Image source:
Medley
Image source:
West Elm

Medley vs West Elm

What's the difference between Medley and West Elm

Medley and West Elm offer distinct approaches to furniture design and sustainability. Medley focuses on creating plush, resilient pieces with plant-based cushioning, handcrafted in the USA for durability. They emphasize eco-certified materials, local manufacturing, and comfort that lasts for years. The founders, Travis and Ryan, are dedicated to changing industry standards with cleaner practices. On the other hand, West Elm prioritizes sustainability through initiatives supporting ethical production and worker well-being. They design 95% of products in-house while investing in artisan communities globally. With certifications like Fair Trade USA and partnerships with various organizations, they advocate for fair wages and community development. In terms of certifications, Medley offers a range including GOTS Certified and Greenguard Gold Certified products. Meanwhile, West Elm provides items certified by organizations like GOTS Certified and FSC Certified. Overall, Medley stands out for its emphasis on quality craftsmanship using eco-friendly materials while West Elm excels in promoting ethical production practices globally through various partnerships and certifications.

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 creating durable, eco-friendly furniture pieces handcrafted in the USA, emphasizing quality and comfort - West Elm prioritizes sustainability initiatives, supporting ethical production and fair trade practices globally - Medley offers a 30-day in-home trial for furniture purchases to ensure customer satisfaction - West Elm collaborates with artisan collectives worldwide to preserve handcraft traditions and support sustainable employment opportunities

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.
West Elm
West Elm is a home furnishings retailer that uses design to help the environment, communities, and customers. The company's products are 95% designed in-house, and 60% of sales support sustainability initiatives. West Elm is a leader in sustainability, supporting small American-made businesses and collaborating with artisan collectives around the world. Certified organic cotton bedding and bath towels are sustainably sourced, and wood furniture is sustainably sourced. Certified nontoxic furniture has been screened for over 100,000 chemicals and VOCs. Founded in 2002, West Elm is headquartered in Brooklyn, NY.

Differences at a Glance

Medley

West Elm

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%

Brooklyn, New York

2002

Online, Showroom

Furniture, Furnishings

Mid-Century Modern

Williams-Sonoma, Inc.

15%

$$

Mid

No

Yes

White Glove Delivery

Not Specified

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Free

Yes

20%

Sustainability Mission Comparison

Medley participates in equitable labor programs, while West Elm holds certifications such as Fair Trade USA Certified, Better Cotton Initiative, Craftmark, HERproject, and Nest's Ethical Handcraft Program.
Image source:
Medley
Image source:
West Elm

Sustainable Product Certifications and Programs

Medley

West Elm

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

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

Yes

Yes

No

Yes

No

Yes

Yes

White Glove Delivery

Not Specified

Yes

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.
West Elm
West Elm is committed to sustainability and reducing its environmental impact. The company sources organic and sustainably sourced materials, such as FSC-certified wood, recycled polyester, and organic cotton. Its products are certified nontoxic and free from harmful chemicals. West Elm also uses handcrafted and local materials, as well as contract grade, low-VOC, reclaimed, recycled, upcycled, water-based finishes, and water efficient materials. By doing so, the company has saved 2.3 billion liters of water in 2019 and kept 66 million plastic bottles out of landfills in 2020.

Sustainable Product Certifications

Medley offers GOTS Certified, GOLS Certified, CertiPUR-US®, OEKO-TEX® Standard 100, FSC Certified, and Greenguard Gold Certified products. West Elm provides GOTS Certified, FSC Certified, OCS Certified, OEKO-TEX® Standard 100, Global Recycled Standard, Recycled Claims Standard, Greenguard Gold Certified items along with REACH compliance.

Medley

West Elm

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

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

Yes

No

Sustainable and Equitable Labor Programs

Medley participates in equitable labor programs, while West Elm holds certifications such as Fair Trade USA Certified, Better Cotton Initiative, Craftmark, HERproject, and Nest's Ethical Handcraft Program.

Medley

West Elm

Goodweave

Fair Trade USA

Better Cotton Initiative

Craftmark

HERproject

Nest Ethical Handcraft Program

Fifteen Percent Pledge

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

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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