Living Spaces vs Wayfair: Which Furniture Store Reigns?
Tired of endless furniture searches? You’re not alone. Choosing between online and in-store options can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re looking for quality and style at the right price. Today, we’re diving deep into a head-to-head comparison to help you make the best decision for your home.
We’re putting two popular furniture retailers, Living Spaces and Wayfair, under the microscope. Both offer a vast selection of home furnishings, but they cater to different needs and preferences. This comparison will explore their strengths, weaknesses, and everything in between, helping you decide which is the better fit for you.
Whether you’re furnishing a new apartment or revamping your entire house, understanding the nuances of Living Spaces vs Wayfair is key. We’ll examine their product offerings, pricing, customer service, and overall shopping experience. Get ready to discover which retailer truly shines for your furniture needs!
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | Living Spaces | Wayfair |
|---|---|---|
| Furniture Selection | Wide | Extensive |
| Style Variety | Diverse | Very Diverse |
| Shipping Options | Delivery & In-Store Pickup | Delivery |
| Assembly Services | Available | Available |
| Warranty | Limited | Varies |
| Customer Service | In-Store & Online | Online & Phone |
| Return Policy | 30-Day | 30-Day |
| Financing Options | Yes | Yes |
| Showrooms | Yes | No |
| Product Categories | Furniture, Decor, Mattresses | Furniture, Decor, Appliances, More |
| Brand Selection | Living Spaces Brands | Many Brands |
| Price Matching | No | No |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Product Selection
- Living Spaces: Offers a curated selection of furniture and home décor, with a focus on modern and contemporary styles. Pros include a more manageable browsing experience and a cohesive aesthetic. Cons might be a limited selection compared to larger retailers.
- Wayfair: Boasts an expansive catalog of furniture, décor, and home goods from countless brands. Pros include unparalleled variety and often lower prices. Cons can include overwhelming choices and inconsistent quality across different brands.
- Winner: Wayfair
Pricing & Value
- Living Spaces: Generally offers competitive pricing, often with sales and promotions. Focuses on providing good value for the quality and style offered. Pros include transparent pricing and a good balance of price and design. Cons may be slightly higher than some budget retailers.
- Wayfair: Known for competitive pricing, with frequent sales and discounts. Offers a wide range of price points, from budget-friendly to high-end. Pros include the potential to find the lowest prices. Cons can include the need to compare prices across a vast selection.
- Winner: Wayfair
Shipping & Delivery
- Living Spaces: Offers delivery services, including options for white-glove delivery. Shipping costs are often included or clearly stated. Pros include reliable delivery and professional setup. Cons may include longer lead times for some items.
- Wayfair: Shipping policies vary by product and vendor. Offers free shipping on many items over a certain price point. Pros include potential for free shipping. Cons can include variable shipping costs and delivery times.
- Winner: Tie
Customer Service
- Living Spaces: Provides customer service through various channels, including phone, email, and in-store support. Known for a generally positive customer experience. Pros include helpful staff and in-store support. Cons might include wait times during peak hours.
- Wayfair: Offers customer service through phone, email, and online chat. Customer service experiences can be variable due to the vast number of vendors. Pros include multiple support channels. Cons can include inconsistent support experiences.
- Winner: living spaces
Return Policy
- Living Spaces: Offers a standard return policy, allowing returns within a specified timeframe. Return shipping costs may apply. Pros include a straightforward return process. Cons may include return shipping fees.
- Wayfair: Offers a return policy that varies by product and vendor. Returns must be initiated within a specified timeframe. Pros include the possibility of returns. Cons can include variations in return policies and potential return shipping fees.
- Winner: Tie
Warranty
- Living Spaces: Offers warranties on their products, depending on the item. Provides information about warranty coverage on their website. Pros include added protection against defects. Cons may have limitations on what is covered.
- Wayfair: Warranty information varies by product and vendor. Customers must check with the specific brand for warranty details. Pros include the possibility of warranties. Cons can include the need to research warranties separately for each product.
- Winner: living spaces
In-Store Experience
- Living Spaces: Operates physical showrooms where customers can see and experience the furniture in person. Offers design consultations and inspiration. Pros include the ability to see and touch products. Cons are limited locations.
- Wayfair: Primarily an online retailer, with limited physical showrooms. Focuses on a digital shopping experience. Pros include convenience and a vast online selection. Cons include the inability to see and touch products before purchase (unless visiting a showroom).
- Winner: living spaces
Assembly Required
- Living Spaces: Some products require assembly, but they also offer professional assembly services for an additional fee. This is often clearly stated on the product page. Pros include options to avoid self-assembly. Cons include additional costs for assembly services.
- Wayfair: Many products require assembly, with assembly instructions provided. Assembly services may be available for certain items. Pros include access to a wide array of products requiring assembly. Cons include the need for assembly, which can be time-consuming.
- Winner: living spaces
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Selection | Wayfair |
| Showroom Experience | Living Spaces |
| Price | Wayfair |
| Convenience | Tie |
| Customer Service | Tie |
What They Have in Common:
- Return Policy: Both Living Spaces and Wayfair offer a standard 30-day return policy, allowing customers to return items within this timeframe for a refund. This provides a safety net for customers who are not satisfied with their purchase.
- Assembly Services: Both companies offer assembly services for furniture, which can be a convenient option for customers who prefer not to assemble items themselves. This service is usually available for an additional fee.
- Financing Options: Both Living Spaces and Wayfair provide financing options, enabling customers to spread the cost of their purchases over time. This makes larger purchases more manageable.
