Restoration Hardware (RH) vs Hem: Who Has Better Couches?
Who crafts the coziest couches: RH or Hem? Let's unravel the couch saga together!
Alex Back | Couch.com CEO & Founder
Picture this: the couch dilemma between RH and Hem—each offering a distinct vibe for your interiors. As we venture into the realm of luxury versus modern charm, we'll navigate through the intricacies that shape the ultimate couch experience with these renowned brands.
Side By Side
Features
Restoration Hardware (RH)
Hem
Made to Order Lead Times
8-10 weeks
1-7 Weeks
Free Shipping Option
White Glove Delivery Option
$299-$849
$299
Return Option
Warranty Included
Financing Option
RH Credit Card
Affirm
Assembly Required
Varies
Large Fabric Selection
Free Swatches Available
Manufacturing Origin
USA + Import
Europe
Avg. 3-Seat Couch Price
$$$-$$$$
$$$$
In the style arena, RH showcases opulent designs that redefine luxury living, appealing to those seeking upscale elegance. Hem, with its modern Scandinavian flair, offers a fresh take on design, catering to enthusiasts of contemporary aesthetics. When it comes to durability, Hem's commitment to quality and sustainability adds a compelling edge over RH. In terms of overall value, Hem excels in customer-focused services and sustainable practices, making it a standout choice for those valuing design integrity and ethical production practices.
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.
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.
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.
As the dust settles in the battle between style and sustainability, Hem emerges as the definitive winner, offering a modern Scandinavian charm coupled with unwavering focus on quality and ethical practices. With its customer dedication and design integrity, Hem stands out as the top choice for those seeking a perfect blend of aesthetics and ethical manufacturing.
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.
