What A Room: Ultimate Brand Review And Rating

Ease of Navigation

• Clear, Clean Layout: Navigation bars are simple, with intuitive dropdown menus that guide users through sections like “Custom Sofas” and “Custom Sectionals.” This helps streamline the user journey from browsing to making a decision.

• Comprehensive Product Categorization: Product categories are organized to let you shop by configuration, collection, or even fabric options. This adds flexibility for users who may be starting with different priorities.

• Straightforward Customization: The process is presented in easy-to-understand steps. You can choose sofa dimensions, firmness, and fabric without being overwhelmed by too many options at once—a solid approach to guiding customers through personalizing their furniture.

• Fabric Peace of Mind: I like “Order Free Fabric Samples” button, available from the homepage. This feature makes it convenient for potential buyers to touch and feel before committing.

• Free Design Help: I also appreciate the “Get One-On-One Design Help” call to action. It’s not just about buying a sofa here; it feels like What A Room wants to ensure you get a piece perfectly tailored to your space. This is a nice touch that gives customers confidence.

• Mobile and Desktop Optimization: The website’s design is optimized for both desktop and mobile devices, which makes shopping convenient across platforms.

Information Available “At-A-Glance” 

• Each product page starts with a clean, high-resolution image, followed by clear labels for pricing and customization options. You can instantly see the price updates as you change configurations—a huge plus for those tweaking dimensions and materials.

• The customizable sofa dimensions are prominently displayed, which makes it easy for buyers to assess whether a specific piece will fit in their space.

• I really like how What A Room clearly lists the available fabrics with names and descriptions. You can see which fabrics are pet-friendly or performance-grade without diving into another page.

• The “Shipping Information” section provides estimated delivery times, which is important for managing expectations. The lead time for custom sofas is stated clearly, ensuring transparency with potential buyers.

• The product pages also showcase reviews with images, so you’re not just relying on the website’s photography. Seeing the sofas in real-life environments gives an added layer of confidence to those on the fence.

• I love the detailed breakdown of materials, especially the foam density and wood used in frames.

• There’s a “Limited Lifetime Warranty” tag visible on the product pages, which immediately boosts trust. Knowing the items come with such a sofa warranty makes the higher price points feel justified.

• Customization options are displayed in a neat, dropdown format that updates prices in real time as you make changes to your sofa configuration. It’s great that you don’t have to wait until checkout to see how your choices affect the final cost.

Product Images  

• High Resolution, Well-Lit Photography: Allows you to see every detail of the sofa’s upholstery, stitching, and craftsmanship. Nothing is left to the imagination when it comes to quality.

• Multiple Angles: Customers get a full 360-degree view. You can see the front, sides, and back.

• Close-Ups For Clarity: I love the close-up shots that focus on texture and fabric quality. You get a real sense of what the sofa would feel like, whether it’s soft velvet or a tighter weave performance fabric.

• Multiple Configurations Shown: You can see different layouts, whether it’s a sectional sofa, chaise, or loveseat. This flexibility helps buyers visualize how each model could work, which is incredibly helpful for customization.

• Room Context: Some images show the sofas placed in real-life living room environments. It’s a great way to see the sofa in actio.

• Scale Reference Could be Improved: While the dimensions are clearly listed, adding images with a person sitting on the sofa or other common furniture items nearby would help potential buyers gauge the size more accurately.

Quality of Product Information 

• Transparent Information: Each product page offers a thorough description, detailing the sofa’s frame, cushion density, and upholstery materials.

• Full Technical Specs Section: The technical specs section lists all the key measurements—height, depth, seat width—giving buyers everything they need to decide if the sofa will fit in their space. It's a small touch that avoids potential headaches down the line.

• Materials: Information about the materials used is prominent and reassuring. .

• Bonus Information About Comfort: The product descriptions also dive into the comfort aspect, including options for firmness and depth. This helps personalize the sofa shopping experience.

• Upfront Warranty Info: The warranty information is clear and available. Knowing that there’s a limited lifetime warranty on the frame and workmanship makes the investment feel secure.

