When it comes to buying a new sofa, Poly & Bark and Joybird are two popular furniture brands to consider. Both offer stylish, comfortable sofas at relatively affordable prices. But which is the better choice for your home?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll compare Poly & Bark and Joybird sofas across a variety of factors including quality, cost, customization options, and more. By the end, you’ll have all the information you need to decide which brand is right for your needs and style.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Poly & Bark | Joybird |
| Price | More budget-friendly, sofas from $700 – $2200 | Pricier, sofas from $1000 – $4000+ |
| Quality | Good – sturdy frames and decent foam cushions | Excellent – kiln-dried hardwood, luxurious cushion filling |
| Customization | Limited – fabrics, colors, some dimensions | Extensive options for dimensions, fabrics, legs, arms, etc. |
| Shipping Time | 3 days for in-stock items | 8-12 weeks |
| Style Selection | Good variety of modern and traditional | Vast selection of contemporary and mid-century |
| Eco-Friendly | Limited sustainability initiatives | B-Corp certified, recycled materials used |
| Best For… | Budget shoppers, faster shipping needs | Luxury details, customization, contemporary style |
Poly & Bark Sofas: An Overview
Poly & Bark was founded in 2013 with the goal of making quality furniture accessible and affordable. Their sofas are made with durable hardwood frames and high-density foam cushions. Fabrics options include performance fabrics like polyester and olefin as well as natural fabrics like cotton and linen.
Here are some key things to know about Poly & Bark sofas:
- Wide selection – Poly & Bark offers a wide range of sofa styles including sectionals, loveseats, sleepers, and more. They have both modern and traditional looks.
- Customization – For many of their sofas, you can customize the fabric, color, and leg style to fit your tastes.
- Affordable pricing – Poly & Bark sofas start around $700 for a loveseat and max out around $2200 for a large sectional. This puts them at the budget-friendly end of the scale.
- Quick shipping – Poly & Bark prides themselves on quick delivery timelines. In-stock items ship within 3 business days.
- Good reviews – Online reviews for Poly & Bark are generally quite positive, with customers praising their affordable pricing and quick delivery. Some complain about fabric quality not being as luxe as higher-end brands.
Joybird Sofas: An Overview
Joybird was founded in 2014 and has become popular for its mid-century and contemporary style sofas. Like Poly & Bark, they also aim to make quality custom furniture more accessible.
Here’s an overview of Joybird’s sofas:
- Large selection – From sleek modern sofas to tufted designs, Joybird has a vast selection of styles and shapes.
- Customization – Joybird allows you to customize everything from dimensions to cushion fill to fabric. This level of customization does come at a higher price point.
- Higher prices – Joybird sofas start around $1,000 for a one-seater and go up to $4,000+ for a large sectional. You’re paying for the custom styling and higher-end fabrics.
- Long lead times – Because they are made to order, Joybird sofas can take 8-12 weeks to be delivered.
- Positive reviews – Like Poly & Bark, most reviews for Joybird are quite positive with customers raving about quality and style. Some find the lead times too long.
Now that we’ve overviewed each brand, let’s directly compare the pros and cons of Poly & Bark vs. Joybird.
Key Differences Between Poly & Bark And Joybird Sofas
- Quality
When it comes to quality, both Poly & Bark and Joybird make durable, well-constructed sofas built over hardwood frames. However, Joybird uses more luxe fabrics and luxurious cushion fills like down-blend filling in many of their sofas.
This gives their sofas a more high-end, plush feel compared to Poly & Bark’s firmer foam cushions.
Winner: Joybird offers higher-end materials and more plushness.
- Customization
Both brands offer some degree of customization, but Joybird has a clear advantage here. With Joybird, you can fully customize dimensions, fabric, leg style, and more to get an entirely bespoke sofa. Poly & Bark offers fabrics and colors but less adjustment to dimensions or styling.
Winner: Joybird for much more extensive customization options.
- Price
When it comes to price, Poly & Bark is clearly the more budget-friendly choice. Their sofas start around $700 vs. $1,000+ for Joybird. Given the higher-end materials, it makes sense that Joybird commands higher prices. For shoppers looking for an affordable but stylish sofa, Poly & Bark has the advantage.
Winner: Poly & Bark for the lower prices.
