Couch Comparisons

Hem vs Lovesac: Who Has Better Couches?

Ever wondered if Hem's sleek sophistication or Lovesac's modern flair reigns supreme in the realm of contemporary couches? Join us as we uncover the nuances that differentiate these furniture titans.
Alex Back | Couch.com CEO & Founder
Hem vs Lovesac

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    Are you torn between Hem and Lovesac for your next couch purchase? Get ready to dive into a detailed comparison that will reveal the strengths and weaknesses of these two popular furniture brands.

    Side By Side

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

    Hem and Lovesac present distinct approaches to couch design. Hem shines with Scandinavian-inspired, durable sofas in the premium price range, emphasizing sustainability. Meanwhile, Lovesac offers versatile and modern Sactionals in the mid-range category, focusing on family-friendliness and high-tech features. Hem prioritizes quality materials and craftsmanship, appealing to the design-conscious, while Lovesac's emphasis on customization caters to those seeking modular options with technological upgrades.


    BRAND #1: 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

    BRAND #2: Lovesac

    LOVESAC" logo in bold, teal letters on a white background. The letter "E" is distinctively designed with a hollow center.

    Lovesac began all the way back in 1995 when the founder, Shawn Nelson, handmade a beanbag chair. The beanbag chair exploded in popularity. After being named the fastest growing furniture company (twice), Lovesac pivoted to focusing on the Sactional, the gold standard of modern modular sofas.

    Lovesac | Brand Summary

    Lovesac has a very specific focus on their Sactional line of couches. Their Sactionals are marketed as an adaptable couch, endlessly configurable, customizable, and have a straightforward modern style. Machine washable fabrics, family-friendly features, and modern flourishes like wireless charging accessories round out their Sactional offering.

    But Sactionals aren’t cheap. A medium-size Sactional will run you thousands of dollars, which is a major factor in the Lovesac review score. Add in overseas manufacturing and a strenuous, at-home Lovesac assembly process and you might find that owning a Sactional isn’t as much fun as the snazzy videos and photos on the website made it seem.

    Lovesac | PotatoMeter Rating

    Online Shopping Experience Score 93%
    Durability and Quality Score 88%
    Shipping and Lead Time Score 88%
    Vibe Check Score 88%
    Customer Focus Score 92%
    Overall PotatoMeter Rating 90%
    Read Our Lovesac Brand Review

    Lovesac | Pros & Cons

    Pros

    • Incredible modular options
    • Free shipping via FedEx
    • Large and unique fabric catalog
    • Good return policy (quick ship only)
    • Modern high-tech add-ons
    • Machine washable fabrics
    • Has many in-person showrooms

    Cons

    • "Custom" fabric covers are not returnable
    • Fabric selection can significantly raise Lovesac couch price
    • Expensive price point
    • Lovesac assembly can be challenging

    Lovesac’s Sactionals are modern, functional, expandable, and great for families. So what are the downsides?

    As stated earlier, in a Lovesac fabric comparison, Lovesac offers 100+ fabric cover styles for their couches, but only the 30 quick ship options qualify for the Lovesac 60 day return policy. When the Lovesac fabric covers are half the total cost of the Sactional, this can be an expensive discovery.

    Speaking of price, Sactionals are not exactly cheap. An average configuration can run you $5,000+. Choosing a bigger configuration can result in an even bigger bill.

    Yes, delivery is free, but there’s no white glove Lovesac assembly option. And Lovesac assembly can be far more challenging and exhausting than advertised. Make sure you stretch first!

    But don’t worry, Lovesac also has plenty of wins in the pro column. Sactionals are tremendous couches for families and pets. Almost all fabric covers are machine washable. Some are even reversible! They also offer unique fabrics with patterns and colors you won’t find anywhere else.

    Sactionals are amazingly customizable, too. You can choose arm styles, back styles, and down cushion fill. You can even add surround sound systems and phone chargers right inside the couch. There are also multiple ways to configure your setup so you can find fun ways to shake things up.

    Plus, you can visit one of their many showrooms to test out the Sactional in person.

    Shop Lovesac Now

    And the winner is...

    For buyers valuing design and sustainability, Hem emerges as the top choice, while Lovesac caters more to those seeking modern functionality and customization. It's a challenging decision, so it's a tie between the two brands offering distinct features for varied buyer preferences.

    A smiling man with short brown hair and a beard stands on a beach during sunset. He is wearing a black short-sleeved shirt with small white dots. The ocean and sandy shore are in the background, creating a warm and relaxed atmosphere.
    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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