Image source:
Medley
Image source:
Room and Board

Medley vs Room and Board

What's the difference between Medley and Room and Board

Medley and Room & Board are two furniture retailers with distinct approaches to crafting and sustainability. Medley prioritizes eco-conscious materials, offering plush and resilient pieces made with plant-based cushioning. Their furniture is precision handcrafted in the USA, designed for long-lasting durability. Room & Board, established in 1980, focuses on timeless design and American craftsmanship, with over 90% of their products manufactured domestically. They emphasize quality construction that is sustainable by design. In terms of certifications, Medley holds various eco-friendly certifications like GOTS Certified and Greenguard Gold Certified. On the other hand, Room & Board is certified by organizations such as FSC Certified and Sustainable Forestry Initiative. While Medley supports equitable labor through programs like Fair Trade Certified, Room & Board engages in initiatives such as Sustainable Furnishings Council (SFC) for eco-friendly practices. Overall, Medley shines in its emphasis on sustainable materials and artisan craftsmanship while Room & Board excels in timeless design and supporting local communities through American manufacturing.

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 eco-friendly materials and local manufacturing, while Room & Board emphasizes American craftsmanship and sustainable design - Medley offers a 30-day in-home trial for furniture purchases, whereas Room & Board prioritizes exceptional customer service throughout the buying process - The founders of Medley, Travis and Ryan, have a personal commitment to sustainability and eco-certified materials, while Room & Board supports local communities through nonprofit organizations - Medley handcrafts their furniture pieces in the USA for durability, while Room & Board employs over 900 people nationwide to create long-lasting furnishings

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.
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

Medley

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

Portland, Oregon

2005

Online

Furniture

Modern

None

None

$$$

High

Yes

30 Day Trial

White Glove Delivery

Yes

No

No

Yes

No

Free

Yes

15%

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

Medley participates in equitable labor programs such as Fair Trade Certified and Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) for sustainable sourcing. Room and Board engages in programs like the Sustainable Furnishings Council (SFC) and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) for eco-friendly practices.
Image source:
Medley
Image source:
Room and Board

Sustainable Product Certifications and Programs

Medley

Room and Board

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

Yes

White Glove Delivery

Not Specified

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.
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

Medley offers a range of product certifications, including GOTS Certified, GOLS Certified, CertiPUR-US®, OEKO-TEX® Standard 100, FSC Certified, and Greenguard Gold Certified. In contrast, Room and Board holds certifications such as FSC Certified, Sustainable Forestry Initiative, Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification, Appalachian Hardwood Manufacturers Inc., and National Hardwood Lumber Association.

Medley

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

Yes

Yes

No

Yes

No

No

No

Yes

No

No

No

Yes

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 Certified and Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) for sustainable sourcing. Room and Board engages in programs like the Sustainable Furnishings Council (SFC) and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) for eco-friendly practices.

Medley

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.

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