Couch Comparisons

Medley vs Serena & Lily: Who Has Better Couches?

Curious to discover whether Medley's craftsmanship trumps Serena & Lily's coastal elegance in the realm of couch excellence? It's time to unravel the mysteries of these two top-tier brands!
Alex Back | Couch.com CEO & Founder
Medley vs Serena & Lily

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    It's time for a couch clash like no other! Medley and Serena & Lily go head-to-head in a showdown of style, comfort, and craftsmanship. Are you team eco-friendly Medley or sophisticated Serena & Lily? The battle begins now!

    Side By Side

    Features
    Medley
    Serena & Lily
    Made to Order Lead Times 8+ weeks 8-10 weeks
    Free Shipping Option
    White Glove Delivery Option $175 $299+
    Return Option
    Warranty Included
    Financing Option Affirm Affirm
    Assembly Required
    Large Fabric Selection
    Free Swatches Available
    Manufacturing Origin USA USA
    Avg. 3-Seat Couch Price $$$-$$$$ $$$$

    Exploring the realms of style, durability, sustainability, and overall value, Medley stands out for its eco-friendly options and craftsmanship, while Serena & Lily excels in refined coastal-inspired designs and high-quality materials. Medley offers a range of styles made in the USA and falls in the mid-range to premium price range. Serena & Lily leans towards premium to luxury with customization options. Concerning sustainability and value, both brands showcase dedication to providing top-notch quality and customer satisfaction.


    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 furniture is one of the few brands that genuinely delivers on sustainability and craftsmanship. With a focus on non-toxic finishes, FSC-certified wood, and plant-based latex cushions, Medley has become a go-to brand for buyers looking for a high-quality, eco-friendly couch.

    Best Medley Couches & Sofas:

    • Medley Blumen Sofa – Best for deep seating & comfort
    • Medley Kirnik Sectional – Best for families & large spaces
    • Medley Rio Sofa – Best all-natural, non-toxic option

    What Makes Medley Different?

    • Handcrafted in the USA with FSC-certified solid wood frames.
    • Latex + wool cushion options for an all-natural, chemical-free experience.
    • Lifetime warranty on frames & 10-year cushion warranty.

    Downside? Lead times can be longer than average (8-18 weeks), depending on materials.

    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: Serena & Lily

    The image features the logo of "Serena & Lily," with the brand name displayed in elegant, all-caps serif font. The words "SERENA" and "LILY" are separated by an ampersand (&), all in black text on a white background.

    Founded on a passion for creating refined and relaxed living spaces, Serena & Lily has established itself as a leader in high-end home furnishings. Their commitment to quality craftsmanship, sustainable practices, and unique coastal-inspired designs sets them apart in the market. With an emphasis on aesthetics and functionality, Serena & Lily's sofas are more than just furniture. They're an expression of a lifestyle that values beauty, comfort, and environmental responsibility.

    Serena & Lily | Brand Summary

    At Serena & Lily, the commitment to creating refined and relaxed home environments shines through in their couch offerings. Their attention to detail, use of quality materials, and dedication to comfort and style are apparent, setting a high bar in the furniture industry. As a furniture connoisseur, I'm consistently impressed by the brand's ability to balance aesthetic appeal with functionality, ensuring their sofas are not just furniture pieces but lifestyle enhancers. In this review, we delve into the essence of Serena & Lily's approach to furniture design, emphasizing their customer-centric philosophy and innovative spirit. Their sofas are a testament to the brand's ethos of infusing everyday living with a dose of sophistication, whether it's through a plush sectional or a versatile modular piece. The overall Potatometer rating reflects my comprehensive evaluation of their range, considering factors like design innovation, comfort, durability, and customer satisfaction. It underscores why Serena & Lily is a revered name among discerning homeowners.

    Serena & Lily | PotatoMeter Rating

    Online Shopping Experience Score 90%
    Durability and Quality Score 91%
    Shipping and Lead Time Score 89%
    Vibe Check Score 93%
    Customer Focus Score 87%
    Overall PotatoMeter Rating 90%
    Read Our Serena & Lily Brand Review

    Serena & Lily | Pros & Cons

    Pros
    • Refined and relaxed aesthetic
    • High-quality materials (performance fabrics, kiln-dried hardwood)
    • Made in the USA
    • Various shipping methods including white glove
    • 30-day return policy
    • Customization options
    Cons
    • High price point
    • Limited transparency regarding warranty details
    • Restocking fees for returns
    • Made-to-order items have long lead times
    • Limited number of fabric swatches available

    Serena & Lily is a haven for those seeking a sophisticated, coastal-inspired aesthetic for their living space, offering a curated collection of sofas that are handcrafted in the USA with meticulous attention to detail and high-quality materials. These sofas promise both style and durability, making them an investment piece that can elevate any living space. The brand's commitment to sustainability is evident in their use of eco-friendly materials and partnerships with organizations like 4ocean, making them an appealing choice for conscious consumers.

    However, the allure of Serena & Lily's luxurious sofas comes with a premium price tag, reflecting the brand's commitment to quality and craftsmanship. While their complimentary white-glove delivery service is a major perk, their return policy, though fairly standard in the industry, includes restocking fees that could potentially add up. Moreover, the 8-10 week lead time for custom upholstery might test the patience of those eager to furnish their homes quickly.

    Despite these considerations, Serena & Lily's dedication to quality, sustainability, and timeless design continues to resonate with a discerning clientele who value both aesthetics and ethical practices. Their sofas, whether a classic silhouette or a modern sectional, are not merely functional pieces but a reflection of a lifestyle that celebrates beauty, comfort, and a commitment to responsible consumption.

    Shop Serena & Lily Now

    And the winner is...

    Stepping into the winner's circle, Medley takes the throne by offering unmatched sustainability and craftsmanship, making it a top pick for the eco-conscious buyer. With its dedication to eco-friendly materials and top-tier construction, Medley wins the couch battle, proving that green can indeed be the new black.

    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.
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