When it comes to shopping for a new sofa, two brands stand out for their commitment to modern, minimalist style: BenchMade Modern and Room & Board. Both companies offer sofas and sectionals with clean lines, high-quality materials, and customizable options.
But which one should you choose for your home?
This in-depth comparison examines the key factors that set BenchMade Modern and Room & Board apart. We’ll look at materials, customization, quality, price, and more. Read on to learn which brand is the better fit for your style and budget.
At A Glance Comparison Table
| Aspects | BenchMade Modern | Room & Board |
| Styles Offered | Modern, mid-century modern | Modern, contemporary |
| Materials Used | Natural wood, plant-based polyurethane foam, cotton, rayon, acrylic | Leathers, wools, cottons, polyester, aniline dyed leathers |
| Customization Options | Extensive customization from wood stain color to cushion fill | Limited customization of fabrics and leathers |
| Price Range | $1,590 – $3,700 | $1,099 – $5,699 |
| Shipping | Free shipping in the contiguous US | Delivery fees vary |
| Warranty | Lifetime warranty on frames | 1 year warranty on manufacturing defects |
Key Differences Between BenchMade Modern And Room & Board Sofa
- Modern Sofa Styles
Both BenchMade Modern and Room & Board exclusively offer contemporary sofa designs with clean, simple lines. This sets them apart from brands like Ashley Furniture that sell more traditional styles.
BenchMade Modern specializes in midcentury modern designs inspired by European minimalism. They use exposed wooden frames, angled legs, and box cushions reminiscent of retro styles.
Room & Board has a wider range of modern looks from spare, low-profile silhouettes to chunky sectionals. Their aesthetic spans modern and contemporary styles. Some sofas have vintage vibes while others feel more current.
If you love midcentury modern, BenchMade is tailored precisely to that look. But if you want a broader range of modern sofa styles, Room & Board offers more variety.
- Quality of Materials
High-quality materials are another hallmark of both brands. But they differ in the specific materials used.
BenchMade Modern constructs their sofas with kiln-dried hardwood frames. This prevents warping or cracking over time. They use sustainably-sourced wood certified by the Forest Stewardship Council.
For cushions, they use plant-based polyurethane foam that contains fewer toxins than traditional foam. The foam meets CertiPUR-US standards for health and environmental safety. Covers are cotton, rayon, or acrylic.
Room & Board offers sofas in top-grain Italian leathers, eco-friendly wools, cottons, and polyester blends. Leather options include aniline dyed leathers with natural markings. Cushions feature high-density foam and feather down options.
Both brands construct their frames to last. And they use responsibly-sourced materials that appeal to eco-conscious shoppers. It comes down to your preferences – natural materials at BenchMade vs luxurious leathers and wools from Room & Board.
- Customization Options
One of the biggest differences between the two brands is the level of customization offered.
BenchMade Modern has an extensive customization menu.
First, you can choose from over 30 different premium wood finishes for the sofa frame.
Next, select the perfect fabric or color for each cushion on your sofa.
You can customize the cushion fill and firmness as well – choose feather down for a softer feel. BenchMade also offers removable covers to keep your sofa looking fresh.
With Room & Board, you can choose different fabrics or leathers for your cushions. But that’s about the extent of custom options. You can’t customize the wood finish or select cushion fill. And the covers are not removable.
So if you want to personalize every facet of your sofa, from wood stain to cushion fill, BenchMade Modern is the clear winner. Their sofas are handmade to order in the USA. Room & Board does manufacture their sofas in the US too, but customization is much more limited.
- Quality and Craftsmanship
Both brands have stellar reputations for outstanding craftsmanship and attention to detail. Skilled artisans make the sofas in local workshops to the highest standards.
But BenchMade Modern has a slight edge when it comes to construction and materials.
BenchMade’s kiln-dried frames resist cracking and warping better than Room & Board’s. And they use next-gen foam that surpasses Room & Board’s cushions in comfort and support. The removable covers are also a nice touch for easy cleaning.
That said, Room & Board makes beautiful, well-constructed sofas built to last. Their leathers and wools scream luxury. You really can’t go wrong with either in terms of quality. But BenchMade uses some superior materials and techniques that give them a small advantage.
- Price and Value
In terms of price, both brands offer sofas across a range of budgets:
- BenchMade Modern: Between $1,590 – $3,700
- Room & Board: Between $1,099 – $5,699
BenchMade’s prices skew slightly lower, while Room & Board has high-end sofas reaching above $5,000. The average BenchMade sofa costs around $2,500. A Room & Board sofa falls between $2,000 – $3,000 on average.
