Couch Comparisons

Frontgate vs Hem: Who Has Better Couches?

Looking to elevate your living room ambiance with a new couch? Find out if Frontgate's classic designs or Hem's modern aesthetic will steal the show in our brand battle.
Frontgate vs Hem

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Step into the ring as we pit Frontgate against Hem in a clash of comfort and style. Who will emerge victorious in the battle of the best sofas? It's time to discover which brand deserves a spot in your living room spotlight.

Side By Side

Features
Frontgate
Hem
Made to Order Lead Times 8-10 weeks 1-7 Weeks
Free Shipping Option
White Glove Delivery Option $179-$449 $299
Return Option
Warranty Included
Financing Option Frontgate Credit Card / Affirm / Klarna Affirm
Assembly Required Varies Varies
Large Fabric Selection
Free Swatches Available
Manufacturing Origin USA + Import Europe
Avg. 3-Seat Couch Price $$-$$$$ $$$$

In terms of style, durability, sustainability, and overall value, Frontgate and Hem offer unique propositions that cater to varied preferences. Frontgate shines with classic, timeless designs and top-notch quality materials, ideal for those valuing traditional elegance. Hem stands out with its modern Scandinavian twists, durability, and sustainability focus, appealing to design-conscious buyers looking for stylish, eco-friendly options. While Frontgate leans towards classic luxury, Hem embodies a mix of sophistication and durability. The choice between the two brands ultimately depends on individual style preferences, desired durability, and sustainability priorities.


BRAND #1: Frontgate

The image features the word "FRONTGATE" in all capital letters with a straightforward, serif font against a plain white background.

Frontgate, established in 1991, has carved a niche for itself by offering furniture that blends classic design with modern touches. They cater to customers who appreciate quality and are willing to invest in timeless pieces. The brand's emphasis on exclusive designs and customer experience, coupled with their commitment to sustainability, differentiates them in the market. While their sofas may not be the most budget-friendly option, they offer a luxurious and stylish addition to any living space.

Frontgate | Brand Summary

Frontgate has carved out a unique niche in the furniture market. They cater to a customer who appreciates classic design aesthetics but with a modern twist. Think clean lines, high-quality materials, and a focus on comfort that doesn't sacrifice style. While their sofas may not be the most playful or trendy, they're built to be timeless additions to your living room. But is timeless the same as boring? And how does their customer service stack up? In this review, we'll put Frontgate sofas to the test, assessing everything from comfort and construction to value and after-sales support. Get ready to peel back the layers and see if a Frontgate sofa deserves a spot on your Potatometer podium.

Frontgate | PotatoMeter Rating:

Online Shopping Experience Score 93%
Durability and Quality Score 95%
Shipping and Lead Time Score 93%
Vibe Check Score 96%
Customer Focus Score 95%
Overall PotatoMeter Rating 94%
Read Our Frontgate Brand Review

Frontgate | Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Classic designs with a modern twist
  • High-quality materials (top-grain leather, performance fabrics)
  • 10-year warranty on frames, 1-2 years on cushions
  • 90-day return window
  • Free fabric swatches
  • Focus on sustainability

Cons

  • Long lead times for made-to-order sofas
  • Returns have fees and restrictions
  • White glove delivery is an extra fee
  • Assembly may be required for some sofas
  • Limited transparency regarding manufacturing partners

Frontgate, a haven for those seeking classic elegance with a contemporary flair, offers a diverse selection of sofas crafted from premium materials like top-grain leather and performance fabrics. Their commitment to quality is underscored by a generous 10-year warranty on frames, ensuring that your investment piece stands the test of time. Additionally, their 90-day return policy provides peace of mind, allowing ample time to determine if your new sofa is the perfect fit for your home.

However, this level of craftsmanship and attention to detail comes at a cost, as Frontgate sofas tend to be on the pricier side, with some models reaching luxury price points. While they offer free fabric swatches to aid in your decision-making process and provide a range of delivery options, including white-glove service, returns aren't entirely hassle-free. You might encounter restocking fees and have to handle the return shipping yourself, which could be a significant expense for larger items.

Despite these considerations, Frontgate's commitment to sustainability is a noteworthy highlight. Their efforts to incorporate recycled materials and utilize renewable energy demonstrate a conscious approach to furniture production. So, if you're drawn to timeless designs, prioritize quality, and value eco-conscious practices, Frontgate might be worth the splurge, even with the potential drawbacks and longer lead times for custom orders.

Shop Frontgate Now

BRAND #2: Hem

The image features the word "Hem" in bold, black text against a plain white background.

Hem is a design-forward furniture company that partners with renowned designers to create modern pieces with a Scandinavian aesthetic. Their commitment to quality is evident in their use of premium materials and focus on durable construction. Founded by Petrus Palmer, Hem aims to be a driving force in the design community, offering stylish and functional furniture that stands the test of time. Their emphasis on sustainability is also noteworthy, with a focus on responsible materials and minimizing waste in production and packaging.

Hem | Brand Summary

Hem nails the balance between playful design and grown-up craftsmanship. Their sofas won't fall apart after a month, and the fabrics feel surprisingly luxurious for the price point. While I have a few nitpicks (which we'll get into shortly!), I was pleasantly surprised by how well the brand walks the line between trendy and timeless. If you're looking for furniture with personality but don't want to compromise on quality, Hem is absolutely worth checking out.

Hem | PotatoMeter Rating

Online Shopping Experience Score 93%
Durability and Quality Score 92%
Shipping and Lead Time Score 93%
Vibe Check Score 95%
Customer Focus Score 90%
Overall PotatoMeter Rating 93%
Read Our Hem Brand Review

Hem | Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Stylish, modern designs with a Scandinavian twist
  • Durable construction with quality materials
  • Transparent shipping information and multiple shipping methods
  • Financing options available through Affirm
  • Free fabric swatches
  • Strong emphasis on sustainability

Cons

  • Limited return window
  • Expensive return shipping and repackaging fees
  • No free shipping
  • Limited customization options
  • Limited information on cushion construction and support systems

Hem offers stylish, Scandinavian-inspired sofas that boast quality craftsmanship and durable materials. Their dedication to transparency is evident in their clear shipping information and detailed care instructions. However, the limited return window and hefty return fees could be a dealbreaker for some, and the lack of free shipping adds to the overall cost. While their customizable options are decent, they might not satisfy those seeking extensive personalization.

Overall, Hem is a strong contender for design-conscious buyers willing to invest in quality, but potential customers should weigh the costs and limitations before committing.

Shop Hem Now

And the winner is...

After a close comparison, the crown goes to Frontgate for its classic elegance, top-quality materials, and customer-focused approach that resonates with luxury seekers. Frontgate's emphasis on timeless designs and sustainability gives it the edge for those valuing both style and eco-conscious practices, making it the top choice for those seeking sophisticated, durable, and environmentally aware sofa options.

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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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