Couch Comparisons

Medley vs Crate and Barrel: Who Has Better Couches?

Looking for the perfect couch but can't decide between Medley and Crate and Barrel? Discover which brand offers the ideal blend of craftsmanship, style, and service.
Medley vs Crate and Barrel
Choosing between Medley and Crate and Barrel for your next couch can be quite the task. Which brand will come out on top as the provider of your dream couch that perfectly combines style and comfort?

Side By Side

Features
Medley
Crate and Barrel
Made to Order Lead Times 8+ weeks 4-10 weeks
Free Shipping Option
White Glove Delivery Option $175 $279-$399
Return Option
Warranty Included
Financing Option Affirm Crate and Barrel Credit Card
Assembly Required
Large Fabric Selection
Free Swatches Available
Manufacturing Origin USA USA + Import
Avg. 3-Seat Couch Price $$$-$$$$ $$$

In the side by side comparison, Medley and Crate and Barrel are assessed across various factors. Medley provides eco-friendly options with Latex + Wool materials and lifetime warranties, but lead times can be long. On the other hand, Crate and Barrel, known for its high-end aesthetic and modern style, offers a wide variety of fabric options and a white glove delivery service.


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: Crate and Barrel

The image shows the Crate & Barrel logo, consisting of the words "Crate&Barrel" in bold, black font on a white background.

Crate and Barrel, founded in 1962 by George and Carole Segal, emerged from a passion for simple, beautiful, and practical housewares discovered during their European honeymoon. With over 60 years of experience, the brand has become a household name, celebrated for its modern, timeless style and high-end aesthetic. Boasting a wide range of products for the entire home and numerous physical stores across North America and internationally, Crate & Barrel has solidified its position as an aspirational brand for those seeking a touch of elegance in their living spaces.

Crate and Barrel | Brand Summary

Crate & Barrel is a brand name that everyone knows. Crate and Barrel collaborates with artists and designers worldwide to curate globally inspired designs. Everyone has a sense that they’re a high-end, somewhat luxury brand with a price point that’s not outside the realm of attainability. They have a modern, tasteful-yet-inoffensive style that works well in most modern homes.

Crate and Barrel outlet stores are elegant and chic, but does that same style translate to their online shopping experience? Lackluster customer focus and dodgy transparency detract from an otherwise beautiful selection of couches.

Crate and Barrel | PotatoMeter Rating

Online Shopping Experience Score 91%
Durability and Quality Score 85%
Shipping and Lead Time Score 86%
Vibe Check Score 89%
Customer Focus Score 82%
Overall PotatoMeter Rating 87%
Read Our Crate and Barrel Brand Review

Crate and Barrel | Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Beautiful, high-end aesthetic
  • Modern, tasteful style
  • Wide variety of fabric options
  • Some couches made in the USA
  • White glove delivery service
  • Offers free fabric swatches for easy selection

Cons

  • Unclear Crate and Barrel warranty terms
  • Limited returns on custom orders
  • Inconsistent lead times
  • Mixed customer service Crate and Barrel reviews
  • High prices for quality level

Crate & Barrel, a household name in home furnishings, offers a stylish selection of sofas that blend modern flair with classic appeal. However, the allure of their elegant designs is tempered by some notable drawbacks.

The lack of a clear warranty policy raises concerns about long-term support. Additionally, the restrictive return policy for custom orders, coupled with inconsistent lead times, can lead to frustration for buyers seeking flexibility and timely delivery.

While these shortcomings are worth considering, Crate and Barrel also boasts several compelling advantages.

The brand's extensive fabric selection, detailed cleaning instructions, and complimentary swatches empower customers to make informed choices and maintain their sofas' pristine condition. White-glove delivery adds a touch of luxury to the purchasing experience, ensuring your new furniture arrives hassle-free. Furthermore, the availability of some USA-made collections appeals to those who prioritize domestic craftsmanship.

Overall, Crate & Barrel sofas offer a blend of style and convenience, albeit with some caveats. If you're willing to navigate the potential pitfalls and prioritize aesthetics and fabric choices, their collection might hold the perfect piece for your home.

Shop Crate and Barrel Now

And the winner is...

And the winner is Medley! Combining eco-friendly options, American-made quality, comprehensive warranties, and a generous return policy, Medley emerges as the ultimate choice for those in search of top-notch sustainability and craftsmanship in their couch. However, Crate and Barrel is a strong contender, especially for those prioritizing a modern aesthetic and convenient delivery service.

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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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