Given the exceptional quality from both brands, their sofas offer excellent value. BenchMade Modern is a better value for full customization. A Room & Board sofa gives you premium fabrics and leathers for a luxury feel.
Either brand costs more than big box stores but delivers vastly superior quality. The sofas are built to last a decade or more – not fall apart after a year. So the higher prices are justified by years of durability and everyday comfort.
- Shipping and Delivery
BenchMade Modern offers free shipping across the contiguous US.
Room & Board charges shipping and delivery fees that vary by item and location.
Both brands deliver any large items via freight carriers.
This may involve scheduling delivery 1-2 weeks in advance. Smaller items can ship more quickly via UPS.
White glove delivery is available for an added fee from both brands. This includes room-of-choice delivery and assembly by professionals.
For most locations, BenchMade Modern has a pricing advantage by offering free shipping. Room & Board’s delivery fees can range from $100 to over $1000 for sectionals.
- Warranty
BenchMade Modern handily wins when it comes to warranties. They offer a lifetime warranty on all of their sofa frames. The cushions and covers come with a 3-year warranty. This shows the brand’s confidence in the quality of their materials and craftsmanship.
Room & Board only provides a standard 1 year warranty covering manufacturing defects. BenchMade’s lifetime warranty far exceeds this – giving you peace of mind for years to come.
- Returns and Exchanges
Both brands offer 30 day returns if you’re not completely satisfied with your purchase. BenchMade Modern charges a 25% restocking fee for all returns. Room & Board does not charge restocking fees.
For exchanges, BenchMade gives you 30 days to exchange for another sofa model or fabric/finish. Room & Board offers exchanges within 30 days or 120 days for warranty issues.
Room & Board makes exchanges a bit easier by skipping restocking fees. But both brands recommend trying to exchange instead of fully returning large items like sofas when possible.
- In-Home Trial
An in-home trial can help take the guesswork out of sofa shopping online. Room & Board now offers a limited in-home trial on sofas and sectionals. You can try your new sofa for 30 nights before deciding.
BenchMade Modern does not offer an in-home trial period. You’ll need to commit fully upon ordering. For some customers, the lack of an in-home trial is a drawback for BenchMade.
- Customer Experience
Both companies receive rave reviews for their excellent customer service. BenchMade Modern offers a truly high-touch buying experience. You can schedule virtual or in-person appointments to design a custom sofa. Their support team is readily available every step.
Room & Board also gets high marks for customer experience. They have brick-and-mortar showrooms across the US where you can test out sofas. However, their direct customer service may not be as personal and tailored as BenchMade’s.
Also Read: Comparison of Restoration Hardware And Room & Board Furniture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Some brands with a similar modern, midcentury aesthetic include Article, Joybird, and Burrow. Like BenchMade, these brands sell primarily online and allow customizations. But they may not offer the same level of high-end construction and materials.
BenchMade Modern and Room & Board both rank among the best sofa brands for their combination of style, quality, and service. Other top brands include Stressless, Ethan Allen, and Restoration Hardware. The right brand for you depends on your budget, style, and preferences.
Signs of a high quality sofa include:
1. Hardwood internal frame with corner blocking and joints that are screwed or doweled, not glued
2. Thick, dense foam cushions that hold their shape
3. Removable covers for cleaning
4. Durable fabrics and leathers that resist stains
5. High leg and arm height that makes getting up easier
6. Sturdy construction with no loose joints, uneven cushions, or flaws
For premium comfort and support, seat cushions made of memory foam or down alternative cushions offer the best performance. Avoid cushions that are only polyfill or fiber. Down and feather cushions feel ultra-plush but require more maintenance.
Wrapping Up
BenchMade Modern and Room & Board both deliver outstanding modern sofas. Choosing between the two brands comes down to your priorities:
If customization is important, BenchMade Modern can’t be beat. Their midcentury modern aesthetic and personalized options create a one-of-a-kind sofa. Their superior warranty coverage also provides peace of mind.
If luxurious leathers and fabrics top your list, Room & Board offers an unparalleled selection. Their broader range of modern styles gives you more variety as well. And you can test out sofas in their stores.
Overall, you really can’t go wrong with either brand. Both provide high-end quality, made in America craftsmanship, and excellent service. Let your personal style and needs guide you to the perfect modern sofa.