Image source:
Medley
Image source:
Hem

Medley vs Hem

What's the difference between Medley and Hem

Medley and Hem are two distinct furniture retailers with unique approaches to crafting and selling furniture. Medley prides itself on sustainability, offering GOTS Certified, GOLS Certified, CertiPUR-US®, OEKO-TEX® Standard 100, FSC Certified, and Greenguard Gold Certified products. In contrast, Hem provides EcoTex, Ecolabel, REACH, and FSC Certified items. Medley emphasizes equitable labor programs like Fair Trade Certified while Hem is Goodweave Certified. When it comes to materials, Medley highlights the use of local, contract-grade, recycled, and responsibly sourced materials. In contrast to that approach,Hem's sustainable benefits are not clearly defined or highlighted. Both retailers do not make claims to offer any un-certified sustainable benefits in their product lines.

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

- Medley focuses on handcrafted, eco-friendly furniture made in the USA, emphasizing quality and sustainability - Hem collaborates with European manufacturers to offer progressive designs of high quality, sold exclusively through owned channels - Medley offers a 30-day in-home trial for furniture purchases to ensure customer satisfaction - Hem aims to inspire creativity and drive the industry forward through innovative design and efficient customer experience - Medley founders Travis and Ryan prioritize eco-certified materials and local manufacturing, while Hem promotes disruptive ideas and constant improvement

Company Description

Medley
Founded in 2005 and headquartered in Portland, Oregon, Medley emerges as a pioneer in sustainable furniture design. With a commitment to eco-certified materials and local manufacturing, the company offers durable furnishings crafted by skilled artisans in the USA. Medley’s collection features natural, plant-based components like latex and wool, setting a new standard for environmental responsibility in home decor. The company provides a 30-day trial to ensure customer satisfaction, emphasizing quality and comfort that endure over time. Founded by brothers Travis and Ryan, Medley continues to push the boundaries of sustainability within the industry.
Hem
Hem is a progressive design brand and platform that collaborates with vanguard designers and renowned European manufactures to deliver high-quality furnishings. Their goal is to inspire creativity and drive the industry forward through innovation and experimentation. Hem offers sustainably sourced materials and products built to last, while their business model focuses on owned channels and a direct connection with their customers. They are committed to the value of great design, empowering employees, and reducing their environmental impact. Founded in 2014 in Stockholm, Sweden, Hem strives for excellence in all aspects of their operations.

Differences at a Glance

Medley

Hem

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

Portland, Oregon

2005

Online

Furniture

Modern

None

None

$$$

High

Yes

30 Day Trial

White Glove Delivery

Yes

No

No

Yes

No

Free

Yes

15%

Stockholm, Sweden

2014

Online, Showroom

Furniture, Furnishings

Scandinavian Modern

Ormand AG

10%

$$$$

High

No

No

White Glove Delivery to Select Cities

Yes

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

Not Available

Yes

25%

Sustainability Mission Comparison

Medley participates in equitable labor programs such as Fair Trade Certified, while Hem is Goodweave Certified.
Image source:
Medley
Image source:
Hem

Sustainable Product Certifications and Programs

Medley

Hem

Sustainable Forestry Initiative

Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification Warranty

Appalachian Hardwood Manufacturers Inc.

National Hardwood Lumber Association

Yes

Yes

No

No

No

No

No

Yes

No

No

Yes

White Glove Delivery

Yes

No

No

No

No

No

Yes

No

No

Yes

No

No

Yes

Yes

White Glove Delivery to Select Cities

Yes

No

Yes

Sustainable and Equitable Labor Programs

Sustainability Mission

Medley
Medley is dedicated to crafting eco-friendly furniture by prioritizing the use of sustainable, nontoxic, and eco-certified materials. This commitment ensures each piece not only enhances living spaces but also supports a healthier ecosystem. Distinguishing itself from other brands, Medley introduces an innovative blend of natural materials in its plant-based latex and wool furniture collection, marking it as the most sustainable option available. Additionally, all products feature organic cotton, are low-VOC, assembled in the USA, and meet contract-grade standards, underscoring a continuous evolution towards greater sustainability in home decor.
Hem
Hem is committed to sustainability by focusing on four key areas: local production, logistics, build quality and materials. Production takes place in Europe and India, where the highest environmental and social standards are adhered to throughout the supply chain. Logistics are optimized with full truckloads and ocean containers, while build quality is achieved with durable fabrics and a 0% claims target. Materials are carefully selected for quality and sustainability standards; steel is made from at least 20% recycled content, fabrics are EcoTex or Ecolabel certified, leathers produced in accordance with international standards for animal welfare, foam is REACH certified, and timber responsibly sourced within the EU.

Sustainable Product Certifications

Medley offers GOTS Certified, GOLS Certified, CertiPUR-US®, OEKO-TEX® Standard 100, FSC Certified, and Greenguard Gold Certified products. Hem provides EcoTex, Ecolabel, REACH, and FSC Certified items. Neither retailer has any certifications.

Medley

Hem

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

Yes

Yes

No

Yes

No

No

No

Yes

No

No

No

Yes

No

No

No

Yes

No

No

No

No

Yes

Yes

Sustainable and Equitable Labor Programs

Medley participates in equitable labor programs such as Fair Trade Certified, while Hem is Goodweave Certified.

Medley

Hem

Goodweave

Fair Trade USA

Better Cotton Initiative

Craftmark

HERproject

Nest Ethical Handcraft Program

Fifteen Percent Pledge

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

Yes

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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