Design Within Reach focuses on creating and sourcing furniture that is meant to be enjoyed over a lifetime, with a strong emphasis on craftsmanship, durability, and timeless design. They believe in design that inspires and solves problems, offering free design services to help customers create spaces they love. The brand was born out of the founder's frustration with the inaccessibility of iconic designs, leading them to bring these pieces directly to customers through catalogs. Hem, on the other hand, positions itself as an independent design brand and platform for progressive thinking. They collaborate with vanguard designers and European manufacturers to deliver high-quality designs that are readily available worldwide. Hem aims to inspire the creative community through collaboration, innovation, and experimentation. They focus on offering progressive furnishings without compromising on design, quality, or sustainability. Both Design Within Reach and Hem have certifications for some of their products related to environmental standards such as EcoTex, Ecolabel, REACH, and FSC Certified. They also participate in equitable labor programs like Goodweave Certified. However, Design Within Reach goes further by offering furniture made from responsibly sourced materials including recycled options. They also prioritize local production and offer contract-grade products. In summary, Design Within Reach appeals to those looking for exceptionally crafted furniture with a focus on durability and timeless design. Hem targets customers who seek progressive designs without compromising quality or sustainability. Both brands prioritize certifications related to environmental standards and participate in equitable labor programs but Design Within Reach goes further by emphasizing responsible sourcing of materials and local production options.