Medley vs Ashley Furniture: Who Has Better Couches?
Are you ready to find out which brand offers the coziest couch to lounge on? Medley and Ashley Furniture go head-to-head in the battle of the best seating comfort!
Alex Back | Couch.com CEO & Founder
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In the clash of the couch titans, Medley squares off against Ashley Furniture to determine who rules the living room realm. Grab your popcorn, get comfortable, and prepare for a sofa saga like no other!
Side By Side
Features
Medley
Ashley Furniture
Made to Order Lead Times
8+ weeks
N/A
Free Shipping Option
White Glove Delivery Option
$175
$99.99-$249.99+
Return Option
Warranty Included
Financing Option
Affirm
Ashley Advantage Card / Acima
Assembly Required
Varies
Large Fabric Selection
Free Swatches Available
Manufacturing Origin
USA
USA + Import
Avg. 3-Seat Couch Price
$$$-$$$$
$$
When it comes to durability, design, and materials, Medley trumps with its high-quality craftsmanship and eco-friendly options, pointing towards a premium range. In contrast, Ashley Furniture offers budget to mid-range options, excelling in customer focus with straightforward warranties and options.
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 humble beginnings in 1945, Ashley Furniture has grown into a global powerhouse, known for their massive selection of affordable and stylish furniture. They prioritize convenience and accessibility, offering both online and in-store shopping experiences. While they don't boast the most luxurious materials, their focus on value and their commitment to community and environmental efforts make them a popular choice for families and budget-conscious shoppers alike.
Ashley Furniture | Brand Summary
Ashley Furniture is like the big box store of the furniture world. They offer a dizzying array of styles, and you’re almost guaranteed to find something that fits your budget. Ashley Furniture Homestore is known for its customer experiences with purchasing furniture, highlighting both positive aspects such as affordable pricing and extensive selection, and negative experiences involving delivery issues and varying furniture quality. They have a laser focus on affordability.
While you won’t usually find exclusive designer pieces, their furniture is surprisingly sturdy for the price point. Ashley Furniture's focus on affordability and extensive selection makes it a popular choice among budget-conscious shoppers. Their online shopping platform makes it easy to browse their extensive selection and find the perfect piece for your home.
Potential inconsistency in quality between different models
Reguard protection plans cost extra
Ashley Furniture is your friendly neighborhood giant in the furniture world, with options galore to suit any style and budget. Ashley Furniture couches are surprisingly sturdy for the price, and their commitment to making shopping easy shines through with a user-friendly website, multiple delivery options, and even in-store pickup for the adventurous. They even offer a one-year warranty with labor coverage, which is a bonus in this price range.
But hey, even giants have their shortcomings. While their sofas might not be heirloom-quality, they're definitely built for real life. However, customization options are limited, and the materials and sourcing information could be more transparent. The standard warranty, while a good start, could be more comprehensive, and those extra protection plans will cost you.
If you're looking for a stylish, affordable sofa without the fuss, Ashley Furniture is worth checking out. Just be sure to do your research and choose a model that fits your needs and lifestyle. After all, a couch is more than just a place to sit – it's where life happens.
In the battle of the best couch, Medley's commitment to sustainability and top-tier craftsmanship makes it a winner for eco-conscious buyers. However, for those looking for budget-friendly options and a wide array of styles, Ashley Furniture steals the show. Both brands bring something unique to the table, catering to different tastes and needs.
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.