The Ultimate Guide to Comparing Arhaus vs. Room & Board Furniture Quality
Choosing the right furniture can transform your living space, but with so many options available, it’s essential to know what stands out. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into an in-depth comparison of Arhaus and Room & Board furniture quality, alongside customer experiences, craftsmanship, design aesthetics, and more.
Understanding Arhaus and Room & Board: Company Backgrounds
Before we dive into specifics, let’s explore the foundational philosophies of each brand.
Arhaus: Luxury and Artisanal Craftsmanship
Founded in 1986 in Boston Heights, Ohio, Arhaus specializes in high-end, handcrafted furniture that emphasizes artisanal methods. They source materials globally and partner with artisans to create unique pieces that exude luxury. Their commitment to sustainability is a significant aspect; they use eco-friendly materials, including recycled glass and sustainably harvested wood.
Room & Board: American Craftsmanship with Modern Design
Established in 1980 and headquartered in Golden Valley, Minnesota, Room & Board focuses on American-made furniture. They prioritize local craftsmanship and sustainability, showcasing responsibly sourced hardwoods and modern design aesthetics, particularly in mid-century styles. This commitment supports local economies while delivering high-quality pieces to consumers.
Comparing Core Values and Operations
| Feature | Arhaus | Room & Board |
|———————-|——————————|——————————–|
| Year Founded | 1986 | 1980 |
| Headquarters | Boston Heights, Ohio | Golden Valley, Minnesota |
| Craftsmanship | Global artisans | American craftsmanship |
| Sustainability | Eco-friendly materials | Responsibly sourced hardwoods |
| Design Aesthetic | Traditional, transitional | Modern, mid-century modern |
Understanding these foundational points helps illuminate what makes each brand unique.
Furniture Quality and Craftsmanship
When comparing Arhaus and Room & Board, examining the quality of their furniture is crucial.
Arhaus Quality: A Mix of Artistry and Eco-Friendliness
Arhaus is known for its luxurious materials, including top-grain leather and solid wood, coupled with careful handcrafted construction. Their Kipton Sectional, for instance, features performance fabrics known for durability and stain resistance. While many customers praise the comfort and longevity of Arhaus products, some report inconsistencies, particularly with items sourced from overseas.
Key Aspects:
– Materials: Sustainable and premium materials, often including recycled glass.
– Construction: Robust craftsmanship, though some pieces may be manufactured overseas, raising concerns about quality control.
– Durability: Reviews are mixed; while some furniture is celebrated for its longevity, users report issues such as leather sagging and cushion flattening.
Room & Board Quality: Sturdy and Reliable
Room & Board emphasizes American-made furniture, ensuring high standards of construction. Their Metro sofa, for example, is lauded for its sturdy frame and customizable firmness options. Customers often report satisfaction with the longevity of these pieces, making Room & Board a reliable choice for families.
Key Aspects:
– Materials: Solid hardwoods, top-grain leathers, and sustainable fabrics.
– Construction: Renowned for meticulous craftsmanship with a focus on durability.
– Durability: Generally high, with many customers noting minimal wear even after years of use.
In summary, Arhaus may appeal to those seeking unique artisanal designs, whereas Room & Board offers reliability rooted in American craftsmanship.
Product Range and Aesthetics
Exploring the variety of products offered by each brand reveals important distinctions.
Arhaus Product Range
Arhaus specializes in traditional and transitional styles, providing an extensive range of furniture for various living spaces, including:
– Furniture Types: Sofas, dining tables, bedroom furniture, and outdoor decor.
– Design Styles: Classic lines and ornate details often characterized by rich finishes.
– Customization Options: Arhaus allows customers to select fabrics and finishes, enabling personalization.
Room & Board Product Range
Room & Board offers a broad selection catering to modern aesthetics:
– Furniture Types: Living room sets, dining solutions, office furniture, and outdoor seating.
– Design Styles: Emphasizes sleek lines and functionality, appealing to contemporary tastes.
– Customization Options: Their made-to-order system offers customers a variety of sizes and finishes to suit individual needs.
Both brands exhibit strength in their respective design philosophies, appealing to different preferences: Arhaus leans towards traditional elegance, while Room & Board embodies contemporary minimalism.
Pricing and Value
Evaluating price points and perceived value is essential when comparing Arhaus and Room & Board.
Arhaus Pricing
Arhaus is positioned as a luxury brand, and its pricing reflects this distinction. While their products are often viewed as investment pieces, prices can start from several thousand dollars; for example, a Kipton sectional retails around $8,497. Their Worry-Free Protection Plan provides additional reassurance against accidental damage for a fee.
Room & Board Pricing
In contrast, Room & Board operates within a mid-range pricing structure. Expected to be more budget-friendly, a sectional like the Metro can be priced between $3,000 to $5,000, providing attractive quality without breaking the bank.
Value Comparison
– Arhaus: Investment-level pieces with distinct artisanal quality and eco-friendly materials.
– Room & Board: Affordable luxury options balancing sustainability with strong design aesthetics.
Customer Service and Delivery
Customer experiences can make a substantial difference in overall satisfaction.
Arhaus Customer Service
Arhaus offers a premium white glove delivery service, ensuring furniture arrives professionally unpacked and assembled at your home for a flat rate of $299. While many customers appreciate this service, feedback on customer support remains mixed, with reports of challenges regarding returns and issues of getting furniture through tight spaces.
Room & Board Customer Service
Room & Board shines in terms of customer service, providing hassle-free return policies and an in-house delivery service that offers quick turnaround times—often within three weeks of ordering. Their emphasis on customer satisfaction is echoed in numerous positive reviews.
Conclusion: Making Your Choice
When comparing Arhaus vs. Room & Board furniture quality, it’s clear both brands have distinct offerings tailored to different audiences.
Arhaus:
– Unique, artisanal craftsmanship focused on eco-friendly materials.
– Luxury pricing reflecting high-quality designs.
Room & Board:
– Robust American craftsmanship with a focus on modern styles.
– Mid-range pricing offering excellent value and service.
Ultimately, your choice should align with your personal preferences, whether you value unique pieces or reliable modern designs. Both brands provide quality and aesthetic appeal, ensuring that you will find something that fits your home’s vision.