- Shipping Speed
Here Poly & Bark shines over Joybird. Because Poly & Bark keeps inventory on hand, they can ship your sofa within days instead of the 8-12 weeks for custom-made Joybird pieces. For people furnishing their home on a timeline, Poly & Bark will be able to deliver sofas much more quickly.
Winner: Poly & Bark for fast shipping times.
- Style Selection
In terms of style selection, Joybird has the edge. With a vast array of sofas in contemporary, mid-century, retro, and classic styles, Joybird simply offers more variety. Poly & Bark has a solid selection but fewer unique silhouettes or designs to choose from.
Winner: Joybird for wider range of stylish sofa designs.
- Environmentally Friendly
For eco-conscious shoppers, Joybird also comes out on top. Many of their sofas feature recycled materials, low VOC finishes, and other sustainable manufacturing practices. They’re a certified B-Corp demonstrating a commitment to responsible business. Poly & Bark has fewer environmental initiatives.
Winner: Joybird is the better eco-friendly choice.
Poly & Bark and Joybird: Which is Better For…
Now that we’ve directly compared the brands, let’s talk about which sofa may be better for specific priorities:
- For budget shoppers: Poly & Bark is the clear choice if keeping costs low is your main priority. You can get their quality sofas for hundreds less than Joybird.
- For maximal customization: The wide range of customization options makes Joybird the winner if you want a sofa made exactly to your specifications.
- For quick delivery: The faster shipping speeds give Poly & Bark the advantage for anyone furnishing on a tight timeline.
- For plushness and luxury: Joybird’s premium materials and construction make their sofas feel more sumptuous and luxe.
- For contemporary styles: With their vast modern and mid-century selections, Joybird excels for contemporary furniture.
- For eco-conscious shoppers: Joybird’s commitments to sustainability make them the better pick for the environmentally minded.
Which Is Right For You?
As you can see, both Poly & Bark and Joybird make high-quality sofas but cater to different priorities.
Poly & Bark wins for budget shoppers who still want style and substance from their sofa. The quicker ship times are also a major perk.
Joybird is ideal for those who value extensive customization options and want higher-end, luxurious materials. Their vast modern style selection is also a selling point.
Here are a few final tips on choosing between the two brands:
- Take time to browse each of their style galleries to find designs you love. This can help sway your choice.
- Consider which features – customization, shipping speed, or budget – are your absolute highest priorities. Let those guide your decision.
- Read reviews and look at independent testing sites like Consumer Reports for unbiased feedback.
- If possible, try to see their sofas in person at local showrooms to get a feel for comfort and quality first-hand.
- Think about how long you plan to keep your sofa. Joybird may be the better long-term investment for a 10+ year sofa.
- Look at available warranties. Both offer decent protection but read the details closely.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Poly & Bark sofas are made in China. They work closely with their manufacturing partners to ensure quality standards are met.
Apt2B is pricier than many online furniture brands because they use higher-end materials like kiln-dried hardwoods and quality leathers. Their sofas are made in the USA which also increases costs. The attention to construction and detail justifies the higher prices for many customers.
In general, sofas made with hardwood frames, eight-way hand tied springs, and heavier duty cushions last the longest. High-quality leather or performance fabrics also improve durability. American-made sofas from brands like BenchMade Modern and Joybird are built to last decades.
Signs of a good quality sofa include:
1. Hardwood or kiln-dried frames and joints
2. Corner blocking for stability
3. Coil, zig-zag, or drop-in spring systems
4. Reinforced corners and joints
5. Durable, stain-resistant fabrics
6. Thick, high-density foam cushions
7. Limited sagging when tested in person
8. Structural warranties of 10+ years
Examining joinery, fabric, and support systems up close is the best way to gauge if a sofa is well-made or not. Testing it out in person can reveal how sturdy it really is.
The Bottom Line
When comparing Poly & Bark vs Joybird sofas, you really can’t go wrong. Both provide quality, stylish sofas perfect for modern living spaces.
Poly & Bark is best for the budget-conscious shopper who still wants decent customization and fast shipping. Joybird is ideal for those wanting bespoke sofas with luxury details and contemporary flair.
Take your time, evaluate your priorities, and read reviews to decide which brand best serves your needs. With some thoughtful consideration, you’re sure to end up with a sofa you’ll love lounging on for years to come.