DreamSofa vs Ballard Designs: Who Has Better Couches?
Who reigns supreme in the sofa showdown: DreamSofa or Ballard Designs? Let's dive in and find out!
Alex Back | Couch CEO & Founder
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Step right up, folks! It's time for a sofa showdown starring DreamSofa and Ballard Designs. Wondering which brand will emerge victorious in the quest for the most cozy and chic couches? Put on your seatbelt, we're about to dive into a world of plush seating perfection.
Side By Side
Features
DreamSofa
Ballard Designs
Made to Order Lead Times
3-5 Weeks
10-12 weeks
Free Shipping Option
White Glove Delivery Option
$149
Return Option
Warranty Included
Financing Option
Affirm
Affirm / Ballard Designs Credit Card
Assembly Required
Varies
Large Fabric Selection
Free Swatches Available
Manufacturing Origin
USA
USA
Avg. 3-Seat Couch Price
$$-$$$
$$$-$$$$
In the battle of DreamSofa versus Ballard Designs, both brands bring distinct advantages. DreamSofa shines in style variety and value for budget-conscious buyers, prioritizing trendy designs and good durability. On the other hand, Ballard Designs excels in premium quality, sustainable practices, and long-term value. If you seek enduring elegance and top-notch sustainability, Ballard Designs might be your best bet, but if versatility and affordability are key, DreamSofa takes the lead.
BRAND #1: DreamSofa
Founded by a team of Southern California craftsmen, DreamSofa is a made-to-order furniture brand redefining what customization can mean—without the designer price tag. Built in Los Angeles, their sofas are designed to the inch, with over 100 upholstery options and modular flexibility built right in. Their in-house manufacturing model ensures precision, quick turnarounds, and consistent quality, backed by a limited lifetime frame warranty and 100-day satisfaction guarantee on standard designs. With standout tools like their DreamVision™ AR Studio, DreamSofa has carved out a niche for shoppers who want complete control, reliable craftsmanship, and honest pricing—without the long wait.
DreamSofa | Brand Summary
DreamSofa might be one of the best-kept secrets in the custom sofa space. The brand is certainly not a household name. But no complaints here on that front! We llike more boutique brands that actually pay attention.
Their couches feel like they were designed by someone who gets it: life is messy, comfort matters, and your sofa should reflect your style—not a catalog’s. DreamSofa couches really shine when it comes to customization, fabric range, and modular flexibility.
You’re not boxed into a one-size-fits-all solution here. Instead, you get to design basically down to the inch. Their attention to detail, from comfort to customer service, makes them a real standout in the mid-luxury space.
Customizable to the inch for size, fill, and upholstery
Fast 3–5 week lead time for made-to-order couches
Built in the USA with kiln-dried hardwood and CertiPUR-certified foam
Free fabric swatches
Excellent Trustpilot rating and responsive customer support
Cons
Custom orders are final sale and non-returnable
Return shipping and 15% restocking fee apply to standard returns
No international shipping or service outside the contiguous U.S.
DreamSofa is one of those brands that manages to do something rare in the furniture space: they give you both control and quality. Whether you're shopping for a sectional sleeper or a snug loveseat, you're not picking from a dusty template. You're designing your dream couch, right down to the inch.
That said, true customization comes with tradeoffs. If you tweak the size or request special features, the return policy becomes final sale. It's a fair industry norm, but it does limit flexibility for buyers who want a little wiggle room. And while standard delivery is free, White Glove setup costs $149. If you’ve got more than two flights of stairs, there’s an extra charge for that, too.
Still, there’s a lot to love here. DreamSofa delivers fast. For a made-to-order brand, their 3 to 5 week timeline beats most competitors. Everything is built in Los Angeles, not overseas, which helps speed things up without sacrificing quality. The DreamVision™ 3D Configurator and AR Studio let you preview how each piece might look and fit in your space—something more brands should offer.
If you’ve ever dreamed of building a custom sofa from scratch without waiting three months or blowing your budget, DreamSofa might just be your new favorite find.
Ballard Designs, established over 35 years ago, has become a household name in the home furnishings industry. Their enduring legacy is built upon a foundation of timeless design, quality craftsmanship, and a passion for creating inspiring living spaces. The brand's dedication to sustainability and collaboration with renowned designers further solidifies their position as a leader in the market. With their commitment to excellence and customer-centric approach, Ballard Designs continues to offer furniture that stands the test of time, both in style and durability.
Ballard Designs | Brand Summary
When it comes to Ballard Designs' couches, my overall impression is genuinely positive. Their catalog reflects a dedication to craftsmanship and style that's hard to overlook. Each sofa feels like a tribute to both comfort and design, blending practicality with a touch of luxury. Amazingly, they manage to cater to a broad range of tastes without compromising on quality. From the plush cushions to the fine fabrics, Ballard Designs prioritizes user satisfaction and durability. Their market presence is strong, not just because of their product quality, but due to their understanding of what makes a home feel like home.
Return shipping fees are not covered and a restocking fee may apply
Lack of transparency regarding warranty details
Assembly may be required
White-glove delivery is an added cost
Ballard Designs captures the essence of refined living with its elegant and timeless sofas. The brand's dedication to quality is evident in their use of high-end materials like top-grain leather and durable fabrics, all crafted in the USA. With a wide range of customization options and a generous selection of free swatches, you can create a sofa that perfectly complements your style and space.
The premium experience, however, comes with a few tradeoffs. The price tag for a Ballard Designs sofa can be substantial, reflecting their commitment to quality and craftsmanship. While they offer free shipping for smaller items, larger sofas may require additional delivery fees, and in-home delivery and assembly come at an extra cost. Additionally, returns, while possible, are subject to fees and certain exclusions.
Overall, Ballard Designs caters to discerning homeowners who appreciate quality, craftsmanship, and timeless design. While the investment may be significant, the brand's commitment to customer satisfaction and sustainable practices makes their sofas a worthy addition to any home.
After a thorough examination, the clear winner in the DreamSofa versus Ballard Designs face-off is Ballard Designs. With its top-notch quality, sustainability efforts, and enduring style, Ballard Designs secures the throne as the ultimate sofa provider. Choosing Ballard Designs guarantees not just a couch but an investment in elegance and longevity.
Alex Back
Couch CEO & Founder
Alex Back is the founder and CEO of Couch. Previously, he was the co-founder and COO of the popular furniture brand, Apt2B, which was acquired by a large US retail furniture chain in 2018. He worked to integrate Apt2B, one of the very first online furniture retailers on the Shopify platform, into the operations of the 100 year old larger business entity and was deeply immersed in the business operations of both online and brick and mortar retail for 4 years before leaving in 2023 to start Couch. Working in various parts of the furniture industry since 2004, he has 20 years experience in retail sales, e-commerce, marketing, operations, logistics and wholesale manufacturing and distribution. He has worked extensively with partners such as Costco, Bed Bath and Beyond and Amazon and his work has been highlighted in many publications such as Forbes, CNN, and HGTV, among others. Alex is delighted to bring his experience and authority on couches and the furniture industry to this platform, along with many of his industry colleagues who are helping him keep the Couch.co audience informed and engaged on a daily basis.
