Wayfair vs Ashley Furniture: Who Has Better Couches?
Are Wayfair's couches more durable than Ashley Furniture's offerings? Find out which brand comes out on top for couch quality.
Alex Back | Couch.com CEO & Founder
Are you torn between Wayfair and Ashley Furniture for your couch purchase? Dive into our detailed comparison to find out the key differences between these two popular furniture brands and make an informed decision.
Side By Side
Features
Wayfair
Ashley Furniture
Made to Order Lead Times
6-8 weeks
N/A
Free Shipping Option
White Glove Delivery Option
$0-$103.99
$99.99-$249.99+
Return Option
Warranty Included
Financing Option
Multiple
Ashley Advantage Card / Acima
Assembly Required
Varies
Varies
Large Fabric Selection
Free Swatches Available
Manufacturing Origin
USA + Import
USA + Import
Avg. 3-Seat Couch Price
$-$$$
$$
It bears mentioning that the two retailers are very different in genetic makeup: Wayfair is a marketplace full of thousands of different manufacturers and their couches. Ashley is a brand that manufacturers and retails their own furniture. They also wholesale to most large furniture stores in the country. To use a retail analogy, Wayfair is Macy's and Ashley's is Calvin Klein. That being said, there are some key differences to point out. Wayfair offers a lower-priced average 3-seat couch range of $-$$$ in comparison to Ashley Furniture's $$ range. Additionally, when it comes to return options, Wayfair provides warranty included, financing options, and a vast fabric selection with free swatches. On the other hand, Ashley Furniture excels in durability and quality, offering surprisingly sturdy construction for its price point, although there is potential inconsistency in quality between different models. Despite these differences, both brands offer an excellent shopping experience and multiple delivery options.
BRAND #1: Wayfair
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.
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.
From humble beginnings in 1945, Ashley Furniture has grown into a global powerhouse, known for their massive selection of affordable and stylish furniture. They prioritize convenience and accessibility, offering both online and in-store shopping experiences. While they don't boast the most luxurious materials, their focus on value and their commitment to community and environmental efforts make them a popular choice for families and budget-conscious shoppers alike.
Ashley Furniture | Brand Summary
Ashley Furniture is like the big box store of the furniture world. They offer a dizzying array of styles, and you’re almost guaranteed to find something that fits your budget. Ashley Furniture Homestore is known for its customer experiences with purchasing furniture, highlighting both positive aspects such as affordable pricing and extensive selection, and negative experiences involving delivery issues and varying furniture quality. They have a laser focus on affordability.
While you won’t usually find exclusive designer pieces, their furniture is surprisingly sturdy for the price point. Ashley Furniture's focus on affordability and extensive selection makes it a popular choice among budget-conscious shoppers. Their online shopping platform makes it easy to browse their extensive selection and find the perfect piece for your home.
Potential inconsistency in quality between different models
Reguard protection plans cost extra
Ashley Furniture is your friendly neighborhood giant in the furniture world, with options galore to suit any style and budget. Ashley Furniture couches are surprisingly sturdy for the price, and their commitment to making shopping easy shines through with a user-friendly website, multiple delivery options, and even in-store pickup for the adventurous. They even offer a one-year warranty with labor coverage, which is a bonus in this price range.
But hey, even giants have their shortcomings. While their sofas might not be heirloom-quality, they're definitely built for real life. However, customization options are limited, and the materials and sourcing information could be more transparent. The standard warranty, while a good start, could be more comprehensive, and those extra protection plans will cost you.
If you're looking for a stylish, affordable sofa without the fuss, Ashley Furniture is worth checking out. Just be sure to do your research and choose a model that fits your needs and lifestyle. After all, a couch is more than just a place to sit – it's where life happens.
After a thorough comparison of Wayfair and Ashley Furniture, both brands shine in their unique ways, making it challenging to declare a clear winner. Whether you're after customization and a vast fabric selection (Wayfair) or sturdy construction at a reasonable price (Ashley Furniture), both brands offer compelling options for your couch needs. Ultimately, it's a tie in the battle of furniture giants!
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.
