Curious about the champions of the couch realm - Wayfair and Medley? Explore to find out who reclines as the superior choice!
Alex Back | Couch.com CEO & Founder
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Venture into the realm of ultimate comfort and style with a face-off that promises to elevate your living space. It's Wayfair versus Medley, where variety battles sustainability. Buckle up for an insightful comparison that will guide you in picking the comfiest option for your home.
Side By Side
Features
Wayfair
Medley
Made to Order Lead Times
6-8 weeks
8+ weeks
Free Shipping Option
White Glove Delivery Option
$0-$103.99
$175
Return Option
Warranty Included
Financing Option
Multiple
Affirm
Assembly Required
Varies
Large Fabric Selection
Free Swatches Available
Manufacturing Origin
USA + Import
USA
Avg. 3-Seat Couch Price
$-$$$
$$$-$$$$
In terms of style diversity, durability, sustainability, and overall value, Wayfair offers an extensive range of couch options to suit various tastes and budgets. On the other hand, Medley excels in sustainability, using eco-friendly materials and showcasing top-notch craftsmanship. While Wayfair provides a vast selection that appeals to diverse preferences, Medley shines for its dedication to high-quality, environmentally friendly furniture, offering a valuable choice for eco-conscious consumers.
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.
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.
Emerging victorious in this sofa saga is Medley, capturing the hearts of eco-friendly buyers with its sustainable materials and unwavering commitment to craftsmanship. The emphasis on quality and environmental responsibility propels Medley to the forefront, making it the ultimate choice for those seeking top-tier and environmentally conscious furniture.
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.