Couch Comparisons

Hem vs Burke Decor: Who Has Better Couches?

September 25, 2024

Alex Back | Couch.com CEO & Founder

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Side By Side

Features	Hem	Burke Decor
Made to Order Lead Times	1-7 Weeks	8-10 weeks
Free Shipping Option
White Glove Delivery Option	$299	$150
Return Option
Warranty Included
Financing Option	Affirm	Affirm
Assembly Required	Varies
Large Fabric Selection
Free Swatches Available
Manufacturing Origin	Europe	USA + Import
Avg. 3-Seat Couch Price	$$$$	$$$-$$$$

BRAND #1: Hem

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

BRAND #2: Burke Decor

Founded in 2007, Burke Decor is an online furniture retailer that aims to bring high-end design to a wider audience. Their founder, Erin E. Burke, sought to make stylish furniture accessible to those living outside major cities. They offer a curated selection of sofas from various brands, prioritizing unique designs and quality craftsmanship. While their commitment to sustainability could be stronger, their focus on accessibility and design-forward pieces resonates with modern consumers.

Burke Decor | Brand Summary

Okay, I've gotta admit, Burke Decor surprised me (in a good way!). Their sofas are stylish, well-made, and feel like they'll stand the test of time. Their commitment to making good design accessible even outside of major cities is a big plus in my book. And you know what? They're not afraid to be a little different, and I admire that.

Yes, Burke Decor sofas come with a slightly higher price tag, but it feels like you're getting what you pay for. So, if you want a sofa that'll be a statement piece in your home and won't look like it came from the same old big box store, Burke Decor is a contender.

Burke Decor | PotatoMeter Rating

Online Shopping Experience Score	92%
Durability and Quality Score	88%
Shipping and Lead Time Score	90%
Vibe Check Score	86%
Customer Focus Score	88%
Overall PotatoMeter Rating	89%

Read Our Burke Decor Brand Review

Burke Decor | Pros & Cons

Pros

Stylish, well-made sofas
Focus on making good design accessible
Decent range of fabric options
Free shipping on orders over $299
White glove delivery option
Financing options available

Cons

Long lead times for some items (3-15 weeks)
No free returns (5% restocking fee + customer pays return shipping)
Limited transparency about sustainability practices
Limited transparency about materials and construction methods for some sofas
Limited customization options beyond fabric and legs

Burke Decor offers a refreshing take on sofa shopping, boasting stylish and well-crafted pieces that feel unique and inviting. Their commitment to making good design accessible is commendable, especially with free shipping on qualifying orders and white glove delivery options.

However, the long lead times for some items and the less-than-stellar return policy could be drawbacks for some. Additionally, the lack of transparency regarding sustainability practices and detailed construction information might leave some buyers wanting more.

Overall, Burke Decor is a great option for those seeking a statement sofa with a touch of personality, but be prepared for potential wait times and factor in the costs associated with returns.

Shop Burke Decor Now

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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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