Couch Comparisons

Hem vs Room & Board: Who Has Better Couches?

August 12, 2024

Do Hem or Room & Board offer the ideal combination of style, quality, and sustainability in their couches? Let's find out which brand comes out on top!

Alex Back | Couch.com CEO & Founder

Curious about upgrading your space with a new couch but unsure whether to choose Hem or Room & Board? This article will break down the features of these top brands so you can make an informed decision and pick the perfect sofa for your home.

Side By Side

Features	Hem	Room & Board
Made to Order Lead Times	1-7 Weeks	4-10 weeks
Free Shipping Option
White Glove Delivery Option	$299	$119
Return Option
Warranty Included
Financing Option	Affirm	Affirm
Assembly Required	Varies
Large Fabric Selection
Free Swatches Available
Manufacturing Origin	Europe	USA
Avg. 3-Seat Couch Price	$$$$	$$$

Alright, it's decision time between Hem and Room & Board for your new couch. Hem offers speedier delivery with lead times ranging from 1-7 weeks, but Room & Board wins on the returns front with free returns included. If financing matters, Hem takes the spotlight with Affirm, while Room & Board shines with 'In Stock' fabric options for quicker deliveries. Looking for fabric swatches? Hem provides them for free, but if American quality is a priority, Room & Board's USA manufacturing might sway your decision. With Hem's higher white glove delivery cost of $299 compared to Room & Board's $119, convenience comes at a 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: Room & Board

Founded in 1980, Room & Board is a veteran in the furniture industry, known for its timeless designs and commitment to American craftsmanship. They partner with local artisans and prioritize sustainability, setting ambitious goals for eco-friendly practices and materials. Their transparent approach to pricing and focus on customer satisfaction make them a trusted name in the furniture market.

Room & Board | Brand Summary

Room & Board gets it. They have a beautiful and useful website that makes shopping for a couch delightful. Their quality is excellent, their couches are made in the USA, and they have measurable and attainable sustainability goals. If their lead times were better and if they had an actual warranty on their couches then they would get a MAJOR bump in their PotatoMeter rating.

Compared to other well-known brands that offer stylish and affordable sofas, Room & Board provides a higher-end alternative with superior durability and quality. If you’re OK with those caveats, then Room & Board is a phenomenal choice for your couch purchase.

Room & Board | PotatoMeter Rating

Online Shopping Experience Score	95%
Durability and Quality Score	91%
Shipping and Lead Time Score	89%
Vibe Check Score	97%
Customer Focus Score	87%
Overall PotatoMeter Rating	92%

Read Our Room & Board Brand Review

Room & Board | Pros & Cons

Pros

Beautiful and useful website
Excellent quality
Made in the USA
Measurable and attainable sustainability goals
"In Stock" fabric options for faster shipping
Free returns with no charge for return shipping

Cons

Long lead times for custom upholstery
Long delivery wait times
No warranty on couches
No sale events (bummer if you're looking for discounts)
Limited information on specific construction details

Room and Board offers a delightful online shopping experience with high-quality, American-made couches and a strong commitment to sustainability. However, their 4 to 10-week lead time for custom upholstery might test your patience. The $119 white glove delivery fee, while convenient, adds to the overall cost. They don't offer a warranty on their couches, relying instead on a guarantee, which could be a concern for some.

Despite these drawbacks, the focus of Room and Board furniture on quality, sustainability, and customer satisfaction makes them a top contender for your next sofa purchase. Their "In Stock" fabric options are a great way to get your new couch faster, and their generous return policy provides peace of mind.

Shop Room & Board Now

And the winner is...

After a close comparison, both Hem and Room & Board offer compelling features, making it a tough decision to declare a winner. Whether you lean towards Hem's modern designs and sustainability focus or Room & Board's American-made quality and excellent online shopping, you can't go wrong with either brand. It's a tie, as both companies excel in different aspects of the couch-buying experience.

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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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