Sustainable Style: West Elm's Commitment to Ethical Design
About West Elm
West Elm is a premium furniture and home decor brand recognized for its stylish and contemporary designs. Their product range includes everything from rugs and chairs to modern wall art.
The brand made its debut with its inaugural catalog in 2002, operating under the umbrella of its parent companies, Williams-Sonoma and Pottery Barn. Williams-Sonoma, in particular, is one of the oldest and largest online retailers specializing in kitchenware and home furnishings, with roots dating back to the 1940s.
West Elm offers a diverse selection of contemporary and mid-century home decor, furniture, and accessories tailored for the modern consumer. The company is headquartered in New York City.
In addition to its design focus, West Elm is committed to reducing its environmental impact, with 60% of its products aligned with at least one sustainability initiative. A segment of their inventory is Fair Trade certified, handcrafted, organic, or sustainably sourced. Furthermore, 35% of their wooden furniture is FSC certified, contributing to the support of global forests and ecosystems.
“You shouldn’t have to choose from getting value and shopping for your values. Or between looking good and feeling good. From natural materials to nontoxic finishes, we’re making it easy for you to create a healthier home.”
If you are seeking modern furnishings for your residence, this brand may be a suitable option. My West Elm furniture review will provide a comprehensive analysis of the brand, its offerings, customer feedback, promotions, and more, assisting you in determining whether their collection fits your home.
Pros and Cons
Before diving into this review of West Elm furniture, let's outline some key advantages and disadvantages:
Pros
- A vast selection of contemporary home decor, furnishings, and accessories
- Commitment to sustainable and eco-friendly business practices
- Availability of a West Elm credit card that allows customers to earn rewards with each purchase
- A 3D room planner that helps customers visualize how products will fit in their space
- Complimentary design services, including virtual consultations and phone support
- Flexible payment options available through Affirm
Cons
- Higher price point compared to some other furniture retailers
- Mixed customer feedback
What is your preferred style when it comes to home decor? There are numerous styles to choose from, such as minimalism, vintage, rustic, transitional, French country, and more.
No matter your preference, West Elm offers an extensive range of home goods that can enhance various interior design aesthetics, including luxurious chandeliers and modern beds.
6 West Elm Furniture Bestsellers
West Elm offers a diverse range of choices, from striking sculptural lamps that showcase an artistic flair to modern bedding options.
Before diving into their catalog, consider reading this West Elm furniture review, where I spotlight some of the top-selling items that may capture your attention.
West Elm Modular Sectional Review
The sofa is a fundamental element of any living room. It not only occupies space but also serves as a gathering point for family and friends. However, it is essential to choose a couch that stands out. The Modular Sectional from the Harper collection offers a blend of modern sophistication and elegance that can enhance your living area.
This contemporary sofa, inspired by Scandinavian design, features a low profile, robust arms, and a sleek seat deck. It is equipped with wide, tailored cushions that provide comfort whether you are sitting or lounging. Notable attributes of the Modular Sectional include a kiln-dried frame, antique bronze-finished metal legs, and webbed seat support.
With nine different configurations available, this chic sectional can be tailored to fit your room's layout, including options like a left-arm chaise, right-arm two-seater, and corner arrangement. Additionally, customers have the flexibility to select the fabric and color that best complements their decor. As a result, the price of the sectional ranges from $899 to $1999 based on these customizations.
West Elm Mid-Century Leather Show Wood Chair Review
If you seek a stylish and dependable chair, the Mid-Century Leather Show Wood Chair is an excellent choice. This elegant piece features a streamlined design that complements both minimalist and rustic home aesthetics. It is constructed with solid ash wood for the arms and legs, available in either a pecan or espresso-stained finish.
The legs support your selection of either genuine top-grain leather or vegan leather. This chair from West Elm is contract grade, ensuring exceptional durability. Consider purchasing two alongside a West Elm coffee table to create an inviting breakfast nook for enjoying your morning coffee while catching up on the news, whether in print or digital form.
The Mid-Century Leather Show Wood Chair offers various fabric options, colors, and leg styles, each with different pricing. The price range is from $799 to $2148, available for a limited time.
West Elm Mid-Century Smart Desk Review
Desks serve as the central point for productivity. Whether you are engaged in drafting your next article or participating in a crucial Zoom meeting, selecting a desk that is both sturdy and spacious is essential.
This mid-century desk is crafted from Fair Trade certified eucalyptus wood, which is sustainably sourced and kiln-dried for enhanced durability, finished with water-based coatings.
