Comparing Popular Furniture Stores
3 min read
Shopping for new furniture is exciting, but scrolling through pages and pages on websites in search of the perfect piece is not. Use our cheat sheet below to get a sense of which popular retailers have the kind of furniture you’re looking for, and learn about their delivery, return, and warranty policies.
For each furniture store, we picked a popular chair sold at the retailer as an example of what you can get. (The chairs pictured are among the retailers’ top-selling models. They have not been tested by CR.)
Amazon
Rivet Frederick Chair, $464.20
What you get: Velvet upholstery, foam seat; some assembly required.
Delivery: Doorstep delivery is free with Amazon Prime. In-home delivery is available with some items for $19.99.
Returns: Return within 30 days for a refund in most cases; return shipping is free or Amazon will schedule a pickup.
Warranty: Amazon brands carry a minimum one-year warranty. For other brands, the warranty varies from manufacturer to manufacturer.
Good to know: Almost an unlimited selection.
Costco
Wallis Chair (pair), $219.99 (available only at Costco.com)
What you get: Polyester upholstery fabric, foam seat; some assembly required.
Delivery: Some items are available in-warehouse. More items are available at Costco.com; prices include delivery.
Returns: They’re accepted anytime for a full refund. Some large items ordered online can be picked up at the customer’s home for no additional charge.
Warranty: Costco offers a risk-free 100 percent satisfaction guarantee.
Good to know: Can shop in-store or online, but must be a member to make a purchase ($60 per year).
RH (Restoration Hardware)
Reginald Chair, $1,571-$2,996 (member’s price)
What you get: Italian textured weave fabric, feather down, foam seat; fully assembled.
Delivery: White-glove delivery in the contiguous U.S. for $199 to $599 depending on distance from the nearest RH Gallery.
Returns: Contact RH within 30 days of the delivery date. Round-trip shipping is refunded if the item is defective or damaged. RH will pick up large pieces.
Warranty: No official policy, but RH says it stands behind its products.
Good to know: Shop online or in-store. Design help and a 25 percent discount are perks of a $100 annual membership.
Room & Board
Quinn Chair, $799 and up (chair only)
What you get: Performance fabric, fiber-wrapped foam cushions; fully assembled.
Delivery: White-glove delivery in the contiguous U.S. for $79.
Returns: A full refund for “timely” returns; damaged or worn items may be refused or result in an adjustment. Return shipping is refunded; original delivery fees are not. Pickup may be arranged for large items.
Warranty: No official policy. Room & Board says it will work with customers to resolve any problems.
Good to know: Buy in-store or online. There are extensive customer service options, including free design services.
Sam’s Club
Harlow chair and ottoman set, $399
What you get: Chair and ottoman, stain-resistant fabric; fully assembled.
Delivery: Free shipping on many items. White-glove delivery is limited and the cost varies by item.
Returns: They’re accepted anytime. No charge for return shipping. Items purchased in a store must be returned there. Sam’s Club may arrange a pickup for the return of large items.
Warranty: Varies by item; Sam’s Club has a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee.
Good to know: Shop in-store or online; membership is required ($45 per year).
Stickley
Walnut Grove Chair, $2,685 (upholstered in fabric)
What you get: Solid American black walnut covered in fabric or leather.
Delivery: Each Stickley retailer has an individual policy.
Returns: Warranty-related returns only.
Warranty: A limited warranty guarantees against structural defects during the lifetime of the original owner.
Good to know: In-store shopping only. Many Stickley retailers offer complimentary interior design services.
Editor’s Note: This article also appeared in the February 2021 issue of Consumer Reports magazine.
Consumer Reports has no financial relationship with advertisers on this site.
