When it comes to finding affordable and stylish furniture, two of the biggest names in the game are Bob’s Discount Furniture and Raymour & Flanigan. Both retailers offer a wide selection of living room, bedroom, dining room and outdoor furniture at prices that won’t break the bank.
But with different shopping experiences, warranty policies, and product lines, deciding between Bob’s and Raymour & Flanigan ultimately comes down to personal preference.
This comprehensive guide breaks down the key similarities and differences between these two popular furniture chains to help you determine which is the better fit for your home and budget.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Particulars | Bob’s Discount Furniture | Raymour & Flanigan |
| Founded | 1991 | 1944 |
| # of Stores | 100+ | 50+ |
| Locations | Eastern & Midwest U.S. | Northeast & Florida |
| Pricing | Very affordable, frequent sales | Moderate, occasional sales |
| Quality | Lower, disposable furniture | Higher, built to last |
| Materials | Engineered woods, polyester | Hardwoods, top grain leathers |
| Styles | Trendy contemporary | Classic to contemporary |
| Shopping Experience | No pressure, warehouse vibe | Relaxed showroom, sales associates |
| Delivery Process | Fast, drop and go | Careful, with assembly |
| Warranty | 1 year limited | Lifetime on frames, up to 5 years on upholstery |
| Returns | 45 days with fees | 30 days no fees |
Overview Of Bob’s Discount Furniture
Founded in 1991 and headquartered in Manchester, CT, Bob’s Discount Furniture operates over 100 stores across the Eastern and Midwestern United States.
The retailer specializes in selling brand name furniture at warehouse prices and frequently runs sales, promotions and interest-free financing offers.
Bob’s is best known for its massive in-store inventory with everything from sofas and sectionals to mattresses and dining sets laid out in warehouse-style showrooms.
The chain focuses on affordable casual contemporary styles made from inexpensive materials like polyester, leather match and pressed wood.
However, Bob’s has expanded its selection in recent years to include more upscale looks and on-trend styles.
Overview Of Raymour & Flanigan
Established in 1944 and headquartered in Liverpool, NY, Raymour & Flanigan has over 50 stores spread across the Northeast and parts of Florida. The chain positions itself as an affordable alternative to high-end furniture stores and carries living, dining, bedroom and outdoor furniture for every budget.
R&F stores have inviting showroom layouts and showcase the company’s large assortment of classic to contemporary styles.
The product selection aims to be a step above discount retailers with hardwood frames, designer looks and high-end upholstery. R&F also offers a wide array of customizable options from fabric and leather to finish.
Also Read: Compariosn Between Costzon and Costway
Shopping Experience
Bob’s Discount Furniture
The shopping experience at Bob’s is designed to be fast, fun and no-frills. Their enormous warehouses display fully assembled furniture grouped by room sets so you can visualize complete looks. Bob’s stores are bright, colorful and often filled with employees chanting the brand’s name. You will not find commissioned salespeople, but employees are plentiful and happy to answer questions. Bob’s wants customers in and out the door with furniture in hand as quickly as possible. Just be prepared for the lively and occasionally chaotic warehouse atmosphere.
Raymour & Flanigan
R&F showrooms have a more subdued and upscale ambiance than the notoriously loud and crowded Bob’s warehouses.
Displays are thoughtfully merchandised to showcase the variety of styles carried by the brand.
The retailer’s knowledgeable sales associates provide recommendations and can guide you through custom orders.
But high pressure sales tactics are not part of the R&F experience. Browsing is encouraged and complimentary design services are offered to assist customers with furniture placement and interior design.
Quality & Construction
Bob’s furniture is known for its affordable prices, which means cheaper wood, upholstery and hardware are used in construction. Frames are usually made from low-cost engineered woods rather than solid hardwoods. Seating is covered in bonded leather, polyester and synthetic suede rather than genuine top grain leather.
And bob’s products typically have a shorter lifespan than higher quality furniture. However, the brand has expanded its offerings in recent years to include more durable, upscale collections if you have the budget to spend more.
Alternatively, Raymour & Flanigan prides itself on selling furnishings built to last using quality materials and American-made craftsmanship. The majority of R&F furniture features frames constructed from durable hardwoods. Upholstery options range from performance fabrics to sumptuous top grain leathers.
Pieces showcase finer details like eight-way hand tied springs, dovetail joinery and artisanal finishing techniques. So while you will pay more at Raymour & Flanigan, the furniture is made to withstand years of everyday use.
Also Read: Is Bob’s Better Than Ashley Furniture?
Price & Value
Bob’s Discount Furniture offers some of the lowest prices in the industry. The retailer runs constant sales and specials like 15% off your entire purchase or 12 months no interest financing. Affordable daily basics like sofas start around $299, sectionals from $499, mattress sets from $199 and dining tables about $99.
Mid-century and industrial styles are also very competitively priced. While the least expensive pieces feel disposable, Bob’s does offer better quality furniture with more detail and sturdier construction in the $500 to $1500 range.
