West Elm vs Anthropologie: Who Has Better Couches?
Looking for the ideal blend of design, durability, and comfort for your living space? Explore the clash of West Elm and Anthropologie sofas to uncover the perfect match for your home ambiance and relaxation needs.
Alex Back | Couch.com CEO & Founder
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Step into the ring of home decor heavyweights! West Elm and Anthropologie face off in a showdown of sofas. Which brand will steal the show with their designs and quality? Let the battle begin!
Side By Side
Features
West Elm
Anthropologie
Made to Order Lead Times
8+ weeks
8-10 weeks
Free Shipping Option
White Glove Delivery Option
$279-$429
$149-$249
Return Option
Warranty Included
Financing Option
Affirm
Afterpay / Klarna
Assembly Required
Large Fabric Selection
Free Swatches Available
Manufacturing Origin
Import
USA + Import
Avg. 3-Seat Couch Price
$$-$$$
$$-$$$
Exploring style, West Elm impresses with a vast selection, while Anthropologie offers unique, chic designs. On durability, West Elm provides competitive pricing and quality, whereas Anthropologie focuses on premium materials. In sustainability, West Elm leads with strong eco-friendly efforts, offering value for the environmentally conscious buyer.
BRAND #1: West Elm
West Elm launched in 2002 and opened its first storefront in 2003. They're owned and operated by Williams-Sonoma who also owns Pottery Barn. Despite their corporate nature, West Elm actually has a great emphasis on sustainability and eco-friendly initiatives.
West Elm | Brand Summary
West Elm has stylish, modern furniture with the quality and backing of the Williams-Sonoma brand. They have surprisingly competitive prices considering their selection and their quality. They also get some points for focusing on sustainability and supporting a worldwide community of artisans.
But operating under the umbrella of Williams-Sonoma does have downsides. Most of West Elm's couches are imported from overseas, they don't have any meaningful warranty program, and the lead times could be better than they are. West Elm's prices are more affordable than other brands with similar styles, but there's also not a strong reason why you should choose West Elm over another brand that has better lead times and a stronger customer focus.
Competitive pricing, especially on their leather options
3rd party warranty option
Strong sustainability initiatives
Has brick-and-mortar locations
Cons
Couches are all imported
No standard warranty
Can't return made to order couches
7 day return window may not apply even to In-Stock options
Shockingly low 1.1 star rating on TrustPilot
Is West Elm good quality? The brand has become a go-to brand for stylish sofas at surprisingly affordable prices. But those lower prices come at a cost. There’s no standard warranty on their couches, made-to-order couches can’t be returned, and their 7-day return window may not apply to their In-Stock or Quick Ship couches. That could make them an expensive gamble. Additionally, West Elm has a very low 1.1-star rating on Trustpilot, which could give you pause. But one saving grace is that you can purchase a 3-year Allstate Protection warranty for your sofa. This covers accidents, stains, material damage, and more.
On the positive side, West Elm has a huge number of glamorous couches to choose from. They’re also generally available in a wide range of luxury fabrics. So you can really design a couch that you love. The pricing is wonderfully competitive for their quality and the number of sofa styles available. West Elm also has plenty of brick-and-mortar locations where you can test out their couches in person. And if sustainability is important to you, West Elm has some impressive initiatives on that front. However, they are part of a big corporate umbrella, which might negatively affect some shoppers.
Established in 1992, Anthropologie has become a beloved lifestyle brand, celebrated for its eclectic mix of clothing, accessories, and home décor. Their sofas are a natural extension of this unique aesthetic, offering a variety of styles that cater to the free-spirited and fashion-forward. With a focus on quality materials and handcrafted details, Anthropologie sofas are more than just furniture; they're a reflection of your individuality and taste.
Anthropologie | Brand Summary
Anthropologie sofas are a blend of chic design and high-quality craftsmanship, offering something for everyone. Their attention to detail and dedication to customer satisfaction are evident in each piece. The brand’s commitment to sustainability and unique aesthetic make Anthropologie sofas not just furniture, but a statement. I love how their sofas combine comfort with a touch of elegance, truly enhancing any living space.
What makes Anthropologie sofas truly special is their ability to adapt to different styles and preferences while maintaining a high standard of quality. Their customer service is top-notch, providing support and guidance throughout the buying process. The use of premium materials and sustainable practices highlights their dedication to creating beautiful, durable furniture. Whether you’re redecorating or just looking for a new centerpiece, Anthropologie sofas are a fantastic choice.
Wide variety of fabrics, including performance options
Free fabric swatches for at-home testing
White-glove delivery option available
30-day return window
Commitment to sustainability
Cons
Higher price point
Limited customization options beyond fabric and color
Restocking fees for returns
Some fabrics may require special care
Return policy can be tricky for furniture
Anthropologie, known for its bohemian-chic clothing and home décor, doesn't disappoint when it comes to sofas. Their collection boasts a unique blend of styles, from classic to contemporary, all wrapped in luxurious fabrics like velvet and linen. They even offer performance fabrics for those who crave a worry-free lounge session. And hey, free swatches? That's a win in my book.
But here's the deal: Anthropologie sofas are an investment. While their prices might make you gasp, remember, you're getting more than just a couch – it's a statement piece that'll elevate your living space. However, their return policy can be a bit of a buzzkill, with restocking fees and limitations on furniture returns. And if you're expecting a fully customizable experience, you might be disappointed, as their options are mostly limited to fabric and color choices.
So, if you're a style-savvy shopper who values quality and unique designs, Anthropologie is worth exploring. Just be prepared to pay a premium for that boho-chic charm and factor in those return policy details before committing to your dream couch.
After evaluating all the factors, West Elm shines as the clear winner in this sofa showdown. With a diverse selection, competitive pricing, and strong sustainability initiatives, West Elm offers a compelling package that caters to style-conscious shoppers looking for both value and eco-friendly choices.
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.
