Restoration Hardware (RH) vs Frontgate: Who Has Better Couches?
Looking for the crowning glory of couch brands? Join us as we investigate which brand reigns supreme in the realm of luxurious home furnishings. Find out who takes the lead between Restoration Hardware and Frontgate.
Alex Back | Couch.com CEO & Founder
Step into the luxurious realm of furniture as we match up Restoration Hardware and Frontgate for the ultimate couch face-off. Which brand will steal the show with their comfort and elegance? Let's narrow down your choices as we dissect the features and qualities of these premium couches.
Side By Side
Features
Restoration Hardware (RH)
Frontgate
Made to Order Lead Times
8-10 weeks
8-10 weeks
Free Shipping Option
White Glove Delivery Option
$299-$849
$179-$449
Return Option
Warranty Included
Financing Option
RH Credit Card
Frontgate Credit Card / Affirm / Klarna
Assembly Required
Varies
Large Fabric Selection
Free Swatches Available
Manufacturing Origin
USA + Import
USA + Import
Avg. 3-Seat Couch Price
$$$-$$$$
$$-$$$$
In terms of style, Frontgate offers classic designs with a modern twist, appealing to those who value timeless elegance. Meanwhile, Restoration Hardware excels in durability and material quality, providing a luxurious experience for those seeking high-end furnishings. Although Frontgate prioritizes sustainability, Restoration Hardware's customization options and trend-setting styles make it a top choice for those looking to make a statement in their living spaces.
BRAND #1: Restoration Hardware (RH)
Restoration Hardware, now known as RH, is the epitome of luxury in the home furnishings world. They have established themselves as the go-to brand for affluent customers and a source of inspiration for those aspiring to upscale living.
Restoration Hardware (RH) | Brand Summary
Restoration Hardware is the quintessential luxury brand. Yet their website shopping experience, their customization options, and their customer focus are all decidedly lackluster. Restoration Hardware sofas, however, are often highlighted for their modern styling and ability to serve as focal points in living spaces. That being said, RH does have decent lead times and their materials are extremely high quality.
But the real question is whether or not RH’s couches are worth the price of admission. If you want the clout of owning an RH couch then the answer is “yes.” If you’re looking for a high quality couch at a reasonable price, then there are plenty of other worthwhile options.
Lifetime "guarantee" on frame, springs, and cushions
Free swatches with no limit
In-stock couches ship quickly
White-glove delivery included
Cons
Expensive
Strict return policy (no returns on custom orders)
50% non-refundable deposit on custom orders
Lack of transparency regarding some manufacturing origins
Some couches lack channeled down cushions
Restoration Hardware (RH) is synonymous with luxury, offering sofas with exceptional, trend-setting style and top-notch materials. With a wide selection of fabrics and leathers, and a lifetime "guarantee" on frames, springs, and cushions, their couches promise both elegance and longevity. White-glove delivery ensures your RH sofa arrives in pristine condition and is set up hassle-free in your home.
Luxury, of course, comes at a price. RH sofas are a significant investment, and their return policy is less than ideal, especially for custom orders, which are non-returnable and require a 50% deposit. While in-stock couches can be returned, the details of this process are not readily available. Additionally, some customers may find the lack of channeled down cushions in certain models a drawback.
Overall, RH offers an aspirational brand experience and high-quality products, but potential buyers should be aware of the cost and limitations involved.
Frontgate, established in 1991, has carved a niche for itself by offering furniture that blends classic design with modern touches. They cater to customers who appreciate quality and are willing to invest in timeless pieces. The brand's emphasis on exclusive designs and customer experience, coupled with their commitment to sustainability, differentiates them in the market. While their sofas may not be the most budget-friendly option, they offer a luxurious and stylish addition to any living space.
Frontgate | Brand Summary
Frontgate has carved out a unique niche in the furniture market. They cater to a customer who appreciates classic design aesthetics but with a modern twist. Think clean lines, high-quality materials, and a focus on comfort that doesn't sacrifice style. While their sofas may not be the most playful or trendy, they're built to be timeless additions to your living room. But is timeless the same as boring? And how does their customer service stack up? In this review, we'll put Frontgate sofas to the test, assessing everything from comfort and construction to value and after-sales support. Get ready to peel back the layers and see if a Frontgate sofa deserves a spot on your Potatometer podium.
Frontgate, a haven for those seeking classic elegance with a contemporary flair, offers a diverse selection of sofas crafted from premium materials like top-grain leather and performance fabrics. Their commitment to quality is underscored by a generous 10-year warranty on frames, ensuring that your investment piece stands the test of time. Additionally, their 90-day return policy provides peace of mind, allowing ample time to determine if your new sofa is the perfect fit for your home.
However, this level of craftsmanship and attention to detail comes at a cost, as Frontgate sofas tend to be on the pricier side, with some models reaching luxury price points. While they offer free fabric swatches to aid in your decision-making process and provide a range of delivery options, including white-glove service, returns aren't entirely hassle-free. You might encounter restocking fees and have to handle the return shipping yourself, which could be a significant expense for larger items.
Despite these considerations, Frontgate's commitment to sustainability is a noteworthy highlight. Their efforts to incorporate recycled materials and utilize renewable energy demonstrate a conscious approach to furniture production. So, if you're drawn to timeless designs, prioritize quality, and value eco-conscious practices, Frontgate might be worth the splurge, even with the potential drawbacks and longer lead times for custom orders.
Frontgate takes the crown in this duel, offering classic designs with a modern twist and a strong commitment to sustainability, appealing to environmentally-conscious buyers. Their focus on quality and customer service shines through, making them the preferred choice for those valuing timeless elegance and top-tier materials. With an emphasis on style and sustainability, Frontgate is the standout winner in this brand face-off.
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.
