Couch Comparisons

Outer vs Hem: Who Has Better Couches?

Which brand emerges victorious in the clash between Outer's sustainability focus and Hem's Scandinavian design?
Outer vs Hem

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Step into the ring where Outer and Hem battle it out for the title of the most stylish and durable couch. Get your referee hats on to witness the clash of sustainability and modern aesthetics.

Side By Side

Features
Outer
Hem
Made to Order Lead Times 8-10 weeks 1-7 Weeks
Free Shipping Option
White Glove Delivery Option $275-$475 $299
Return Option
Warranty Included
Financing Option Affirm Affirm
Assembly Required Varies
Large Fabric Selection
Free Swatches Available
Manufacturing Origin China Europe
Avg. 3-Seat Couch Price $$$$ $$$$

In the battle of style and durability, Outer shines with its premium materials and sustainable practices, appealing to the luxury market. Meanwhile, Hem impresses with its Scandinavian design and quality construction, targeting the mid-range buyer seeking modern elegance. Outer's focus on sustainability and durable materials sets it apart, whereas Hem's emphasis on stylish, durable pieces provides great value for design-conscious consumers. While Outer oozes luxury and sustainability, Hem offers a blend of modern design and quality construction, making the choice between the two a matter of personal preference.


BRAND #1: Outer

A geometric logo with blue intersecting lines forming an abstract pattern is centered above the word "outer" in bold blue lowercase letters, all set against a white background.

Outer is a California-based brand that's revolutionizing the outdoor furniture industry with its innovative designs and commitment to sustainability. Founded by former Casper executive Jiake Liu, Outer is known for its unique Neighborhood Showroom program, which allows customers to experience their furniture in real-life settings. Their commitment to using recycled materials and responsible sourcing practices sets them apart from competitors. Outer's sofas are not just furniture; they're a statement of style, sustainability, and community engagement.

Outer | Brand Summary

Exploring the world of Outer's outdoor furniture, I'm struck by the brand's unwavering dedication to creating pieces as durable as they are stylish. Integrating innovative features like the OuterShell cover system exemplifies their commitment to product longevity and user convenience. Amazingly, Outer manages to blend form with function seamlessly, offering a range that appeals to the discerning customer looking for that perfect mix of aesthetic appeal and practicality. Their focus on sustainability further enhances their brand appeal, positioning Outer as a leader in the outdoor furniture market, deeply attuned to the desires and concerns of today's consumers.

Outer | PotatoMeter Rating:

Online Shopping Experience Score 96%
Durability and Quality Score 95%
Shipping and Lead Time Score 94%
Vibe Check Score 96%
Customer Focus Score 95%
Overall PotatoMeter Rating 95%
Read Our Outer Brand Review

Outer | Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Innovative designs with integrated OuterShell cover system
  • High-quality, durable materials (OuterWeave™, Grade A teak, powder-coated aluminum)
  • Exceptional 10-year warranty on teak and aluminum frames
  • 365-day return policy
  • Free shipping for specific items ordered with larger purchases
  • Commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly practices

Cons

  • Relatively expensive
  • 20% restocking fee for returns (plus return shipping cost)
  • Limited customization options beyond fabric and configuration
  • Some negative customer reviews regarding customer service and delivery
  • No expedited shipping option

Outer is a brand that excels in creating stylish and durable outdoor furniture, particularly their innovative sofas with the unique OuterShell cover system. However, their premium price point and limited customization options might not suit every budget or taste.

While the generous warranties and lengthy return policy provide peace of mind, the 20% restocking fee for returns could be a deterrent. Additionally, some customers have reported issues with customer service and delivery, which could impact the overall experience.

If you prioritize quality, durability, and sustainable practices, and are willing to invest in premium outdoor furniture, Outer is a compelling option. But if you're looking for a more budget-friendly choice with extensive customization options, you might want to explore other brands.

Shop Outer Now

BRAND #2: Hem

The image features the word "Hem" in bold, black text against a plain white background.

Hem is a design-forward furniture company that partners with renowned designers to create modern pieces with a Scandinavian aesthetic. Their commitment to quality is evident in their use of premium materials and focus on durable construction. Founded by Petrus Palmer, Hem aims to be a driving force in the design community, offering stylish and functional furniture that stands the test of time. Their emphasis on sustainability is also noteworthy, with a focus on responsible materials and minimizing waste in production and packaging.

Hem | Brand Summary

Hem nails the balance between playful design and grown-up craftsmanship. Their sofas won't fall apart after a month, and the fabrics feel surprisingly luxurious for the price point. While I have a few nitpicks (which we'll get into shortly!), I was pleasantly surprised by how well the brand walks the line between trendy and timeless. If you're looking for furniture with personality but don't want to compromise on quality, Hem is absolutely worth checking out.

Hem | PotatoMeter Rating

Online Shopping Experience Score 93%
Durability and Quality Score 92%
Shipping and Lead Time Score 93%
Vibe Check Score 95%
Customer Focus Score 90%
Overall PotatoMeter Rating 93%
Read Our Hem Brand Review

Hem | Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Stylish, modern designs with a Scandinavian twist
  • Durable construction with quality materials
  • Transparent shipping information and multiple shipping methods
  • Financing options available through Affirm
  • Free fabric swatches
  • Strong emphasis on sustainability

Cons

  • Limited return window
  • Expensive return shipping and repackaging fees
  • No free shipping
  • Limited customization options
  • Limited information on cushion construction and support systems

Hem offers stylish, Scandinavian-inspired sofas that boast quality craftsmanship and durable materials. Their dedication to transparency is evident in their clear shipping information and detailed care instructions. However, the limited return window and hefty return fees could be a dealbreaker for some, and the lack of free shipping adds to the overall cost. While their customizable options are decent, they might not satisfy those seeking extensive personalization.

Overall, Hem is a strong contender for design-conscious buyers willing to invest in quality, but potential customers should weigh the costs and limitations before committing.

Shop Hem Now

And the winner is...

After considering style, durability, and sustainability, Outer takes the crown in this showdown. Its premium materials and sustainable practices make it a top choice for those valuing luxury with a conscience. Outer's commitment to quality and sustainability gives it an edge, making it a standout option for the eco-conscious design aficionado.

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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