When furnishing your home, investing in quality, stylish furniture is key to creating a space you love. West Elm is a go-to destination for modern furniture and decor, known for their of-the-moment designs and focus on sustainability. But are their furniture pieces worth the price tag? In this comprehensive West Elm furniture review, I take a detailed look at the brand‘s offerings to help you decide if West Elm is the right fit for your home.
About West Elm
Launched in 2002, West Elm is a branch of the Williams-Sonoma brand family, which also includes Pottery Barn. The company is headquartered in New York City.
West Elm has become a leader in the modern furniture retail space, with a focus on contemporary design, affordability, and sustainability. In fact, 60% of their products support at least one of their sustainability initiatives:
- Fair Trade Certified
- Handcrafted
- Organic
- Sustainably Sourced
They also use a high percentage of FSC-certified wood and have a goal of 100% responsibly sourced cotton by 2021. West Elm works to minimize their environmental impact and create a healthier home for their customers.
"You shouldn‘t have to choose from getting value and shopping for your values. Or between looking good and feeling good. From natural materials to nontoxic finishes, we‘re making it easy for you to create a healthier home."
Today, West Elm has over 100+ retail stores worldwide and a thriving online business. Their collection includes a wide range of furniture, decor, and home goods with a signature modern aesthetic.
West Elm Furniture Materials & Construction
Before we jump into reviewing specific West Elm pieces, let‘s take a look at the materials and construction that go into their furniture. West Elm states that they are committed to using high-quality, eco-friendly materials whenever possible, such as:
Solid Wood: Many West Elm pieces are crafted from kiln-dried solid wood, including sustainable options like FSC-certified wood, reclaimed wood, mango wood, and acacia wood. Kiln-drying improves the wood‘s strength and durability.
Engineered & Manufactured Wood: West Elm uses engineered and manufactured wood in some of their designs, which consists of wood scraps, wood pulp, resin and glue pressed together. While more affordable and adaptable than solid wood, it is not as long-lasting.
Metal: Powder-coated steel, cast iron, brass, and stainless steel are used for table bases, chair frames, beds, and accent pieces. Powder-coating provides a durable, even finish.
Upholstery: West Elm offers a wide selection of upholstery options, including durable polyester, stain-resistant "performance fabrics," buttery leather, and organic cotton. Many are treated for colorfastness and to repel stains.
Fill: Cushions are typically made with high-resiliency polyurethane foam for a supportive yet comfortable feel. West Elm offers soy-based foam as a green alternative.
West Elm furniture is designed in-house, then manufactured by their network of suppliers and artisan partners across the globe. The company states that their team "works closely with [their] manufacturers to ensure each piece meets [their] high standards for quality, safety and durability."
However, it‘s important to note that not all West Elm furniture is created equal in terms of materials and craftsmanship. The company offers a range of price points, and some lower-priced pieces may use lower-grade materials or less robust construction techniques. Be sure to check the details of each item to know exactly what you‘re getting.
Top West Elm Furniture Picks
Now that we‘ve covered the basics, let‘s dive into some of West Elm‘s most popular furniture pieces. I‘ve scoured hundreds of customer reviews and evaluated each piece in terms of style, quality, and value to provide my top recommendations.
West Elm Andes Sofa
The Andes Sofa is one of West Elm‘s best-selling seating options, and it‘s easy to see why. With its deep seat, grid-tufted bench cushion, and variety of upholstery options, this sofa offers the perfect balance of comfort and style.
The kiln-dried hardwood frame, reinforced joinery, and sinuous spring support system provide a sturdy base, while the plush fiber-wrapped foam cushions offer just the right amount of sink. I especially appreciate the eco-friendly construction, with responsibly-sourced wood, recycled metal components, and low-VOC finishes.
Customers rave about the Andes Sofa‘s quality, comfort, and versatility. Many note that it‘s the perfect size for napping or accommodating extra guests. The only consistent complaint is the seat depth, which some shorter customers find too deep. But overall, the Andes Sofa is a winner.
Price: Starting at $1,199 (76" model)
West Elm Mid-Century Dining Table
For those who love mid-century modern design, the West Elm Mid-Century Dining Table is a must-have. Crafted from FSC-certified eucalyptus wood with a water-based acorn finish, this table features architectural lines and tapered legs iconic of the era.
The quality construction is evident in the details, like the precise miter-detailing on the corners and the levelers on the leg bottoms to ensure stability. Customers confirm that the table is sturdy, substantial, and easy to assemble.
My only watch-out is that some customers have noted inconsistencies in the finish or visible knots in the veneer. West Elm‘s use of natural wood means that variation is to be expected, but it‘s important to anticipate before you buy.
Price: Starting at $699 (60" model)
West Elm Quinn Lacquer 6-Drawer Dresser
For bedroom storage with a glam, art-deco inspired look, check out the Quinn Lacquer 6-Drawer Dresser. The eye-catching design features linear drawer pulls against a glossy, lacquered finish in your choice of bold hues.
In terms of construction, the dresser is crafted from kiln-dried mahogany wood with dovetail joinery drawers that fully extend on metal glides. Tapered metal legs add a hint of shine and provide clearance for under-bed storage. Anti-tip hardware is included for safety.
Customers love the Quinn Dresser‘s stunning good looks and ample storage space. The most common complaint is about the price, which is undoubtedly an investment. A few reviews also note minor imperfections in the lacquer finish. But if you‘re looking for a statement storage piece, the Quinn Dresser delivers.
Price: Starting at $1,299
West Elm Commune Bed
The Commune Bed puts a modern spin on a classic canopy bed design. Crafted from solid mahogany and engineered hardwood, this bed features a black metal canopy frame draped in breezy, sheer cotton panels.
