetics, Lovesac caters to a broader audience with its adaptable, tech-savvy sofas. The decision comes down to personal preference, whether one values opulent sophistication or functional adaptability in their couch.


BRAND #1: Design Within Reach

The image features a red rectangular logo with the text "DESIGN WITHIN REACH" in uppercase white letters. A thin white rectangular border encloses the text.

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.

Design Within Reach | PotatoMeter Rating:

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

Design Within Reach | Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Curated selection of high-end designer pieces
  • 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.

Shop Design Within Reach Now

BRAND #2: Lovesac

LOVESAC" logo in bold, teal letters on a white background. The letter "E" is distinctively designed with a hollow center.

Lovesac began all the way back in 1995 when the founder, Shawn Nelson, handmade a beanbag chair. The beanbag chair exploded in popularity. After being named the fastest growing furniture company (twice), Lovesac pivoted to focusing on the Sactional, the gold standard of modern modular sofas.

Lovesac | Brand Summary

Lovesac has a very specific focus on their Sactional line of couches. Their Sactionals are marketed as an adaptable couch, endlessly configurable, customizable, and have a straightforward modern style. Machine washable fabrics, family-friendly features, and modern flourishes like wireless charging accessories round out their Sactional offering.

But Sactionals aren’t cheap. A medium-size Sactional will run you thousands of dollars, which is a major factor in the Lovesac review score. Add in overseas manufacturing and a strenuous, at-home Lovesac assembly process and you might find that owning a Sactional isn’t as much fun as the snazzy videos and photos on the website made it seem.

Lovesac | PotatoMeter Rating

Online Shopping Experience Score 93%
Durability and Quality Score 88%
Shipping and Lead Time Score 88%
Vibe Check Score 88%
Customer Focus Score 92%
Overall PotatoMeter Rating 90%
Read Our Lovesac Brand Review

Lovesac | Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Incredible modular options
  • Free shipping via FedEx
  • Large and unique fabric catalog
  • Good return policy (quick ship only)
  • Modern high-tech add-ons
  • Machine washable fabrics
  • Has many in-person showrooms

Cons

  • "Custom" fabric covers are not returnable
  • Fabric selection can significantly raise Lovesac couch price
  • Expensive price point
  • Lovesac assembly can be challenging

Lovesac’s Sactionals are modern, functional, expandable, and great for families. So what are the downsides?

As stated earlier, in a Lovesac fabric comparison, Lovesac offers 100+ fabric cover styles for their couches, but only the 30 quick ship options qualify for the Lovesac 60 day return policy. When the Lovesac fabric covers are half the total cost of the Sactional, this can be an expensive discovery.

Speaking of price, Sactionals are not exactly cheap. An average configuration can run you $5,000+. Choosing a bigger configuration can result in an even bigger bill.

Yes, delivery is free, but there’s no white glove Lovesac assembly option. And Lovesac assembly can be far more challenging and exhausting than advertised. Make sure you stretch first!

But don’t worry, Lovesac also has plenty of wins in the pro column. Sactionals are tremendous couches for families and pets. Almost all fabric covers are machine washable. Some are even reversible! They also offer unique fabrics with patterns and colors you won’t find anywhere else.

Sactionals are amazingly customizable, too. You can choose arm styles, back styles, and down cushion fill. You can even add surround sound systems and phone chargers right inside the couch. There are also multiple ways to configure your setup so you can find fun ways to shake things up.

Plus, you can visit one of their many showrooms to test out the Sactional in person.

Shop Lovesac Now

And the winner is...

In this showdown of sofa supremacy, Lovesac emerges as the clear winner, offering unmatched customization, modern tech features, and family-friendly options. With its focus on versatility and innovation, Lovesac stands out as the top choice for buyers valuing adaptability and style in their couch purchase.

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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