When it comes to buying a new couch, Joybird and Interior Define are two of the top brands to consider. Both offer high-quality, customizable sofas at relatively affordable prices.
However, some key differences between Joybird and Interior Define are worth examining before making your purchase.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll compare the pros and cons of Joybird vs Interior Define couches. We’ll look at factors like customization options, quality of materials, cost, shipping and returns, and more.
Keep reading to find out which brand is best for your needs and style!
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Joybird | Interior Define |
| Customization Options | Choice of fabric, wood stain, leg style, and fill. Many different configurations available. | Wide range of fabrics, stains, and fills. More limited configurations. |
| Quality of Materials | High-end materials like solid wood frame and steel legs. | Decent quality at lower price points. Some cheaper feeling fabrics. |
| Shipping & Returns | Free shipping. Returns accepted within 30 days. | $99 shipping fee. Returns accepted within 30 days. |
| Manufacturing | Made in the USA. | Made in the USA and abroad. |
| Warranty | Lifetime warranty on frames. 1 year on upholstery. | 1 year warranty. |
Overview of Joybird
Joybird is a direct-to-consumer furniture company known for its wide range of customizable sofas and other living room staples. The brand was founded in 2014 in Los Angeles, CA and aims to make high-quality, contemporary furniture more accessible and affordable.
Some key things to know about Joybird:
- Highly Customizable: Joybird prides itself on offering endless customization options. For each piece, you can select the style, fabric, wood stain, leg design, and fill material. This allows you to create a couch that perfectly matches your personal style.
- Quality Materials: The frames are made from kiln-dried hardwood and reinforced with double dowel construction. The cushions feature foam and fiber fills for comfort and support. Steel legs add durability.
- Made in the USA: All Joybird furniture is handcrafted in their Los Angeles manufacturing facility. This allows them to closely monitor quality control.
- Contemporary Styles: The overall aesthetic skews modern, contemporary, and even a bit mid-century. The silhouettes are sleek and streamlined.
- Higher Price Points: Due to the quality materials and American production, Joybird lands on the more expensive end for couches. However, the prices are competitive compared to other premium furniture brands.
- Responsive Customer Service: Joybird has responsive, California-based customer service available by phone, email, and chat. They can help with orders, fabric questions, warranty issues, and returns.
Overview of Interior Define
Interior Define is another popular direct-to-consumer furniture brand. Founded in 2003, their goal is to offer custom-made furniture without the high price tag.
Here’s an overview of Interior Define’s key qualities:
- Customization Available: Interior Define allows you to customize your fabric, wood finish, and cushion fill. The range of actual furniture designs and configurations is more limited than Joybird.
- Budget-Friendly Costs: By producing some products internationally, Interior Define can offer lower prices than many competitors. Their affordable pricing makes custom furniture more accessible.
- Mixed Reviews on Quality: There are some complaints about Interior Define quality not being as high-end as the prices suggest. However, many customers are very satisfied with the quality.
- Limited Styles: The style is mostly classic and conservative. There are not as many contemporary or modern options. The silhouettes tend to be more traditional.
- Lengthy Production Times: Because each piece is made to order, you’ll wait 7-9 weeks for delivery. Joybird’s production times are about half as long.
- Strong Warranty: Interior Define offers a 1 year warranty on all their furniture. This protects against defects and flaws.
Customization Options Comparison
One of the biggest differences between Joybird and Interior Define lies in the customization options.
Joybird
Joybird prides itself on giving you countless ways to customize your perfect couch. For each of their many sofa frames, you can select:
- Fabric: Hundreds of on-trend fabric options from luxurious velvet to performance fabrics and more.
- Wood Finish: Stain your solid wood frame a rich hue like espresso, natural, black, and more.
- Legs: Choose between tapered hardwood legs or sleek metal legs in finishes like black or brass.
- Cushion Fill: Pick foam, down blend, or premium down fill for the cushions. The fill impacts softness and support.
You can also select the overall size and configuration, like 2-seat, 3-seat, sectional, etc. With all the possible combinations, you’re sure to find a Joybird couch that suits your personal taste.
Interior Define
Interior Define also lets you customize key elements of your sofa:
- Fabric: Wide selection of on-trend fabrics from velvet to performance fabrics and more. Not quite as robust as Joybird’s offerings.
- Wood Finish: Choose from 8 wood finish options for the legs and base.
