If you’re looking to furnish your home with contemporary, mid-century inspired furniture, Joybird and West Elm likely popped up in your search. As two of the most popular modern furniture brands on the market, Joybird and West Elm have some similarities – as well as some key differences.
In this in-depth guide, we’ll break down the pros, cons, pricing, quality, and key features of Joybird Vs. West Elm. By the end, you’ll know which brand is the better fit for your style and budget.
A Brief Comparison Table of Joybird And West Elm:
| Feature | Joybird | West Elm |
| Pricing | $$$ (Premium) | $$ (Mid-range) |
| Quality | Very high quality materials and construction | Good to very good quality |
| Customization | Fully customizable dimensions, fabrics, finishes | Some fabrics and accessory customization |
| Style | Tailored, contemporary, sleek | Relaxed, rustic inspired, textural |
| Buying Experience | Online only, 1-3 month lead times | Online and in-store purchasing |
| Delivery | White glove included, long lead times | Regular or white glove delivery |
| Warranty | Lifetime limited warranty on frames | 1 year warranty, some 5 year warranties |
| Reviews | Very positive, 4.7 on Trustpilot | Mixed, 1 star on Trustpilot |
Overview Of Joybird And West Elm
Joybird is an online-only furniture company founded in 2014 that sells contemporary, midcentury-modern inspired furniture. Their product line includes sofas, sectionals, chairs, tables, and accessories like rugs and lighting.
Joybird’s furniture is customizable – you can select the fabric, color, and even slight design tweaks like leg shape. They also focus on quality construction and durability.
West Elm is a home decor chain owned by Williams-Sonoma Inc. Launched in Brooklyn in 2002, West Elm now has over 100 stores worldwide and a robust e-commerce site. West Elm’s style can be described as modern, mid-century inspired with handcrafted and natural elements.
Their selection includes living room furniture, dining sets, office furniture, kitchenware, textiles, and home decor.
While both brands have a modern aesthetic, there are some differences:
- Price – Joybird is more expensive, while West Elm hits mid-range and budget price points.
- Customization – Joybird has more customization options like fabric, finish, and dimensions. West Elm offers some custom fabrics but less flexibility.
- In-Store Experience – West Elm has physical showrooms you can visit, while Joybird is online-only.
Also Read: Comparison Between Birch Lane And Pottery Barn
Joybird And West Elm Compared On Quality, Cost, And Reviews:
Quality and Construction
When comparing furniture brands, quality and durability are top concerns. You want furniture built to last through years of use. How do Joybird and West Elm stack up?
- Joybird Quality
Joybird prides themselves on quality construction and rigorous testing. Their frames are made from kiln-dried hardwood and also feature crossbar supports and corner blocks for stability.
Seat cushions are cold-cure foam for support and responsiveness. Back cushions feature a down filling so they retain their shape over time. Joybird offers lifetime limited warranties on frames.
The majority of fabrics are performance-grade, meaning they resist stains, fading, and pilling. And Joybird completes over 10,000 quality tests on their products, like sit tests that simulate 10 years of use.
- West Elm Quality
West Elm furniture is generally well-made for the mid-range price point. Frames are kiln-dried hardwood with corner blocks and metal braces for support.
Foam cushions feature heavy density to prevent sagging, with down-wrapped fill on some higher end pieces. Most fabrics resist pilling but aren’t as heavy duty compared to Joybird.
West Elm provides 1-year warranties on products, with 5-year warranties on some premium collections that meet stricter quality standards.
- The Verdict
Overall, Joybird furniture seems more durable thanks to the rigorous testing and lifetime frame warranties. But keep in mind, you’re also paying more. West Elm quality is solid for the affordable and mid-range pricing.
Cost and Value Comparison
Let’s break down pricing and value across both brands:
- Joybird Pricing
Joybird is definitely priced at the high end, given the quality materials and customization.
- Sofas – $1,349 to $3,999
- Sectionals – $2,699 to $5,549
- Chairs – $799 to $1,699
- Tables – $599 to $1,799
With customization factored in like premium fabrics, larger sizes, or maple wood legs, the price goes up.
But Joybird often runs sales around 15-25% off.
- West Elm Pricing
West Elm hits a range of budget to mid-tier pricing:
- Sofas – $799 to $2,999
- Sectionals – $1,099 to $4,499
- Chairs – $299 to $1,199
- Tables – $249 to $1,999
West Elm regularly offers discounts around 10-25% off.
- Value Comparison
While Joybird commands premium pricing, you get premium quality and customization in return. So the value is very good if it fits your budget.
West Elm offers strong quality at price points under $1,500, making it a great value proposition for budget buyers. The quality dips slightly at under $1,000 but remains decent.
