Ready to discover if Outer or Pottery Barn has the comfiest couches in town? The answer awaits!
Alex Back | Couch.com CEO & Founder
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Step into the arena of home comfort as we go head-to-head with Outer and Pottery Barn. Outer brings sustainability and innovative designs to the forefront, while Pottery Barn boasts years of experience in upscale decor. The quest to find the ultimate couch champion begins now!
Side By Side
Features
Outer
Pottery Barn
Made to Order Lead Times
8-10 weeks
8-12 weeks
Free Shipping Option
White Glove Delivery Option
$275-$475
$279-$429
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
$$$$
$$-$$$
When it comes to durability, Outer shines with its high-quality materials and exceptional 10-year warranty, setting it in the premium price range. Pottery Barn, known for its wide sofa selection and USA-manufactured options, falls in the mid-range category with a focus on quality fabrics and customer experience. Additionally, Outer offers a commitment to sustainability, edging it forward in eco-consciousness compared to Pottery Barn.
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.
Pottery Barn's story began in 1948 when two brothers stumbled upon discarded pottery and turned it into a thriving business. Acquired by Williams-Sonoma in the 1980s, Pottery Barn expanded rapidly in the 1990s, becoming synonymous with upscale home decor. Their innovative catalog and focus on creating an "elevated rustic" aesthetic resonated with consumers seeking a blend of modern and heritage-style furniture. Today, Pottery Barn continues to be a trendsetter in the home decor industry, captivating shoppers with their inviting online presence and commitment to sustainability.
Pottery Barn | Brand Summary
Pottery Barn is one of the top furniture names in the game. They've defined home decor trends for the better part of 40 years. They have gorgeous brick-and-mortar stores and their website is just as stunning.
Pottery Barn's stylish sofa selection hasn't missed a step over the years, but their customer focus has certainly stumbled. Their lack of a true sofa warranty, the inability to return most couches, and deceptively long lead times all brought their score down. Their excellent website, the quality of their couch construction for the price, and their brand vibe were all highlights.
Free fabric swatches available (including leather)
White glove delivery service available
Sofas available in various cushion configurations
Cons
Longer-than-advertised lead times
No official sofa warranty
Limited return policy (Quick Ship items only)
Expensive white-glove delivery (only option)
Limited full-grain leather options
Pottery Barn, a household name in home decor, offers a wide array of stylish sofas that can instantly elevate your living space. Their extensive fabric selection, with many eco-friendly options, allows you to find the perfect match for your aesthetic. However, be prepared for potentially lengthy lead times and the absence of a formal warranty.
While their white-glove delivery ensures your sofa arrives in pristine condition, it comes with a hefty price tag and is the only delivery option. Additionally, their return policy is quite restrictive, only applying to Quick Ship items.
Despite these drawbacks, Pottery Barn's commitment to quality shines through in their sofas' construction and materials. Their dedication to sustainability, evident in their tree-planting initiative and use of GREENGuard Gold certified fabrics, is another noteworthy aspect.
Ultimately, if you're willing to overlook the longer lead times and limited return policy, Pottery Barn's stylish sofas and commitment to quality might just be worth the investment.
After a fierce battle of features and style, Outer emerges as the reigning champion, offering a perfect blend of sustainability, innovation, and durability. With its commitment to quality and eco-conscious practices, Outer proves to be the ultimate winner in the world of couches.
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.
