Which brand crafts the comfiest seating experience; Floyd or Ballard Designs? Unveil the secrets hidden behind the stylish exteriors and find the perfect fit for your living space.
Alex Back | Couch.com CEO & Founder
Ever wondered which between Floyd and Ballard Designs creates the comfiest haven for your living room? The clash of the couches begins now, pitting two renowned brands against each other. Let's unravel the mystery behind the coziest throne for your home.
Side By Side
Features
Floyd
Ballard Designs
Made to Order Lead Times
N/A
10-12 weeks
Free Shipping Option
White Glove Delivery Option
Return Option
Warranty Included
Financing Option
Affirm
Affirm / Ballard Designs Credit Card
Assembly Required
Varies
Varies
Large Fabric Selection
Free Swatches Available
Manufacturing Origin
USA + Import
USA
Avg. 3-Seat Couch Price
$$-$$$
$$$-$$$$
In terms of style, durability, sustainability, and overall value, Ballard Designs emerges as the top pick in the premium to luxury bracket. Known for elegant designs, high-quality materials, and an emphasis on user satisfaction, Ballard Designs stands out. Meanwhile, Floyd, falling into the mid-range to premium category, offers stylish modern sofas but may lack the premium materials and customization options that Ballard Designs provides. Ultimately, for those seeking timeless sophistication and top-tier comfort, Ballard Designs proves to be the winning choice.
BRAND #1: Floyd
Floyd is an online-only retailer that was founded in 2013 in Detroit, Michigan. The company's first product was called the Floyd Leg and was as simple as it sounds – a leg that could transform any flat object into a table. This simple design philosophy is evident across all their products, even their website.
Floyd | Brand Summary
Floyd has a very well-designed website that also reflects the design principles of their limited couch offerings. But once you peel back the glamorous veneer, you might be disappointed by the overall quality, customer focus, and lead times. There’s a lot to love with Floyd, but the fact that they only have 3 couch options means that you’d expect them to absolutely nail everything else. Unfortunately, they fall short, especially at their price range.
The first thing you’ll notice about Floyd is how special and stylish their sofas are. And that really is the company’s main draw. They also have one of the most unique and eye-catching fabric collections we’ve ever seen. Some fabrics are recycled cotton. Others have multi-colored cross-weaves. Some are made from Norwegian and New Zealand wool. Fancy! Their signature sofa (aptly named “The Sofa”) has an industrial, reclaimed look to it. Everything about Floyd’s design sensibility is simply cool.
Floyd does provide a 1 year warranty on their craftsmanship. Customers can also purchase an extended warranty through Mulberry that provides coverage for any type of accident or damage.
Although Floyd does not offer white glove delivery options, only The Sofa requires any assembly. And even then, it’s rather simple and straightforward. You won’t have a marital crisis trying to assemble it.
But there are certainly downsides to Floyd. They have unexpectedly long lead times for their limited offering. It can often take 6-10 weeks before a couch ships out. Shipping also costs 12% of your order total (max $299).
The material quality for the price is OK if you’re buying a smaller couch. But you can easily spend $3,000+ on a Floyd couch. At that price point we’d like to see higher quality cushion fill and sturdier frames.
Ballard Designs, established over 35 years ago, has become a household name in the home furnishings industry. Their enduring legacy is built upon a foundation of timeless design, quality craftsmanship, and a passion for creating inspiring living spaces. The brand's dedication to sustainability and collaboration with renowned designers further solidifies their position as a leader in the market. With their commitment to excellence and customer-centric approach, Ballard Designs continues to offer furniture that stands the test of time, both in style and durability.
Ballard Designs | Brand Summary
When it comes to Ballard Designs' couches, my overall impression is genuinely positive. Their catalog reflects a dedication to craftsmanship and style that's hard to overlook. Each sofa feels like a tribute to both comfort and design, blending practicality with a touch of luxury. Amazingly, they manage to cater to a broad range of tastes without compromising on quality. From the plush cushions to the fine fabrics, Ballard Designs prioritizes user satisfaction and durability. Their market presence is strong, not just because of their product quality, but due to their understanding of what makes a home feel like home.
Return shipping fees are not covered and a restocking fee may apply
Lack of transparency regarding warranty details
Assembly may be required
White-glove delivery is an added cost
Ballard Designs captures the essence of refined living with its elegant and timeless sofas. The brand's dedication to quality is evident in their use of high-end materials like top-grain leather and durable fabrics, all crafted in the USA. With a wide range of customization options and a generous selection of free swatches, you can create a sofa that perfectly complements your style and space.
The premium experience, however, comes with a few tradeoffs. The price tag for a Ballard Designs sofa can be substantial, reflecting their commitment to quality and craftsmanship. While they offer free shipping for smaller items, larger sofas may require additional delivery fees, and in-home delivery and assembly come at an extra cost. Additionally, returns, while possible, are subject to fees and certain exclusions.
Overall, Ballard Designs caters to discerning homeowners who appreciate quality, craftsmanship, and timeless design. While the investment may be significant, the brand's commitment to customer satisfaction and sustainable practices makes their sofas a worthy addition to any home.
Ballard Designs takes the crown in this comparison, offering a blend of elegance, quality, and superior customization options. The brand's dedication to premium materials and sophisticated designs makes it the ultimate choice for those seeking top-tier comfort and timeless style in their furniture. For an unmatched luxury living experience, Ballard Designs stands out as the clear winner.
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.
