I’ve spent countless hours, both online and in-store, navigating the often-overwhelming world of furniture shopping. It’s a significant investment, one that shapes the look and feel of your home for years to come.
Two names that constantly pop up are Living Spaces and Ashley Furniture. I’ve walked their showroom floors, scrutinized their websites, and even owned pieces from both. In this article, I’m going to share my firsthand, analytical perspective on how these two furniture giants stack up.
My goal is to give you a real user’s take, going beyond the marketing jargon to help you decide which brand truly aligns with your style, budget, and quality expectations.
A Head-to-Head Look
| Feature | Living Spaces | Ashley Furniture |
| Overall Vibe | West Coast casual, modern, and trend-forward. Think bright, airy showrooms. | Traditional American, classic, with a growing modern and glam selection. |
| Price Point | Mid-range, offering good value for the price. Frequent sales and promotions. | Broad range, from budget-friendly options to more premium collections. |
| Customization | A major selling point. Extensive fabric and configuration options for sofas. | More limited customization, primarily focused on pre-designed collections. |
| Target Audience | Millennials and Gen Xers looking for stylish, customizable, and affordable furniture. | Families and individuals seeking traditional, reliable, and widely available pieces. |
| In-Store Experience | Bright, open-plan showrooms with styled vignettes. Often features a cafe and kids’ area. | More traditional showroom layout, often with a vast selection packed into the space. |
| Online Experience | User-friendly website with robust filtering options and a 3D room planner. | Comprehensive website, but can sometimes feel cluttered. Good online visualization tools. |
| Lead Times | Can vary significantly, especially for custom orders. Quick ship options are available. | Generally shorter lead times for in-stock items due to their large manufacturing scale. |
| My Personal Take | Your go-to for a personalized sofa that fits your exact space and style. | A reliable choice for finding a complete, coordinated room set without the fuss. |
My Journey With Living Spaces: The Quest for Customization
My first real encounter with Living Spaces was born out of a specific need: a sectional that would perfectly fit the awkward dimensions of my living room.
I had a vision in my head, a particular shade of green velvet, and a chaise that was “just right.” This is where Living Spaces immediately stood out to me. Their emphasis on customization isn’t just a marketing gimmick; it’s a core part of their identity.
The Allure of Choice: Living Spaces’ Strengths
From the moment I stepped into their showroom, I felt a different kind of energy compared to more traditional furniture stores. It was bright, airy, and the layout encouraged exploration. The styled rooms felt aspirational yet achievable.
But the real magic happened when I started talking to a sales associate about their custom upholstery program.
The sheer number of fabric choices was almost dizzying, but in the best way possible. I could choose from countless colors, textures, and performance fabrics. This was a game-changer for me as a pet owner.
The ability to select a durable, easy-to-clean fabric without sacrificing style was a massive plus. The process was surprisingly straightforward. They had large fabric swatches available, so I could see and feel the materials in person, which is crucial when you’re making such a significant purchase.
Beyond the fabric, the customization extended to the configuration of their sofas and sectionals. You could choose the arm style, the cushion fill, and, of course, the overall layout.
This level of personalization is something you typically associate with much higher-end, designer showrooms. Living Spaces has managed to make it accessible to a broader audience, and that, in my opinion, is their greatest strength.
Their product range also leans towards a more contemporary and transitional aesthetic. You’ll find a lot of clean lines, neutral palettes with pops of on-trend colors, and designs that feel current without being overly faddish.
If your style skews modern, mid-century modern, or even a bit bohemian, you’ll likely find a lot to love at Living Spaces.
Another aspect I appreciate is their online experience. The website is clean, easy to navigate, and their 3D room planner is a genuinely useful tool. I was able to upload a photo of my living room and virtually place different sofa configurations to see how they would look.
This took a lot of the guesswork out of the process and gave me the confidence to move forward with my custom order.
The Flip Side: Where Living Spaces Could Improve
Now, no brand is perfect, and my experience with Living Spaces wasn’t without its minor frustrations.
The biggest potential drawback, especially for those in a hurry, is the lead time for custom pieces.
