Walker Edison furniture is often marketed as a stylish yet affordable option for modern homes. And sure, it can be tempting to jump on those sleek designs that fit into almost any decor theme.
But should you really buy Walker Edison furniture? Let me share my honest experience, plus everything you need to know, before making your decision.
My Experience With Walker Edison Furniture
When I first came across Walker Edison furniture, I was immediately drawn in by the attractive designs and the reasonable price point. I was looking for a mid-century modern bed frame that wouldn’t break the bank, and Walker Edison seemed to have exactly what I wanted.
The pictures online showed a beautiful, clean-lined bed with a spindle headboard and tapered legs—a perfect match for my bedroom aesthetic.
However, the excitement quickly faded once the bed arrived. Assembly was a nightmare. It took me about four hours over two days to put it together, largely because every single piece had to be manually screwed in, and the Allen key provided was awkward to use in tight angles.
Even worse, some of the holes were misaligned, making the process even more frustrating. By the time I was finished, I was already regretting my decision.
Once assembled, the bed looked nice from a distance, but upon closer inspection, the quality issues were evident. The wood felt soft and flimsy, and the veneer was incredibly thin.
After only a month of use, the screws holding the headboard started popping out, and the wood stripped easily, making it impossible to keep the bed stable. It quickly became clear that this bed was not built to handle regular use.
I also noticed that the overall construction was just not sturdy. The slats didn’t feel secure, and the entire frame would creak and wobble with the slightest movement.
Ultimately, I found myself disappointed with the purchase. While the bed looked stylish, it simply wasn’t durable or well-made, and I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone looking for furniture that will stand the test of time.
Pros of Walker Edison Furniture
Walker Edison is not without its positives, and there are indeed reasons why people gravitate toward their products.
- Affordable Price Point: Let’s be honest: affordability is the first thing that attracts us to Walker Edison. The price tags are reasonable compared to other brands. If you’re on a budget and want something that looks fashionable, this brand will catch your eye. It’s great for temporary furnishings or maybe an extra piece for the guest room where durability is less of a concern.
- Aesthetic Appeal: I’ll give credit where it’s due—their designs are attractive. They focus on popular trends like mid-century modern, minimalism, and industrial styles. The bed I got, for instance, had clean lines, a spindle headboard, and tapered legs that really gave it that classic mid-century feel. On paper, it’s exactly what I wanted.
- Variety of Styles: Walker Edison offers a wide selection of pieces across different styles and purposes. Whether you’re looking for a dining table, a TV stand, or a bed frame, they have several styles to choose from, each with a sleek look. They also tend to be lightweight, which is great if you move frequently or like to change up your room layout.
- Easy Availability: One plus for Walker Edison is availability. It’s easy to get your hands on their products through multiple online retailers like Amazon, Wayfair, and Home Depot. If you need something quick, you’ll likely find a piece available for immediate shipping, which is convenient.
Cons of Walker Edison Furniture
However, it’s not all roses. My experience—as well as many others’—shows that there are quite a few downsides that could make you think twice before committing to Walker Edison.
- Poor Quality Materials
Let me be real with you—the materials are not high-quality. The bed I purchased looked fantastic from a distance, but once I was up close, I could tell the wood was very soft and fragile. It became evident that the frame wasn’t built to last.
The veneer is thin, and the actual wood used—if you can even call it that—is prone to damage. If you’re expecting sturdy, reliable wood, you will be disappointed.
- Assembly Challenges
Get ready to invest hours in assembly. One of the most frustrating aspects of Walker Edison furniture is the extensive and often tedious assembly process. In my experience, each piece needs to be manually screwed in, and they provide an Allen key that simply doesn’t get the job done well.
It took me a lot longer than I expected—about four hours—and the end result still had its issues.
A common complaint I’ve heard from other users is that the dowels provided are often too short, making the assembly process even more difficult. In some cases, the holes are not even aligned properly, which makes it impossible to construct the product as intended.
That was exactly the issue with my bed frame—one set of headboard holes wasn’t in the right place, making the whole structure wobbly and somewhat unusable.
- Durability Issues
This is perhaps the biggest drawback of Walker Edison products. The furniture just isn’t durable. After only a month of use, the headboard screws began to strip and pop out.
