West Elm vs Restoration Hardware (RH): 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.

Restoration Hardware (RH) is synonymous with luxury, offering sofas with exceptional, trend-setting style and top-notch materials. With a wide selection of fabrics and leathers, and a lifetime "guarantee" on frames, springs, and cushions, their couches promise both elegance and longevity. White-glove delivery ensures your RH sofa arrives in pristine condition and is set up hassle-free in your home.

Luxury, of course, comes at a price. RH sofas are a significant investment, and their return policy is less than ideal, especially for custom orders, which are non-returnable and require a 50% deposit. While in-stock couches can be returned, the details of this process are not readily available. Additionally, some customers may find the lack of channeled down cushions in certain models a drawback.

Overall, RH offers an aspirational brand experience and high-quality products, but potential buyers should be aware of the cost and limitations involved.