Couch Comparisons

West Elm vs One Kings Lane: Who Has Better Couches?

Are you team West Elm or team One Kings Lane when it comes to supreme seating? Explore this showdown to unearth the reigning monarch of stylish couches!
Alex Back | Couch.com CEO & Founder
West Elm vs One Kings Lane

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    Step into the glitzy world of luxe lounging with a showdown like no other - West Elm versus One Kings Lane. In this battle of the couch connoisseurs, we'll unveil the master of design, quality, and customer satisfaction.

    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 $$-$$$ $$$-$$$$

    Embark on a stylish journey as we pit West Elm against One Kings Lane in the showdown of sophisticated sofas. West Elm charms with a diverse range of chic designs at accessible price points, appealing to budget-savvy shoppers. Meanwhile, One Kings Lane exudes luxury with carefully curated, high-quality pieces, making it the go-to for those seeking opulence in their living spaces. West Elm shines in variety and affordability, while One Kings Lane excels in premium quality and personalized style services. Whether you prioritize budget-friendly variety or lavish comfort, both brands offer unique appeals, catering to distinct tastes and preferences.


    BRAND #1: West Elm

    West Elm logo featuring the brand name in lowercase, black, sans-serif font on a white background.

    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.

    West Elm | PotatoMeter Rating:

    Online Shopping Experience Score 85%
    Durability and Quality Score 88%
    Shipping and Lead Time Score 84%
    Vibe Check Score 93%
    Customer Focus Score 82%
    Overall PotatoMeter Rating 86%
    Read Our West Elm Brand Review

    West Elm | Pros & Cons

    Pros

    • Large selection of stylish sofas
    • In-stock couches ship quickly
    • 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.

    Shop West Elm Now

    BRAND #2: One Kings Lane

    A minimalist logo with an elephant carrying a pennant above the text "One Kings Lane." Below, the location "New York" is written in smaller font. The design is simple, using a dark green color on a white background.

    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 | PotatoMeter Rating

    Online Shopping Experience Score 92%
    Durability and Quality Score 90%
    Shipping and Lead Time Score 88%
    Vibe Check Score 88%
    Customer Focus Score 90%
    Overall PotatoMeter Rating 90%
    Read Our One Kings Lane Brand Review

    One Kings Lane | Pros & Cons

    Pros

    • Curated selection of stylish sofas
    • High-quality materials
    • Complimentary design services
    • Free fabric swatches
    • White-glove delivery option
    • 30-day return window

    Cons

    • High price point
    • Limited transparency regarding warranties
    • Non-returnable items
    • Return shipping and restocking fees
    • No financing options

    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.

    Shop One Kings Lane Now

    And the winner is...

    In a fierce battle of style, quality, and luxury comfort, One Kings Lane emerges as the clear winner, offering unparalleled sophistication and top-notch quality. With its curated selection and focus on high-end materials, One Kings Lane sets itself apart as the premier destination for those seeking luxurious seating experiences. In the realm of upscale couches, One Kings Lane shines brighter, making it the undisputed champion in this bout of opulent seating options.

    A smiling man with short brown hair and a beard stands on a beach during sunset. He is wearing a black short-sleeved shirt with small white dots. The ocean and sandy shore are in the background, creating a warm and relaxed atmosphere.
    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.
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