Which brand excels in the art of couch-making—Medley or Amazon? Get ready to uncover the comfiest choice for your home sweet home!
Alex Back | Couch.com CEO & Founder
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Step into the arena of home comfort as we pit Medley against Amazon in the ultimate couch showdown. Who will reign supreme in the realms of design, durability, and customer-centric services? Let's uncover the champion of the comfiest throne!
Side By Side
Features
Medley
Amazon
Made to Order Lead Times
8+ weeks
4-6 weeks
Free Shipping Option
White Glove Delivery Option
$175
Varies
Return Option
Warranty Included
Financing Option
Affirm
Multiple
Assembly Required
Large Fabric Selection
Varies
Free Swatches Available
Manufacturing Origin
USA
Import
Avg. 3-Seat Couch Price
$$$-$$$$
$-$$$
When it comes to couches, Medley boasts exceptional durability thanks to their emphasis on high-quality craftsmanship and eco-friendly options, setting them in the premium price range. In contrast, Amazon offers a wide variety of styles suitable for different budgets, making them a versatile choice with varying degrees of dependability and design focus.
BRAND #1: Medley
Medley was founded in 2017 by two brothers, Travis and Ryan Nagle. But their story actually begins in 2005 when they were selling sofas out of their living room. They are one of the only couch companies offering ultra-green material options.
Medley | Brand Summary
Medley is a rare company that actually delivers on its promises of top-of-the-line craftsmanship, all-natural material options, and sustainability. They offer an excellent, hand-crafted product, but their prices can be a bit too high for the average consumer and their lead times can be excessive. Medley was founded with a mission to create eco friendly furniture that not only lasts but also minimizes harmful chemicals and toxins, catering to consumers who prioritize environmental mindfulness in their purchasing decisions.
But if you want a made in the USA couch with wonderfully-natural materials, lifetime warranties, and a competitive price point, then Medley should be the first place you look. And chances are it will be the only place you have to look.
Extremely high quality materials and craftsmanship
Lifetime warranty on sofa frames and 5+ year warranty on materials
Generous 30 day return policy
Cons
Limited sofa style options
Fabric selection can significantly raise sofa price
Latex + Wool option can be pricey
Lead times can be extremely long
No brick-and-mortar stores
It can be hard to find any flaws in Medley’s business. But while their standard couches usually have lead times of 8-10 weeks (not counting delivery), their wonderful Latex + Wool options often take 14+ weeks to build. That’s a long time to wait, especially when there are no brick-and-mortar stores where you can test out their couches. Their base prices are great considering the high-quality materials and craftsmanship, but choosing a higher-tier fabric and their natural Latex + Wool materials will significantly raise the sofa price. But they’ll still be cheaper than Maiden Home’s offerings. Medley’s styles are nice, but they might be a little bland, depending on your tastes.
However, the pros vastly outweigh the cons. Their plant-based Latex + Wool material options are incredible and put Medley in a class of its own. Their wood is sourced from sustainable forests, their fabrics are eco-friendly, and every aspect of their construction process considers the sustainability impact. They also use a high-quality spring system similar to 8-way hand-tied suspensions. This is top-tier craftsmanship. Their frames also come with a lifetime warranty, the cushion filling has a 10-year warranty, and the upholstery workmanship has a 5-year warranty. Add in their 30-day return policy and there’s a whole lot to like about Medley.
From its humble beginnings as an online bookstore, Amazon has evolved into a global e-commerce giant, offering everything from books and electronics to groceries and furniture. Their focus on innovation, customer satisfaction, and convenience has made them a household name. In the furniture market, Amazon's vast selection of sofas, ranging from budget-friendly to luxurious, caters to a diverse range of needs and preferences. Their commitment to sustainability, demonstrated through initiatives like renewable energy investments and waste reduction programs, further solidifies their position as a leader in the industry.
Amazon | Brand Summary
Amazon is a marktplace that houses likely thousands of different furniture retailers and millions of couch product skus so it's hard to generalize. It is fair to say, however, that Amazon sofas showcase a great mix of affordability and quality. The wide variety of styles ensures that everyone can find a sofa that fits their unique taste and home decor. Their strong emphasis on customer service makes the shopping experience smooth and enjoyable.
Amazon also has a few private label furniture brands, including Amazon Basics, Stone and Beam, and Rivet. These were introduced in recent years to try and really take a step forward in the furniture space.
Whether you're looking for a basic, budget-friendly option or a luxurious centerpiece, Amazon has you covered. They kind of have, well... everything. But it's their commitment to quality and customer satisfaction that truly sets them apart in the competitive furniture marketplace game.
Commitment to sustainability through various initiatives
Clear cleaning instructions for sofas
Cons
Varying quality between brands
Standard warranty only covers 1 year
No assembly service offered
Limited in-house customization
Fabric swatches not always available online
Amazon’s sofa selection stands out due to its sheer variety and affordability. Whether you’re searching for a budget-friendly piece or a luxury item, Amazon’s extensive catalog has something to offer. Their strong focus on customer service ensures a smooth shopping experience, with numerous financing options making it easier to find the perfect sofa within your budget.
However, it's important to note that the quality of sofas can vary. While Amazon’s private labels like Stone and Beam and Rivet offer consistent quality, products from third-party sellers might not always meet the same standards. Assembly is often required, which can be inconvenient for some customers. Additionally, the absence of a consistent in-store experience means you can’t always view the product before purchase.
Despite these potential drawbacks, Amazon’s generous return policy and quick delivery times provide significant advantages. The ability to customize many sofas with various fabrics and configurations adds to their appeal, allowing you to find a piece that truly fits your home.
Overall, Amazon’s blend of affordability, variety, and customer-focused services makes it a compelling option for anyone in the market for a new sofa. While it’s essential to do your homework and read reviews, Amazon’s commitment to quality and satisfaction shines through, making it a reliable choice in the competitive furniture market.
In the battle of couch supremacy, Medley emerges as the victor, offering unparalleled craftsmanship, sustainability, and premium value. Their dedication to eco-friendly materials and top-notch construction sets them apart as the go-to choice for exceptional home comfort. If you seek a couch that embodies luxury, durability, and style, Medley stands out as the ultimate winner in this comparison.
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.
