Couch Comparisons

Room & Board vs Wayfair: Who Has Better Couches?

Looking for the perfect couch companion? Find out which brand, Room & Board or Wayfair, takes the crown in our head-to-head comparison. Discover the ultimate choice for your living room comfort needs and make your sofa dreams a reality.
Alex Back | Couch.com CEO & Founder
Room & Board vs Wayfair

We independently select everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission.

    Step into the ring as Room & Board squares off against Wayfair in a heavyweight championship for the title of the best couch brand. Uncover the secrets behind these furniture juggernauts and decide which one deserves the crown in the world of home comfort.

    Side By Side

    Features
    Room & Board
    Wayfair
    Made to Order Lead Times 4-10 weeks 6-8 weeks
    Free Shipping Option
    White Glove Delivery Option $119 $0-$103.99
    Return Option
    Warranty Included
    Financing Option Affirm Multiple
    Assembly Required Varies
    Large Fabric Selection
    Free Swatches Available
    Manufacturing Origin USA USA + Import
    Avg. 3-Seat Couch Price $$$ $-$$$

    In the realm of couches, Room & Board excels in style, durability, sustainability, and value, offering premium options with superior quality and American craftsmanship. On the other hand, Wayfair provides diverse choices but with potential quality variations. Room & Board's commitment to sustainability and customer satisfaction gives it an edge, despite Wayfair's wide selection at different price points. While Wayfair caters to various needs, Room & Board's focus on exceptional quality and design make it a strong contender in the furniture game.


    BRAND #1: Room & Board

    The image displays the Room & Board logo in a clean, serif font. The text is black on a white background, with the words "Room&Board" written in a single line. The ampersand symbol connects "Room" and "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: Wayfair

    The image shows the Wayfair logo. The word "wayfair" is written in bold, purple lowercase letters, with a colorful geometric icon consisting of overlapping diamond shapes in green, yellow, purple, and pink to the left of the text.

    Wayfair, launched in 2002 as a collection of niche e-commerce sites, has evolved into the largest online retailer of home goods in the US. Their massive selection, competitive prices, and focus on convenience have made them a go-to destination for furniture shoppers. With a mission to make home design accessible to everyone, Wayfair offers various styles and price points through their house brands like AllModern, Birch Lane, Joss & Main, and Perigold. While their quality can vary due to their numerous suppliers, Wayfair's commitment to sustainability and their user-friendly platform make them a popular choice for those seeking to transform their living spaces.

    Wayfair | Brand Summary

    Wayfair is the mega-mart of the furniture world, offering a vast array of products. If you want insane choice and the thrill of finding a bargain, they’ve got you covered. Their sofa selection ranges from super budget-friendly to surprisingly decent quality at higher prices. Wayfair is a marketplace that features many different manufacturers and brands. Don’t expect the curated experience of a fancy showroom, but if you’re willing to do your homework (hello, reviews!), there are diamonds in the rough.

    Wayfair | PotatoMeter Rating

    Online Shopping Experience Score 93%
    Durability and Quality Score 92%
    Shipping and Lead Time Score 90%
    Vibe Check Score 93%
    Customer Focus Score 95%
    Overall PotatoMeter Rating 93%
    Read Our Wayfair Brand Review

    Wayfair | Pros & Cons

    Pros

    • Wide variety of styles and prices
    • Fast shipping for in-stock items
    • Multiple delivery options, including white-glove
    • Easy online shopping experience
    • One-year warranty (some with lifetime warranties)
    • Extended warranties available through Allstate

    Cons

    • Potential inconsistent quality due to numerous suppliers
    • Potential for long lead times on certain items
    • No free shipping on all items
    • Limited customization options for many sofas
    • Some materials may not be the most durable

    Wayfair is a sprawling landscape of endless choices, where you can score a budget-friendly sofa for your first apartment or splurge on a luxurious leather sectional fit for a palace. With their army of suppliers and brands, they've got something for everyone. And hey, who doesn't love free shipping and the option to have someone else do the heavy lifting (ahem, white-glove delivery)?

    With great variety comes great responsibility. Wayfair's sheer size means you'll encounter a mixed bag of quality. Don't expect hand-carved masterpieces at rock-bottom prices. It's a treasure hunt, my friend. Read those reviews like you're deciphering a treasure map, and scrutinize those product descriptions like you're a sheriff on the hunt for outlaws. Remember, some sofas come with a lifetime warranty, while others offer a mere one-year guarantee. And if your heart changes after delivery? Well, you might be stuck with those return shipping costs.

    So, if you're ready for an adventure, Wayfair is your playground. With a little savvy shopping, you can unearth hidden gems that won't drain your bank account. Just keep your expectations in check, do your due diligence, and you might just ride off into the sunset with the perfect sofa.

    Shop Wayfair Now

    And the winner is...

    The ultimate winner in the battle of sofas is Room & Board, offering a perfect blend of style, durability, and sustainability. With a focus on superior quality and American craftsmanship, Room & Board clinches the victory in providing exceptional value for those looking for the best in couch comfort.

    A smiling man with short brown hair and a beard stands on a beach during sunset. He is wearing a black short-sleeved shirt with small white dots. The ocean and sandy shore are in the background, creating a warm and relaxed atmosphere.
    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.
    Expand