Pottery Barn is one of the most well-known and beloved home furnishing retailers in the United States and beyond. With a wide selection of furniture, decor, bedding, outdoor living, and more, Pottery Barn aims to provide stylish yet timeless pieces to help customers create a home they love.
In this comprehensive Pottery Barn review, we‘ll take a deep dive into the brand‘s history, bestselling products, customer reviews, sustainability efforts, and more to help you decide if Pottery Barn is the right fit for your home and lifestyle.
The History of Pottery Barn
Pottery Barn was founded in 1949 by Paul and Morris Secon in New York. The brothers‘ original shop sold home furnishings with a rustic flair. In 1966, the Secon brothers sold the business, which then changed hands again before being acquired by The Gap in 1984.
The turning point came in 1986 when Williams-Sonoma, Inc. purchased Pottery Barn from The Gap. With a new parent company and fresh leadership, Pottery Barn began to expand its vision. New product lines were launched to cater to more design aesthetics, from modern to traditional.
Pottery Barn experienced huge growth throughout the 1990s and early 2000s. The first catalog was mailed in 1987 and e-commerce was launched in 2000. Brick-and-mortar locations spread across the United States and Canada. The brand also launched two sub-brands during this time – Pottery Barn Kids in 1999 and PBteen in 2003.
Today, Pottery Barn remains the largest brand in the Williams-Sonoma portfolio, with over 200 retail stores and a thriving e-commerce business that ships worldwide. While the company has evolved since its early days, the mission remains the same – to provide casual, comfortable home furnishings with quality and style.
Pottery Barn Products
One of the biggest advantages of shopping at Pottery Barn is the wide array of products for every room in the home. Key categories include:
Living Room Furniture – Sofas, sectionals, chairs, coffee tables, media units, and more in a range of upholstery and finish options. Bestsellers include the Chesterfield Leather Sofa and Benchwright Media Console.
Dining & Kitchen – Dining tables and chairs, bar stools, cabinets, and kitchen islands to create a welcoming heart of the home. Customer favorites include the Toscana Dining Table and Aaron Upholstered Bar Stools.
Bedroom – Beds, dressers, nightstands, and armoires to create a relaxing retreat. Top-rated pieces include the Calistoga Bed and the Mason Dresser.
Decor & Pillows – Rugs, curtains, wall art, vases, and an extensive collection of throw pillows to pull any room together.
Bedding – Quality sheets, duvets, quilts, and blankets in classic colors and prints. The Belgian Linen Duvet and PB Essential 400-Thread-Count Sheet Set are favorites.
Bath – Towels, shower curtains, bath mats, and accessories for a spa-like atmosphere. The Hydrocotton Bath Towels are a bestseller.
Outdoor & Garden – Patio furniture, fire pits, planters, and more to create an outdoor oasis.
Office – Desks, chairs, bookcases, and organization solutions to boost productivity and style.
Lighting – Table lamps, floor lamps, pendants, and chandeliers to layer light throughout the home.
Pottery Barn also has extensive holiday and seasonal decor collections, making it a go-to destination for Christmas trees, Thanksgiving tablescapes, Easter decor, and more. In recent years, the brand has launched more collaborations with designers and brands to create exclusive collections, such as the Pottery Barn x Friends collection.
Sustainability & Social Responsibility at Pottery Barn
Pottery Barn has made significant investments in sustainability and social responsibility in recent years. Some highlights include:
Responsible Sourcing – Pottery Barn works with third-party certifiers to ensure materials like wood, cotton, and down are responsibly sourced. For example, the brand aims to source 100% of its cotton from organic farms by 2025.
Fair Trade – Many Pottery Barn products are Fair Trade certified, meaning they are made in factories that provide safe working conditions and a living wage.
Recycled Materials – The brand incorporates recycled materials into many products, such as rugs made from recycled plastic bottles and furniture made with reclaimed wood.
Product Donation – Through a partnership with the non-profit Good360, Pottery Barn donates products to those in need, including disaster relief.
Tree Planting – Pottery Barn has a goal to plant 3 million trees by 2023 in partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation. Customers can contribute by donating at checkout.
Pottery Barn Prices
There‘s no denying that Pottery Barn is positioned as a premium home retailer and the prices reflect that. Furniture, in particular, is an investment – sofas range from around $1,000 to $5,000+, dining tables from $500 to $3,000+, and beds from $700 to $4,000+.
However, the pricing is in line with the quality and durability of the pieces. Pottery Barn furniture is designed to last for many years, making it a worthwhile investment for many shoppers. The upholstered furniture comes with a range of customization options, allowing customers to choose their ideal fabric, color, finish, and size.
Pottery Barn also has a range of accessories and decor at more accessible price points. For example, throw pillows start at around $30, curtains at $60, and rugs at $200. The brand runs frequent sales and promotions to provide additional value to customers.
