Image source:
Medley
Image source:
Poly and Bark

Medley vs Poly and Bark

What's the difference between Medley and Poly and Bark

Medley and Poly & Bark are two furniture retailers with distinct approaches to creating pieces for your home sanctuary. Medley prioritizes sustainability by using eco-certified materials and local manufacturing, emphasizing quality, comfort, and durability. The founders, Travis and Ryan, aim to revolutionize the industry's approach to furniture making. In contrast, Poly & Bark focuses on providing updated versions of iconic furniture at affordable prices. They design for comfort, durability, and aesthetics while passing on cost savings from their online-only model to customers. However, they do not offer any sustainability certifications or claims. Medley offers GOTS Certified, GOLS Certified, CertiPUR-US®, OEKO-TEX® Standard 100, FSC Certified, and Greenguard Gold Certified products along with equitable labor programs for workers' fair treatment. On the other hand, Poly & Bark does not have any certifications or specific initiatives related to sustainability or labor standards. Overall, Medley stands out for its commitment to sustainable practices and ethical production methods compared to Poly & Bark's focus on affordability and design without environmental certifications or labor initiatives.

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 using eco-certified materials and local manufacturing, while Poly & Bark emphasizes offering high-quality furniture at lower prices due to their online-only model - Medley handcrafts their pieces in the USA for durability, while Poly & Bark designs updated versions of classic furniture with a focus on comfort and aesthetics - Medley offers a 30-day in-home trial for customers to ensure satisfaction, whereas Poly & Bark passes on cost savings from not having physical showrooms to offer up to 50% lower prices - Medley founders Travis and Ryan prioritize sustainability and quality in furniture production, while Poly & Bark draws inspiration from global cultures and expert craftsmen for their designs

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.
Poly and Bark
Poly & Bark is an online furniture retailer that provides quality, affordable pieces to make home a haven. Their collections are globally inspired, featuring updated takes on iconic furniture and much-loved classics. Careful attention is paid to every detail from design to construction to ensure the highest quality product. By being an online company, they can pass on the savings of not having a brick and mortar showroom or middle man markups on to the customer - pricing up to 50% less than traditional retailers. Founded in 2016, their mission is to make stylish furniture available for everyone in Chicago, Illinois and beyond.

Differences at a Glance

Medley

Poly and Bark

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%

Chicago, Illinois

2016

Online

Furniture, Furnishings

Mid-Century Modern, Scandinavian Modern

None

$25 Off First Order Of $100+

$$

Mid

Yes

One Item Free Of Charge Per Category

White Glove Delivery

Yes

No

No

Yes

No

Not Available

Yes

5% on orders $5,000+

Sustainability Mission Comparison

Medley participates in equitable labor programs such as Fair Trade and Fair Labor Association, ensuring fair treatment of workers. Poly and Bark engages in initiatives like the Ethical Trading Initiative and Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit (SMETA) to uphold labor standards.
Image source:
Medley
Image source:
Poly and Bark

Sustainable Product Certifications and Programs

Medley

Poly and Bark

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

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

White Glove Delivery

Yes

No

No

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.
Poly and Bark
Poly and Bark is a retailer that specializes in modern furniture designs. While the company has not specified a sustainability mission, they have made sustainability claims such as using materials sourced from renewable forests and minimizing their carbon footprint while shipping. Poly and Bark is committed to providing customers with quality furniture that is produced in an environmentally-friendly manner, helping to promote sustainable practices within the industry.

Sustainable Product Certifications

Medley offers GOTS Certified, GOLS Certified, CertiPUR-US®, OEKO-TEX® Standard 100, FSC Certified, and Greenguard Gold Certified products. Poly and Bark do not have any certifications.

Medley

Poly and Bark

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

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

Sustainable and Equitable Labor Programs

Medley participates in equitable labor programs such as Fair Trade and Fair Labor Association, ensuring fair treatment of workers. Poly and Bark engages in initiatives like the Ethical Trading Initiative and Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit (SMETA) to uphold labor standards.

Medley

Poly and Bark

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.

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