Extra Bells & Whistles 

• Free Design Consultation Service & 3D Room Rendering: What A Room offers a free design consultation service, where customers can work one-on-one with an expert. You give your consultant your room dimensions, sofa size, configuration idea, and any other style details they might need. They then build you a 3D rendering tailored to your space so you can see how your new furniture will really look! The rendering helps remove the anxiety that comes with buying a sofa online, giving you a realistic idea of what your home can be. It's a thoughtful, personalized touch that not many online sofa retailers offer.

• Free Fabric Samples: The option to order up to 12 free fabric swatches is a fantastic perk. It allows buyers to see and feel the fabric before committing, which can make a world of difference when choosing a custom sofa.

• Fast Lead Times: Their ability to craft custom sofas in the U.S. with a 4-6 week lead time is another major plus. Many competitors offer much longer waits, so the faster delivery while maintaining quality is a standout feature.

In the world of online furniture shopping, patience is often a virtue. But just how long will you be twiddling your thumbs waiting for your What A Room sofa?

Made-to-Order Products: 

What A Room excels at crafting custom sofas, with a 4-6 week lead time for made-to-order pieces. This is notably quicker than the 8-12 weeks other brands offer. Once the sofa is built delivery takes about 1-2 weeks, depending on location (also shorter than other brands). This speed is all thanks to owning their manufacturing facility in the U.S., allowing them to bypass the delays associated with international production.

If you're ordering a fully customized sofa, you can expect it at your doorstep within 6-8 weeks total, which is a fairly quick turnaround for a custom piece!

Shipping Time:

Shipping times vary depending on whether you’re purchasing a made-to-order or in-stock piece.

Custom sofas take 4-6 weeks to build and an additional 1-2 weeks for shipping.

If you're local to the Bay Area, California, you can opt for local delivery or even pick up the item directly from their warehouse for a quicker turnaround. For those outside the area, nationwide shipping is available.

For in-stock clearance items, the shipping process begins right away! Your furniture can arrive in as little as 7-10 business days.

What A Room's efficient lead times are a breath of fresh air in a market where delays are often the norm.

Shopping for a couch online can be tricky, especially when you can't sit on it first. So, does What A Room step up to guide you through the process, or are you left navigating on your own?

"We really want to be known for providing exceptional customer service and a quality product. Having our hands in the manufacturing side helps us in so many ways that trickles down to the customer whether they see it or not, “ said What A Room founder Steven Lam.

“Starting as a brick-and-mortar store, we had our hands on every single customer transaction. We have taken this mentality online and personally review every order, reaching out to the customer to ask clarifying details.“ he added.

Warranty:

• Limited Lifetime Warranty: What A Room offers a limited lifetime warranty on the frame and suspension of their sofas and sectionals, which shows their confidence in the durability of their craftsmanship. This type of lifetime coverage is above and beyond the industry standard and a huge reassurance for buyers.

• One-Year Manufacturer Defect Warranty: Their one-year warranty against manufacturer defects on fabrics and cushions might seem short, but it aligns with many competitors. This covers issues like seams, zippers, and cushion resiliency, which helps prevent any surprises after you’ve had the sofa for a few months.

• Warranty For Buyer Only: The warranty only applies to the original owner and delivery address, which is pretty standard, but worth noting if you plan to move or resell.

• No Third-Party Adjustments: Modifications, like swapping the legs for third-party ones, will void the warranty, so stick to their options if you want to keep the coverage intact.

• How Claims Work: For warranty claims, they provide replacement parts or repair services. In some cases, they’ll even replace the entire item, depending on the severity of the issue. This kind of flexibility is a customer-friendly approach that not all brands offer.

Return Options:

• 60-Day Return Policy: 60 days to return custom pieces is in line with a lot of other brands and gives you a good window to decide if you like your piece. Any returns on custom furniture at all is a big plus, since many custom options come with zero return policies.

• Restocking Fee: There is a 20% restocking fee for returned custom items, which could feel like a downside.

• Conditions Required For Return: What A Room allows you to return custom sofas as long as they’re in new or like-new condition, which means you need to be careful with it during your initial days of use.