- Cushion Fill: Select foam or down feather fill for the cushions.
However, you have less flexibility when it comes to the frame, leg style, and overall configurations. There are set sofa sizes and shapes to choose from rather than total customization of the silhouette.
The takeaway: Joybird provides superior customization compared to Interior Define. Joybird gives you more control over the details to create a sofa unique to you.
Quality Comparison of Joybird And Interior Define Couch
When investing in a long-lasting couch, quality of materials and construction are key factors to weigh. How do Joybird and Interior Define compare when it comes to durability and craftsmanship?
Joybird
Overall, Joybird offers exceptional quality furniture that buyers say looks and feels expensive. Here are some of the quality highlights:
- Hardwood frame construction reinforced with double dowels for strength. Kiln-dried to prevent warping.
- Durable steel legs on metal-legged sofas. Can support more weight without wobbling.
- High-density foams and fiber cushion fills retain their shape and resist sagging.
- Upholstery fabric is thick, durable, and excellently tailored for a luxury feel.
- Items are carefully inspected throughout production for flaws.
- Handcrafted by skilled artisans in Los Angeles. Attentive construction.
Interior Define
Interior Define offers decent quality furniture considering the lower prices. However, some flaws stand out:
- Frames are made from plywood rather than hardwood. Can feel cheaper and warp over time.
- Legs are sometimes flimsy and low quality. May bend or snap under too much weight.
- Cushion fills are less dense than premium brands. More prone to developing lumps and divots.
- Fabric is thinner and some report it pills or frays quickly. Not as consistent quality.
- Some quality control issues with imperfections slipping through.
- Items made in multiple international locations. Inconsistent construction.
The takeaway: Joybird offers superior craftsmanship and materials for greater longevity and comfort. For those wanting an heirloom-quality couch, Joybird is easily the better choice. Interior Define will work for more budget-minded buyers not expecting luxury quality.
Cost Comparison
Pricing is often a major factor when comparing furniture brands. Joybird positions itself as an “affordable premium” brand, while Interior Define is all about budget-friendly pricing.
Joybird
As a premium brand, Joybird’s prices are on the higher end – but not excessively so.
- Sofas: Ranging from $1,349 for a small 2-seater to $3,999+ for a large sectional. The average mid-sized sofa is around $2,500.
- Sectionals: Sectionals come in a wide range of sizes, configurations, and prices. A standard 6-piece sectional runs $3,999 – $5,499 depending on customization.
- Other Furniture: Joybird also sells chairs, ottomans, tables, and more in the range of $700 – $1,400 per piece.
Considering the quality materials and American production, these prices offer good value compared to similar high-end furniture brands.
Interior Define
As a budget-friendly brand, Interior Define positions itself at more affordable mid-tier pricing.
- Sofas: Ranging from $1,095 to $3,670 depending on size. Average mid-sized sofa around $1,800.
- Sectionals: Between $1,895 for a petite sectional up to $4,870 for a large 8-piece sectional. Under $3,000 for standard sizes.
- Other Furniture: Chairs around $650 – $1,000 and tables $400 – $800.
This more affordable pricing reflects the differences in materials, manufacturing, and quality control compared to Joybird. The price-to-value ratio is less impressive.
The takeaway: Joybird costs more upfront but offers greater long-term value. Interior Define is the budget-friendly quick fix.
Shipping and Returns
The shipping and return policies can make a big difference in the customer experience of ordering furniture online. Here’s how Joybird and Interior Define compare:
Joybird
Joybird offers customer-friendly shipping and returns:
- Free Shipping across the contiguous USA. No delivery fees.
- White Glove Delivery optional for $149. Includes in-home assembly and removal of packaging.
- 30 Day Returns accepted if unused furniture is returned in original packaging.
- Easy Process – schedule pickups via phone. No return shipping costs.
Interior Define
Interior Define has more limited shipping and return options:
- $99 Shipping Fee on all orders. No option for free shipping. Significant added cost.
- White Glove Delivery optional for $199 – $299 depending on location.
- 30 Day Returns also accepted but fewer details provided upfront.
- Unclear Process – no self-service return portal. Must email for return authorization.
The takeaway: Joybird has better shipping and return policies. The free shipping and white glove delivery options stand out. Interior Define’s $99 delivery fee is frustrating.
Manufacturing Locations
Where furniture is made impacts quality control, lead times, and pricing.