- Delivery Options: Both offer delivery services to customers. Living Spaces offers delivery and in-store pickup, while Wayfair focuses on delivery options.
- Customer Service Availability: Both Living Spaces and Wayfair offer customer service channels. Living Spaces provides in-store and online support, while Wayfair primarily offers online and phone support.
Living Spaces Vs Wayfair Buying Guide
Style and Design Selection
Living Spaces often curates a more focused selection with a California-cool aesthetic, emphasizing modern and contemporary designs. Their showrooms offer a curated experience, making it easier to visualize furniture in a home setting. Wayfair, on the other hand, boasts an enormous catalog with diverse styles, from traditional to eclectic, catering to a wider range of tastes. This vast selection can be overwhelming but provides unparalleled options for finding unique pieces.
Price and Budget Considerations
Both Living Spaces and Wayfair offer furniture at various price points, but Wayfair generally has more budget-friendly options. Wayfair’s extensive catalog allows for easy comparison shopping and finding deals. Living Spaces tends to offer higher-quality pieces, which may reflect in their pricing, but they also have sales and promotions. Consider your budget and the desired quality when comparing the two retailers.
Shipping and Delivery Experience
Living Spaces usually handles its own delivery, offering white-glove service in many areas. This includes assembly and placement of furniture in your home, enhancing the overall customer experience. Wayfair primarily uses third-party shipping, which can vary in quality. Delivery options range from standard to room-of-choice, and assembly services may be extra. Carefully review shipping details before purchasing from either retailer.
Product Quality and Durability
Living Spaces is generally known for offering higher-quality furniture, using better materials and construction techniques. This translates to more durable pieces designed to last longer. Wayfair’s quality varies significantly depending on the brand and price point. While they offer some high-quality options, it’s essential to read reviews and assess materials before purchasing. Consider your long-term needs when evaluating product quality.
Return Policies and Customer Service
Both retailers offer return policies, but the specifics differ. Living Spaces typically provides a more straightforward return process, often with in-store returns available. Wayfair’s return policies vary depending on the product and vendor. Customer service experiences can be inconsistent with both companies; read reviews to get an idea of what to expect. Always review the return policy before making a purchase.
Showroom vs. Online Shopping Experience
Living Spaces excels with its physical showrooms, allowing customers to touch and feel furniture before buying. The showroom experience can be a significant advantage for those who prefer to see items in person. Wayfair is primarily online, offering a vast selection and convenience. However, the lack of a physical showroom means you can’t assess the quality and comfort of the furniture before purchase. Consider your shopping preferences when choosing between the two.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy Living Spaces If…
- You prefer to see and test furniture in person before buying.
- You value the convenience of in-store pickup options.
- You prefer furniture from a single brand.
- You want to work with a local store.
Buy Wayfair If…
- You want the widest selection of furniture and decor from many brands.
- You are looking for a specific style or item that may be hard to find.
- You prefer to shop online and don’t need to see the furniture in person.
- You prioritize competitive pricing and sales.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the return policy for Living Spaces?
Living Spaces typically offers a 30-day return policy for most items. Items must be in new or like-new condition. Returns are often accepted in-store or by scheduling a pickup. Some items, like mattresses, may have different return conditions. Always check the specific return policy for the item you are purchasing. Refunds are usually processed to the original payment method.
How does Wayfair’s shipping work?
Wayfair uses a variety of shipping methods, including standard, room-of-choice, and white-glove delivery. Shipping costs and times vary depending on the item, vendor, and your location. You’ll see shipping details at checkout. Some items qualify for free shipping. Track your order online using the provided tracking number. Assembly services may be available for an extra fee.
Does Living Spaces offer financing options?
Yes, Living Spaces frequently provides financing options through their partnerships with various lenders. This can make larger purchases more manageable. Check the Living Spaces website or inquire in-store about available financing plans, including interest rates, terms, and credit requirements. Financing can vary depending on your creditworthiness.
What is Wayfair’s customer service like?
Wayfair’s customer service can be accessed via phone, email, and live chat. Experiences vary, but generally, they aim to resolve issues efficiently. Response times may differ depending on the issue and peak seasons. Check Wayfair’s website for customer service contact information. It’s advisable to have your order number ready when contacting customer service.
Are Living Spaces and Wayfair’s furniture good quality?
Living Spaces generally offers higher-quality furniture, with better materials and construction. Wayfair’s quality varies widely depending on the brand and price point. Reading reviews and comparing materials is crucial when buying from Wayfair. Consider the long-term needs and the price when assessing the quality of furniture from either retailer.
Can I see Living Spaces furniture in person?
Yes, Living Spaces has physical showrooms in many locations. Visiting a showroom is recommended to see and feel the furniture before purchasing. The showrooms allow you to experience the furniture’s quality and style firsthand. Check the Living Spaces website for the nearest showroom location and hours of operation.
Does Wayfair offer assembly services?
Yes, Wayfair often offers assembly services through third-party providers. This service typically comes at an additional cost. The availability of assembly services can vary depending on the item and your location. When purchasing, look for assembly options during checkout. The assembly service fee is paid separately from the item’s purchase.
Final Verdict
Choosing between Living Spaces and Wayfair depends on individual needs. Living Spaces excels with curated showrooms and higher-quality pieces, while Wayfair offers a vast selection and competitive pricing. For those prioritizing hands-on experience and durability, Living Spaces is a strong contender. However, Wayfair provides unparalleled options and budget-friendly choices, making it a viable option for those seeking variety and value.
Winner: Living Spaces