About West Elm
West Elm is a distinguished brand specializing in high-end furniture and home decor, renowned for its contemporary and trendsetting designs. The company's collection encompasses a wide array of items, ranging from rugs and chairs to modern wall art.
The brand was introduced to the market through its inaugural catalog in 2002, under the umbrella of its parent companies, Williams-Sonoma and Pottery Barn. Williams-Sonoma, in particular, stands as one of the oldest and most extensive e-commerce entities, specializing in kitchenware and household furnishings, with its roots tracing back to the 1940s.
West Elm offers an extensive selection of contemporary and mid-century home decor, furniture, and accessories, catering to the modern consumer's tastes. The company's headquarters are now located in the vibrant city of New York.
In addition to its focus on contemporary design, West Elm is committed to reducing its environmental impact. The company supports at least one sustainability initiative with 60% of its products, featuring a portion that is certified Fair Trade, handcrafted, organic, or sustainably sourced. Furthermore, 35% of the wood used in their furniture is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), contributing to the preservation of forests and ecosystems globally.
"You shouldn’t have to compromise between value and aligning with your values, or between aesthetics and comfort. From natural materials to non-toxic finishes, we aim to simplify the process of creating a healthier living environment."
For those seeking modern furnishings for their homes, West Elm may be an ideal choice. This review will provide an in-depth analysis of the brand, its products, customer feedback, promotions, and more, assisting readers in determining whether West Elm's offerings are suitable for their living spaces.
Pros and Cons
Before delving into this West Elm furniture review, it is important to consider the initial pros and cons:
Pros
- An extensive selection of contemporary home decor, furnishings, wares, and furniture
- Commitment to sustainable and environmentally friendly business practices
- West Elm credit card offers rewards for every purchase made
- 3D room planner feature enables customers to visualize how products will fit into their space
- Free design services, including virtual consultations and phone calls
- Installment payment options available through Affirm
Cons
- Higher price point compared to other furniture retailers
- Mixed customer reviews
So, what style of home decor resonates with you? From minimalism to vintage, rustic, transitional, French country, and beyond, West Elm presents a vast inventory of home-related items that can complement a variety of interior design styles. Whether it's opulent West Elm chandeliers or modern West Elm beds, the brand offers a range of products that can enhance any living space.
6 West Elm Furniture Bestsellers
From the sculptural, overarching West Elm lamps that exude an artistic flair, to the contemporary West Elm bedding options available, there is a wide array of choices to select from.
Before delving into their catalog, I recommend reviewing this West Elm furniture critique, where I highlight a selection of bestsellers that may capture your interest.
West Elm Modular Sectional Review
The sofa is an essential piece of furniture in any living room. It not only occupies space but also serves as a gathering place for family and friends. However, it is important not to settle for any ordinary couch. The Modular Sectional, part of the Harper collection, offers a contemporary class and elegance that is sure to enhance your living space.
This modern and Scandinavian sofa features a low profile with robust, shapely arms and a slim seat deck. It is equipped with wide, custom-made cushions designed for both sitting and lounging. Key features of the Modular Sectional include a kiln-dried frame, metal legs with an antique bronze finish, and webbed seat supports.
This stylish sectional can be assembled in nine different configurations, depending on the layout of your room. Additionally, customers have the option to choose from a variety of fabrics and colors that will complement their living space. The customizable nature of this sectional means its price ranges from $899 to $2,148.
West Elm Mid-Century Leather Show Wood Chair Review
For those in search of a fashionable and dependable chair, look no further than the West Elm Mid-Century Leather Show Wood Chair. This understated elegance boasts a sleek design that is ideal for those with a minimalist or rustic home decor style. It features solid ash wood arms and legs, which are covered in either pecan or espresso-stained finishes.
The legs of this chair are available in either genuine top-grain leather or vegan leather. This West Elm chair is of contract grade, indicating its exceptional durability. Consider purchasing two chairs along with a West Elm coffee table to create the ultimate breakfast nook for enjoying your morning coffee and newspaper (whether digital or print).
The Mid-Century Leather Show Wood Chair comes in a variety of fabrics, colors, and leg styles, each with a different price point. This offer is available on a limited basis.
West Elm Mid-Century Smart Desk Review
Desks serve as the central hub for productivity, whether it be for writing articles or conducting crucial virtual meetings. It is imperative to select a desk that is not only durable but also spacious enough to accommodate various items.
This mid-century desk is crafted from Fair Trade certified eucalyptus wood, which is sustainably sourced and undergoes a process of kiln-drying for enhanced strength. It is then finished with water-based finishes for a sleek appearance.
In collaboration with Pottery Barn Teen, this desk is also GreenGuard certified, offering additional features such as a USB power strip, integrated LED lighting, and a practical corkboard for notes and reminders.
Available in either an acorn or white finish, this desk is designed to be a staple in any bedroom, available at a price of $799 or $73 per month with Affirm.
West Elm Quinn Lacquer 6-Drawer Dresser Review
A bedroom dresser is essential for organizing clothing and housing a vanity mirror. The Quinn Lacquer 6-Drawer Dresser boasts a stylish and vibrant design, highlighted by textured drawer fronts and elegant metal legs.
