Couch Comparisons

Joybird vs Design Within Reach: Who Has Better Couches?

Curious to uncover the winner between Joybird and Design Within Reach's top couches? Dive into the showdown to unravel which brand crafts the ultimate comfort oasis!
Joybird vs Design Within Reach

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    Brace yourself for a sofa showdown like no other. Joybird and Design Within Reach go head-to-head in a battle of comfort, style, and panache. Get ready to uncover which brand leaves a lasting impression with its exceptional couch offerings.

    Side By Side

    Features
    Joybird
    Design Within Reach
    Made to Order Lead Times 4-8 Weeks 8-12 weeks
    Free Shipping Option
    White Glove Delivery Option $129-$299 $399-$599
    Return Option
    Warranty Included
    Financing Option Affirm Affirm
    Assembly Required
    Large Fabric Selection
    Free Swatches Available
    Manufacturing Origin Mexico USA + Import
    Avg. 3-Seat Couch Price $$$ $$$$

    In terms of style diversity, Joybird shines with its extensive fabric range and customization options, appealing to buyers seeking unique designs to fit their preferences. Meanwhile, Design Within Reach emphasizes top-tier materials and craftsmanship, prioritizing long-term durability and quality. Joybird's affordability, coupled with its diverse range of styles and customization flexibility, positions it as an attractive choice for style-conscious and budget-minded buyers. On the other hand, Design Within Reach's focus on premium quality and exclusive designer pieces caters to those valuing luxury and impeccable craftsmanship in their furniture choices.


    BRAND #1: Joybird

    A teal-colored bird logo with the word "JOYBIRD" in uppercase letters to the right of the bird. The bird is standing on two legs with a raised tail. The design appears on a white background.

    Joybird was launched in 2013 and instantly charmed the world with their Instagram-worthy couches. They've since cemented themselves as one of the top online furniture brands. They are currently owned by La-Z-Boy.

    Joybird | Brand Summary

    Joybird has stood the test of time and firmly cemented themselves as one of the best online couch retailers at their price point. They have a professional-yet-fun presentation, offer great quality products for the price, and allow customers to pick from dozens of beautiful fabrics.

    I have a few minor gripes with the website shopping experience and I’d encourage everyone to thoroughly examine the shipping and return policies, but overall there’s very little to criticize. Dare I say that Joybird sparks joy? I do dare.

    Couch Potato Note: Joybird is almost always on sale for up to 30% off. For this review, their price point is assumed to be 30% off the listed price. You should always wait for a sale before you buy a couch from Joybird (and you won’t have to wait very long). For all intents and purposes, their sale price is their actual price.

    Joybird | PotatoMeter Rating:

    Online Shopping Experience Score 94%
    Durability and Quality Score 91%
    Shipping and Lead Time Score 92%
    Vibe Check Score 92%
    Customer Focus Score 90%
    Overall PotatoMeter Rating 92%
    Read Our Joybird Brand Review

    Joybird | Pros & Cons

    Pros

    • Huge fabric selection
    • Very fast lead times
    • High quality materials for the price
    • Tons of couch styles and sizes
    • Lifetime warranty on sofa frames
    • Has some brick-and-mortar locations

    Cons

    • Couches made in Mexico, not USA
    • No free delivery option
    • Returns can be costly
    • Fabrics have different grades/prices

    Joybird presents itself as a fun, trendy, and flashy brand. And for the most part, their couches deliver on that promise. But there are a few aspects that might detract from their appeal. Their couches are all made in Mexico, which also means that their lead times are not quite as good as other brands. Pricey white glove delivery and potentially costly returns might make ordering online feel like a gamble. And while Joybird has a huge fabric selection for their custom couches, choosing certain fabrics can add hundreds of dollars to your order.

    On the flip side, Joybird furniture has many brick-and-mortar locations in major metropolitan areas, allowing you to test out their couches in person. This is rare for an online couch company but is a major perk. Like Apt2B, Joybird has a large selection of stylish couches in a huge range of sizes and configurations. They offer loveseats all the way up through large modular sectional sofas. Joybird also has a great selection of affordable sofa beds and sleeper sectional sofas. They also back their high-quality couch frames with a lifetime warranty as well as a 1-year warranty on their top-tier upholstery craftsmanship. If you want it, Joybird has it.

    Shop Joybird Now

    BRAND #2: Design Within Reach

    The image features a red rectangular logo with the text "DESIGN WITHIN REACH" in uppercase white letters. A thin white rectangular border encloses the text.

    Founded in 1998, Design Within Reach has long been a trailblazer in making iconic modern designs accessible to the masses. With a focus on partnering with renowned designers and showcasing timeless pieces, they have become a go-to destination for those seeking furniture that is both functional and visually stunning. DWR's commitment to quality craftsmanship is evident in their sofas, often featuring premium materials and meticulous attention to detail. While their price point might be a barrier for some, their dedication to design excellence and exceptional customer service continues to attract a loyal following of design enthusiasts.

    Design Within Reach | Brand Summary

    Design Within Reach markets itself as the source for accessible, authentic design pieces. Those are some big promises! As a furniture nerd, I had to try them out for myself. Overall, the hype is mostly justified – there's a reason DWR has staying power in this industry. Their focus on quality stands out, but their offerings aren't for everyone's budget (or style). Let's dig into why (or why not) these couches might be your thing.

    Design Within Reach | PotatoMeter Rating

    Online Shopping Experience Score 92%
    Durability and Quality Score 93%
    Shipping and Lead Time Score 90%
    Vibe Check Score 91%
    Customer Focus Score 93%
    Overall PotatoMeter Rating 92%
    Read Our Design Within Reach Brand Review

    Design Within Reach | Pros & Cons

    Pros

    • Curated selection of high-end designer pieces
    • High-quality materials like Italian leather and performance fabrics
    • Variety of customization options including modular sectionals
    • White-glove delivery for a seamless experience
    • In-home design services offered
    • Partnership with Affirm for financing

    Cons

    • Expensive price point
    • Limited 30-day return window
    • High return shipping fees and potential restocking fee
    • Limited information on frame construction and cushion details
    • Varying manufacturing origins with potential for inconsistent quality control

    Design Within Reach (DWR) is a sanctuary for design aficionados, offering a meticulously curated collection of high-end designer sofas that could make even the most discerning critic swoon.

    Their commitment to quality is undeniable, with premium materials like buttery-soft Italian leather and durable performance fabrics, coupled with a seamless white-glove delivery experience.

    However, DWR's allure comes with a price tag that might give some pause. Their sofas are an investment, averaging between $4,000-$8,000, and the 30-day return window could feel a bit tight for such a significant purchase. The potential for hefty return shipping fees and restocking charges further amplifies the financial commitment. And while they boast about their quality craftsmanship, specifics about frame construction and cushion details are surprisingly elusive.

    Ultimately, DWR is a haven for those who prioritize design and impeccable service and are willing to pay for it. If you're seeking a statement piece that embodies timeless elegance, DWR could be your holy grail. But for budget-minded shoppers or those who crave transparency in every detail, it might be wise to explore other avenues before diving into the world of DWR.

    Shop Design Within Reach Now

    And the winner is...

    After examining the key areas of style versatility, durability, and craftsmanship, the clear winner in this showdown is Design Within Reach. Its emphasis on premium quality materials, impeccable craftsmanship, and exclusive designer pieces offers unparalleled luxury and durability for those seeking top-tier statement pieces. Design Within Reach's commitment to exquisite design and first-class service makes it the ideal choice for those valuing sophistication and timeless elegance in their furniture.

    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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