Wondering if Schoolhouse's enduring elegance outshines Medley's green initiatives? The answer lies ahead!
Alex Back | Couch.com CEO & Founder
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Step right up, folks! Today, we witness a face-off between Schoolhouse, the beacon of classic American-made sofas, and Medley, the eco-friendly frontrunner born from two brothers' sofa-selling vision. Let the battle of the couches begin!
Side By Side
Features
Schoolhouse
Medley
Made to Order Lead Times
6-8 weeks
8+ weeks
Free Shipping Option
White Glove Delivery Option
$399
$175
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
$$$$
$$$-$$$$
In comparing Schoolhouse and Medley, it's evident both brands bring something unique to the table. Schoolhouse excels in classic styling and durable materials, catering to those seeking a premium, long-lasting investment. On the other hand, Medley stands out with its eco-friendly ethos, exceptional quality, and sustainable practices, offering a compelling choice for environmentally conscious buyers looking for luxury and durability. The decision between the enduring elegance of Schoolhouse and the green innovation of Medley ultimately boils down to personal style and sustainability priorities.
BRAND #1: Schoolhouse
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.
Medley was founded in 2017 by two brothers, Travis and Ryan Nagle. But their story actually begins in 2005 when they were selling sofas out of their living room. They are one of the only couch companies offering ultra-green material options.
Medley | Brand Summary
Medley furniture is one of the few brands that genuinely delivers on sustainability and craftsmanship. With a focus on non-toxic finishes, FSC-certified wood, and plant-based latex cushions, Medley has become a go-to brand for buyers looking for a high-quality, eco-friendly couch.
Best Medley Couches & Sofas:
Medley Blumen Sofa – Best for deep seating & comfort
Medley Kirnik Sectional – Best for families & large spaces
Medley Rio Sofa – Best all-natural, non-toxic option
What Makes Medley Different?
Handcrafted in the USA with FSC-certified solid wood frames.
Latex + wool cushion options for an all-natural, chemical-free experience.
Lifetime warranty on frames & 10-year cushion warranty.
Downside? Lead times can be longer than average (8-18 weeks), depending on materials.
Extremely high quality materials and craftsmanship
Lifetime warranty on sofa frames and 5+ year warranty on materials
Generous 30 day return policy
Cons
Limited sofa style options
Fabric selection can significantly raise sofa price
Latex + Wool option can be pricey
Lead times can be extremely long
No brick-and-mortar stores
It can be hard to find any flaws in Medley’s business. But while their standard couches usually have lead times of 8-10 weeks (not counting delivery), their wonderful Latex + Wool options often take 14+ weeks to build. That’s a long time to wait, especially when there are no brick-and-mortar stores where you can test out their couches. Their base prices are great considering the high-quality materials and craftsmanship, but choosing a higher-tier fabric and their natural Latex + Wool materials will significantly raise the sofa price. But they’ll still be cheaper than Maiden Home’s offerings. Medley’s styles are nice, but they might be a little bland, depending on your tastes.
However, the pros vastly outweigh the cons. Their plant-based Latex + Wool material options are incredible and put Medley in a class of its own. Their wood is sourced from sustainable forests, their fabrics are eco-friendly, and every aspect of their construction process considers the sustainability impact. They also use a high-quality spring system similar to 8-way hand-tied suspensions. This is top-tier craftsmanship. Their frames also come with a lifetime warranty, the cushion filling has a 10-year warranty, and the upholstery workmanship has a 5-year warranty. Add in their 30-day return policy and there’s a whole lot to like about Medley.
In this showdown of American-made couch brands, Medley emerges victorious, thanks to its superior eco-friendly materials, lifetime warranties, and exceptional sustainability practices. Medley's commitment to quality and green innovation makes it the ideal choice for buyers prioritizing sustainability alongside durability and luxury.
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.
