Design Within Reach vs Modloft: Who Has Better Couches?
Curious about the best brand for your living room oasis: Design Within Reach or Modloft? Journey with us to decode who excels in crafting the coziest, most stylish couches for your lounging pleasure.
Alex Back | Couch.com CEO & Founder
Step into the ring of designer couches as we unravel the battle between Design Within Reach and Modloft. Get ready to discover which brand truly delivers on style, comfort, and craftsmanship.
Side By Side
Features
Design Within Reach
Modloft
Made to Order Lead Times
8-12 weeks
N/A
Free Shipping Option
White Glove Delivery Option
$399-$599
$99+
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
$$$$
$$$-$$$$
When it comes to style, Design Within Reach shines with its high-end designer pieces, while Modloft offers modern and chic designs. In terms of durability, Design Within Reach takes the lead with premium materials, showcasing their commitment to quality. Additionally, Design Within Reach emphasizes sustainability, adding to its value proposition over Modloft. Although both brands offer unique benefits, Design Within Reach's focus on style, durability, sustainability, and value could make it a more appealing choice for buyers seeking luxury 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.
Founded in 2005, Modloft has carved a niche for itself in the modern furniture market with its sleek and sophisticated designs. They pride themselves on offering "great design at reasonable prices," bridging the gap between low-cost and high-end options. Their unique approach to manufacturing, often sourcing materials and producing furniture in the same country, adds an interesting dimension to their brand story. While their commitment to accessibility is commendable, their overall brand presentation could benefit from greater transparency and a more customer-centric approach.
Modloft | Brand Summary
Modloft has a bit more style than substance. Their website will make you desperately want their couches, but digging a little deeper into their lead times, quality, and customer service might make you think again. The couches they do have are technically good, but the rest of the experience makes it difficult to recommend them over other options.
Use of high-quality full-grain leather on some models
White glove delivery included with every order
Financing options available through Affirm
Free fabric swatches offered
ADA compliant website
Cons
Inaccurately advertised lead times (customer complaints)
Expensive for the level of quality and customer service
Limited transparency regarding materials and construction details
Potentially expensive return shipping and restocking fees
Limited delivery area (not nationwide)
Modloft, with its undeniably chic and modern aesthetic, offers sofas that will undoubtedly elevate the style of your living space. Their use of high-quality full-grain leather on select models is a noteworthy feature, and the included white-glove delivery service adds a touch of luxury to the buying experience. However, the allure fades a bit when you consider their less-than-transparent practices regarding lead times and materials, as well as their limited delivery range and potentially expensive return process.
While their designs are undeniably eye-catching, the quality and customer service might not live up to the premium price tag. If you prioritize style above all else and are willing to gamble on the accuracy of lead times, Modloft could be a good fit. However, if you're seeking a more transparent and customer-centric experience with comparable quality at a potentially lower price, you might want to explore other options.
In the battle of the couch titans, Design Within Reach claims victory with its unparalleled focus on style, durability, sustainability, and overall value. The brand's commitment to luxury and quality sets it apart as the top choice for those seeking exceptional sofas. With its premium materials and superior craftsmanship, Design Within Reach proves to be the ultimate winner in the realm of designer couches.
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.