When you’re having something made to your exact specifications, it naturally takes longer.
My custom sectional had a lead time of about 10 weeks, which felt like an eternity when I was eager to complete my living room.
They do offer a selection of “quick ship” items, but your choices will be much more limited.
Another point to consider is the consistency of quality across their entire product range. While my custom sofa has held up beautifully, I’ve noticed that some of their case goods, like dressers and nightstands, can be a bit hit or miss. Some pieces feel incredibly solid and well-made, utilizing solid wood and quality hardware.
Others, however, rely more heavily on veneers and engineered wood. It’s essential to inspect the pieces in person if you can, paying close attention to the materials and construction. Don’t be afraid to open drawers, check the joinery, and get a feel for the overall sturdiness.
Finally, while their prices are generally competitive, especially for the level of customization offered, they aren’t the absolute cheapest option on the market. If your primary driver is finding the lowest possible price, you might find better deals elsewhere.
However, I firmly believe that with Living Spaces, you’re paying for the design, the customization, and a certain level of quality that often surpasses what you’d find at a lower price point.
My Take on Ashley Furniture: The Power of Presence
Ashley Furniture, or more formally, Ashley HomeStore, is a name that just about everyone recognizes. They are a behemoth in the furniture industry, and their sheer scale is both a significant advantage and, at times, a point of criticism.
My experiences with Ashley have been more varied, ranging from outfitting a first apartment on a tight budget to finding a specific, traditional piece for a family member.
The Ashley Advantage: Accessibility and Variety
The most undeniable strength of Ashley Furniture is its ubiquity and the breadth of its product offerings.
With thousands of retail locations worldwide and a massive online presence, you’re almost always near an Ashley HomeStore.
This accessibility makes it an easy and convenient option for many shoppers.
Their product catalog is vast and covers a wide spectrum of styles.
While they are traditionally known for classic American and rustic designs, they’ve made a concerted effort in recent years to expand into more contemporary, modern, and even glamorous aesthetics.
This means that regardless of your personal style, you’re likely to find something that catches your eye.
One of the areas where Ashley truly shines is in their creation of coordinated collections. They make it incredibly easy to furnish an entire room with pieces that are designed to go together.
This is a huge plus for those who feel overwhelmed by the prospect of mixing and matching different items. You can walk into a showroom, point to a beautifully staged bedroom set, and say, “I’ll take that one.” This simplified approach to decorating is a major draw for many customers.
The price point is another significant factor in Ashley’s popularity. They offer a wide range of products at various price levels, with a strong focus on affordability.
Their “Signature Design by Ashley” line, for example, is known for its budget-friendly prices, making it a go-to for first-time homebuyers, students, and anyone looking to furnish a space without breaking the bank. They also have higher-end collections, like their “Millennium” line, which feature better materials and construction for a higher price.
Their manufacturing and distribution network is a well-oiled machine. Because they produce on such a massive scale, they often have items in stock and ready for quick delivery. If you need a new sofa delivered this weekend, Ashley is more likely to be able to accommodate that request than a brand that focuses on custom orders.
The Ashley Conundrum: Navigating Quality and Durability
The primary challenge when shopping at Ashley Furniture is navigating the varying levels of quality.
Because they cater to such a broad market, the materials and construction can differ dramatically from one collection to another.
This is where I’ve seen the most inconsistency.
Many of their more budget-friendly pieces rely heavily on particleboard, engineered wood, and veneers.
While these materials help keep costs down, they are generally less durable than solid wood.
I’ve had an Ashley coffee table in the past that started to show signs of wear, like peeling veneers, after only a couple of years of moderate use. On the other hand, I’ve seen Ashley dining sets made from solid wood that have stood the test of time.
This is why, when shopping at Ashley, it’s crucial to be an informed consumer. You need to read the product descriptions carefully, both online and in-store. Look for terms like “solid wood,” “wood veneers,” and “engineered wood.”
As with Living Spaces, I can’t stress enough the importance of inspecting the furniture in person if possible. Open the drawers of a dresser to see if they have smooth-gliding mechanisms and sturdy joinery.