Joybird
- Made in USA: Joybird proudly manufactures all of their furniture domestically in their Los Angeles factory.
- Skilled Local Artisans: Products are hand-crafted locally by experienced woodworkers and upholsterers. Allows for better quality control.
- Shorter Lead Times: Typical 3-4 week delivery timeframe thanks to local manufacturing.
Interior Define
- Made in USA and Abroad: Only some pieces made locally in Chicago. Other products imported from China, Malaysia, Vietnam and other countries.
- Variable Quality: Offshore production leads to more quality and consistency issues.
- Long Lead Times: 7-9 weeks delivery since many pieces imported after ordering.
The takeaway: Joybird’s American-made process results in better quality. Interior Define’s imported furniture can’t match the local craftsmanship.
Warranties
It’s important to understand what kind of protection a furniture warranty provides in case flaws arise.
Joybird
Joybird offers outstanding warranty coverage:
- Lifetime Warranty on frame against defects and flaws.
- 1 Year Warranty on upholstery against wear and tear defects.
- Thorough Coverage – incudes replacement parts, labor, shipping and more.
- Simple Process – easy to make warranty claims by email or phone.
Interior Define
Interior Define has a more basic warranty:
- 1 Year Warranty on all furniture pieces against manufacturer defects.
- Less Coverage of shipping fees, labor, and replacement parts.
- Refurbishment First – Interior Define tries refurbishing items before full replacement.
- Spotty Response – some reports of slow and difficult warranty claim response.
The takeaway: Joybird offers a meaningful lifetime frame warranty. Interior Define just a standard 1 year general warranty.
Styles Comparison of Joybird And Interior Define Couch
While customizing the fabrics and colors is great, you probably also care about the style and silhouette of the actual sofa frames. Joybird and Interior Define have quite different design aesthetics.
Joybird
Joybird’s styles lean modern, contemporary, and even mid-century inspired. Here are some of their design elements:
- Clean, straight lines and angular profiles
- Low, boxy, and linear frames
- Slim or tapered solid wood legs
- Tufted seat and back cushions
- Metal legs on many designs (gold, brass, black finishes)
The overall vibe is young, hip, and current. The look works great in urban lofts, modern homes, and contemporary spaces.
Interior Define
Interior Define has a more traditional and classic style sensibility. Design features include:
- Ornate rolled arms and rounded profiles
- Curved shapes with sloped rolled arms
- Bulky exposed wood feet
- Plump, overstuffed cushions
- Skirted options available
The styling works well in traditional suburban homes and feels comfortable for older buyers.
But it lacks the modern edge that design-forward shoppers want.
The takeaway: Joybird is far trendier while Interior Define sticks to safe classics. Choose Joybird for contemporary chic or Interior Define for traditional richness.
Performance Fabric Comparison
In addition to standard upholstery fabrics like velvet and linen, both brands offer high-performance “active fabrics” designed to withstand wear and tear. But there are key differences in these offerings:
Joybird
- Wide range of performance fabrics from trusted brands like Sunbrella, Revolution, and more.
- Fabrics resist stains, water, mildew, fading, pets, and kids. Easy to clean.
- Stylish textures and patterns. Doesn’t look overly utilitarian.
- Greenguard Gold certification for low chemical emissions.
- Only $100 upgrade over standard fabrics. Outstanding value.
Interior Define
- Very limited performance fabric selection. Only 2 basic options.
- Disappointing textures and utilitarian styling.
- Not as durable or resistant to wear based on reviews.
- No specific performance certifications mentioned.
- Upcharge is $395 – far more expensive than Joybird.
The takeaway: Joybird has better performance fabrics. The value, durability, and number of options all exceed Interior Define’s offerings.
Social Impact Comparison
An increasing number of consumers care about brands that focus on social impact and corporate responsibility. Here is how Joybird and Interior Define measure up in this regard:
Joybird
- Partners with American Forests to plant a tree for every product sold. Over 500,000 trees planted already.
- Committed to responsible wood sourcing and supply chains. Uses sustainable beech and maple wood.
- Runs an annual art contest supporting emerging artists. $25,000 in grants awarded.
- Positive reviews on Indeed and Glassdoor as an employer. Competitive pay and benefits.
Interior Define
- No evidence of environmental or reforestation initiatives.
- No indications of responsible sourcing of imported wood materials.
