Image source:
Design Within Reach
Image source:
Room and Board

Design Within Reach vs Room and Board

What's the difference between Design Within Reach and Room and Board

Design Within Reach focuses on creating and sourcing furniture that is exceptionally crafted, built-to-last, and beautifully designed. They believe in design that inspires and solves problems. They offer free design services to assist customers in creating a space they'll love coming home to. Design Within Reach was founded with the goal of making modern design accessible to everyone. Room & Board, on the other hand, emphasizes trend-proof style, balancing modern lines with timeless details. They prioritize American craft and support local communities by manufacturing over 90% of their furniture and decor in the USA. Room & Board also prioritizes sustainable practices, with quality construction and timeless design that is kinder to the planet. They are committed to exceptional service for their customers. In terms of certifications, Design Within Reach offers several product certifications including FSC Certified, Sustainable Forestry Initiative, Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification, Appalachian Hardwood Manufacturers Inc., and National Hardwood Lumber Association. Room & Board also has certifications for their products but not all of them have certifications. Both retailers prioritize ethical labor practices but in different ways. Design Within Reach participates in equitable labor programs such as Fair Trade Certified™ program and Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification for wood products. Room & Board partners with organizations like GoodWeave to ensure their rugs are made without child labor and is a member of the Sustainable Furnishings Council (SFC), demonstrating their commitment to sustainability throughout their supply chain. While Design Within Reach claims benefits such as being assembled in the USA, artisan handmade pieces, handcrafted furniture made from reclaimed/recycled/salvaged wood; Room & Board does not make any unverified sustainable benefit claims. In summary, both Design Within Reach and Room & Board offer high-quality furnishings with an emphasis on timeless design. However, Design Within Reach focuses more on accessibility to modern design while Room & Board prioritizes American craftmanship and sustainability practices throughout their supply chain.

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. - Design Within Reach offers free design services to provide answers, advice, and inspiration to customers. - Design Within Reach was founded in 1998 with the goal of making modern design more accessible. - Room & Board balances modern lines with timeless details in their furniture designs. - Room & Board supports local communities and businesses by having over 90% of their furniture and decor made by American manufacturers.

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.
Room and Board
Room & Board is a leading furniture retailer known for its modern and timeless designs. With a commitment to sustainability, over 90% of their products are made in America using sustainably sourced wood and materials. They strive to be carbon neutral in their operations, with a goal of using 100% renewable electricity by 2030. Room & Board supports local communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations and values inclusivity and well-being for their staff members. Founded in 1980, they continue to prioritize quality craftsmanship and exceptional service across their nationwide stores and delivery centers.

Differences at a Glance

Design Within Reach

Room and Board

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%

Golden Valley, Minnesota

1980

Online, Showroom

Furniture, Furnishings

Transitional, Mid-Century Modern

None

None

$$$$

High

Yes

No

White Glove Delivery

Not Specified

No

Yes

Yes

No

Free

Business Interiors Only

10% for Business Interiors

Sustainability Mission Comparison

Design Within Reach participates in equitable labor programs, including the Fair Trade Certified™ program and the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification for their wood products. On the other hand, Room and Board also prioritizes equitable labor practices by partnering with organizations like GoodWeave, which ensures that their rugs are made without child labor. Additionally, Room and Board is a member of the Sustainable Furnishings Council (SFC), demonstrating their commitment to sustainable practices throughout their supply chain. Both retailers prioritize ethical labor practices in different ways, with Design Within Reach focusing on fair trade and responsible sourcing of wood products, while Room and Board emphasizes child labor-free rugs and overall sustainability.
Image source:
Design Within Reach
Image source:
Room and Board

Sustainable Product Certifications and Programs

Design Within Reach

Room and Board

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

Yes

White Glove Delivery

Not Specified

No

Yes

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.
Room and Board
Room and Board is a furniture retailer committed to sustainability. They prioritize sourcing wood responsibly, aiming to use 100% sustainably sourced wood by 2025. They are the first retailer to pursue using urban wood sourcing at scale and are a founding member of the Sustainable Furnishings Council. Room and Board is working towards being carbon neutral in their operations, with a goal of 100% renewable electricity use by 2030. They are also focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, electrifying their delivery fleet, achieving zero waste, and designing trend-proof furniture. They support craftspeople and staff members' well-being and donate 2% of profits annually to nonprofit organizations.

Sustainable Product Certifications

Design Within Reach offers a range of product certifications, including FSC Certified, Sustainable Forestry Initiative, Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification, Appalachian Hardwood Manufacturers Inc., and National Hardwood Lumber Association. On the other hand, Room and Board also has certifications for their products. However, it is important to note that not all of their products have certifications.

Design Within Reach

Room and Board

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

Yes

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

Sustainable and Equitable Labor Programs

Design Within Reach participates in equitable labor programs, including the Fair Trade Certified™ program and the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification for their wood products. On the other hand, Room and Board also prioritizes equitable labor practices by partnering with organizations like GoodWeave, which ensures that their rugs are made without child labor. Additionally, Room and Board is a member of the Sustainable Furnishings Council (SFC), demonstrating their commitment to sustainable practices throughout their supply chain. Both retailers prioritize ethical labor practices in different ways, with Design Within Reach focusing on fair trade and responsible sourcing of wood products, while Room and Board emphasizes child labor-free rugs and overall sustainability.

Design Within Reach

Room and Board

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.

Subscribe to our newsletter for updates!

More from Studio Marlowe