Seeking the ultimate sofa companion: IKEA or What A Room? Get comfy and join us as we decipher which brand offers the perfect blend of style and comfort.
Alex Back | Couch.com CEO & Founder
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Ladies and gentlemen, it's the ultimate sofa face-off! Curious about which brand, IKEA or What A Room, will emerge as the champ in your quest for the perfect couch? Let's find out together.
Side By Side
Features
IKEA
What A Room
Made to Order Lead Times
N/A
4-6 weeks
Free Shipping Option
White Glove Delivery Option
$99+
Return Option
Warranty Included
Financing Option
IKEA Projekt Credit Card
Affirm, Shop Pay
Assembly Required
Varies
Large Fabric Selection
Free Swatches Available
Manufacturing Origin
Import
USA
Avg. 3-Seat Couch Price
$-$$
$$$
In terms of style, IKEA offers diverse options for budget-conscious buyers, ensuring affordability without sacrificing design variety. Their commitment to sustainability is a bonus point. What A Room, on the other hand, presents itself as a go-to for customization and durability, appealing to buyers looking for quality craftsmanship and eco-friendly materials. While IKEA provides a budget-friendly range with sustainability in mind, What A Room stands out as a premium choice for those valuing personalization, sustainability, and top-notch craftsmanship in their furniture.
BRAND #1: IKEA
IKEA, a Swedish furniture giant with a global presence, has revolutionized the industry with its affordable, ready-to-assemble furniture. Founded in 1943, the company has become synonymous with modern, functional design and a commitment to sustainability. Their unique shopping experience, complete with showrooms and Swedish meatballs, has made them a beloved destination for home decor enthusiasts worldwide.
IKEA | Brand Summary
You know that feeling when you find the perfect pair of jeans on sale? That's how some of their IKEA sofas make me feel. Sure, IKEA isn't a high-end designer brand, but that doesn't mean they don't deserve a spot on your radar. You've just got to be a little pickier and know what to look for. Overall, I'm pleasantly surprised with their focus on modern design and budget-conscious craftsmanship. Let's just say, there are definitely some hidden gems at IKEA.
Limited transparency on material sourcing and construction details for some models
180-day return window for opened sofas may not be sufficient for everyone
Restocking fees for returns
IKEA is the undisputed king of affordable furniture, and their sofas are no exception. They've got a whole buffet of styles, from sleek and modern to cozy and traditional, so no matter your taste (or your budget), you're bound to find something you love. And the fact that they're putting serious effort into sustainability? That's the cherry on top of those delicious Swedish meatballs.
Now, let's get real. You're not buying an IKEA sofa for heirloom quality craftsmanship. These babies are designed for everyday life, not museum displays. That means some assembly is required (hello, Allen wrench!), and the materials might not be as luxurious as those high-end brands. Plus, while their 365-day return policy for unopened boxes is amazing, the 180-day window for assembled sofas might feel a bit short.
But here's the thing: IKEA knows its strengths. They offer a mind-boggling array of designs, with most sofas under $2,000. Their 10-year warranty on frames and cushions is surprisingly generous for the price, and their commitment to sustainability is more than just lip service. So, if you're after a stylish, functional sofa that won't break the bank, IKEA's got your back (and your bum!).
What A Room was founded with the goal of offering fully customizable sofas and sectionals, made in the USA with high-quality materials. By owning their own factory in Los Angeles, they are able to offer quicker production times (4-6 weeks) while ensuring a personalized customer experience. Their key milestone includes providing over 250 fabric choices, with a focus on pet-friendly and eco-conscious options. Known for their craftsmanship, durability, and commitment to customer satisfaction, What A Room has carved out a niche as a go-to brand for buyers seeking custom, high-end furniture with a fast turnaround.
What A Room | Brand Summary
When it comes to custom sofas made in the USA, few brands match the level of quality, customer service, and design flexibility that What A Room offers. But do What A Room reviews reflect this same level of excellence, or is it just good marketing?
As a direct-to-consumer furniture brand, What A Room manufactures its own sofas, offering full customization with high-end materials—all without sky-high retail markups. That’s a rare find in today’s sofa market. With handcrafted frames, premium foam cushions, and free design consultations, What A Room gives buyers full control over their couch.
Let’s see if they live up to the hype in What A Room reviews or if there are better alternatives.
Personalized customer service with design consultations
Cons
20% restocking fee for returns
No free shipping option, delivery fees can be high
What A Room offers a customizable sofa experience, perfect for buyers seeking a unique, made-to-order product. Their quick 4-6 week production time is faster than many competitors, and they provide over 250 fabric choices, including pet-friendly options. Owning their manufacturing facility in the USA allows them to maintain high-quality standards while meeting customization needs.
However, their return policy has a 20% restocking fee, which can be a drawback for some customers. Delivery fees are also an added expense, and there have been occasional complaints about delays in receiving custom orders.
On the plus side, What A Room excels with personalized customer service and free design consultations to ensure you’re getting exactly what you want. Their use of eco-friendly, chemical-free fabrics and durable high-resilience foam cushions makes them a great choice for families, and their made-in-the-USA production is a strong selling point for those seeking quality craftsmanship.
After digging into the details, What A Room emerges as the clear winner for buyers valuing luxurious customization, exceptional quality, and eco-conscious materials. If you desire a personalized, top-tier sofa experience that prioritizes sustainability, craftsmanship, and unique design choices, What A Room shines as the ultimate couch companion.
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.