Customer Reviews
What are real customers saying about Joybird Vs. West Elm furniture? Here’s a quick overview:
- Joybird Reviews
Joybird earns rave reviews for quality, durability, and service. Customers say Joybird furniture looks amazing and the modular components make rearranging a breeze.
Negative reviews cite long lead times of 1-3 months and delivery issues. But most agree the wait is worth it for furniture built to last. Joybird has a 4.7 rating on Trustpilot based on almost 15,000 reviews.
- West Elm Reviews
The majority of West Elm buyers are very happy with their affordable, stylish furniture. They love the modern aesthetic and say pieces are comfortable and durable.
Complaints involve quality inconsistencies, damaged deliveries, poor packaging, and difficulty contacting customer service. West Elm has a 1 out of 5 star rating on Trustpilot based on 430 reviews, but many positive reviews on their own website.
- The Verdict
While you’ll find complaints about both brands, Joybird seems to earn more consistently positive feedback, especially regarding quality and durability. This aligns with their premium pricing. West Elm reviews are mixed but generally positive among budget buyers.
Buying Experience and Delivery
The shopping and delivery experience can also impact your satisfaction with a furniture brand. How do Joybird and West Elm compare?
- Joybird Buying
As an online brand, Joybird offers a fully digital buying experience. You can browse their collection, customize options, and complete purchases online.
The website is well-designed and intuitive. Customization is easy to navigate – see how options affect pricing in real-time. Joybird also has excellent online support through live chat.
Made-to-order production means you’ll wait 1-3 months for your furniture to ship. Delivery timeframes can be unreliable. But Joybird communicates consistently about order status.
White glove delivery is included for large items, including assembly and room placement.
- West Elm Buying
With stores across the US and Canada, West Elm offers flexible buying options:
- Browse in store to test furniture for comfort. Stores showcase the full collection.
- Order in store for home delivery within 2-6 weeks for in-stock items.
- Buy online and have items shipped to your home. Delivery takes 1-3 weeks.
West Elm associates provide design advice tailored to your style in stores. Their site is also easy to navigate, letting you shop by room.
Standard delivery includes room placement but not assembly. You can pay fees for white glove delivery and assembly.
- The Verdict
For a fully customized buying experience without leaving home, Joybird is tough to beat. But West Elm’s brick-and-mortar stores offer a valuable in-person experience you can’t replicate online.
Read More: Comparison Between West Elm And Poly & Bark
Customization Options
One of Joybird’s biggest selling points is their high degree of customization during the ordering process. How does this compare to West Elm?
- Joybird Customization
Joybird allows you to tailor furniture to your taste during the buying journey:
- Choose from hundreds of fabrics, including performance fabrics, leather, and microfiber
- Pick non-toxic wood finish in 6 colors
- Select leg shape and finish (metal or wood)
- Add accessory pillows and throw blankets
- Tweak dimensions for a perfect fit
You can customize everything from the arms to skirt shape for a one-of-a-kind piece. Enjoy designing furniture precisely to your space and style.
- West Elm Customization
West Elm offers some limited customization when ordering:
- Select upholstery color from 50+ fabric options
- Choose leg finish on select items
- Add accent pillows in different colors and fabrics
- Pick arm and cushion fills for comfort
- Scale up furniture dimensions for larger rooms
But you can’t customize the frame color, change leg shape, or make major style adjustments.
- The Verdict
For maximum custom furniture, Joybird is the clear winner. Their full customization from dimensions to legs to arms results in a completely personalized piece. West Elm offers decorative customization like fabrics and pillows but less structural changes.
Watch the video to learn more!
Innovation and Sustainability
Modern brands also aim for innovative designs and eco-conscious production methods. Here’s how Joybird and West Elm approach these values:
- Joybird Innovation
Joybird periodically refreshes their collection with unique, innovative furniture, like:
- The Soto sleeper sofa featuring a retractable pull-out bed instead of bulky mattress
- The Otis swivel armchair with a smooth 360 degree swivel
- Novel sectional configurations like the Tess Curved to maximize seating
They also have an in-house design team that employs leading furniture designers to create exclusive pieces you won’t find elsewhere.
- West Elm Innovation
West Elm frequently debuts limited edition collections in collaboration with external designers:
- Partnership with textile brand Humanscale exploring ergonomic furniture
- Capsule launches with designers like Madeline Stuart focusing on handcrafted appeal
They also emphasize local and handmade elements in product development to support artisan craftsmanship.
- Sustainability
Both brands prioritize eco-friendly practices:
- Joybird uses responsibly harvested solid wood and water-based glue without formaldehyde
- West Elm aims for 50% recycled packaging content by 2025
- Each company offsets carbon emissions from deliveries
So you can feel good about their environmental commitments.