I love how the Commune Bed adds drama and romance to a bedroom without overwhelming the space. The sheer panels filter light beautifully and can be tied back or left loose. Customers confirm that the frame is sturdy and the upholstered headboard is comfortable to lean against.
The bed does require a box spring and some assembly, but customers report that the process is straightforward. The main drawback is the price, which starts at over $1,000 for a queen and goes up from there. But for a unique statement bed, the Commune is a showstopper.
Price: Starting at $1,199 (queen)
West Elm Furniture Quality: What Customers Say
Of course, the most important question is: how does West Elm furniture hold up in real life? To find out, I analyzed hundreds of customer reviews across multiple third-party sites and social media.
The results? Mixed. On one hand, many customers rave about their West Elm pieces, noting the high-end look, solid construction, and long-lasting durability. Positive reviews frequently call out:
- Sturdy, solid wood frames and legs
- Comfortable, high-quality upholstery and cushions
- Timeless, versatile style that works with many decor aesthetics
- Unique, eye-catching designs that garner compliments
However, there are also a significant number of customers who have had negative experiences with West Elm furniture. Common complaints include:
- Visible scratches, knicks, or dents upon delivery
- Poor construction or cheap materials, especially on lower-priced items
- Cushions that quickly lose their shape or flatten
- Finishes that easily scratch or wear off
- Wobbly or uneven furniture legs and bases
To West Elm‘s credit, many customers with initial quality issues report that the company was responsive in providing replacement parts or exchanging defective items. However, others say it was difficult to get in touch with customer service or that they had to pay for return shipping.
Overall, West Elm seems to be a bit of a quality gamble. The designs are undeniably stylish and the majority of customers are happy with their purchases. But there‘s definitely a risk of receiving a lower-quality item, especially at lower price points.
My recommendation? Read the reviews on the specific item you‘re considering to get a sense of common issues. And splurge on higher-end West Elm pieces crafted from premium materials like kiln-dried hardwood, full-grain leather, or organic fabrics to improve your odds of quality and longevity.
How West Elm Compares to Other Retailers
If you‘re considering West Elm furniture, you may also be looking at other popular retailers that offer modern furniture at a similar price point. Here‘s a quick comparison:
West Elm vs. Crate & Barrel: Both brands offer modern, stylish furniture and home decor. Crate & Barrel skews slightly more traditional in their designs, while West Elm is known for their of-the-moment, fashion-forward aesthetics. In terms of price and quality, the two retailers are comparable.
West Elm vs. CB2: CB2 is Crate & Barrel‘s trendier, more affordable offshoot. Compared to West Elm, CB2‘s designs are more contemporary and glam, with lots of metallics, bold colors, and statement pieces. CB2‘s prices are generally lower, but the quality may not be as high.
West Elm vs. Article: Like West Elm, Article is a go-to source for modern furniture with mid-century Scandinavian vibes. Article sells exclusively online and offers flat $49 shipping, compared to West Elm‘s $100+ shipping fees. Customers often find Article‘s prices and quality to be slightly better than West Elm‘s.
Ultimately, the right retailer for you will depend on your specific style preferences, budget, and quality expectations. I always recommend reading customer reviews and comparing your options before settling on a major furniture purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is West Elm furniture good quality?
West Elm furniture is generally good quality, especially on their higher-end pieces crafted from premium materials. However, some customers have reported issues with cheaper items or visible damage upon delivery.
How long does West Elm furniture last?
The lifespan of West Elm furniture depends on the specific item, materials, and construction. With proper care, solid wood pieces can last for decades, while items with lower-quality veneers or hardware may show wear after a few years of use.
Is West Elm furniture worth the price?
Whether West Elm is worth the cost comes down to your budget and quality expectations. You can certainly find less expensive options at big box stores or discount retailers. But if you‘re looking for unique, stylish pieces and are willing to invest in quality, West Elm‘s prices are on par with other high-end furniture stores.
Where is West Elm furniture made?
The majority of West Elm furniture is made in Asia, primarily China, Vietnam, and India. The company states that they have a robust vendor screening and management process to ensure ethical manufacturing practices and safe, high-quality products. A small portion of their line is handcrafted in the US.
Does West Elm have sales?
Yes, West Elm frequently runs sales and promotions, especially around major holidays like Black Friday, Christmas, and Memorial Day. You can also find discounted items in the Sale section of their website. Signing up for their email list is a good way to stay informed about upcoming deals.
The Verdict: Is West Elm Furniture Right for You?
So, is West Elm furniture a good investment? Ultimately, it depends. West Elm offers a unique combination of modern style, accessible price points, and (mostly) high-quality construction that appeals to many shoppers.
Their commitment to eco-friendly materials and ethical manufacturing is also admirable. And I love that they collaborate with independent artists and fair trade artisan groups to create one-of-a-kind pieces.
That said, West Elm is not a budget furniture store. Their prices are similar to other high-end retailers like Crate & Barrel or Room & Board. And while the majority of customers are happy with the quality and durability of their purchases, West Elm‘s reputation is not bulletproof. There are definitely some customers who have been burned by poor construction, cheap materials, or damage during shipping.
My advice? If you love West Elm‘s modern aesthetic and are willing to invest in the higher end of their line, go for it. Their solid wood furniture, leather upholstery, and handcrafted pieces are most likely to stand the test of time. Avoid their absolute cheapest items, and be sure to inspect your order thoroughly upon delivery so you can take advantage of their return policy if needed.
Buying furniture, especially online, is always a bit of a leap of faith. But with a discerning eye, realistic quality expectations, and a little research, West Elm is a solid option for adding some modern flair to your home.
