Outer vs Lulu and Georgia: Who Has Better Couches?
Want the perfect outdoor couch? Could Outer or Lulu and Georgia be your seat savior? Let's dig in and discover the outdoor sofa saga!
Alex Back | Couch.com CEO & Founder
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In a world where outdoor comfort intertwines with chic style statements, two brands stand out among the sea of sofas—Outer and Lulu and Georgia. Join us as we unravel the mysteries of outdoor seating and discover which brand emerges victorious in the couch clash!
Side By Side
Features
Outer
Lulu and Georgia
Made to Order Lead Times
8-10 weeks
6-10 weeks
Free Shipping Option
White Glove Delivery Option
$275-$475
$369
Return Option
Warranty Included
Financing Option
Affirm
Affirm
Assembly Required
Large Fabric Selection
Free Swatches Available
Manufacturing Origin
China
USA + Import
Avg. 3-Seat Couch Price
$$$$
$$$-$$$$
In the battle of style and substance between Outer and Lulu and Georgia, both brands bring unique offerings to the table. Outer stands out with its emphasis on durability, using top-notch materials like OuterWeave™ and teak. Lulu and Georgia, on the other hand, shines in design diversity, offering exclusive styles created by designers. In terms of sustainability, Outer takes the lead with its eco-friendly practices. When it comes to overall value, Outer's focus on durability and sustainability may sway eco-conscious buyers to its side.
BRAND #1: Outer
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.
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.
Lulu and Georgia is an online-only retailer that launched in 2012. The founder, Sara Sugarman Brenner, named the company after her grandfather, Lou, and her father, George.
Lulu and Georgia | Brand Summary
Lulu and Georgia has a wonderful presentation for its couch products, you can tell by reading Lulu and Georgia reviews. Lulu and Georgia often have sales, particularly around holiday weekends and special occasions, which can include significant discounts. Everything about their website makes me want to shop with them. But when the average price point for a standard 3-seater exceeds $3,000 I’m forced to be more critical about the quality, customer focus, and the overall brand presentation. In this case, Lulu and Georgia furniture falls short in some of the most important aspects.
Lulu and Georgia furniture partners with designers to offer exclusive sofa styles, which are absolutely gorgeous. However, they also supply couches from third-party manufacturers. This results in some couches being made in the USA while others are imported from overseas. However, the quality of construction is good regardless of their origins. On top of that, we love the fact that they’re a female-founded company. Lulu and Georgia also puts an emphasis on sustainability, especially as part of their future plans. It's always a plus!
We do wish that Lulu and Georgia’s customer focus were stronger. You can’t return their made-to-order couches, but they do have a 60-day return window for their In-Stock or Ready-to-Ship couches (if you can stomach the 25% fee). But their lack of couch warranties is a real killer. On top of that, their limited fabric options and limited customizations are also disappointing. These shortcomings could be overlooked, but Lulu and Georgia’s prices are also quite high compared to competitors. When standard, 3-seater sofas are $3,000 to $4,000 you’d hope for more peace of mind with your purchase.
After a thorough comparison, Outer takes the crown in the outdoor couch battle. Its blend of durability, sustainability, and commitment to quality sets Outer apart as the top choice for buyers looking for stylish, long-lasting outdoor furniture that aligns with eco-conscious values.
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.