- The Verdict
With in-house designers crafting new collections, Joybird pulls ahead for innovation. But West Elm’s artisan collaborations and local partnerships also set them apart. Both brands are making meaningful sustainability efforts.
Style and Aesthetic Differences
While Joybird and West Elm both focus on contemporary, mid-century inspired furniture, there are some aesthetic differences between their styles.
- Joybird Style
The Joybird style can be described as:
- Mid-century modern
- Clean, crisp lines and subtly tapered legs
- Neutral, earthy color palette
- Emphasis on geometric shapes
Joybird pieces have a tailored, almost Scandinavian inspired look. They use lots of angular lines and exposed wood legs. Upholstery has a streamlined profile without excessive details.
- West Elm Style
The West Elm aesthetic includes:
- Mid-century shapes with natural, textural elements
- Wire-brushed and reclaimed woods
- Mixed materials like woven textures
- Relaxed, casual silhouettes
West Elm furniture has an approachable, livable feel while keeping things modern. Their ecletic vibe features a blend of handcrafted and industrial accents.
- The Verdict
Joybird has a polished, designer look perfect for contemporary spaces. West Elm brings a laidback warmth to modern with textural, natural materials. Each aesthetic has its appeal depending on your taste.
Watch the video to learn more!
Popular Furniture Comparison
To get more specific, let’s directly compare some bestselling items from Joybird and West Elm:
- Sofas
Joybird Lenix Sofa
- Clean lines with exposed wooden legs
- Low profile at 31″ seat height
- Performance polyester fabric resistant to stains
- Prices from $1,949
West Elm Andes Sofa
-Slope modern arms with box cushions -34″ seat height with plush fill -Durable polyester or cotton upholstery -Prices from $1,399
- Coffee Tables
Joybird Cypress Coffee Table
-Rectangular modern table with wooden shelf -Various color stains to match decor -Beveled edges and tapered legs -Prices from $799
West Elm Terrace Coffee Table
-Rustic, acacia wood table with crossbar -Wire-brushed finish with natural detail
-Lower 15.5″ height fits under sofas -Prices from $399
- Office Chairs
Joybird Korver Office Chair
-Midback chair with mesh backing -Multiple customizable fabric colors -Adjustable tilt tension and seat angle -Prices from $949
West Elm Desk Chair
-Ergonomic curved back office chair -Molded foam seat cushion -Several faux leather or fabric options -Prices from $349
- The Verdict
Both brands offer stellar selections in every furniture category. Go with Joybird if you like the sleeker, contemporary styling. Choose West Elm for more textural, earthy appeal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Some lower-priced alternatives to West Elm include:
AllModern, IKEA, Article, Target (Project 62 and Made By Design brands) and Wayfair.
Yes, Joybird makes very nice, high-quality couches and other furniture. They use durable kiln-dried hardwood frames, high-density foam cushions, and performance or natural fabrics. Customers praise the comfort and support of Joybird sofas.
West Elm hits a middle-ground in terms of pricing. They are more expensive than brands like IKEA or Target, but cheaper than premium retailers like Restoration Hardware or Crate & Barrel. West Elm has affordable collections along with some pricier investments pieces. Overall, most shoppers wouldn’t consider them expensive.
Joybird partners with manufacturing facilities across North America to produce their furniture. They work closely with suppliers but don’t actually own their own manufacturing plants. Joybird oversees quality testing and partners with trusted vendors to build their designs.
Read More: Comparison Between Lovesac And Joybird
Joybird Vs. West Elm: Which Is Better For You?
Now that we’ve compared Joybird and West Elm’s key differences, which brand is the best choice for you?
Joybird is ideal if you want:
- Total customization to fit your space and style needs
- Premium quality materials and rigorous construction
- A polished, contemporary aesthetic
- Modern innovations like smart storage built in
West Elm is better if you:
- Need furniture on a tighter budget
- Like a relaxed, approachable mid-century style
- Want to test pieces in person before you buy
- Appreciate subtle handcrafted details
Both companies will help create a beautiful modern home. It comes down to your budget, how much customization you need, and what aesthetic you prefer.
The choice between Joybird and West Elm comes down to your budget, style, and needs. Joybird offers custom-made furniture known for quality craftsmanship and durability. West Elm provides great style at more affordable price points.
Think about the aesthetic you want, how much flexibility you need, and any budget limitations. This will point you towards the best brand for your modern furniture.
If you love the Joybird look but want lower prices, check out Burrow and Inside Weather for similar style at a more affordable price point. For budget buyers who like West Elm, explore AllModern and Wayfair for even lower cost alternatives.
No matter which brand you choose, always measure your space carefully, read return policies, and inspect furniture on arrival. This ensures your new purchase is the perfect fit for your home.