West Elm vs Urban Outfitters: Who Has Better Couches?
Curious if West Elm outshines Urban Outfitters in the couch department? Stay tuned to uncover which brand brings more style and comfort to your home.
Alex Back | Couch.com CEO & Founder
Get ready to settle the score: West Elm vs. Urban Outfitters. Who will come out on top with the best couches?
Side By Side
Features
West Elm
Urban Outfitters
Made to Order Lead Times
8+ weeks
6-8 weeks
Free Shipping Option
White Glove Delivery Option
$279-$429
$199
Return Option
Warranty Included
Financing Option
Affirm
Afterpay / Klarna
Assembly Required
Varies
Large Fabric Selection
Free Swatches Available
Yes
Manufacturing Origin
Import
USA + Import
Avg. 3-Seat Couch Price
$$-$$$
$-$$
In the side-by-side comparison, West Elm and Urban Outfitters both present distinct features. While West Elm boasts a larger fabric selection and financing options like Affirm, Urban Outfitters shines with fast shipping for in-stock items and a commitment to sustainability. West Elm has longer lead times but offers a White Glove delivery option, while Urban Outfitters has a shorter lead time and free fabric swatches available. In terms of average 3-seat couch price, West Elm ranges from $$-$$$, while Urban Outfitters stays in the $-$$ range. This also carries over to the level of quality, of course, so it can be difficult to compare the two product lines head-on.
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
West Elm 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.
Evolving from a small college-town shop to a global lifestyle brand, Urban Outfitters has a knack for capturing the zeitgeist with its trendy and eclectic offerings. Their sofas, like their clothing, are designed to make a statement and reflect individual style. With a focus on affordable prices and a commitment to sustainability, they appeal to the younger, design-conscious crowd who wants to create a unique and inviting home.
Urban Outfitters | Brand Summary
Urban Outfitters might not be the first name that pops into your head when you think "sofa shopping," but hear me out. They've got a pretty solid selection of couches that are perfect for the style-conscious and budget-minded among us. Sure, their sofas might not be the most luxurious or the most customizable, but they definitely deliver on the cool factor. You'll find unique designs, bold colors, and trendy fabrics that'll make your living room the envy of all your friends.
And while they might not be heirloom-quality pieces, they're definitely built to last a few years (or more, if you treat them right). Plus, their commitment to sustainability is a major bonus for those of us who care about the planet as much as we care about our décor. So, if you're looking for a sofa that's stylish, affordable, and a little bit quirky, Urban Outfitters is definitely worth a browse. Just don't expect them to blow your mind with groundbreaking technology or ultra-luxe materials. They're all about delivering solid style and comfort at a price that won't make you cringe.
Return shipping fees and restocking fee for mailed returns
Furniture can only be returned via carrier
Quality can vary between models
Limited transparency regarding materials and construction
Urban Outfitters might not be the first place you think of when you're on the hunt for a new sofa, but hold up a sec – they might just surprise you! Their collection is bursting with personality, featuring trendy designs and unique fabrics that'll give your living room that Instagram-worthy flair. Plus, the prices won't make your wallet weep, which is always a bonus. And let's be honest, who doesn't love the convenience of quick shipping and free swatches?
Now, don't expect these sofas to be handcrafted masterpieces passed down through generations. Urban Outfitters focuses on keeping things hip and affordable, so the materials might not be top-of-the-line. And if you're the type who needs to customize every little detail, you might be a tad disappointed with their limited options.
But hey, if you're looking for a stylish statement piece that reflects your unique personality, Urban Outfitters has got you covered. They're all about those fun and funky vibes, and their sofas are no exception. So, if you're willing to trade a bit of customization and longevity for affordability and personality, go ahead and give Urban Outfitters a chance to wow you with their sofa selection.
When it comes to selecting the ultimate couch companion between West Elm and Urban Outfitters, a decision must be made. In this showdown, West Elm triumphs as the winner, offering a larger fabric selection, financing options, a White Glove delivery service, and a wider price range, making it a well-rounded choice for those looking to invest in a quality sofa.
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.