Sit on the sofas and feel the density of the cushions. The feel of the furniture can often tell you a lot about its underlying quality.
Another common critique I’ve encountered, both personally and through reviews, relates to customer service. Given the sheer size of the company, the customer service experience can be inconsistent.
While some stores have knowledgeable and helpful staff, others can feel understaffed and impersonal. Similarly, resolving issues with delivery or product defects can sometimes be a bureaucratic process.
From a style perspective, while they have expanded their offerings, some of their designs can still feel a bit generic or mass-produced. If you’re looking for a unique, statement piece that will be a conversation starter, you might have to sift through a lot of more conventional options to find it at Ashley.
A Direct Comparison of Living Spaces And Ashley Furniture
When I put Living Spaces and Ashley Furniture head-to-head, the choice really comes down to your priorities as a shopper.
If customization and a modern aesthetic are at the top of your list, I would lean towards Living Spaces. The ability to create a sofa or sectional that is uniquely yours is a powerful draw. You’re getting a more bespoke experience at a mid-range price point.
The trade-off might be a longer wait time and the need to be discerning about the quality of their non-upholstered items. I see them as a great option for someone who has a clear vision for their space and is willing to invest a bit more time and money to bring it to life.
If your primary concerns are affordability, convenience, and finding a complete, coordinated room set, then Ashley Furniture is an incredibly strong contender. Their vast selection and wide range of price points mean there’s something for almost every budget and taste.
The “one-stop-shop” aspect is a lifesaver for those who want a beautifully decorated home without the stress of curating individual pieces. The key to a successful Ashley purchase is to do your homework.
Understand the materials you’re buying, inspect the construction, and manage your expectations regarding long-term durability, especially with their lower-priced collections.
For me, the decision between the two would depend on the specific piece I’m buying. For a centerpiece item like a living room sofa, where I want a specific look and feel, I’d choose Living Spaces for the customization.
For a guest room bedroom set or a dining table for a growing family, where practicality and value are paramount, I would seriously consider Ashley, taking care to select from one of their more durable collections.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
No, Ashley Furniture is generally not considered a high-end brand. They are known for offering a wide range of furniture that is primarily focused on affordability and accessibility for the mass market. While they have some more premium collections, their core identity is rooted in providing value-oriented options.
This is a common comparison, as both operate in a similar market space. Generally, the quality can be comparable, with both brands offering a spectrum of products from lower-end to mid-range. The “better” choice often comes down to the specific collection and materials. Some shoppers feel that Rooms To Go offers slightly more consistent quality across their offerings, while Ashley provides a broader selection of styles and price points.
Ashley Furniture’s biggest competitors include other large-scale furniture retailers like Rooms To Go, Value City Furniture, and Bob’s Discount Furniture. On a broader scale, they also compete with brands like Living Spaces and even online retailers like Wayfair, all of whom vie for the attention of the mid-range furniture consumer.
The primary weaknesses of Ashley Furniture are the inconsistency in quality across their vast product range and concerns about the long-term durability of their lower-priced items, which often use materials like particleboard. Some customers have also reported inconsistent customer service experiences, which can be a drawback of their large corporate structure.
My Final Thoughts For You
So, after laying it all out, what’s my final piece of advice for you?
It’s this: define what you truly need from your furniture before you even start shopping. If you’re like me and crave that perfect, custom-fit piece that reflects your unique style, I believe you’ll find the design process at Living Spaces incredibly rewarding.
The ability to select your own fabric and configuration makes you feel like a part of the creative journey, resulting in a piece of furniture that feels truly personal.
However, if your priority is to furnish your home quickly, affordably, and with a cohesive look, don’t overlook the power and convenience of Ashley Furniture. You can walk in and find a complete, stylish room solution that fits your budget, and you’ll likely have it in your home much faster.
Your task there is to be a savvy shopper—read the labels, understand the materials, and choose the best quality you can within your price range. Neither brand is universally “better” than the other; they simply serve different needs.
The best choice is the one that aligns with your lifestyle, your budget, and your vision for the space you call home.