Raymour & Flanigan furniture costs significantly more than Bob’s on average but offers substantial value at its regular price points. Shoppers can expect to spend $800-$3000 on living room seating, $1000-$4000 for bedroom sets and $500-$2000 for dining packages.
For that added investment, you are getting superior materials, attention to detail and manufacturing that ensures longevity. Sales and interest-free financing make the brand even more affordable. Ultimately you get what you pay for, and at R&F that is furniture built to last.
Selection & Style
Bob’s does not keep a huge variety of any single style in stock. Instead their massive warehouses overflow with thousands of affordable furnishings for every room. The emphasis is on trendy mid-century, industrial, retro and contemporary styles targeted at younger budgets and first apartments.
In addition to sofas and sectionals, Bob’s showrooms are filled with beds, dressers, dining sets, rugs, lighting, home office, outdoor furniture, mattresses and decor.
New collections revolve around of-the-moment trends and color palettes.Bob’s also partners with brands like Tempur-Pedic, Beautyrest and Ashley to sell mattresses and select furnishings.
With nearly 100 years in the business, Raymour & Flanigan offers a broader range of classic to contemporary styles and an extensive catalog of customizable options. Showrooms display living room seating from casual family sofas to finely upholstered designs. Bedroom and dining collections range from ornate traditional looks to sleek modern silhouettes.
R&F also features exclusive brand partnerships with names like Thomasville,stressless and Temple Upholstery. If you don’t see what you want in-store, their website showcases an even larger selection of furniture for design aficionados who appreciate quality craftsmanship and finer details.
Ordering & Delivery Process
Bob’s Discount Furniture maintains high inventory levels so you can purchase in-stock items and take them home same day. Special order pieces like sofas, mattresses and sectionals not displayed on the showroom floor arrive within 2 weeks.
Bob’s provides free basic delivery on most purchases over $299 that includes placement in the room of your choice and removal of packaging materials.
Options like white glove delivery, assembly, haul away of existing furnishings and stairs carry fees. Bob’s delivery teams are notorious for being fast, so expect your items dropped and the team rushing away.
At Raymour & Flanigan, in-stock items can go out next day if you purchase by 6pm. Custom orders and specialty fabric selections take 4-8 weeks for production. Standard delivery is free for purchases over $999 and includes room of choice placement, unpacking and assembly. Expedited delivery is available at an added fee in select areas.
Delivery crews will call ahead, arrive on time within their window, carefully unwrap items and assemble furnishings. Your satisfaction with the delivery process is the brand’s priority.
Warranties & Returns
Bob’s Discount Furniture provides a standard one year limited warranty on furniture frames and defects. However, the warranty excludes normal wear and tear and anything upholstery related.
Accident plans are available for purchase to cover stains, rips, burns and other damage starting at $6 per month. Bob’s offers a flexible return policy – furniture can be returned in original condition within 45 days, though fees may apply for haul aways or restocking.
In comparison, Raymour & Flanigan furniture comes with generous standard warranties. Frames and mechanisms are covered for life, while fabric and cushions have warranties up to 5 years. Additionally, the Peace of Mind Promise covers factory defects for life and includes free repairs or full replacements.
R&F also provides a 100% satisfaction guarantee allowing returns or exchanges within 30 days of delivery with no restocking fees. Raymour & Flanigan’s strong warranties reveal their confidence in the brand’s quality. Also watch this review!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes, Raymour and Flanigan furniture is widely considered higher quality construction compared to discount retailers. The company uses solid hardwood frames, premium upholstery fabrics and high-end finishing techniques like hand tufting and antiquing. This results in furniture built to last through years of everyday use.
Bob’s main competitors in discount furniture include IKEA, Ashley HomeStore and Rooms To Go. Like Bob’s, these brands specialize in inexpensive contemporary furnishings aimed at first-time buyers.
Most Bob’s furniture features engineered wood frames and low-cost polyester or faux leather upholstery to hit affordable price points. Some collections do offer select pieces made with kiln-dried hardwood frames and top grain leathers for added durability.
No, Raymour and Flanigan is not the same as Ashley Furniture. Ashley is a furniture manufacturer that operates its own chain of retail stores. Raymour & Flanigan partners with various high-end brands to offer a wide assortment of living room, bedroom and dining room furniture. The two retailers have different product lines, styles and pricing.
Also Read: Comparison Between Klaussner And Flexsteel
The Verdict
When choosing between these two furniture giants, consider your budget, priorities around quality and convenience, and the overall style aesthetic you wish to achieve. Bob’s Discount Furniture is ideal for bargain hunters who want simple contemporary furniture at the lowest price.
Just don’t expect heirloom quality. For nicely made furnishings built to last using better materials, Raymour & Flanigan is easily worth the extra investment. Ultimately your own needs and preferences will determine if the discount experience of Bob’s or the higher quality offerings from R&F is the best fit.