Customer Reviews of Pottery Barn
Pottery Barn has built a loyal following over the years, with many customers praising the quality, style, and customer service. Here are some key ratings from around the web:
- Consumer Affairs: 3.7 out of 5 stars from 2,400+ reviews
- Slumber Search: 7.8 out of 10 from 120+ reviews
- Trustpilot: 1.3 out of 5 stars from 900+ reviews
- Sitejabber: 3.3 out of 5 stars from 250+ reviews
Positive reviews frequently mention the style, quality, and durability of Pottery Barn products. Many customers appreciate the classic designs that can easily mix with their existing decor. Shoppers also praise the helpful customer service, both in-store and online.
For example, one customer on Trustpilot writes, "I furnished my entire apartment with Pottery Barn and I couldn‘t be happier. The quality is top-notch and everything looks even better in person. Delivery was prompt and the team was professional."
However, Pottery Barn‘s ratings are brought down by negative reviews, particularly on Trustpilot. Common complaints mention long delivery times, damaged or defective products, and difficulty reaching customer service. Some shoppers find the prices to be too high.
It‘s important to note that many negative reviews are connected to delivery issues from third-party carriers or are isolated incidents. Pottery Barn‘s customer service team frequently responds to negative reviews to find a resolution.
Alternatives to Pottery Barn
Pottery Barn has a distinct aesthetic, but there are many other home retailers catering to a similar audience. Some top competitors include:
Crate & Barrel – Like Pottery Barn, Crate & Barrel offers furniture and decor with a modern yet timeless style. The prices are similar, with a focus on quality over fast fashion.
West Elm – Owned by the same parent company as Pottery Barn, West Elm offers a more modern and trendy selection at slightly lower prices.
Arhaus – Arhaus specializes in handcrafted, heirloom-quality furniture with a focus on natural materials. Prices tend to be higher than Pottery Barn.
Restoration Hardware – Restoration Hardware is known for its luxurious, curated collections for every room. The aesthetic is a bit more formal and the prices reflect the quality.
Wayfair – For shoppers on a budget, Wayfair offers a huge selection of furniture and decor from a variety of brands. Quality and style can vary, but there are plenty of gems at affordable prices.
Frequently Asked Questions about Pottery Barn
Q: What is Pottery Barn‘s shipping policy?
A: Pottery Barn offers standard shipping for a flat rate of $4.95 on most small items. Furniture and other large items have a flat delivery fee of $149+ depending on the type of delivery chosen. All orders over $99 ship for free.
Q: What is Pottery Barn‘s return policy?
A: Most items can be returned within 30 days for a full refund, with some exceptions like personalized items. Furniture and other large items have a 7-day return window. Returns can be made in-store, by mail, or through home pickup in some locations.
Q: Does Pottery Barn have sales?
A: Yes, Pottery Barn frequently hosts seasonal sales and promotions. Shoppers can find sales around holidays like Black Friday, Presidents‘ Day, and Fourth of July. Signing up for emails is a great way to stay informed about upcoming sales.
Q: Does Pottery Barn have a credit card?
A: Yes, Pottery Barn offers a store credit card and a branded Visa to earn rewards on purchases. Cardholders earn 2-10% back on Pottery Barn purchases and receive special financing options, free design services, and early access to sales.
Q: Does Pottery Barn offer a warranty?
A: Pottery Barn stands behind the quality of its products. Many furniture pieces come with a limited lifetime warranty covering manufacturer defects. The brand also offers a range of care plans for an additional fee to cover accidental damage.
Q: Where is Pottery Barn furniture made?
A: Pottery Barn sources its products from all over the world, with furniture primarily made in the USA, China, and Vietnam. The brand‘s website includes information about the country of origin for each product.
Tips for Shopping at Pottery Barn
- Sign up for emails to receive a discount code for your first purchase and stay informed about sales.
- Check the Special Offers section of the website for current promotions and discounts.
- Visit a store to see the products in person and consult with a design specialist about your project.
- Read product reviews to get a sense of quality, comfort, and durability before making a purchase.
- Utilize Pottery Barn‘s free design services, including in-home consultations, floor planning, and installation.
- Consider the Pottery Barn credit card if you plan to make a large purchase to get rewards and financing options.
- Understand the delivery and return policies before placing an order, especially for furniture.
- Don‘t forget to check out the sale section for great deals on last-chance items.
The Verdict on Pottery Barn
Pottery Barn has earned its place as a go-to destination for quality, stylish home furnishings. While the prices are reflective of the craftsmanship and materials, Pottery Barn is an accessible option for many shoppers looking to invest in their homes.
One of the biggest selling points of Pottery Barn is the sheer range of products available. No matter your design style or project, you can find furniture, decor, and accessories to bring your vision to life. The brand‘s commitment to sustainability and social responsibility is another positive factor.
Customer reviews show that Pottery Barn products hold up over time and provide great value for the price. While there are some negative reviews regarding delivery and customer service issues, the brand works hard to resolve problems and make things right.
If you are in the market for new furniture or decor, Pottery Barn is definitely worth checking out. Be sure to take advantage of sales, free design services, and other perks to get the most for your money. With Pottery Barn‘s quality products and commitment to customer satisfaction, you can create a home you love for years to come.
