Couch Comparisons

Medley vs Castlery: Who Has Better Couches?

Are you ready to discover whether Medley or Castlery reigns supreme in the world of couches? Learn more about their offerings in this comparison!
Medley vs Castlery
Get ready to explore the world of couches with Medley and Castlery. Which brand will win the ultimate couch battle? Let's find out!

Side By Side

Features
Medley
Castlery
Made to Order Lead Times 8+ weeks N/A
Free Shipping Option
White Glove Delivery Option $175 $100-$150
Return Option
Warranty Included
Financing Option Affirm Affirm
Assembly Required
Large Fabric Selection
Free Swatches Available
Manufacturing Origin USA Asia
Avg. 3-Seat Couch Price $$$-$$$$ $$

If you're looking for top-of-the-line craftsmanship, all-natural material options, and sustainability, Medley is the way to go with its made-to-order couches and eco-friendly materials. However, if you prioritize high style at lower prices, fast shipping, and convenience, Castlery might be your best bet with its in-stock options and budget-friendly selections. While Medley offers a wider range of price points and customization with longer lead times, Castlery provides a more straightforward shopping experience with stylish, ready-to-ship couches. Ultimately, your choice between Medley and Castlery depends on your priorities: quality, customization, and sustainability versus style, affordability, and convenience.


BRAND #1: Medley

The image displays the word "medley" in lowercase letters, written in a simple, thin serif font on a plain white background.

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.

Medley | PotatoMeter Rating:

Online Shopping Experience Score 90%
Durability and Quality Score 97%
Shipping and Lead Time Score 84%
Vibe Check Score 97%
Customer Focus Score 95%
Overall PotatoMeter Rating 93%
Read Our Medley Brand Review

Medley | Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Latex + Wool eco-friendly options
  • All couches made in the USA
  • 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.

Shop Medley Now

BRAND #2: Castlery

The image displays the word "CASTLERY" in all capital letters against a plain white background. The text is written in a serif font, with a minimalistic and clean design.

Castlery was founded in 2013 with the goal of making designer furniture accessible to everyone. Their imported, direct to consumer model has allowed them to achieve that goal, as evidenced by their stylish selection of sofas at affordable prices.

Castlery | Brand Summary

Castlery does an amazing job of presenting and displaying their couches. Browsing their website is a joy, and their products are good quality at this price point. They have fast lead times and their customer focus is great for the lower price tier that they occupy.

If you feel priced out by places like Joybird or West Elm or CB2, then Castlery’s stylish, budget-friendly selection will be a pleasant surprise.

Castlery | PotatoMeter Rating

Online Shopping Experience Score 95%
Durability and Quality Score 86%
Shipping and Lead Time Score 94%
Vibe Check Score 86%
Customer Focus Score 88%
Overall PotatoMeter Rating 90%
Read Our Castlery Brand Review

Castlery | Pros & Cons

Pros

  • High style at low prices
  • In-stock couches ship very fast
  • 3-year warranty on Castlery sofa frames
  • Affordable add-on delivery options
  • Has a 3.6 star rating on TrustPilot

Cons

  • Couches manufactured in Asia
  • 20% return fees
  • Limited fabric selection
  • No free delivery option outside select cities
  • Plywood and LVL sofa frames
  • No brick-and-mortar locations

Castlery offers a breath of fresh air for those seeking a stylish sofa without the hefty price tag. Their online shopping experience is top-notch, featuring a user-friendly website, glamorous photos that make their couches even more tempting, and impressively fast shipping times. Plus, their 3-year warranty offers a sense of security for your investment.

However, don't let the low prices fool you entirely. As Castlery furniture reviews reveal, fabric selection might leave you wanting more variety, and their 20% restocking fee could be a deterrent if you're unsure about your purchase. Additionally, while most of their sofas require minimal assembly (just attaching the legs), it's worth noting that they don't offer white-glove delivery service.

So, if you're a savvy shopper with a penchant for modern design and a willingness to tackle minor assembly, Castlery could be your ideal match. Their combination of style, affordability, and convenience makes them a compelling option for those looking to elevate their living space without breaking the bank. Just be sure to carefully consider your fabric options and be prepared to commit to your purchase, as returns can get a bit pricey.

Shop Castlery Now

And the winner is...

In the clash of the couch titans, Medley edges out as the ultimate winner, offering top-notch craftsmanship, all-natural materials, and customizable options, making it the go-to for those who value quality and sustainability. While Castlery impresses with its high style at lower prices and quick shipping, it lacks the extensive customization and eco-friendly focus that Medley provides. Therefore, Medley takes the throne as the superior choice between the two brands.

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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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