Couch Comparisons

Room & Board vs Lowe's: Who Has Better Couches?

September 27, 2024

Curious to know which brand offers the comfiest couches: Room & Board or Lowe's? Join us as we unravel the ultimate sofa face-off.

Alex Back | Couch.com CEO & Founder

Excitement is in the air as we pit Room & Board against Lowe's in a clash of the couch titans. Which brand will emerge victorious in the battle of style, sustainability, and customer focus? Let's unravel the sofa saga to find out.

Side By Side

Features	Room & Board	Lowe's
Made to Order Lead Times	4-10 weeks	N/A
Free Shipping Option
White Glove Delivery Option	$119	Varies
Return Option
Warranty Included
Financing Option	Affirm	Lowe's Advantage Card / Lowe's Pay
Assembly Required
Large Fabric Selection		Varies
Free Swatches Available
Manufacturing Origin	USA	Import
Avg. 3-Seat Couch Price	$$$	$

In style, Room & Board offers a higher-end aesthetic with a focus on craftsmanship, making it a top choice for those valuing sophisticated design. When it comes to durability, Room & Board's commitment to quality and sustainability outshines Lowe's, providing long-lasting and eco-friendly options. On the sustainability front, Room & Board's focus on eco-friendly practices and materials gives them an edge over Lowe's, offering environmentally conscious buyers a compelling choice for their sofa needs.

BRAND #1: Room & Board

Founded in 1980, Room & Board is a veteran in the furniture industry, known for its timeless designs and commitment to American craftsmanship. They partner with local artisans and prioritize sustainability, setting ambitious goals for eco-friendly practices and materials. Their transparent approach to pricing and focus on customer satisfaction make them a trusted name in the furniture market.

Room & Board | Brand Summary

Room & Board gets it. They have a beautiful and useful website that makes shopping for a couch delightful. Their quality is excellent, their couches are made in the USA, and they have measurable and attainable sustainability goals. If their lead times were better and if they had an actual warranty on their couches then they would get a MAJOR bump in their PotatoMeter rating.

Compared to other well-known brands that offer stylish and affordable sofas, Room & Board provides a higher-end alternative with superior durability and quality. If you’re OK with those caveats, then Room & Board is a phenomenal choice for your couch purchase.

Room & Board | PotatoMeter Rating:

Online Shopping Experience Score	95%
Durability and Quality Score	91%
Shipping and Lead Time Score	89%
Vibe Check Score	97%
Customer Focus Score	87%
Overall PotatoMeter Rating	92%

Read Our Room & Board Brand Review

Room & Board | Pros & Cons

Pros

Beautiful and useful website
Excellent quality
Made in the USA
Measurable and attainable sustainability goals
"In Stock" fabric options for faster shipping
Free returns with no charge for return shipping

Cons

Long lead times for custom upholstery
Long delivery wait times
No warranty on couches
No sale events (bummer if you're looking for discounts)
Limited information on specific construction details

Room and Board offers a delightful online shopping experience with high-quality, American-made couches and a strong commitment to sustainability. However, their 4 to 10-week lead time for custom upholstery might test your patience. The $119 white glove delivery fee, while convenient, adds to the overall cost. They don't offer a warranty on their couches, relying instead on a guarantee, which could be a concern for some.

Despite these drawbacks, the focus of Room and Board furniture on quality, sustainability, and customer satisfaction makes them a top contender for your next sofa purchase. Their "In Stock" fabric options are a great way to get your new couch faster, and their generous return policy provides peace of mind.

Shop Room & Board Now

BRAND #2: Lowe's

Lowe's, a home improvement giant since 1946, has expanded its offerings to include a surprising variety of sofas. Their focus on value and convenience is evident in their competitive prices, multiple delivery options, and commitment to sustainable practices. While their in-house customization options are limited, their wide range of brands and styles allows them to cater to diverse tastes and needs.

Lowe's | Brand Summary

When it comes to sofas, Lowe's is a bit like a Swiss Army knife – they've got a tool (or in this case, a sofa) for every job. Whether you're furnishing a small apartment, a sprawling family room, or a cozy guest room, they've got you covered. And while their mix of product might not be winning any design awards, their sofas offer a solid mix of style, comfort, and affordability. They have a curated selection of many different sofas from 3rd party manufacturers and sellers around the globe.

But don't just take my word for it. Their commitment to sustainability, their wide range of delivery options, and their generally positive customer reviews speak for themselves. Lowe's might not be the most luxurious brand out there, but they're a reliable choice for anyone looking for a practical and stylish sofa that won't break the bank.

Lowe's | PotatoMeter Rating

Online Shopping Experience Score	93%
Durability and Quality Score	93%
Shipping and Lead Time Score	92%
Vibe Check Score	95%
Customer Focus Score	93%
Overall PotatoMeter Rating	93%

Read Our Lowe's Brand Review

Lowe's | Pros & Cons

Pros

Wide variety of styles and prices
Solid mix of style, comfort, and affordability
Free standard shipping on many items
Multiple delivery options including white-glove
Easy online shopping and in-store experience

Cons

Inconsistent quality across brands
Limited in-house customization
Short return window (48 hours) for some items
No assembly included with standard delivery
Some sofas lack specific material and construction details

Lowe's got a sofa for every job and budget. With their huge selection and competitive prices, you're bound to find something that fits your style and won't drain your bank account. Plus, their commitment to sustainability and convenient delivery options (including white-glove service for those who want to skip the heavy lifting) make them a practical choice.

But hey, even the most reliable toolbox has a few rusty tools. With so many brands and manufacturers, quality can be a bit of a mixed bag. So, channel your inner DIY spirit and do your research before you commit. And while they offer a decent return policy, that 48-hour window for most items might feel a bit rushed.

Overall, Lowe's is a solid option for those who prioritize value and convenience, offering a wide range of sofas that won't break the bank. Just be prepared to put in a little elbow grease to find the perfect fit and maybe assemble it yourself.

Shop Lowe's Now

And the winner is...

In the ultimate showdown, Room & Board takes the crown with its superior craftsmanship and eco-friendly ethos. Their commitment to sustainable materials and high-quality designs makes them the ideal choice for those prioritizing durability and style.

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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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