• Return Shipping Costs: [While they’ll accept returns, you’ll also be responsible for the return shipping costs, which could add up for larger items like sectionals. But again, this isn’t unusual for most custom sofa brands—shipping big furniture isn’t cheap.

• Inspection Before Delivery: This added step minimizes the chance of receiving an item with defects and reduces the likelihood of needing to make a return in the first place.

Delivery Options & Costs:

• Bay Area Local Delivery: This includes setup and placement of the furniture in the room of your choice. This two-man service adds a premium touch and eliminates the hassle of assembly or manoeuvring large furniture.

• For local delivery, they provide a 2-3 hour delivery window, which is more precise than many competitors. It gives customers a better idea of when to expect their sofa, rather than being stuck at home all day waiting.

• Nationwide Delivery: For those outside the Bay Area, California, the cost of delivery ranges from $149 to $349, depending on the order total, which is standard for furniture of this size.

• White Glove Delivery: White glove delivery is not an additional cost at What a Room! It is included in the nationwide shipping cost for applicable zip codes. Given that most places charge a premium for White Glove, this is a real luxury.

• Warehouse Pickups: What a Room allows for collection directly from their warehouse, which could be a convenient and cost-saving option for locals.

Financing Options:

• What A Room partners with Affirm and Shop Pay to offer financing options for buyers. These options allow customers to spread out payments over time, which can make higher-end custom pieces more affordable.

• Shop Pay provides a quick and easy application process during checkout, and with Affirm, you can choose a payment plan that fits your budget. Both options give buyers flexibility, especially when purchasing larger or custom pieces.

 Is Assembly Required?

• Most What A Room sofas come fully assembled. It’s a time-saver and prevents the headache of assembly instructions that may not always be clear.

• If you do need to assemble any pieces—like attaching legs—it’s a simple process. What A Room provides clear instructions, and the tools needed are often included.

• For those opting for white glove delivery, you won’t have to lift a finger. The delivery team will handle any assembly and setup for you, making the entire experience as easy as possible. This service is helpful for large sectionals or intricate custom setups.

 Customization Options:

• What A Room’s biggest selling point is its fully customizable sofas and sectionals. You can customize by size, configuration, depth, seat firmness, and 250+ fabric textures/colors.

• You can even work with their team to design your dream sofa via their free 3D rendering service. This personalized touch is something you don’t see every day and really sets What A Room apart from many other custom furniture brands.

Does  What A Room Offer Free Fabric Swatches?

• What A Room offers up to 12 free fabric samples, which is fantastic for those who want to get a feel for their sofa before committing.

• The swatch ordering process is seamless and can be done directly from their website. Best of all, there’s no charge for shipping, making it easy to explore your fabric choices without any financial commitment upfront.

Nobody wants a saggy, creaky sofa after just a few years. So how does What A Room ensure their sofas are durable and long-lasting? Let's take a closer look at their materials, construction, and overall quality to see what they've got going on under those stylish covers.

Quality of Materials:

• High-Resilient Foam: What A Room uses 2.5 lb density high-resilient (HR) foam, a super durable material often found in commercial-grade furniture. This foam keeps its shape for over 10 years, far exceeding the industry average of 3-7 years.

• Solid Wood Frames: Their sofas feature kiln-dried, solid wood frames, which prevent warping and cracking over time, a common issue with softer woods like pine. This process also ensures longevity in humid environments.

• Chemical-Free Fabrics: Their fabrics are free from harmful PFAS chemicals, making them a safer option for households with kids and pets. This focus on non-toxic materials is a strong selling point for eco-conscious buyers.

• Durable Weave Options: The fabric options, from soft velvets to textured wovens, are tested to withstand 100,000 double rubs, ensuring they last for years without showing major signs of wear.

• Reinforced Frame Construction: The frames are joined with corner blocks and dowels for extra reinforcement, enhancing the sofa’s durability, especially under daily use.

• Plush Cushion Fillings: Their cushions are wrapped in Dacron or down feathers, adding extra comfort and support, while still maintaining the cushion’s shape.

