Peer into the realm of outdoor furniture – will you find your perfect match with Neighbor or be lured in by the allure of West Elm's modernity?
Alex Back | Couch.com CEO & Founder
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Prepare to embark on a journey through the world of outdoor furniture. With Neighbor and West Elm going head-to-head, the stage is set for a competition that will define the ultimate outdoor couch brand.
Side By Side
Features
Neighbor
West Elm
Made to Order Lead Times
2-12 weeks
8+ weeks
Free Shipping Option
White Glove Delivery Option
$0-$195+
$279-$429
Return Option
Warranty Included
Financing Option
Affirm
Affirm
Assembly Required
Large Fabric Selection
Free Swatches Available
Manufacturing Origin
Vietnam
Import
Avg. 3-Seat Couch Price
$$$$
$$-$$$
For those seeking outdoor furniture that balances style, durability, and sustainability, Neighbor emerges as a top contender in the premium category. Offering innovative designs and high-quality materials, Neighbor caters to those valuing longevity and design excellence. In comparison, West Elm shines for its vast array of stylish options, making it a strong choice for individuals looking for mid-range priced modern pieces with various design choices. However, for discerning buyers prioritizing top-notch materials and unique design concepts, Neighbor's premium offerings may hold greater value. The focus on sustainability and customer satisfaction further elevates Neighbor in the outdoor furniture arena.
BRAND #1: Neighbor
Neighbor, founded with a vision to revolutionize outdoor living, is a brand that stands out for its commitment to sustainability, quality, and community. Their focus on durable, eco-friendly materials and thoughtful design is evident in their range of outdoor sofas. With a unique Neighborhood Showroom program and dedication to customer satisfaction, Neighbor is more than just a furniture brand; it's a lifestyle choice for those who value the outdoors and seek to create inviting spaces that foster connection and relaxation.
Neighbor | Brand Summary
In reviewing Neighbor's outdoor furniture, one can't help but be struck by their innovative approach to design and community engagement. Their products, especially the modular options, are a testament to their commitment to versatility and quality. The choice of materials, such as FSC-certified teak and Sunbrella fabric, speaks volumes about their dedication to sustainability and longevity.
As a self proclaimed connoisseur of great furniture, I'm particularly drawn to their narrative of enriching lives through design and their transparent customer service ethos. Neighbor doesn't just sell furniture; they offer a vision of outdoor living that's both aspirational and attainable, underpinned by a strong sense of integrity and joy. I’m a believer in their mantra to turn the outdoors into your living room. Sounds pretty great, doesn't it?
45-day return policy with free returns on damaged items
Free fabric swatches available
Complimentary standard home delivery in the contiguous U.S.
Cons
Expensive price point
Potential 15% restocking fee for returns
Limited customization options
White glove delivery is an extra fee
Geographic limitations for white-glove delivery
Neighbor's dedication to quality and sustainable practices shines through in their outdoor sofas, which are built to last using premium materials like FSC-certified teak and Sunbrella fabric. Their generous warranty and 45-day return window offer peace of mind, while free standard shipping sweetens the deal.
The investment in a Neighbor sofa comes at a premium price, and the potential for restocking fees on returns might give some budget-conscious shoppers pause. Customization options are limited beyond fabric and configuration choices, and white-glove delivery comes at an added cost.
Overall, Neighbor is a top choice for those who prioritize sustainable, high-quality outdoor furniture and are willing to invest in long-lasting pieces that elevate their outdoor living spaces.
West Elm launched in 2002 and opened its first storefront in 2003. They're owned and operated by Williams-Sonoma who also owns Pottery Barn. Despite their corporate nature, West Elm actually has a great emphasis on sustainability and eco-friendly initiatives.
West Elm | Brand Summary
West Elm has stylish, modern furniture with the quality and backing of the Williams-Sonoma brand. They have surprisingly competitive prices considering their selection and their quality. They also get some points for focusing on sustainability and supporting a worldwide community of artisans.
But operating under the umbrella of Williams-Sonoma does have downsides. Most of West Elm's couches are imported from overseas, they don't have any meaningful warranty program, and the lead times could be better than they are. West Elm's prices are more affordable than other brands with similar styles, but there's also not a strong reason why you should choose West Elm over another brand that has better lead times and a stronger customer focus.
Competitive pricing, especially on their leather options
3rd party warranty option
Strong sustainability initiatives
Has brick-and-mortar locations
Cons
Couches are all imported
No standard warranty
Can't return made to order couches
7 day return window may not apply even to In-Stock options
Shockingly low 1.1 star rating on TrustPilot
Is West Elm good quality? The brand has become a go-to brand for stylish sofas at surprisingly affordable prices. But those lower prices come at a cost. There’s no standard warranty on their couches, made-to-order couches can’t be returned, and their 7-day return window may not apply to their In-Stock or Quick Ship couches. That could make them an expensive gamble. Additionally, West Elm has a very low 1.1-star rating on Trustpilot, which could give you pause. But one saving grace is that you can purchase a 3-year Allstate Protection warranty for your sofa. This covers accidents, stains, material damage, and more.
On the positive side, West Elm has a huge number of glamorous couches to choose from. They’re also generally available in a wide range of luxury fabrics. So you can really design a couch that you love. The pricing is wonderfully competitive for their quality and the number of sofa styles available. West Elm also has plenty of brick-and-mortar locations where you can test out their couches in person. And if sustainability is important to you, West Elm has some impressive initiatives on that front. However, they are part of a big corporate umbrella, which might negatively affect some shoppers.
In this outdoor couch rivalry, Neighbor emerges as the winner thanks to its dedication to sustainability, high-quality materials, and innovative designs. The brand's focus on longevity and customer satisfaction sets it apart, making it the go-to choice for those who value premium outdoor living experiences.
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.
