West Elm vs BenchMade Modern: Who Has Better Couches?

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.

BenchMade Modern, the self-proclaimed "rebellious luxury" brand, offers a tempting proposition: custom-made sofas with quick turnaround times, backed by a generous warranty and return policy. However, the allure fades slightly when you consider their premium price point, which doesn't always align with the materials and construction quality.

While their high-quality fabrics and leather options are a definite plus, the use of plywood in some frames and stapled joints might leave discerning buyers wanting more. Additionally, their online customization process could use some streamlining to avoid potential confusion.

However, if you're drawn to their unique designs and prioritize fast delivery and a hassle-free return policy, BenchMade furniture might just be your perfect match. Just be prepared to pay a premium for the privilege of owning one of their "rebellious" creations.