West Elm vs One Kings Lane: Who Has Better Couches?
Have you ever wondered who crafts the comfiest couches between West Elm and One Kings Lane? Let's dive into the ultimate comfort showdown between these two renowned brands to reveal the reigning sofa royal!
Alex Back | Couch.com CEO & Founder
Welcome to the ultimate comfort showdown between West Elm and One Kings Lane, where style and substance collide in the world of cozy couches. Join us as we unravel the mysteries behind these renowned brands' sofa collections and determine who claims the throne of couch royalty.
Side By Side
Features
West Elm
One Kings Lane
Made to Order Lead Times
8+ weeks
8-12 weeks
Free Shipping Option
White Glove Delivery Option
$279-$429
$279
Return Option
Warranty Included
Financing Option
Affirm
Assembly Required
Large Fabric Selection
Free Swatches Available
Manufacturing Origin
Import
USA + Import
Avg. 3-Seat Couch Price
$$-$$$
$$$-$$$$
In our comparison of West Elm and One Kings Lane, both brands offer a plethora of styles with impressive durability and sustainability initiatives. West Elm stands out for its wide range of fashionable options and eco-friendly focus, while One Kings Lane excels in personalized design services and high-quality materials for a touch of sophistication. For budget-friendly to mid-range choices, West Elm is a strong contender, while One Kings Lane caters more to those seeking premium to luxury pieces, showcasing elegance and style.
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.
One Kings Lane, founded in 2009, disrupted the online home décor market with its curated aesthetic and focus on designer finds. Their unique blend of vintage pieces and modern designs, coupled with complimentary design services, has attracted a loyal following of discerning homeowners. While their initial flash-sale model has evolved, their commitment to offering stylish, high-quality furniture remains unwavering. One Kings Lane isn't just a retailer; it's a destination for those seeking to elevate their living spaces with a touch of curated elegance.
One Kings Lane | Brand Summary
One Kings Lane knows a thing or two about curating beautiful furniture. Kings Lane's products and services, especially their sofa selection, have serious eye candy, from classic styles to those with a modern twist. While they’re not the highest-end online couch store, their sofas seem very well-made with a focus on quality materials. Customer service and design help are added bonuses, making One Kings Lane quite the “comfortable” choice for your sofa needs.
One Kings Lane is like that friend with impeccable taste who always knows where to find the perfect statement piece. Their curated selection of stylish sofas will make your heart skip a beat, and their complimentary design services ensure you'll find the ideal match for your space. Plus, their white-glove delivery option takes the hassle out of getting that gorgeous sofa into your living room.
But, as with any high-end retailer, there's a catch. One Kings Lane's prices aren't for the faint of heart, and their return policy, while offering a 30-day window, comes with fees and restrictions. If you're eyeing a custom piece, be prepared for a potentially lengthy wait, and don't expect full transparency on warranties upfront.
Ultimately, One Kings Lane is a treasure trove for design enthusiasts willing to invest in quality and style. However, budget-conscious shoppers or those who prioritize flexible return policies might need to temper their expectations.
Through our in-depth analysis, One Kings Lane emerges as the triumphant brand, offering an unparalleled combination of style, durability, and luxury. Their tailored design services and high-quality materials set them apart as the top choice for discerning shoppers seeking an exquisite, high-end sofa experience.
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.
