Interior Define made a name for itself by offering customizable, high-quality sofas and sectionals featuring down blend cushions. However, the company recently announced it is filing for bankruptcy and will no longer be taking new orders.
This leaves many customers wondering where they can find similar down-filled furniture without the high price tag and long lead times associated with full customization. Luckily, there are a few worthy alternatives that can provide that plush, luxurious feel of down at more affordable prices.
Alternatives To Interior Define Down
Here is a list of them:
- Joybird
- Burrow
- Crate & Barrel
- Lovesac
- Article
- West Elm
- Room & Board
- Albany Park
Let’s talk about them in detail.
Joybird
Pros
- Highly customizable styles, fabrics, configurations
- Down blend seat cushions standard
- Quality materials and construction
- Quick 2-3 week turnaround once ordered
Cons
- More limited customization options vs. Interior Define
- Mixed reviews of durability over time
- Higher prices for more premium materials
Burrow
Pros
- Simple modular designs
- Down alternative cushions available
- Easy assembly and rearrangement
- Affordable pricing, frequent sales
Cons
- Limited style options
- Back cushions not down
- Reports of quality inconsistencies
- Not as plush as down blend
Crate & Barrel
Pros
- Established brand with many stores
- Wide range of classic styles
- Down blend cushions on many sofas
- Frequent sales and promos
Cons
- Less customization available
- Mixed durability feedback
- Limited options for down back cushions
Lovesac
Pros
- Highly modular and customizable
- Machine-washable covers
- Replaceable cushions as needed
- Fun, playful aesthetic
Cons
- Covers and filling sold separately
- Not specifically down blend
- Higher price point
Article
Pros
- Streamlined, modern designs
- Custom sizing on some styles
- Down blend cushions available
- Fast shipping times
Cons
- Limited color/fabric choices
- Lower down fill amounts
- Quality inconsistencies reported
West Elm
Pros
- Trendy, contemporary styles
- Some down-wrapped cushions
- Affordable pricing, frequent sales
- Quick in-stock shipping
Cons
- Very limited custom options
- Quality and comfort varies
- Few styles with down back cushions
Room & Board
Pros
- High-quality materials
- Custom sizing and configurations
- Wide range of down cushion options
- Made in the USA
Cons
- Higher price point
- Limited ready-to-ship options
- Simple, classic styles may not appeal to all
Albany Park
Pros
- Customizable styles, fabrics, configurations
- Down and down-alternative cushions available
- Quick shipping, some pieces in stock
- Affordable pricing for a custom brand
Cons
- Smaller company compared to others on this list
- Limited showrooms to test out designs
- Fewer luxe fabric and material options
- Lower percentage of down in blend cushions
Albany Park is an up-and-coming furniture brand that offers custom sofas and sectionals at lower price points than competitors. They focus on using high-quality American-made frames along with imported luxe fabrics.
Customers can select standard sizes or customize dimensions, along with picking covers in different colors and materials. Albany Park offers down-blend cushions on many styles, though the percentage of down feathers is lower than premium brands.
This allows them to keep costs down while still providing plushness. Their streamlined customization process means orders can ship quickly, usually within 2-4 weeks. The brand is primarily direct-to-consumer online, though some showrooms are coming soon.
Overall, Albany Park furniture can be a budget-friendly way to get custom-designed sofas with down cushions. While not as luxurious as brands charging 2-3x the price, their thoughtful combinations of customization, quality, and affordability make them a solid Interior Define alternative for many budgets.
Overview of Down Blend Cushions
Believe it or not, it helps to understand what makes down so desirable in upholstered furniture. Down refers to the layer of fine, fluffy feathers from ducks and geese that sits closest to the bird’s skin.
It provides unmatched softness and breathability. Down blend refers to cushions filled with a mix of feathers and down, along with synthetic fibers to add loft and structure. This helps the cushions maintain their shape over time.
The higher the percentage of down, the plusher and more luxurious the cushions will feel. However, down on its own is lacking in support. That’s why most manufacturers use a blend.
The appeal of down cushions lies in their comfort. The feathers conform perfectly to your body, providing softness without sagging out of shape. Down is also highly breathable, keeping you cool in warm weather and providing warmth in cold temps.
However, down furniture comes at a price – both in terms of cost and maintenance. Getting the right amount of down for proper support is an art, so custom furniture makers like Interior Define charge a premium.
Down furniture also requires more care than synthetic cushions to preserve the feathers and avoid matting. Despite these downsides, many customers swear by the unbeatable comfort.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Interior Define recently filed for bankruptcy and is liquidating its assets. They are no longer taking any new orders. This came as a surprise, as the company seemed to be doing well offering custom-made sofas and sectionals. However, supply chain and manufacturing issues, along with changes in consumer demand, led to financial troubles. Many customers have outstanding orders or deposits with Interior Define and are unsure if they will receive their furniture or get refunds. The company has brought in a liquidation firm to manage the remaining assets and fulfill any remaining orders where possible. Customers may be able to get some money back through credit card price protection benefits or by filing claims as part of the bankruptcy proceedings.
If you had a pending order or an unused deposit with Interior Define, you have a couple options to try getting your money back:
1. File a claim through the bankruptcy court process. Any assets will first go to pay back creditors, employees, etc. before consumers.
2. Dispute the charges with your credit card company. Since you did not receive the promised goods/services, you may be able to get the charges reversed under protections like chargeback or purchase protection.
3. See if the liquidation firm is able to fulfill your order. In some cases they may be able to make and ship outstanding orders.
4. Contact Interior Define’s customer service. Though limited, they may still be able to issue refunds on deposits or unmatched gift cards.
5. As a last resort, consult a consumer protection attorney about steps you can take. Save all documentation showing your transactions, orders, and communication with the company.
Down blend refers to a cushion filling that contains a mix of natural down feathers and synthetic fibers. The down provides softness and breathability, while the synthetic portions add structure and support. It combines the plush comfort of down with the more consistent shaping of polyester or rayon fibers. Higher end down blends can contain up to 75% down, while budget options may have only 30% feathers. The ratio impacts the feel and longevity of the cushions. Too little down may lead to flattening or compacting over time. Down blend is a popular choice for sofas and seating due to its comfort and versatility. It requires a bit more maintenance than synthetic cushions to retain fluffiness but less than pure down. The blend helps balance cost, everyday durability, and that luxurious down cushion feel.
Yes, sofas and sectionals with down and feather cushions do tend to be more expensive than those filled only with polyester, foam, or other synthetic materials. Because down is a natural material harvested from ducks and geese, it has a higher raw cost than manufactured fibers. Additionally, down-filled cushions require more specialized care, handling, and production methods which adds to the price. Skilled upholstery work is needed to properly fill the cushions with an ideal ratio of feathers to maintain comfort and structure over time. This labor and artistry also contributes to the higher costs of down furniture. However, the unparalleled softness and breathability of down makes it desirable for many consumers despite the higher prices. More affordable down-blend cushions can provide some of that luxurious feel for less. But you can expect to pay a premium for any furniture featuring real feathers.
Wrapping Up
While no brand can fully replicate the exact experience of Interior Define, there are plenty of alternatives to find down blend sofas at different price points. Brands like Joybird and Room & Board offer customization along with quality down cushions.
Crate & Barrel and West Elm provide down options on a budget. And Burrow, Lovesac, and Article provide down-alternative cushions in highly modular, customizable frames. Considering your style, budget, and priorities will help narrow down the right choice.
With some smart shopping, you can still create a comfortable, stylish space without breaking the bank.