Constructed from robust kiln-dried mahogany wood, this dresser is finished with a haze lacquer for a durable and attractive appearance. An innovative feature of this dresser is its adjustable legs, equipped with built-in levelers to accommodate different floor levels.
Equipped with six drawers that glide open with ease, this dresser simplifies the process of selecting outfits for the day. Priced at $1399, or $127 per month with Affirm, the Quinn Lacquer 6-Drawer Dresser is a versatile addition to any bedroom.
West Elm Cotton Duvet & Standard Sham Review
It's time to bid farewell to scratchy, thin bedding blankets and itchy granny quilts. The Cotton Duvet & Standard Sham offers a level of comfort akin to your favorite t-shirt. Made from cool-to-touch organic cotton percale, it is particularly suitable for easy garment washing.
This luxurious and relaxed design is perfect for transforming any traditional bed into a contemporary and modern look. The set includes a duvet cover, sham, or a complete duvet cover and sham set. Customers have the flexibility to choose the size of the sham to match their bed dimensions.
The set is available in a variety of neutral colors, allowing for customization with additional West Elm pillows, pillow covers, and duvet covers. The price for the Cotton Duvet & Standard Sham varies based on the chosen sham or set, ranging from $209 for a duvet cover and sham set for a king or Californian bed, to $40 for an individual sham in asphalt, and $59 for a set of two shams in standard sham in stone white.
West Elm Hand-Knotted Fragment Rug Review
Rugs not only enhance the warmth and coziness of your bedroom or living area but also provide a layer of protection for your floors. The Hand-Knotted Fragment Rug stands out as an ideal floor mat that adds a touch of sophistication to your space.
Crafted by master artisans in India, this rug is constructed from a blend of wool and viscose. It features a delicate, abstract design with colors ranging from muted beiges and greys to subtle hints of navy blue.
Consider placing this exquisite rug in your living room adjacent to a set of matching leather chairs and a West Elm dining table. The Hand-Knotted Fragment Rug is designed to elevate the ambiance of your space with its elegance, priced at $281.
West Elm Reviews: Insights from Customers
In my research for this West Elm furniture review, I discovered a diverse range of feedback from customers. Trustpilot, where this item is rated 1.3 out of 5 stars with over 280 reviews, reflects a mixed response.
Some customers have reported delays in delivery or issues with receiving their orders. Additionally, there have been complaints regarding the responsiveness and helpfulness of the customer service team, with some buyers expressing dissatisfaction with the team's efforts to resolve issues or their lack of communication.
Negative feedback continues to surface on various online platforms, including Yelp. For example, at their location in California, the item has received a 2 out of 5-star rating from 430 reviews on Yelp and a 3 out of 5-star rating from 558 ratings on Consumer Affairs.
While there are numerous complaints about delivery and customer service, there are also accounts of dissatisfaction with the quality of the furniture. This issue has been highlighted in a 2018 article by Vox, which discussed the problem of sofas and cushions that shed and failed to maintain their shape.
However, it's important to note that not all customers are unhappy with their purchases from West Elm. Slumber Search has given the company a rating of 7.7 out of 10 stars based on 129 votes, and Influenster has awarded it a 3.6 out of 5-star rating from 166 reviews. Many admire the brand for its modern designs and quality craftsmanship, with some praising the customer service experiences they've had.
Is West Elm Furniture Worth the Investment?
In conclusion, while there are areas of concern highlighted by some customers, West Elm remains a compelling option for furniture shopping. The brand offers a broad selection of furniture, home decor, and furnishings, all characterized by a modern and contemporary aesthetic that is currently in vogue.
A notable feature is their sustainable furniture collection, which is appealing to those who value environmentally friendly and ethically produced items. Furthermore, the room planner tool provided by West Elm simplifies the process of visualizing how furniture will look in a specific room layout.
Alternatives
Should West Elm not align with your preferences, there exists a plethora of furniture brands to consider. Here are a few notable alternatives:
- Albany Park: Albany Park specializes in crafting premium, handcrafted, and easily assembleable sofas. Their collection boasts three sophisticated core designs, encompassing a variety of styles from elegant mid-century to warm contemporary, featuring sectionals, loveseats, armchairs, and ottomans among others.
- Frontgate: Employing artisanal materials such as wicker and Egyptian cotton, Frontgate's furniture is crafted with a focus on both craftsmanship and quality. This Ohio-based company, established in 1991, has a diverse catalog that may come as a surprise.
- Bobby Berk Furniture: Recognized for his role as the interior decorator on the acclaimed Netflix series Queer Eye, Bobby Berk also boasts his own furniture collection. This collection offers a selection of stylish and functional pieces designed for any home.
Where to Purchase West Elm Furniture
Access to West Elm's furniture collection is available through their website, WestElm.com. For those who prefer the in-store shopping experience, West Elm has locations across Canada and the United States. To locate a West Elm store near you, customers can utilize the store locator feature on the website by searching for 'West Elm near me.'