Developed in partnership with Pottery Barn Teen, this GreenGuard certified West Elm desk includes a USB power strip, built-in LED lighting, and a convenient corkboard for your notes and reminders.
Available in acorn or white, the Mid-Century Smart Desk can be a key addition to your bedroom for $799 or $73 per month through Affirm.
West Elm Quinn Lacquer 6-Drawer Dresser Review
A bedroom dresser is an essential piece for organizing your clothing and accommodating your vanity mirror. The Quinn Lacquer 6-Drawer Dresser boasts a striking and elegant design, featuring textured drawer fronts and elevated metal legs.
Constructed from durable kiln-dried mahogany wood, this West Elm dresser is finished with a haze lacquer that enhances its appeal. Notably, the legs are equipped with built-in levelers, allowing for adjustment on uneven floors.
With six drawers that glide smoothly on metal tracks, selecting your outfit for the day becomes a hassle-free experience. The Quinn Lacquer 6-Drawer Dresser is available for $1399, or $127 per month through Affirm.
West Elm Cotton Duvet & Standard Sham Review
It’s time to move on from those uncomfortable, old quilts and flimsy blankets. The Cotton Duvet & Standard Sham offers the same comfort as your favorite t-shirt. Crafted from cool-to-the-touch organic cotton percale, it enhances the coziness of your bedding experience.
With its luxurious and laid-back appearance, this set will transform any traditional bed into a stylish, modern centerpiece. You have the option to purchase just the sham, or you can opt for a duvet cover, a duvet cover with a sham, or a set of two shams.
Customers can choose the sham size that best fits their bed dimensions. The Cotton Duvet & Standard Sham is available in a variety of neutral shades. Complete your bedding ensemble by adding other West Elm pillows, coordinating pillow covers, and duvet covers from West Elm.
Pricing for the Cotton Duvet & Standard Sham varies based on the selected sham or set:
- Duvet Cover and Sham Set for King/California King: $209 (or $19/month with Affirm)
- Individual Euro Sham in asphalt: $40
- Set of two standard shams in stone white: $59
West Elm Hand-Knotted Fragment Rug Review
Rugs enhance the aesthetic appeal of your bedroom or living area while also providing a layer of protection for your floors. The Hand-Knotted Fragment Rug serves as an ideal accent piece to elevate your space.
This exquisite rug is meticulously crafted by skilled artisans in India, utilizing a blend of wool and viscose. It showcases a subtle fragmented abstract pattern, adorned with soft tones of beige, grey, and touches of navy blue.
Consider placing this stunning piece in your living room alongside a set of coordinating leather chairs and a West Elm dining table. The Hand-Knotted Fragment Rug is sure to add a touch of elegance for just $281.
West Elm Reviews: What Do Customers Think?
In my investigation for this West Elm furniture review, I discovered a diverse range of customer feedback. On Trustpilot, the company holds a rating of 1.3 out of 5 stars, based on more than 280 reviews.
Customers have expressed concerns regarding delivery times, citing delays and instances of not receiving their orders. Additionally, there are complaints about customer service, with some buyers stating that the support team was unhelpful in addressing issues or failed to respond.
Negative reviews persist on several Yelp pages as well. For example, the California location has a rating of 2 out of 5 stars from 430 reviews, while Consumer Affairs shows a 3 out of 5 stars rating from 558 evaluations.
While many reports highlight poor customer service and delivery challenges, some customers have also raised concerns about the quality of the furniture. This aligns with a 2018 Vox article that mentioned issues such as sofas shedding and cushions losing their shape.
However, not all feedback is negative. Slumber Search rates West Elm at 7.7 out of 10 stars based on 129 votes, and Influenster offers a 3.6 out of 5-star rating from 166 reviews. Supporters of the brand appreciate the modern aesthetics and often commend the quality of the products. There are also a few reviews that mention positive experiences with customer service.
Is West Elm Furniture Worth It?
In conclusion, this review of West Elm furniture suggests that the brand merits consideration. They offer a diverse selection of furniture, home decor, and accessories that are visually appealing. Each product embodies a modern and contemporary aesthetic that aligns with current trends.
Additionally, customers can explore their sustainable furniture collection, which is reassuring as a significant portion of their offerings are environmentally conscious and ethically produced.
Another benefit is the room planner tool, which allows customers to visualize how the furniture will fit within their intended space.
Where to Buy West Elm Furniture
You can explore their furniture collection at WestElm.com. For those who prefer an in-person shopping experience, West Elm has locations throughout Canada and the United States. Customers can find the nearest store by using the store locator available on their website.