Couch Comparisons

Ethan Allen vs Medley: Who Has Better Couches?

Are you torn between Ethan Allen and Medley for your next couch purchase? Wondering which brand offers the perfect blend of style and durability? The answer may surprise you!
Alex Back | Couch.com CEO & Founder
Ethan Allen vs Medley

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    Step into the ring where Ethan Allen faces off against Medley in the ultimate couch face-off. With quality, style, and comfort on the line, these furniture powerhouses are set to duke it out for the title of the best couch brand. Let the clash of comfort commence!

    Side By Side

    Features
    Ethan Allen
    Medley
    Made to Order Lead Times 5-7 weeks 8+ weeks
    Free Shipping Option
    White Glove Delivery Option $99+ $175
    Return Option
    Warranty Included
    Financing Option Ethan Allen Platinum Card Affirm
    Assembly Required
    Large Fabric Selection
    Free Swatches Available
    Manufacturing Origin North America USA
    Avg. 3-Seat Couch Price $$$-$$$$ $$$-$$$$

    In the world of couches, Ethan Allen and Medley showcase unique strengths. Ethan Allen shines in style diversity, offering customizable designs to suit individual tastes. Their emphasis on quality materials like top-grain leather signifies durability and luxury. In contrast, Medley stands out for its sustainability efforts, using eco-friendly options like Latex + Wool and sourcing from sustainable forests. Their commitment to environmentally conscious practices sets them apart. Additionally, Medley's generous warranties, including lifetime coverage on sofa frames, emphasize long-term value for customers. While Ethan Allen leans towards classic American style, Medley appeals to eco-conscious buyers seeking both comfort and sustainability.


    BRAND #1: Ethan Allen

    The image features the "ETHAN ALLEN" logo in bold, black, uppercase letters on a white background.

    Founded in 1932, Ethan Allen has become synonymous with American style and craftsmanship. Their commitment to quality and innovation has made them a trusted name in the furniture industry for nearly a century. They offer a vast array of customizable designs, allowing customers to create unique pieces that reflect their personal style. With a focus on sustainability and a dedication to providing a premium customer experience, Ethan Allen continues to be a top choice for those seeking high-quality, timeless furniture.

    Ethan Allen | Brand Summary

    Now, here's a brand that's been crafting sofas since before your grandpa was a twinkle in his dad's eye. They've practically written the book on American furniture style, and their couches are no exception. But what makes an Ethan Allen sofa truly stand out in a sea of seating options? Let me tell you, it's their unwavering commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and creating pieces that are truly built to last.

    You can expect top-notch materials, customizable designs that let you express your unique style, and a white-glove customer service experience that'll make you feel like royalty. But are Ethan Allen sofas worth the investment? Let's dive deeper into their collection and find out.

    Ethan Allen | PotatoMeter Rating:

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

    Ethan Allen | Pros & Cons

    Pros

    • High-quality materials (top-grain leather, performance fabrics)
    • Made in the USA
    • Lifetime warranty on mechanisms
    • Free swatches
    • White-glove delivery
    • Customizable designs

    Cons

    • Pricey
    • Long lead times for custom orders
    • Limited warranty for upholstery
    • Limited in-stock options
    • Return policy only 10 days for Premier In-home Delivery

    Ethan Allen is like the grand dame of American furniture, with a legacy that whispers of timeless elegance and craftsmanship. Their sofas, whether adorned in supple leather or plush velvet, exude a classic charm that's hard to resist. And with their commitment to quality, you can rest assured that your Ethan Allen couch will be a cherished companion for years to come. Plus, their white-glove delivery service is the cherry on top, ensuring a seamless and stress-free experience from showroom to living room.

    Now, let's be real – this kind of luxury doesn't come cheap. Be prepared to loosen those purse strings for an Ethan Allen sofa, as they're definitely an investment piece. And if you're the impatient type, you might want to look elsewhere, as custom orders can take weeks (or even months) to arrive. Their return policy could also use a bit of a refresh, especially for those who opt for the premium in-home delivery service.

    But hey, if you're all about that heirloom-quality furniture that'll make your grandma proud, Ethan Allen might just be your perfect match. Their sofas are more than just a place to sit – they're a statement of timeless style and enduring craftsmanship. So, if you're willing to invest in a piece that'll become a cherished part of your home for years to come, go ahead and treat yourself to a little bit of Ethan Allen luxury.

    Shop Ethan Allen Now

    BRAND #2: Medley

    The image displays the word "medley" in lowercase letters, written in a simple, thin serif font on a plain white background.

    Medley was founded in 2017 by two brothers, Travis and Ryan Nagle. But their story actually begins in 2005 when they were selling sofas out of their living room. They are one of the only couch companies offering ultra-green material options.

    Medley | Brand Summary

    Medley is a rare company that actually delivers on its promises of top-of-the-line craftsmanship, all-natural material options, and sustainability. They offer an excellent, hand-crafted product, but their prices can be a bit too high for the average consumer and their lead times can be excessive. Medley was founded with a mission to create eco friendly furniture that not only lasts but also minimizes harmful chemicals and toxins, catering to consumers who prioritize environmental mindfulness in their purchasing decisions.

    But if you want a made in the USA couch with wonderfully-natural materials, lifetime warranties, and a competitive price point, then Medley should be the first place you look. And chances are it will be the only place you have to look.

    Medley | PotatoMeter Rating

    Online Shopping Experience Score 90%
    Durability and Quality Score 97%
    Shipping and Lead Time Score 84%
    Vibe Check Score 97%
    Customer Focus Score 95%
    Overall PotatoMeter Rating 93%
    Read Our Medley Brand Review

    Medley | Pros & Cons

    Pros

    • Latex + Wool eco-friendly options
    • All couches made in the USA
    • Extremely high quality materials and craftsmanship
    • Lifetime warranty on sofa frames and 5+ year warranty on materials
    • Generous 30 day return policy

    Cons

    • Limited sofa style options
    • Fabric selection can significantly raise sofa price
    • Latex + Wool option can be pricey
    • Lead times can be extremely long
    • No brick-and-mortar stores

    It can be hard to find any flaws in Medley’s business. But while their standard couches usually have lead times of 8-10 weeks (not counting delivery), their wonderful Latex + Wool options often take 14+ weeks to build. That’s a long time to wait, especially when there are no brick-and-mortar stores where you can test out their couches. Their base prices are great considering the high-quality materials and craftsmanship, but choosing a higher-tier fabric and their natural Latex + Wool materials will significantly raise the sofa price. But they’ll still be cheaper than Maiden Home’s offerings. Medley’s styles are nice, but they might be a little bland, depending on your tastes.

    However, the pros vastly outweigh the cons. Their plant-based Latex + Wool material options are incredible and put Medley in a class of its own. Their wood is sourced from sustainable forests, their fabrics are eco-friendly, and every aspect of their construction process considers the sustainability impact. They also use a high-quality spring system similar to 8-way hand-tied suspensions. This is top-tier craftsmanship. Their frames also come with a lifetime warranty, the cushion filling has a 10-year warranty, and the upholstery workmanship has a 5-year warranty. Add in their 30-day return policy and there’s a whole lot to like about Medley.

    Shop Medley Now

    And the winner is...

    In this clash of couch titans, Medley emerges as the clear winner. With a strong emphasis on sustainability, eco-friendly materials, and generous warranties, Medley offers a unique blend of style, durability, and environmental consciousness. For buyers seeking comfort with a conscience, Medley stands out as the top choice. The commitment to quality, coupled with a focus on environmentally friendly practices, makes Medley the ultimate winner of this couch comparison.

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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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