- No social impact programs found.
- Mixed reviews on Indeed and Glassdoor. Complaints of difficult work environment.
The takeaway: Joybird is the more socially responsible brand. Their reforestation efforts and community art funding make an impact. Interior Define trails in corporate citizenship.
Customer Service Comparison
Having helpful and responsive customer service can improve your experience when buying furniture online. Here is how the brands’ customer support compares:
Joybird
- Phone, chat, email, and social support available. Multiple contact options.
- Support based in California. Representatives are friendly and knowledgeable.
- Quick responses within 24 hours via chat or phone. Fast email turnaround too.
- Proactive outreach about delays or issues. Provides order updates.
- Effortless returns process coordinated over the phone.
Interior Define
- Limited to email and social media contact. No phone support option.
- Less consistent about responding quickly. Wait times over 48 hours not uncommon.
- Representatives feel more like order takers than knowledgeable advisors.
- You need to chase them down for shipping updates or order changes.
- Returns require emailing back and forth without clear guidance.
The takeaway: Joybird offers vastly superior customer service. Quick response times, friendly staff, and proactive communication make the difference.
Reviews Comparison
Looking at customer reviews reveals real-life experiences with each brand. Here’s an overview of how they compare:
Joybird
- Extremely positive reviews averaging 4.8 stars across platforms.
- Praise for customization process, quality, styles, and service.
- Complaint volume is very low. Issues are promptly resolved by support when they arise.
- Customers say sofas hold up beautifully over years of use. Worth the price.
Interior Define
- More mediocre reviews averaging 3.5 stars.
- Fabrics, cushion fill, and quality control frequently criticized.
- Customer service slowness and difficulty making returns are common complaints.
- More quality issues and defects reported compared to Joybird.
The takeaway: Joybird earns consistently glowing reviews while Interior Define has very mixed feedback. Joybird clearly delights customers far more.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Joybird and Interior Define:
The main differences between Joybird and Burrow are:
1. Customization – Joybird offers more customization options for fabrics, fills, etc. Burrow has set style and color options.
2. Quality – Joybird uses higher end materials like hardwood frames and steel legs. Burrow uses laminated plywood.
3. Style – Joybird has mid-century modern and contemporary styles. Burrow is more clean and minimalist.
4. Price – Joybird is premium-priced while Burrow is budget-friendly.
5. Delivery – Joybird ships fully assembled. Burrow ships flat-pack for self assembly.
Some of the sofa brands renowned for durability and longevity include:
1. Stressless – 10 year warranty, made in Norway
2. American Leather – metal and hardwood frames, made in USA
3. Crate & Barrel – structured frames withstand daily wear
4. Joybird – lifetime frame warranty, high-end materials
5. Cisco Home – hardwood frame and premium foam cushions
Quality materials like kiln-dried hardwood, corner blocking, eight-way hand tied springs, and steel legs contribute to a sofa’s long-term sturdiness.
No, Joybird does not manufacture their furniture in China. All Joybird sofas and chairs are handmade in their Los Angeles, California factory. The American production allows quality control and skilled craftsmanship.
Joybird is known for:
1. Highly customizable sofas and chairs
2. Modern, contemporary styles
3. Durable frames and performance fabrics
4. Responsible manufacturing and social impact
5. Helpful customer service and warranty
6. Direct-to-consumer only, no showrooms
The wide range of customization options combined with the sleek, modern aesthetics make Joybird a popular boutique furniture brand. Their American-made quality and robust warranty help support the higher price points.
Wrapping Up
When it comes to selecting a customizable, quality couch online, Joybird and Interior Define both have their strengths and weaknesses. Joybird shines when it comes to the unparalleled range of customization options, dedication to quality construction with hardwood frames and premium fabrics, and excellent customer service.
Their sofas genuinely live up to the premium price tags thanks to durable materials built to last. Interior Define offers faster shipping times and more budget-friendly pricing. However, their quality is inconsistent, customization is limited, and customer reviews are decisively more mediocre.
For shoppers focused on beautifully crafted furniture made to order exactly to their preferences, Joybird is undoubtedly worth the higher investment. For those on a tight budget not expecting heirloom quality, Interior Define presents a more affordable option that cuts some corners.
At the end of the day, Joybird excels at delivering a bespoke, high-end couch buying experience from order to delivery. Their expertise in customizable upholstery is unmatched in the online space.
