When it comes to affordable and stylish furniture, two brands often top the list: Home Reserve and IKEA. Both offer contemporary designs at budget-friendly prices, but they also have some key differences.
This article will compare Home Reserve and IKEA to help you decide which is better suited for your needs.
A Brief Comparison Table of Home Reserve And IKEA:
| Category | Home Reserve | IKEA |
| Price Range | $500 – $3000 | $10 – $700 |
| Quality | Hardwood frames, high-density foam cushions | Particle board, inexpensive materials |
| Customization | Customizable styles, fabrics, dimensions | No customization options |
| Shipping Time | 2-3 weeks | Same day for in-stock, flatpacks otherwise |
| Fabric Care | Removable, machine washable covers | Slipcovers require dry cleaning |
| Style | Traditional, contemporary | Modern, minimalist |
| Stores | Online only | Locations worldwide |
| Selection | Upholstered furniture | Full home furnishings |
Overview Of Home Reserve
Home Reserve is an online furniture retailer that offers customized upholstered furniture like sofas, sectionals, chairs, and ottomans. Their furniture is made in North Carolina using hardwood frames and high-density foam. Home Reserve started in 2010 and has become popular for the following reasons:
- Customizable styles and fabrics – Choose from various frames, fabrics, and colors to design your own sofa or sectional. This allows you to match your existing decor.
- Quick shipping – Home Reserve furniture ships within 2-3 weeks of ordering. This is faster than the average 6-8 week shipping times for customized furniture.
- Good quality for price – Their furniture is very affordable for the level of quality and customization offered. Prices range from $500-$3000.
- Washable covers – All fabric covers can be removed and machine washed, making it easy to keep furniture clean.
- Comfortable cushions – Many positive reviews mention the comfortable, fluffy back cushions. Cushions are filled with a mix of foam, fibers, and feathers.
Pros Of Home Reserve
- More customizable options with fabrics and dimensions. You can tailor pieces like sofas to your space.
- Higher overall quality construction with hardwood frames and comfortable foam cushions.
- Made in North Carolina and ships within a few weeks. Quicker delivery times than IKEA.
- Washable fabric covers make cleaning and maintenance easy. IKEA slipcovers may need dry cleaning.
- Classic silhouettes and styles that fit well in traditional decors. IKEA skews modern.
Cons Of Home Reserve
- More expensive price points than IKEA. A sofa will cost at least $500 compared to IKEA’s starting cost of $299.
- Limited selection focuses only on upholstered furniture, while IKEA has a full range from lighting to wardrobes.
- Online-only purchases can make it hard to assess quality and comfort before buying. IKEA has many store locations.
- Limited fabric choices compared to other custom furniture companies.
Read More: Comparison Between Allform Vs. Lovesac
Overview Of IKEA
Founded in 1943 in Sweden, IKEA is now the world’s largest furniture retailer. The IKEA approach includes:
- Inexpensive prices – IKEA offers the lowest prices among major furniture retailers, with items starting as low as $10. Lower prices are achieved by having customers assemble furniture.
- Simple but stylish designs – IKEA furniture features minimalist Scandinavian designs that can work well in many decors. Their aesthetic is modern yet functional.
- Compact flat packs – Furniture disassembles into slim packages for efficient shipping and transport from the store. This also allows DIY assembly.
- Massive selection – IKEA stores showcase a staggering array of home furnishing products – from mattresses to kitchenware to home organization. Their selection is unparalleled.
Pros Of IKEA
- Extremely affordable pricing, with many items costing less than $50.
- Huge product selection with everything needed to furnish an entire home. From kitchenware to desks to bedding.
- Convenient locations throughout the country for browsing inventory in person before buying.
- Quick in-stock delivery for many items or fast flat pack transport from the store.
- Simple modern style blends well into contemporary homes. Very trendy.
Cons Of IKEA
- Lower quality materials like particle board and thin veneers prone to damage over time. Durability issues.
- Items require time-consuming assembly which may require multiple tools. Professional installation costs extra.
- Styles only appeal to those wanting a minimalist modern aesthetic. Limited options.
- Shopping in warehouse stores can be exhausting for large trips. Shopping online has limited functionality.
- Textiles like slipcovers need dry cleaning, which can add up over time.
How To Choose Between Home Reserve And IKEA
When choosing between Home Reserve and IKEA, consider the following:
- Style – Home Reserve accommodates more traditional tastes while IKEA caters to modern sensibilities. Make sure their overall aesthetic matches your home.
- Customization – Home Reserve is the way to go if you want to customize dimensions, fabrics, and tailor furniture to your space. IKEA offers no customization.
- Quality – Home Reserve prioritizes quality hardwood materials and construction which will last longer. IKEA uses cheaper particle board which dents and scratches easily.
- Budget – IKEA’s extremely low pricing makes it the choice if you’re on a very tight budget. Expect to spend at least $500 at minimum with Home Reserve.
- Convenience – IKEA has widespread store locations while Home Reserve is online-only. IKEA also offers quicker in-stock delivery times for many items. Home Reserve custom pieces ship in 2-3 weeks.
Read More: Comparison Between Lovesac Vs. Pottery Barn
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
A: Home Reserve launched in 2010, so it has over a decade of experience selling custom upholstered furniture online and has established a strong reputation.
A: Yes, all of their upholstered furniture features removable covers that can be machine washed and dried for easy cleaning. IKEA slipcovers require dry cleaning.
A: When choosing a new couch, first measure your space and determine what size and shape will fit (sectional, loveseat, etc). Next, consider what style matches your existing decor – traditional, modern, colorful, neutral, etc.
Finally, think about your budget and what features are important – washable fabric, comfortable cushions, customizable options, etc. Testing out couches in person at stores can help you gauge comfort.
Watch the video to learn more!
The Final Verdict
While both Home Reserve and IKEA offer stylish options that won’t break the bank, Home Reserve excels at customizable upholstered furniture with washable covers and higher end quality, while IKEA is ideal for inexpensive modern furniture pieces and home accessories.
Take time to consider your personal needs to decide if customizable comfort and quality or ultra-affordability should take priority. With some savvy comparison shopping, you can create a beautiful home with either brand.