When it comes to modern furniture, Blu Dot is a brand that consistently delivers on innovative design, quality craftsmanship and sustainable practices. Founded in 1997 by two college friends, Blu Dot has grown into a well-respected name in the industry, known for their unique yet functional pieces that bring personality to any space.
As a long-time fan of Blu Dot myself, I wanted to share an in-depth review of the brand and some of their most popular furniture items. Whether you‘re furnishing a new apartment, upgrading your work-from-home setup, or looking for that perfect statement piece, this Blu Dot guide will give you all the details you need to decide if their furniture is right for you.
Overview of Blu Dot
Blu Dot was started 25 years ago by Maurice Blanks and John Christakos, two architecture school friends who wanted to design furniture they actually wanted to use themselves. Their goal was to "bring good design to as many people as possible" by creating pieces that balanced form, function and affordability.
From the very beginning, Blu Dot has been committed to hands-on manufacturing. While many furniture companies outsource production overseas, Blu Dot makes everything in their own facility in Minneapolis to maintain quality control. They also put a big emphasis on sustainability, using eco-friendly materials and minimizing waste in their processes.
This thoughtful approach carries through to the designs themselves, which are modern yet timeless, with clean lines, interesting angles and pops of color. Blu Dot isn‘t afraid to have fun and take risks, as you‘ll see in statement pieces like their Mimi Plywood Lounge Chair or Animal Ottoman.
At the same time, their staple sofas, tables and storage pieces integrate seamlessly into any interior style. The designs are unfussy and adaptable by nature, meant to be lived with for the long haul. Let‘s take a closer look at some of Blu Dot‘s most popular items.
Blu Dot Desk Review
If you‘re working from home these days, you know how important a good desk setup is for productivity. Blu Dot offers a range of desks that are both practical and beautiful, with two standouts being the Stash Desk and Cant Desk.
Blu Dot Stash Desk Review
Simple, streamlined and highly functional, the Stash Desk is a perfect small space solution. It features a sleek table top with a back panel to hide cords, along with two storage drawers to keep things tidy.
The minimal silhouette works well in any room and can also function as a vanity or hall table. Made of wood veneer, it comes in your choice of 7 colors from classic white and walnut to bolder options like marine blue and humble red.
Customers rave about the Stash Desk‘s easy assembly, sturdy build and ample storage. One review said "Such a perfect little desk! Hides cords and is super easy to put together. Fits perfectly in our small condo as an office nook."
Blu Dot Cant Desk Review
For a bit more surface area, the Cant Desk offers a generous work space with its tilted design. The front edge angles up to meet the back at a 90 degree angle for a cool, unexpected look.
A middle open cubby is great for books and supplies, while a slim front drawer lets you tuck away pens, paperwork and laptops. I love that it‘s large enough to spread out but doesn‘t visually overwhelm a room.
Crafted from powder-coated steel and walnut, ash or white oak, this is a desk that makes a statement. As one happy reviewer put it, "It‘s sturdy, beautiful, and a nice size without taking up too much room. I get compliments about the unique design all the time!"
Blu Dot Table Review
A great table is the foundation of a dining area or living room. Blu Dot‘s tables span the style spectrum from organic and earthy to architectural and avant-garde. Two of their most interesting designs are the Turn Coffee Table and Strut Table.
Blu Dot Turn Coffee Table Review
Sculptural and eye-catching, the Turn Table puts a fresh twist (pun intended) on a classic round coffee table. The base features two cone shapes that interlock in opposite directions to create a stable pedestal.
Topped with a round slab of marble, wood or quartz, it has a hefty, solid presence that still feels airy thanks to the open base. I can picture it being the focal point of a living room or even a luxe bedroom.
This table gets tons of praise for its striking good looks and sturdy construction. A reviewer wrote "The Turn table is a piece of art! Everyone who enters our home comments on it. The finishes are flawless, it‘s a very heavy, high quality piece."
Blu Dot Strut Table Review
On the opposite end of the style spectrum, the Strut Table embraces an industrial, geometric look. Available in square, rectangular and round shapes, it features a thin metal frame with an exposed cross brace under a wood or lacquer top.
While it has a minimalist silhouette, the Strut makes a big impact with its confident, graphic lines. Picture it in an eclectic dining room, an artsy office conference room or an urban loft.
