Design Within Reach vs Neighbor: Who Has Better Couches?
Curious about the top contender between Design Within Reach and Neighbor for your next couch purchase? Join us as we uncover the brand that deserves a place in your living room.
Alex Back | Couch.com CEO & Founder
Step right up to witness the clash of the couch titans! Design Within Reach squares off against Neighbor in the ultimate furniture face-off. Get ready to discover which brand deserves a spot in your home sweet home.
Side By Side
Features
Design Within Reach
Neighbor
Made to Order Lead Times
8-12 weeks
2-12 weeks
Free Shipping Option
White Glove Delivery Option
$399-$599
$0-$195+
Return Option
Warranty Included
Financing Option
Affirm
Affirm
Assembly Required
Large Fabric Selection
Free Swatches Available
Manufacturing Origin
USA + Import
Vietnam
Avg. 3-Seat Couch Price
$$$$
$$$$
Looking for couches that marry style, durability, sustainability, and value? Design Within Reach shines with high-end designer pieces using premium materials, ideal for luxury shoppers. In contrast, Neighbor emphasizes sustainability and quality, offering durable outdoor sofas using eco-friendly materials for a premium price range. While DWR excels in curated selections and customization, Neighbor stands out with its innovative outdoor living designs and a generous 5-year warranty, appealing to those prioritizing longevity and eco-conscious choices.
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.
Neighbor, founded with a vision to revolutionize outdoor living, is a brand that stands out for its commitment to sustainability, quality, and community. Their focus on durable, eco-friendly materials and thoughtful design is evident in their range of outdoor sofas. With a unique Neighborhood Showroom program and dedication to customer satisfaction, Neighbor is more than just a furniture brand; it's a lifestyle choice for those who value the outdoors and seek to create inviting spaces that foster connection and relaxation.
Neighbor | Brand Summary
In reviewing Neighbor's outdoor furniture, one can't help but be struck by their innovative approach to design and community engagement. Their products, especially the modular options, are a testament to their commitment to versatility and quality. The choice of materials, such as FSC-certified teak and Sunbrella fabric, speaks volumes about their dedication to sustainability and longevity.
As a self proclaimed connoisseur of great furniture, I'm particularly drawn to their narrative of enriching lives through design and their transparent customer service ethos. Neighbor doesn't just sell furniture; they offer a vision of outdoor living that's both aspirational and attainable, underpinned by a strong sense of integrity and joy. I’m a believer in their mantra to turn the outdoors into your living room. Sounds pretty great, doesn't it?
45-day return policy with free returns on damaged items
Free fabric swatches available
Complimentary standard home delivery in the contiguous U.S.
Cons
Expensive price point
Potential 15% restocking fee for returns
Limited customization options
White glove delivery is an extra fee
Geographic limitations for white-glove delivery
Neighbor's dedication to quality and sustainable practices shines through in their outdoor sofas, which are built to last using premium materials like FSC-certified teak and Sunbrella fabric. Their generous warranty and 45-day return window offer peace of mind, while free standard shipping sweetens the deal.
The investment in a Neighbor sofa comes at a premium price, and the potential for restocking fees on returns might give some budget-conscious shoppers pause. Customization options are limited beyond fabric and configuration choices, and white-glove delivery comes at an added cost.
Overall, Neighbor is a top choice for those who prioritize sustainable, high-quality outdoor furniture and are willing to invest in long-lasting pieces that elevate their outdoor living spaces.
In the ultimate couch face-off, Design Within Reach emerges as the clear winner, offering premium designer pieces with impeccable craftsmanship and a variety of customization options. With a focus on high-quality materials and top-notch customer service, DWR caters to those who value design excellence and luxury in their furniture choices.
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.
