Couch Comparisons

Joybird vs Hem: Who Has Better Couches?

Interested in the best couch companion: Joybird or Hem? Who sets the bar for comfort and chic designs? Uncover the answer in this epic clash of the sofa titans!
Alex Back | Couch.com CEO & Founder
Joybird vs Hem

We independently select everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission.

    Get ready to witness the clash of the couch titans: Joybird versus Hem. Who will emerge victorious in the battle of comfort and style excellence? Delve into this comparison to discover which brand reigns supreme.

    Side By Side

    Features
    Joybird
    Hem
    Made to Order Lead Times 4-8 Weeks 1-7 Weeks
    Free Shipping Option
    White Glove Delivery Option $129-$299 $299
    Return Option
    Warranty Included
    Financing Option Affirm Affirm
    Assembly Required Varies
    Large Fabric Selection
    Free Swatches Available
    Manufacturing Origin Mexico Europe
    Avg. 3-Seat Couch Price $$$ $$$$

    In the battle of style, Joybird offers a wide range of trendy designs, while Hem brings a sophisticated Scandinavian touch. Both brands score high in durability, focusing on crafting long-lasting furniture. Hem shines in sustainability efforts, appealing to eco-conscious buyers, while Joybird impresses with a vast fabric selection. Value-wise, both brands offer quality products, but Joybird's customization options give it an edge for those seeking a personalized touch.


    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: 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

    And the winner is...

    After a thorough comparison, Joybird emerges as the clear winner, offering a perfect balance of style, durability, and customization. With its vast fabric selection and trendy designs, Joybird caters to a wide range of tastes, making it the go-to choice for those seeking both comfort and chic appeal.

    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.
    Expand