Floyd vs Design Within Reach: Who Has Better Couches?
Looking for the couch of your dreams? Discover which brand, Floyd or Design Within Reach, offers the winning combination of comfort and style. Get ready to choose your sofa soulmate!
Alex Back | Couch.com CEO & Founder
Step into the ring as we pit Floyd against Design Within Reach to find out which couch brand emerges victorious. Brace yourself for a face-off filled with style, quality, and everything in between as we uncover the couch champion you've been searching for.
Side By Side
Features
Floyd
Design Within Reach
Made to Order Lead Times
N/A
8-12 weeks
Free Shipping Option
White Glove Delivery Option
$399-$599
Return Option
Warranty Included
Financing Option
Affirm
Affirm
Assembly Required
Varies
Large Fabric Selection
Free Swatches Available
Manufacturing Origin
USA + Import
USA + Import
Avg. 3-Seat Couch Price
$$-$$$
$$$$
In terms of style, Floyd stands out with its unique fabric collection and modern designs, making it a mid-range option. Meanwhile, Design Within Reach offers a curated selection of high-end designer pieces with premium materials, placing it in the luxury category. When it comes to durability and sustainability, both brands show strengths in craftsmanship and material quality, but Design Within Reach excels with its in-home design services and white-glove delivery options, adding extra value for those seeking a premium experience.
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.
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.
In the battle of couch supremacy, Design Within Reach takes the crown with its high-end designer pieces and exceptional customer service. The seamless white-glove delivery and top-notch materials make it a standout choice for those valuing luxury and design excellence. Design Within Reach shines as the definitive winner in this sofa face-off.
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.