I wasn’t being rough with it, but the wood was so soft that it simply couldn’t hold up to normal wear and tear. The fact that it couldn’t even handle someone leaning against it spoke volumes about its quality.
Walker Edison pieces are probably best suited for spaces that aren’t used often—like a guest room—because when it comes to regular use, they just don’t hold up. I ended up regretting my purchase because, after only a few months, the bed frame started falling apart, and the veneer started peeling.
Maintenance Tips For Walker Edison Furniture
If you decide to go with Walker Edison despite some of its pitfalls, you can extend the life of the furniture with proper maintenance. Here are some tips that might help you get the most out of your purchase:
- Gentle Cleaning Only: Since the wood is so soft, it’s important to use gentle cleaning methods. A soft, damp cloth should be enough to wipe down surfaces. Avoid using any harsh cleaning agents, as they can damage the veneer and lead to peeling.
- Avoid Excess Weight: This furniture is not built to handle excess weight, so avoid putting too much stress on it. For example, refrain from sitting on the edge of a Walker Edison bed frame, and avoid loading shelves to their maximum capacity. The more weight you put on it, the quicker it will break down
- Tighten Screws Regularly: The screws on Walker Edison furniture have a tendency to come loose over time. It’s a good idea to check and tighten them every few weeks to ensure the stability of the piece. This can help extend its lifespan, even if just by a little.
- Use Furniture Pads: For any piece that rests on the floor—like a bed frame or table—consider using furniture pads under the legs. This will help protect the frame and keep it stable. It can also prevent scratches on your floor, as the furniture tends to be lighter and might move around.
Walker Edison Vs. Other Brands
Let’s compare Walker Edison with a few other popular furniture brands to see how it measures up.
- Walker Edison Vs. IKEA
IKEA is a name that comes up often when discussing budget furniture. Like Walker Edison, IKEA is known for its affordability and trendy styles. The major difference, however, is the build quality.
While IKEA furniture also requires assembly and can sometimes be challenging to put together, the quality is usually better. IKEA’s particleboard, while still not perfect, feels sturdier compared to Walker Edison’s overly soft wood.
IKEA also often offers replacement parts and has an easier return policy, which can be reassuring if you run into issues. Based on my experience, I’d choose IKEA over Walker Edison for both quality and ease of use.
- Walker Edison Vs. Sauder
Sauder is another budget-friendly furniture brand, but one that offers a more traditional look. In my experience, Sauder products are much sturdier than Walker Edison’s offerings.
While Sauder also uses engineered wood, it’s denser and less prone to damage. Assembly might be equally tedious, but Sauder provides clearer instructions, and their pieces tend to feel more stable once put together.
- Walker Edison Vs. Zinus
Zinus is well-known for its affordable beds and frames, much like Walker Edison. However, Zinus products tend to be easier to assemble, and they often come with clever features like integrated slats that don’t need individual assembly.
In terms of durability, Zinus outshines Walker Edison easily—their bed frames feel much more secure and are capable of handling regular use without falling apart. The overall value is significantly better.
Should You Buy Walker Edison Furniture?
If you’re in a pinch and need something that looks stylish on a budget, Walker Edison might be an option—but it wouldn’t be my first recommendation. The assembly process is tedious, the quality is below average, and the furniture doesn’t hold up well over time.
There are simply better options out there, like IKEA, Zinus, or Sauder, that provide both affordability and quality without the frustration.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Walker Edison Furniture is privately owned by its founders, Brad Bonham and Matt Davis. It was founded in 2006 and has since grown into a significant player in the online furniture space, offering a wide range of products through major online retailers.
Delivery times for Walker Edison products can vary depending on the retailer you purchase from and your location. Typically, delivery takes anywhere from 3-10 business days. During peak seasons, it may take longer, so it’s always best to check the expected delivery time before placing an order.
Walker Edison was acquired by Prospect Hill Growth Partners, a private equity firm, in 2018. This acquisition helped expand Walker Edison’s presence in the online furniture market and has contributed to its growth.
Wrapping Up
At first glance, Walker Edison furniture seems like a dream come true for budget-conscious buyers seeking stylish pieces. But in my experience, the challenges of assembly, lack of durability, and disappointing quality make it hard to recommend wholeheartedly.
You might be better off exploring other budget-friendly brands that offer both good looks and solid performance. After all, while affordability is important, so is getting a product that can stand the test of time.