Image source:
Design Within Reach
Image source:
Arhaus

Design Within Reach vs Arhaus

What's the difference between Design Within Reach and Arhaus

Design Within Reach sets itself apart by offering exceptionally crafted, built-to-last, and beautifully designed furnishings that are meant to be enjoyed over a lifetime. They believe in design that inspires and solves problems and offer free design services to help create a space you'll love coming home to. Design Within Reach also has a history of bringing coveted brands like Herman Miller directly to retail customers. Arhaus, on the other hand, focuses on sustainability by partnering with artisans around the world who use sustainably sourced, reclaimed, and recycled materials as much as possible. They have a Green Initiative that gives new life to materials that would otherwise be discarded. Arhaus also emphasizes its commitment to inclusion and giving back to communities. One notable difference between the two retailers is their product certifications. Design Within Reach does not have any certifications while Arhaus has the Sustainable Forestry Initiative certification for some of their products. Additionally, Design Within Reach participates in equitable labor programs without specifying which ones they support. In contrast, Arhaus specifically participates in the California Transparency in Supply Chain Act. Design Within Reach highlights its self-claimed benefits such as handcrafted furniture, products assembled in the USA, artisan handmade pieces, and responsibly sourced materials including reclaimed wood. On the other hand, Arhaus does not provide any specific self-claimed benefits. In conclusion, Design Within Reach focuses on craftsmanship and offers design services while emphasizing its partnership with renowned brands like Herman Miller. Arhaus distinguishes itself through its commitment to sustainability and inclusivity while participating in specific labor programs and supporting organizations that align with their mission.

CB2 has this but West Elm does not have it

CB2 has this but West Elm does not have it

CB2 has this but West Elm does not have it

CB2 has this but West Elm does not have it

- Design Within Reach focuses on creating and sourcing exceptionally crafted, built-to-last, and beautifully designed furnishings. - Design Within Reach offers free design services to provide answers, advice, and inspiration to customers. - Design Within Reach was founded in 1998 with the goal of making modern design more accessible. - Design Within Reach became part of the Herman Miller family in 2015. - The retailer's mission is to make design within reach for everyone. - The other retailer (not mentioned by name) was founded in 1986 with a focus on sustainably sourced, lovingly made, and heirloom-quality furniture and decor. - The retailer partners with artisans around the world who use sustainable materials as much as possible. - Inclusion is a priority for the retailer, welcoming people from all backgrounds. - The retailer supports various organizations that align with their mission of caring for the environment and improving lives.

Company Description

Design Within Reach
Design Within Reach, founded in 1998 by Rob Forbes, is a retailer that specializes in offering exceptionally crafted and beautifully designed furnishings. With a commitment to sustainability, the company conducts its operations in an environmentally responsible manner and supports responsible forest management practices. Design Within Reach is dedicated to providing access to authentic modern design, bringing iconic pieces from renowned brands like Herman Miller directly to retail customers across the country. Headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, the retailer aims to create enduring benefits for clients, employees, and communities while promoting a space that inspires and solves problems through its free design services.
Arhaus
Arhaus is a furniture and décor retailer that has been in business since 1986. They partner with artisans around the world to create unique, handcrafted pieces made from sustainably sourced, reclaimed, and recycled materials. Arhaus has a strong commitment to the environment and encourages diversity in their workforce. They also give back to their communities by supporting organizations like Habitat for Humanity, American Forests, Global Dental Relief, and the Small World. They have also pledged to plant one million trees with American Forests and are committed to verifying fair labor practices in their supply chain.

Differences at a Glance

Design Within Reach

Arhaus

Headquarters

Year Founded

Store Type

Product Type

Aesthetic

Parent Company

Welcome Discount

Price

Quality Level

Reviews on Website

Free Returns

White Glove Delivery

Product Warranty

Registry Available

Made-to-Order Items

Free Swatches

Designer Collaborations

In-House Design Services

Trade Program

Trade Discount

Stamford, Connecticut

1998

Online, Showroom

Furniture, Furnishings

Modern

MillerKnoll, Inc

None

$$$$

Mid-High

Yes

No

White Glove Delivery

Yes

No

No

Yes

Free

Yes

20%

Boston Heights, Ohio

1986

Online, Showroom

Furniture, Furnishings

Traditional, Transitional

None

None

$$$$

High

No

No

White Glove Delivery

Yes

No

Yes

Yes

No

Free

Yes

Earn 7% commission from $1.00–$49,999 Earn 10% commission from $50,000+

Sustainability Mission Comparison

Design Within Reach participates in equitable labor programs, although it is not specified which ones. On the other hand, Arhaus specifically participates in the California Transparency in Supply Chain Act.
Image source:
Design Within Reach
Image source:
Arhaus

Sustainable Product Certifications and Programs

Design Within Reach

Arhaus

Sustainable Forestry Initiative

Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification Warranty

Appalachian Hardwood Manufacturers Inc.

National Hardwood Lumber Association

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

White Glove Delivery

Yes

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

White Glove Delivery

Yes

No

Yes

Sustainable and Equitable Labor Programs

Sustainability Mission

Design Within Reach
Design Within Reach is committed to environmental sustainability, aiming to minimize their impact on the environment through responsible operations and sustainable products. They prioritize conserving energy, proper waste disposal, reducing pollutants, and promoting sustainability. The company supports responsible forest management practices and ensures responsible wood sourcing. Additionally, they adhere to the Conflict Minerals Rules by refraining from purchasing minerals that may finance armed groups in Central Africa. Design Within Reach requires its suppliers to establish due diligence programs and certify that their products are "DRC conflict free" in accordance with the rules.
Arhaus
Arhaus is committed to sustainability and protecting the Earth, which is why they have a strict policy against using wood harvested from rainforests and are part of the Sustainable Forestry Initiative. They also use recycled and repurposed materials, ethically salvaged woods, and are partnering with American Forests to plant one million trees. Their upholstery collections feature frames made in the USA, while their artisans give new life to materials that would otherwise be discarded. They also source vintage treasures from around the world and have a code of conduct ensuring human rights and international labor standards are met.

Sustainable Product Certifications

Design Within Reach and Arhaus have different product certifications. Design Within Reach does not have any certifications, while Arhaus has the Sustainable Forestry Initiative certification for some of their products.

Design Within Reach

Arhaus

FSC Certified

GOTS Certified

OCS Certified

OEKO-TEX® Standard 100

EcoTex

Global Recycled Standard

Recycled Claims Standard

Greenguard Gold Certified

SCS Indoor Advantage Gold

REACH

Ecolable

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

Sustainable and Equitable Labor Programs

Design Within Reach participates in equitable labor programs, although it is not specified which ones. On the other hand, Arhaus specifically participates in the California Transparency in Supply Chain Act.

Design Within Reach

Arhaus

Goodweave

Fair Trade USA

Better Cotton Initiative

Craftmark

HERproject

Nest Ethical Handcraft Program

Fifteen Percent Pledge

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

Contributor

Christi Farrell

Christi is a licensed architect and interior designer specializing in sustainability. She enjoys teaching design and bringing transparency to the impact that furniture has on our planet.

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