Ethan Allen vs Modern Resale: Who Has Better Couches?
In the eternal battle of living room luxury, who emerges victorious: Ethan Allen or Modern Resale? Get cozy and let's explore which brand delivers the ultimate in comfort and style.
Alex Back | Couch CEO & Founder
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Excited to unravel the secrets behind two leading sofa brands? Ethan Allen and Modern Resale are stepping into the ring for a heavyweight match of style and substance. Discover which brand is destined to elevate your lounging experience with a touch of flair and comfort.
Side By Side
Features
Ethan Allen
Modern Resale
Made to Order Lead Times
5-7 weeks
N/A
Free Shipping Option
White Glove Delivery Option
$99+
Return Option
Warranty Included
Financing Option
Ethan Allen Platinum Card
Shop Pay
Assembly Required
Large Fabric Selection
Free Swatches Available
Manufacturing Origin
North America
Primarily Italy, France, Germany, USA
Avg. 3-Seat Couch Price
$$$-$$$$
$$$$
In terms of style, durability, sustainability, and value for money, Ethan Allen showcases a wide range of designs with a focus on longevity and customization, falling into the premium to luxury price bracket. Modern Resale presents eco-friendly practices, diverse styles, and mid-range pricing, appealing to sustainability-focused buyers looking for unique pre-owned options. While Ethan Allen emphasizes quality and craftsmanship, Modern Resale stands out for its sustainability efforts and varied selections, offering a different approach to furnishing your living space. Ultimately, your choice may depend on whether you prioritize customization and luxury or sustainability and affordability.
BRAND #1: Ethan Allen
Founded in 1932, Ethan Allen has become synonymous with American style and craftsmanship. Their commitment to quality and innovation has made them a trusted name in the furniture industry for nearly a century. They offer a vast array of customizable designs, allowing customers to create unique pieces that reflect their personal style. With a focus on sustainability and a dedication to providing a premium customer experience, Ethan Allen continues to be a top choice for those seeking high-quality, timeless furniture.
Ethan Allen | Brand Summary
Now, here's a brand that's been crafting sofas since before your grandpa was a twinkle in his dad's eye. They've practically written the book on American furniture style, and their couches are no exception. But what makes an Ethan Allen sofa truly stand out in a sea of seating options? Let me tell you, it's their unwavering commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and creating pieces that are truly built to last.
You can expect top-notch materials, customizable designs that let you express your unique style, and a white-glove customer service experience that'll make you feel like royalty. But are Ethan Allen sofas worth the investment? Let's dive deeper into their collection and find out.
Return policy only 10 days for Premier In-home Delivery
Ethan Allen is like the grand dame of American furniture, with a legacy that whispers of timeless elegance and craftsmanship. Their sofas, whether adorned in supple leather or plush velvet, exude a classic charm that's hard to resist. And with their commitment to quality, you can rest assured that your Ethan Allen couch will be a cherished companion for years to come. Plus, their white-glove delivery service is the cherry on top, ensuring a seamless and stress-free experience from showroom to living room.
Now, let's be real – this kind of luxury doesn't come cheap. Be prepared to loosen those purse strings for an Ethan Allen sofa, as they're definitely an investment piece. And if you're the impatient type, you might want to look elsewhere, as custom orders can take weeks (or even months) to arrive. Their return policy could also use a bit of a refresh, especially for those who opt for the premium in-home delivery service.
But hey, if you're all about that heirloom-quality furniture that'll make your grandma proud, Ethan Allen might just be your perfect match. Their sofas are more than just a place to sit – they're a statement of timeless style and enduring craftsmanship. So, if you're willing to invest in a piece that'll become a cherished part of your home for years to come, go ahead and treat yourself to a little bit of Ethan Allen luxury.
Founded in 2012 by Stacia Vinar and Sarah Whipple, Modern Resale began as a small Los Angeles gallery reimagining how people buy and sell high-end furniture. What started as a consignment showroom has evolved into one of the most trusted names in the authenticated luxury furniture resale space. The brand’s signature programs—Consign With Us and Memo for Designers—allow both collectors and professionals to engage in a circular design economy built on trust, transparency, and style. Their rotating catalog of B&B Italia, Cassina, and Minotti pieces makes Modern Resale a go-to for design lovers seeking sustainability without sacrificing sophistication.
Modern Resale | Brand Summary
Modern Resale is where discerning design meets real-world access. Founded by two seasoned curators in Los Angeles, the brand has turned authentic European preowned luxury furniture into a smart investment for collectors and design lovers alike.
Every piece — from sofas and sectionals to dining tables and lighting — is carefully chosen, verified, and beautifully maintained. Most of their inventory is one-of-a-kind, giving buyers a chance to own something truly unique from design houses like B&B Italia and Minotti. In this Modern Resale review, we’re exploring how this standout marketplace blends quality, authenticity, and timeless style for modern luxury seekers.
Authenticated designer pieces from luxury brands like B&B Italia, Cassina, and Minotti
Fast nationwide delivery within 1–5 weeks
Impeccable photography and transparent product listings
Personal customer service with curated expertise
White-glove delivery available for large furniture
Sustainable resale model that promotes circular design
Cons
Limited return window (48 hours)
No manufacturer warranty on pre-owned pieces
Inventory changes frequently, so availability is unpredictable
You might not find many brands doing what Modern Resale does—and that’s kind of the point. This Los Angeles-based furniture gallery gives luxury design a second life without cutting corners on quality. Every sofa, sectional, and sculptural piece is verified, photographed, and delivered with the precision of a museum curator.
Sure, there are a few caveats. You can’t customize the fabric or dimensions, the return window is short, and once a piece sells, it’s gone for good. That unpredictability is part of the thrill, though—it’s a treasure hunt for people who know their Cassina from their Poliform.
What makes Modern Resale shine is how refined the experience feels from start to finish. Listings are honest and detailed, photography is impeccable, and white-glove delivery makes ownership effortless. Add to that a sustainable resale model that keeps authentic designer furniture in circulation, and you’ve got a brand that’s as responsible as it is aspirational.
In short, Modern Resale makes buying preowned feel like buying private gallery art. It’s for those who appreciate craftsmanship, sustainability, and a good story behind every chair leg and marble edge.
After a thorough comparison, Ethan Allen steals the show with its exceptional focus on craftsmanship, luxury, and customization. The brand's commitment to timeless style, premium materials, and top-quality service sets it apart as the ultimate choice for those seeking enduring sophistication and upscale comfort.
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.