Buyers love the Strut for its chameleon-like ability to blend into any decor style. One 5-star review said "It‘s the perfect combination of mid-century modern, art deco, industrial, rustic, and Scandinavian style. I was so excited to see it in person and I was not disappointed!"
Blu Dot Sofa Review
As the centerpiece of a living space, your sofa is not a piece you want to compromise on. Blu Dot‘s sofas are designed for serious lounging, with deep seats, plush cushions and resilient fabrics. Their most popular styles are the Bank Sofa and the Sunday Sofa.
Blu Dot Bank Sofa Review
The Bank Sofa is Blu Dot‘s take on a traditional tufted sofa, but with a cleaner, more modern profile. Diagonal stitching on the back cushions creates a cool V pattern, while the slim arms and metal legs keep it looking light and fresh.
At 85 inches wide, it‘s spacious enough for three people to sit comfortably or for two to fully stretch out. The cushions are a down blend for that sink-in feeling and you can choose from a range of colors in velvet or woven fabric.
Customer reviews emphasize the sofa‘s comfort and quality, like this one: "The Bank sofa is wonderful. It‘s deep enough to really lounge and firm enough that you don‘t sink into it. The color is vibrant without being overwhelming and the velvet is so soft. I love it more every day!"
Blu Dot Sunday Sofa Review
For the ultimate lazy Sunday nap spot, look no further than the Sunday Sofa. With extra wide arms and super deep seats, it‘s designed to let you sit back at a relaxed angle instead of straight up.
The clean-lined frame beautifully contrasts the plush cushions, which are filled with a down alternative for cozy yet supportive comfort. It has an effortless, laid-back vibe that makes you want to kick off your shoes and curl up with a good book.
One reviewer summed it up perfectly: "The Sunday Sofa is very aptly named. It‘s the kind of sofa that you can completely sink into and never want to leave. It‘s stylish but still so comfortable and cozy. Worth every penny!"
Blu Dot Chair Review
Last but not least, let‘s talk chairs – because what‘s a sofa without a matching chair or two? Blu Dot has mastered the art of the accent chair, with designs ranging from sophisticated to downright quirky. Here are two of my favorites:
Blu Dot Racer Lounge Chair Review
Sleek, low-slung and undeniably cool, the Racer Lounge Chair lives up to its name with a aerodynamic silhouette inspired by vintage race cars. The continuous curved shell flows from the back into wide, wedge-shaped arms.
Set on a swivel base, it‘s the perfect chair to kick back and relax in after a long day. Upholstery options include everything from rich leather to fuzzy boucle fabric.
As one buyer raved, "I love this chair! The leather is buttery soft and the design is stunning. It‘s my favorite place to work from home and also great for movie nights."
Blu Dot Bumper Chair
For something completely different, check out the Bumper Chair. Taking inspiration from 1970s car interiors, this boxy armchair features panels of soft upholstery wrapped around a chunky molded foam frame.
The bulbous, sculptural shape gives it major personality, almost like a 3D cartoon come to life. It definitely makes a statement, but the rounded edges and sink-in cushions keep it from feeling over the top.
Reviews praise the Bumper Chair for being a surprisingly comfortable statement piece: "It‘s the perfect chair to dress up a corner! Aesthetically pleasing and unique but also very comfortable to sit in."
Is Blu Dot Worth It?
After taking an in-depth look at their furniture, I can confidently say that Blu Dot is absolutely worth the investment if you‘re looking for high-quality, stylish and sustainably-made pieces.
The designs strike the perfect balance of form and function, with thoughtful details and durable materials that will stand up to daily life. And with a wide range of styles from subtle to statement-making, there really is something for every taste.
Of course, Blu Dot furniture is an investment compared to budget brands. Prices are on par with other high-end modern retailers like Design Within Reach and Room & Board. However, you‘re paying for quality craftsmanship, innovative design and eco-friendly practices that cheaper manufacturers just don‘t offer.
Plus, Blu Dot‘s 10-year warranty and stellar customer service make it a brand you can genuinely trust. They stand behind their products and go above and beyond to ensure customers are happy with their purchase.
At the end of the day, buying from Blu Dot means investing in furniture that will grow with you for years to come. The designs are timeless enough to transition through life changes and sturdy enough to survive daily wear and tear. When you factor in the quality, comfort and sheer cool factor, I think Blu Dot is 100% worth the price.
