Room & Board vs Schoolhouse: Who Has Better Couches?
Curious about American-made couches that blend quality with style? How do Room & Board and Schoolhouse fare against each other in the battle of supreme comfort? Let's unravel the secrets behind these two top-notch brands.
Alex Back | Couch.com CEO & Founder
Feel the thrill as we embark on a comparison adventure between Room & Board and Schoolhouse's fabulous couches. Discover how these brands stack up in the world of furniture, style, and quality. Have your seat belts on; this comparison is about to start!
Side By Side
Features
Room & Board
Schoolhouse
Made to Order Lead Times
4-10 weeks
6-8 weeks
Free Shipping Option
White Glove Delivery Option
$119
$399
Return Option
Warranty Included
Financing Option
Affirm
Affirm
Assembly Required
Large Fabric Selection
Free Swatches Available
Manufacturing Origin
USA
USA
Avg. 3-Seat Couch Price
$$$
$$$$
Room & Board and Schoolhouse present distinct styles with Room & Board showcasing modern designs while Schoolhouse offers timeless elegance. In terms of durability, both brands excel by using quality materials, placing them in the premium price range. While Room & Board emphasizes a diverse fabric selection for customization, Schoolhouse stands out with white glove delivery and financing options. When considering sustainability, Room & Board's commitment to eco-friendly practices adds value to their offerings compared to Schoolhouse.
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 & Boardgets 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.
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.
Schoolhouse is an American-made furniture brand that champions craftsmanship and timeless design. Their sofas are made-to-order with a focus on quality materials and construction. While their limited selection and high prices might not appeal to everyone, their commitment to sustainability and support of local manufacturing resonates with those seeking enduring pieces that reflect their values.
Schoolhouse | Brand Summary
Schoolhouse sofas lean towards timeless rather than trendy, which is a smart move if you're after that "anchor piece" for your living room. I dug into their construction, materials, and customer feedback, and honestly, their quality does impress. Think sturdy frames, durable fabrics, and that reassuring sense that someone actually cared when putting your couch together. That said, they definitely cater to a specific taste and come with a premium price tag.
Bottom line: If you're searching for a beautifully built American-made sofa, and classic styling speaks to you, Schoolhouse is absolutely worth considering.
Schoolhouse sofas exude timeless elegance and are built to last, using quality materials and expert craftsmanship in the USA. However, their steep price point and strict no-return policy might make some shoppers hesitant. While the white glove delivery is convenient, the lack of free swatches and limited transparency regarding warranty details could be a drawback. If you prioritize quality, craftsmanship, and classic designs and are willing to invest in a long-lasting piece, Schoolhouse might be the perfect fit.
In this comparison, Room & Board emerges as the standout winner, offering modern design choices, diverse fabric options, and a strong customer focus. Their commitment to sustainability and quality sets them apart, making them an attractive choice for buyers seeking elegance and reliability. While Schoolhouse presents classic designs and convenient delivery, Room & Board's overall value and customer-centric approach make it the preferred option in this match-up.
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.
