Arhaus vs Room and Board: An Honest Comparison for Your Home
Choosing the right furniture is one of the most significant decisions for a homeowner. It’s an investment in comfort, style, and the daily experience of your living space. The problem arises when you’re caught between two premium brands like Arhaus and Room & Board, both known for quality but with distinct philosophies that can make the choice paralyzing.
On the surface, both retailers offer beautiful, high-end furniture. This initial similarity often leads to confusion, leaving you to wonder which brand truly aligns with your aesthetic, durability needs, and budget. This guide will break down the essential differences to help you make a confident decision.
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The Core Philosophy: Global Artisan vs. American Modern
The most significant distinction between Arhaus and Room & Board lies in their foundational approach to furniture. Understanding this is the first step in determining which brand is the better fit for your home. Each company has a unique story that shapes its entire collection.
Arhaus positions itself as a curator of global, artisan-made pieces. They partner with craftspeople from around the world to create furniture that often features reclaimed, recycled, and sustainably sourced materials. This approach results in eclectic, statement pieces that feel unique and full of character, blending rustic, vintage, and modern designs.
Room & Board, in contrast, is deeply rooted in American craftsmanship. Over 90% of their products are made in the USA by skilled artisans and small manufacturing partners. Their design ethos is centered on modern, timeless minimalism, drawing inspiration from Shaker, Scandinavian, and Mid-Century Modern movements.
Style & Aesthetics: Curated Eclectic vs. Timeless Minimalism
Your personal style will be a major deciding factor. While both brands offer beautiful furniture, their aesthetics cater to different tastes. One leans toward worldly and ornate, while the other champions clean lines and simplicity.
Arhaus offers a more traditional and transitional style. Their collections often feature intricate details, rustic finishes, and a sense of “old-world” elegance. If you appreciate furniture that tells a story and serves as a focal point, with unique silhouettes and global-inspired textures, Arhaus will likely appeal to you. Their pieces are designed to feel luxurious yet inviting.
Room & Board embodies contemporary minimalism. Their furniture is characterized by streamlined forms, functional design, and an emphasis on the natural beauty of materials like solid wood. This makes their pieces incredibly versatile and suitable for a wide range of modern homes. If you gravitate towards uncluttered, functional, and enduring designs, Room & Board is the clear choice.
Quality and Construction: A Look Under the Upholstery
Both Arhaus and Room & Board are considered premium brands, but their construction methods and material choices differ. Quality is a top priority for both, but they achieve it through different means, which can impact long-term durability and feel.
Arhaus is known for using high-quality materials, including solid hardwoods like maple and birch, top-grain leather, and sustainable fabrics. Many of their upholstered pieces feature robust construction techniques. However, some reviews mention inconsistencies in quality, particularly with items sourced from overseas. Before you buy, looking into specific product experiences, like those in Arhaus Coburn Sofa reviews, can provide valuable insight.
Room & Board’s commitment to American manufacturing allows for stringent quality control. They are renowned for their use of solid wood, exceptional joinery, and durable upholstery. Customers frequently praise the longevity of their furniture, making it a reliable choice for high-traffic homes. The brand’s focus on high-quality domestic wood is also a factor to consider, much like when you’re evaluating options for your home’s foundation with real wood floors reviews.
A Deeper Look: Beyond the Showroom Floor
Beyond the primary comparisons of style and quality, there are subtleties in ownership that can influence your long-term satisfaction. The entire ecosystem of a brand, from its approach to sustainability to the potential resale value of its pieces, contributes to the overall investment.
Consider the long-term value and cohesiveness of each brand’s collection. Room & Board’s timeless, minimalist designs often have strong resale value, as they are less trend-driven and can easily integrate into new decor schemes. Arhaus, with its focus on unique statement pieces, may appeal more to those looking to build a curated, eclectic collection over time, where each item has a distinct personality.
Both companies also have strong but different approaches to sustainability. Arhaus champions the use of reclaimed and recycled materials, giving new life to old resources. Room & Board focuses on responsible sourcing of domestic hardwoods and local production, which significantly reduces its carbon footprint from transportation. Your personal environmental priorities may draw you more to one philosophy over the other.
