Arhaus and Room & Board both sell premium furniture, but their design language, sourcing and after-purchase policies can lead to very different buying decisions. Compare the specific sofa, table or bed you want—not just the brand name.
Arhaus vs Room & Board at a glance
| Consideration | Arhaus | Room & Board |
|---|---|---|
| Typical look | Layered, tactile and often globally inspired; styles vary by collection | Clean-lined modern furniture, often with natural wood and metal |
| Manufacturing | Partners with artisans and manufacturers in the U.S. and abroad; check the item | Says more than 90% of products are made in America using U.S. and imported materials |
| Example upholstery warranty | Lifetime limited coverage for indoor sofa, sectional, chair and ottoman frames and spring support; other components have different terms | Contact the company about manufacturing defects; its published guarantee and return policy have conditions |
| Standard return | Stock furniture generally 14 days; a 10% restocking fee applies for non-defect or non-damage returns | Eligible items in like-new condition generally have 90 days; exclusions apply |
| Delivery charges on returns | Original delivery fees generally nonrefundable except manufacturer defect or transit damage | Return delivery free in the contiguous 48 states; original delivery charges nonrefundable |
Design and everyday comfort
Arhaus, founded in Ohio in 1986, often emphasizes texture and natural materials: consider its relaxed upholstered seating, expressive wood finishes and handcrafted-looking accents. A substantial, plush silhouette can be a centerpiece, but measure the room and sit in the exact configuration; seat depth, cushion fill and fabric vary across collections.
Room & Board began in Minneapolis in 1980 and is associated with modern American design. Its pieces often favor clean shapes, neutral upholstery and visible wood or metal. Some styles reference Scandinavian, Shaker or mid-century design, but the catalog ranges beyond any one look. A restrained profile can work well in a smaller space; it does not automatically mean a firmer seat.
For sofas, compare seat height and usable depth as well as overall dimensions. A deep lounge seat may suit lounging but make it harder for shorter people to sit upright. Measure doorways, stair turns and elevator access, and check whether modular pieces can be delivered separately.
Materials, sourcing and quality
Arhaus features natural and reclaimed materials in parts of its collection and works with makers in multiple countries. Room & Board says more than 90% of its products are manufactured in America, with both U.S. and imported materials. Ask for the country of manufacture of the specific piece if that matters to you; domestic assembly alone does not establish the origin of every component.
For upholstered furniture, ask about frame material and joinery, spring support, cushion core and fill, fabric cleaning codes and replacement cushion availability. For a dining table or case piece, distinguish solid wood from veneers, ask how the finish should be maintained, and check the dimensions of doors, drawers and extensions. Natural wood and handcrafted finishes can vary; samples help set expectations.
Neither a kiln-dried frame nor a country-of-origin label guarantees a particular comfort level, lifespan or environmental outcome. Compare construction and care requirements item by item.
Warranty coverage: read the category
Arhaus: Its limited warranty lists lifetime coverage for indoor sofa, sectional, chair and ottoman frames and spring support systems against specified material and workmanship defects. Cushion cores and tailoring, and motion mechanisms, are listed at three years. Fabric and leather are not covered by that limited warranty. Wood furniture has a separate five-year frame provision. Normal wear, exclusions and residential-use conditions apply.
Room & Board: Its customer-service policy says to contact the company about a manufacturer’s defect at any time and describes remedies for delivery damage or a quality issue on arrival. Ask for the applicable written terms for the item and intended use. Do not assume this is an unconditional lifetime warranty covering wear, stains or every component.
A paid protection plan, if offered, is separate from a manufacturer’s defect warranty. Ask what accidental damage is covered, the claim process and exclusions before deciding whether to add one.
Returns and custom orders
Arhaus: The published return policy gives stock furniture a 14-day window and applies a 10% restocking fee for returns other than manufacturer defect or damage. Custom special-order merchandise cannot be cancelled, returned or exchanged under the stated policy. Original delivery fees are generally nonrefundable except for manufacturer defect or transit damage. Confirm the start of the window, item classification and collection process with Arhaus before placing the order.
Room & Board: For orders placed on or after August 1, 2025, its policy provides 90-day returns and exchanges for eligible items in like-new condition. The period begins on receipt, or on shipment for UPS items. Return delivery is free in the contiguous 48 states, but original delivery charges are not refunded. Clearance purchases made on or after January 6, 2026, outlet purchases, floor samples and altered items are among the exclusions; proof of purchase is required.
Policies apply to residential purchases and can change. Get the terms for your particular fabric, customization, location and order in writing. A warranty for defects is not the same as a return because the sofa feels too deep or the color does not work.
Which should you choose?
- Choose for the room: Arhaus may appeal if you want texture, dramatic shapes or a collected look. Room & Board is a natural starting point for clean-lined modern pieces.
- Choose for the sitter: Compare seat depth, height, firmness and back support. Sit long enough to assess the way you actually use a sofa.
- Choose for risk: If you are uncertain about a custom piece, compare the written cancellation, return and delivery terms before paying a deposit.
- Choose for the long term: Ask about repair and replacement parts, fabric care, and the exact warranty category.
Compare prices on similarly sized pieces in comparable fabrics, including delivery, customization and any return charges. Promotions and configurations change; a base price for one size is not a reliable comparison with a fully configured sectional.
Frequently asked questions
Does Arhaus offer a lifetime warranty on all furniture?
No. Its published lifetime limited provision applies to specified indoor upholstery frames and spring systems. Other components and furniture categories have different terms and exclusions.
Does Room & Board offer a lifetime warranty on everything?
Its policy invites customers to contact it about a manufacturer’s defect at any time. That should not be read as coverage for all wear, accidental damage or every item; ask for the applicable terms.
Can I return a custom sofa?
Arhaus says custom special-order merchandise is not eligible for cancellation, return or exchange. Room & Board’s return policy generally covers eligible like-new items and says it does not charge cancellation fees even for custom furniture, subject to its stated conditions and exceptions. Confirm the exact order terms.
Is everything at Room & Board made in the U.S.?
No. It says more than 90% of products are made in America using U.S. and imported materials. Check the individual listing.
Related reading: Arhaus furniture review and our modular sectional guide.
Brand policy sources checked October 2026. Verify current terms and pricing for your specific order.