• Customization for Comfort: With a range of fabric options and cushion firmness levels, you can tailor your sofa to your exact comfort needs.

Cleanability:

• Removable Covers: What A Room sofas come with zippered, removable cushion covers, making it easy to take them off for cleaning. This feature is a big win for households with pets and kids.

• Stain-Resistant Fabrics: Many of their couch fabric options are designed to be stain-resistant, making everyday spills and stains easier to manage. A simple wipe or blot will often solve the issue.

• Practical Color Choices: With over 150 fabric options, including darker hues that hide pet hair and spills, What A Room offers practical choices for those looking to minimize visible wear and tear.
  

Quality of Construction & Manufacturing Origin:

• Made in the USA: Every sofa is handcrafted in the USA at What A Room’s California facility, ensuring a close eye on quality and no delays caused by international shipping or production.

• Kiln-Dried Hardwood Frames: The use of kiln-dried hardwood in their frames guarantees durability, preventing warping and cracking over time.

• Reinforced Corner Blocks: Each couch frame is reinforced with corner blocks, providing added stability and longevity, especially under daily use.

• High-Gauge Spring Suspension: The sofas feature high-gauge sinuous spring suspension, which offers excellent cushion support and helps maintain the sofa’s structure.

• Attention to Detail: The craftsmanship is evident in neat stitching, well-aligned patterns, and meticulously fitted cushions, indicating the level of quality.

• Fully Customizable: Customers can choose everything from fabric to cushion firmness, making each sofa a true reflection of personal taste and needs.

• Lifetime Frame Warranty: What A Room offers a limited lifetime warranty on their frames, demonstrating their confidence in the durability of their construction.

Every sofa brand has its own personality. Some are all about trendy designs, while others focus on classic comfort. Let's take a closer look at What A Room's brand vibe and see what makes them unique.

Key Differentiators & Unique Facts:

• Precision Manufacturing: What A Room stands apart by owning its entire manufacturing process, with each sofa handcrafted in California. Unlike brands that outsource production, this gives them complete control over quality and customization.

• American Craftsmanship: They emphasize American-made craftsmanship, with sofas constructed using kiln-dried, solid wood frames and high-resilience foam, ensuring longevity and durability that rivals top competitors in the furniture industry.

• Personalized Service: With options like free fabric swatches, 3D design services, and direct consultation, What A Room goes beyond standard e-commerce to offer a more personal shopping experience. Their tailored approach helps ensure customers get the perfect sofa for their space and needs.

Sustainability:

What A Room is deeply committed to sustainability, emphasizing eco-friendly materials and responsible manufacturing processes. With fabrics free from harmful chemicals and wood that is kiln-dried for durability, their sofas are designed to reduce environmental impact while maintaining high-quality standards.

• PFAS-Free Fabrics: What A Room offers fabrics that are free of harmful chemicals like PFAS, making their sofas safer for homes with kids and pets.

• CertiPUR-US® Certified Foam: Their cushions are made from CertiPUR-US® certified foam, ensuring no harmful chemicals or ozone depleters are used.

• Kiln-Dried Wood: By using kiln-dried wood, they reduce the risk of frame warping, extending the lifespan of their sofas, and cutting down on waste.

• Long-Lasting Design: The durability of their sofas means fewer replacements, which reduces landfill waste over time.

• Custom Manufacturing: Since all sofas are made to order, What A Room avoids mass production waste, creating only what’s needed.

• USA-Based Production: By manufacturing locally in California, they reduce the carbon footprint associated with overseas shipping.

• Sustainable Packaging: Their commitment to eco-friendly packaging also helps minimize the environmental impact of shipping.

Overall Brand Presentation:

What A Room sets itself apart with a strong focus on American-made craftsmanship, full customization, and eco-friendly materials. Their sofas are built to last with top-tier durability, from kiln-dried wood frames to high-resilience foam cushions. With personalized service and a commitment to sustainability, What A Room appeals to customers seeking quality, longevity, and a brand that aligns with modern, eco-conscious values.