Do you prefer the modern elegance of Frontgate or the playful glam of Joybird? Join us on a sofa adventure packed with style, durability, and customer perks to uncover which brand brings the most joy to your living space.
Alex Back | Couch.com CEO & Founder
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Step into the world of luxurious lounging as Joybird goes up against Frontgate in a showdown of style, sturdiness, and customer perks. Get ready to unravel the mysteries behind each brand's sumptuous sofas to see who emerges as the undisputed couch king.
Side By Side
Features
Joybird
Frontgate
Made to Order Lead Times
4-8 Weeks
8-10 weeks
Free Shipping Option
White Glove Delivery Option
$129-$299
$179-$449
Return Option
Warranty Included
Financing Option
Affirm
Frontgate Credit Card / Affirm / Klarna
Assembly Required
Varies
Large Fabric Selection
Free Swatches Available
Manufacturing Origin
Mexico
USA + Import
Avg. 3-Seat Couch Price
$$$
$$-$$$$
When it comes to style variety, Joybird excels with its trendy and flashy designs appealing to mid-range to premium budgets. On the durability front, Frontgate stands out, offering a 10-year warranty on frames, placing it in the luxury segment. Sustainable practices are highlighted by Frontgate's eco-conscious initiatives, enhancing its overall value proposition. Joybird's customer focus and vast fabric selection add unique charm, making it a compelling choice for those seeking customizable options and vibrant customer experiences.
BRAND #1: Joybird
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 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.
Frontgate, established in 1991, has carved a niche for itself by offering furniture that blends classic design with modern touches. They cater to customers who appreciate quality and are willing to invest in timeless pieces. The brand's emphasis on exclusive designs and customer experience, coupled with their commitment to sustainability, differentiates them in the market. While their sofas may not be the most budget-friendly option, they offer a luxurious and stylish addition to any living space.
Frontgate | Brand Summary
Frontgate has carved out a unique niche in the furniture market. They cater to a customer who appreciates classic design aesthetics but with a modern twist. Think clean lines, high-quality materials, and a focus on comfort that doesn't sacrifice style. While their sofas may not be the most playful or trendy, they're built to be timeless additions to your living room. But is timeless the same as boring? And how does their customer service stack up? In this review, we'll put Frontgate sofas to the test, assessing everything from comfort and construction to value and after-sales support. Get ready to peel back the layers and see if a Frontgate sofa deserves a spot on your Potatometer podium.
Frontgate, a haven for those seeking classic elegance with a contemporary flair, offers a diverse selection of sofas crafted from premium materials like top-grain leather and performance fabrics. Their commitment to quality is underscored by a generous 10-year warranty on frames, ensuring that your investment piece stands the test of time. Additionally, their 90-day return policy provides peace of mind, allowing ample time to determine if your new sofa is the perfect fit for your home.
However, this level of craftsmanship and attention to detail comes at a cost, as Frontgate sofas tend to be on the pricier side, with some models reaching luxury price points. While they offer free fabric swatches to aid in your decision-making process and provide a range of delivery options, including white-glove service, returns aren't entirely hassle-free. You might encounter restocking fees and have to handle the return shipping yourself, which could be a significant expense for larger items.
Despite these considerations, Frontgate's commitment to sustainability is a noteworthy highlight. Their efforts to incorporate recycled materials and utilize renewable energy demonstrate a conscious approach to furniture production. So, if you're drawn to timeless designs, prioritize quality, and value eco-conscious practices, Frontgate might be worth the splurge, even with the potential drawbacks and longer lead times for custom orders.
In the ultimate sofa face-off, Frontgate steals the show with its classic yet modern designs, top-notch materials like top-grain leather, and outstanding 10-year warranty on sofa frames. The brand's sustainable practices and elegant pieces make it an ideal choice for those seeking both style and longevity in their furniture. Frontgate's commitment to quality and design excellence sets it apart as the top pick in this showdown against Joybird.
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.