Customization, Price, and Service: The Deciding Factors
Once you’ve aligned on style and quality, the practical aspects of customization options, price point, and customer experience often finalize the decision. Here, the differences become even more apparent and can cater to very different customer needs.
Room & Board is well-known for its extensive customization options, allowing you to choose from a wide variety of fabrics, finishes, and sizes to create a piece that perfectly fits your space. Arhaus also offers made-to-order furniture, but the selection can sometimes be more curated.
| Feature | Arhaus | Room & Board |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Style | Global, Eclectic, Rustic, Traditional | Modern, Minimalist, Mid-Century, Scandinavian |
| Manufacturing | Global artisans and some US manufacturing | Over 90% American-made |
| Key Materials | Reclaimed woods, sustainable materials, top-grain leather | Responsibly sourced American hardwoods, solid wood |
| Price Point | Higher-end, luxury pricing | Premium, but often more approachable |
| Customization | Good, with many made-to-order options | Extensive, with a vast array of fabrics and finishes |
| Customer Service | Mixed reviews, some report issues | Widely praised for excellent service and delivery |
When it comes to price, Arhaus generally positions itself at a higher, more luxury price point, reflecting its focus on unique, handcrafted pieces. This investment level is a key aspect explored in discussions about why Arhaus is so expensive. Room & Board, while still a premium brand, often offers more approachable pricing, providing strong value for American-made quality.
Finally, customer service and delivery can make or break a furniture buying experience. Room & Board consistently receives high praise for its customer service, hassle-free returns, and efficient in-house delivery. Arhaus offers white-glove delivery service, but customer reviews on service and delivery timelines are more mixed, with some reporting delays and communication issues.
The Verdict: Which Brand Is Right For Your Home?
Ultimately, the choice between Arhaus and Room & Board comes down to your personal priorities. Neither brand is definitively “better”—they simply serve different tastes and values. By carefully considering what matters most to you, the right decision becomes clear.
Choose Arhaus if: You are looking for unique, statement furniture with a global, artisanal feel. You appreciate rustic elegance, reclaimed materials, and a curated, eclectic aesthetic that makes your home feel like a collection of treasures from around the world.
Choose Room & Board if: You prioritize clean, modern, American-made furniture built to last. You value extensive customization, timeless design, and a cohesive aesthetic that feels both functional and sophisticated. You also want the peace of mind that comes with consistently excellent customer service.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main style difference between Arhaus and Room & Board?
Arhaus generally offers a more traditional and eclectic aesthetic, with designs that can be rustic and globally inspired. Room & Board, on the other hand, leans towards modern and minimalist styles with clean lines and a contemporary feel. Arhaus pieces are often seen as unique and artisanal, while Room & Board is known for its timeless, functional designs.
How do Arhaus and Room & Board compare on price?
Arhaus is typically positioned as a higher-end, luxury brand with prices reflecting its artisanal craftsmanship and unique designs. Room & Board is also considered a premium brand but generally offers a more moderate price range for its quality, American-made furniture. While both are an investment, Arhaus pieces often come with a higher price tag.
What can I expect in terms of quality and materials?
Both brands are known for high-quality materials, but they have different focuses. Arhaus emphasizes handcrafted furniture, often using sustainable and reclaimed materials like salvaged wood. Room & Board is renowned for its American craftsmanship, use of solid hardwoods, and durable construction built to last.
How do their customer service and delivery options differ?
Both companies offer white glove delivery services. Arhaus is known for providing personalized in-store design consultations to assist with selections. Room & Board is often praised for its efficient online customer support and a more flexible return policy.
Which brand offers more customization?
Both Arhaus and Room & Board provide customization options for their furniture. Arhaus is known for its wide range of fabric and finish choices, allowing for highly personalized, made-to-order pieces. Room & Board also offers customization with a focus on contemporary fabrics and finishes to suit modern aesthetics.
Which brand is a better fit for my lifestyle?
If you are looking for unique, statement pieces with a handcrafted, global, or rustic feel and have a higher budget, Arhaus may be the better choice. If you prefer modern, minimalist, and highly functional furniture with a reputation for durability and American-made quality, Room & Board would be a great fit.
