When most people think of cost-effective and stylish furniture, Ikea comes to mind. The franchise has dominated the market for years, but what if there were other alternatives to Ikea right here in the United States?
There’s not always an Ikea nearby, and sometimes you just want to try something new. These stores offer the perfect blend of eco-friendly, innovative shipping methods and handcrafted pieces that can last a lifetime.
These alternatives prove that local American brands can be just as creative and affordable as the Swedish giant that usually dominates the market.
Wayfair
Wayfair is an interesting alternative to other stores. Many see it as just a website, but it’s much more than that. It is a virtual shopping assistant that uses AI to browse thousands of items to find ones that suit your taste and appeal.
There are millions of products available on the online store with thousands of sellers. This makes Wayfair the best one-stop shop for anything that you could need from couches to curtains.
You can even use your phone to see how a piece of furniture will look in your home before making a purchase.
AllModern
AllModern is owned by Wayfair and takes some of Ikea’s biggest ideas, like its clean lines, and adds some surprising twists. They have a variety of cool designs, including velvet-upholstered beds, geometric bookshelves, and industrial-style desks.
If you make a purchase with them, they will give you free shipping and even throw in a 30-day return policy. They often showcase how you can mix and match their items in “Room Ideas,” such as pairing a sleek sofa with a shaggy rug.
They offer affordable pieces for small living spaces, including nesting coffee tables or wall-mounted desks.
The Citizenry
The Citizenry is unique in that all of its pieces are handmade by expert artists who use their skills to make beautiful pieces that incorporate eco-friendly materials such as organic cotton or reclaimed and recycled wood.
You might help fund women’s cooperatives by purchasing a Moroccan rug or support traditional craftsmen by buying a Mexican ceramic vase.
The prices for items are somewhat higher than those of Ikea, but every piece is unique, tells a story, and supports artisans. Throw pillows are typically $200, and sofas can go for around $2,500. At the end of the day, you’re paying for fair wages and the best quality.
CB2
CB2 is a store that caters to urban millennials who need furniture that will withstand the scrutiny of their social media followers. They need innovative and quality designs, such as glossy green sofas or pebble-shaped coffee tables.
The franchise has collaborated with popular artists like Doug Johnston, who have helped create truly unique pieces that people feel they have to take home.
They also cater to those living in small apartments, offering Murphy beds and nesting tables to maximize space. CB2 is a great place to purchase furniture if you’re renting on a budget.
Manchester Wood
Manchester Wood is based in Vermont and has some amazing crafts made out of quality materials. Their hardwood furniture boasts dovetail joints, meaning that they should last decades.
They offer select items on a lifetime warranty and free repairs, such as a $1,800 cherry dining table, which, if you’re paying that much, you should never have to pay for a dining table again.
The prices are a bit steeper than those at Ikea, but its non-toxic finishes and durable construction mean that they are a great eco-friendly and sustainable business to support if you’d rather have something with less environmental implications without sacrificing quality.
Perigold
Perigold manages to lower their prices on high end items and designer brands like Kelly Wearstler by cutting out flashy showrooms. Looking for a marble table? At most other places, it would be $6,000. At Perigold, it drops to $4,200.
They offer free swatches (swapping out fabrics) to customers and have room planners to help them visualize potential new furniture in their living space.
People who are seeking a more luxurious feel to their home can get these high-end looks without the huge markup that other stores have, making it more accessible to everyone.
One Way Furniture
One Way partners with more than 500 manufacturers to help sell excess stock that can be up to 70% cheaper than in a retail setting. The business is an eBay pioneer and now offers daily “Lightning Deals,” where items can be generously discounted, such as $199 for recliners.
If you prefer a more personalized touch, then One Way can cater to that as well, with custom orders being popular.
Specific fabrics can be requested to help shoppers make whatever piece they think will suit their home the best without having to pay designer prices for furniture.
The Inside
The Inside by Havenly offers a wide variety of furniture, with a big emphasis on designing your own piece with over 50 pet-friendly fabrics. Furniture items are relatively affordable, with a loveseat starting at $595.
The Inside will only produce items after they’ve been designed to minimize waste and will take any excess fabric and donate them to charities, making them a sustainable and ethically minded business.
They offer a quick design quiz to potential customers, which helps pinpoint what style they want, which is ideal for those who seek uniqueness in a world of mass-produced items.
Raymour & Flanigan
Raymour & Flanigan is a Northeast chain that has a lot to put on the table. They offer free assembly of furniture and lease-to-own plans that make buying furniture affordable to pretty much anyone.
The business often has clearance centers that offer up to 50% off floor models. It is well known for its good customer service, which has assisted customers in making returns years after purchasing them when they encountered a problem.
Raymour & Flanigan challenge the notion that big stores can’t prioritize convenience and community trust while seeking profits.
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