Image source:
Design Within Reach
Image source:
Burrow

Design Within Reach vs Burrow

What's the difference between Design Within Reach and Burrow

Design Within Reach (DWR) and Burrow are two furniture retailers with distinct differences in their approach to design, craftsmanship, and customer experience. DWR prioritizes creating and sourcing pieces that are meant to be enjoyed over a lifetime. They believe in design that inspires and solves problems. With their free design services, they offer assistance and inspiration to help customers create a space they love coming home to. DWR was founded out of a frustration with the limited access to clean, simple classics by renowned designers like the Eameses and Le Corbusier. By buying 20 containers of inventory and mailing catalogs, DWR quickly gained popularity among architects, interior designers, and the general public. Burrow takes a different approach by challenging the status quo of the furniture industry. They focus on three fundamental changes: a modular platform, functionality combined with fashion, and community involvement. Their furniture is designed to be modular for easy assembly without tools in minutes. It is also easy to move as it can be taken apart as easily as it is put together. Burrow's furniture is made to expand over time through additions like seats or shelving units. While DWR emphasizes craftsmanship and sustainability by using premium materials that last for years, Burrow does not make specific claims about these benefits. DWR participates in equitable labor programs while Burrow does not have any certifications related to equitable labor. In terms of customer experience, DWR offers free design services while Burrow focuses on direct customer relationships through selling directly to people. This allows them not only to run an efficient business but also maintain a close feedback loop with customers for faster iterations on designs. Overall, Design Within Reach stands out for its commitment to high-quality modern furniture with an emphasis on craftsmanship and sustainable materials. On the other hand, Burrow distinguishes itself through its modular platform design that offers functionality combined with fashion along with a focus on direct customer relationships.

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. - They offer free design services to provide answers, advice, and inspiration to customers. - Design Within Reach was founded in 1998 with the goal of making designer furniture more accessible. - They became part of the Herman Miller family in 2015. - Burrow takes a modular approach to furniture design, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly. - They offer free delivery on every order due to their furniture fitting into normal delivery networks. - Burrow's furniture is designed to be easily moved and expanded as needed. - Their designs are influenced by American Mid-Century Modernism and contemporary Scandinavian style. - Burrow focuses on functional features in addition to aesthetic appeal. - They prioritize using premium, durable materials for long-lasting products that can expand over time.

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.
Burrow
Burrow is a revolutionary furniture company that puts quality, affordability, and convenience first. Their modular designs are easy to assemble, easy to move, and made with premium, durable materials. They offer free delivery on every order and an expansive collection of classic mid-century modern and contemporary Scandinavian style pieces. Their direct-to-consumer model makes them nimble and efficient, allowing them to have a close feedback loop with customers. Burrow curates their catalog for simple decision making and provides expert support with every purchase. They are committed to caring for their community through sustainability initiatives and standing up for social justice.

Differences at a Glance

Design Within Reach

Burrow

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%

New York, New York

2016

Online, Showroom

Furniture, Furnishings

Mid-Century Modern, Scandinavian Modern

None

None

$$$

Mid-High

Yes

No

No

Yes

No

No

Yes

No

Not Available

Yes

20%

Sustainability Mission Comparison

Design Within Reach participates in equitable labor programs, while Burrow does not have any certifications related to equitable labor.
Image source:
Design Within Reach
Image source:
Burrow

Sustainable Product Certifications and Programs

Design Within Reach

Burrow

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

No

Yes

No

No

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.
Burrow
Burrow is a retailer that has not specified a sustainability mission. However, they have made sustainability claims that suggest they are committed to reducing their environmental impact and promoting sustainability in the products they source and sell. They strive to use materials from sustainable sources, create less waste, and provide customers with products that are made to last. Burrow is also dedicated to helping their customers make sustainable choices when purchasing products, thereby helping them reduce their own environmental footprint.

Sustainable Product Certifications

Design Within Reach and Burrow do not have any certifications for their products.

Design Within Reach

Burrow

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, while Burrow does not have any certifications related to equitable labor.

Design Within Reach

Burrow

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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