As a serial furniture flipper constantly redoing my apartment on a budget, I‘ve purchased and assembled my fair share of brands over the last decade. From IKEA to high-end boutique shops, I thought I’d seen it all. That was until I discovered Apt2B last year. Their mid-century modern yet minimalist selection initially drew me in for the living room revamp. And after taking a full plunge on a new sectional, coffee table, media unit and office desk for the entire apartment, I feel fully qualified to provide this exhaustive furnishing review after nearly 12 months of daily use.
Below I’ll comprehensively detail my firsthand experience evaluating options pre-purchase, unboxing and assembling the products, and ultimately living with Apt2B furniture day in and out. Consider me your data point of one before you hit that “Buy Now” button!
Overview: Style-Centric Brand Targets Budget-Conscious Shoppers
Before weighing the pros and cons of specific products, let‘s start with some background on the Apt2B brand itself. Launched in 2012, they‘re a digitally native furniture company focused on solution-based items tailored towards small, urban living spaces. Their direct-to-consumer model cuts out middlemen costs while lean overhead and third party manufacturing facilitates competitive pricing.
It’s clear the priority lies heavily in aesthetically pleasing, contemporary styles catering to modern sensibilities and compact footprints. As they put it, the focus centers on “hip furniture for modern city living.” The affordability factor also caters well to budget-conscious young professionals, those furnishing first apartments, or students moving into off-campus housing needing full setups without draining their (or their parent‘s) wallets.
In terms of product inventory, Apt2B covers an admirably wide range spanning living rooms, dining spaces, home offices, and bedrooms. You’ll find everything from stand-alone accent chairs and coffee tables to expansive sectionals and bedroom collections. Their in-house designs drive most unique signature pieces while partnerships with celebrity designers like Bobby Berk add exclusive collections as well.
Now let’s analyze how these pretty products actually perform when unboxed and put to work…
Living Room: Style & Comfort Meets Affordability
As the largest furniture investment (and centerpiece of my petite city apartment), choosing the right living room set took months of meticulous research and comparison shopping across brands. My tight budget dictated furniture durable enough to last 5+ years through multiple moves while still meeting my clean-lined modern aesthetical leanings.
After taking notes on materials, dimensions and aesthetics across countless options, I finally settled on Apt2B’s Logan 86” velvet sectional. Between the customization configurations, compact footprint fitting my space limitations and removable machine washable covers, it seemed the ideal blend of style, utility and value.
Ordering & Delivery: Placing the made-to-order piece was seamless through Apt2B’s intuitive website. I opted for the “Glacier” blue velvet fabric treated to resist stains which looked chic yet livable being a serial red wine drinker. For $99 extra, I added white glove delivery service which meant the packaging and old furniture removal happened without me lifting a finger. Less than two weeks from order the sectional arrived safely with designated room placement.
Assembly & Quality: As typical with sectionals, some minor assembly was required to attach the modular chaise piece but Apt2B’s instructions made it smooth sailing. The wood internal frame felt reassuringly sturdy once connected and blue velvet exterior sufficiently plush yet firm. All hardware and assembled components have maintained sturdiness over the past year. Compared to the particle-board disasters of college, this is a welcome upgrade.
My one gripe is the back cushions lack sturdiness, almost folding in half when met with any weight. It causes slippage needing frequent readjusting to maintain shape. Otherwise, the Logan sectional remains attractively modern and comfortable a year later. For the price point, I’m satisfied with both its looks and utility.
Related Pieces: Apt2B Bowery Cocktail Table, Apt2B Everett Media Console
Dining Area: Compact Table Perfectly Suits Small Space
My awkwardly shaped dining nook measures a petite 72” across, causing standard table sizes to overwhelm it. After scoping options under 72”, I landed on Apt2B’s Sawyer 63′′ expandable table able to tuck neatly against the wall. The tempered glass top struck the right balance of modern yet simple for hosting dinner parties both casual and sophisticated.
Ordering & Delivery: I appreciated the measuring guide detailing exactly how much walking around clearance the 63” length allowed with different chair sizes. This precision gave confidence ordering online. Delivery rolled seamlessly with designated room placement.
Assembly & Quality: Simple attached legs took minutes to screw securely in place. Both glass top and wooden legs survived a worrisome fall once with only minor scratches. No concerns on durability so far. My only annoyance is the “floating” attached legs cause a slight wobble on uneven flooring. But once decorated with tablescape elements it sits solidly.
For affordable durability under $500 able to adapt to small, awkward spaces, I have no reservations recommending the Sawyer dining table. It accommodates dinner parties of 6 comfortably without overcrowding my petite nook.
Related Pieces: Apt2B Banner Dining Chairs x 4
Home Office: Chic Desk Delivering on Form & Function
As I’ve turned my second bedroom into a quasi “home office,” finding a large desk with storage became key for workspace and organization. The modern metallic accents on curved legs of the Apt2B Aiken 63" desk added some subtle flair I adored. And almost a full year logging long work hours here, my affection only keeps growing.
Ordering & Delivery: Smooth ordering and delivery process consistent with other items. White glove placement has the Aiken nestled perfectly between my gallery wall and窗口.
Assembly & Quality: Required some leg attachment and drawer lining up but easy enough one person job. Drawer glides like silk after adding provided lubrication wax onto rails during assembly. And provides bountiful interior storage space for office supplies, electronic accessories and notebooks galore.
The curved metallic drawer pulls and legs maintain sheen beautifully with occasional polishing. Structurally the entire 63” length desk shows zero signs of wear, tear or scratches despite holding laptop and accessories daily.
For a desk focused equally on form and function under $700, the Aiken is a home run workspace. Guests constantly compliment how elegantly it elevates my office nook’s aesthetic as well.
Related Pieces: Assorted gallery wall prints and frames, Task floor lamp
Bedroom: Mixed Feelings on Durability
Rather than one signature piece, the bedroom refresh involved a full suite including Galvin Upholstered Platform Bed frame, Lucca Dresser and 2 Matilda nightstands. The muted palette kept things neutral to decorate around. But after a year putting them all through wear and tear, I have mixed reviews.
Ordering & Delivery: No issues with streamlined ordering or delivery timeliness. Packaging held up well in transport with zero damage.
Assembly & Quality: Simplistic instructions made assembly smooth sailing to complete solo in an afternoon. However it soon became apparent corners were cut on certain elements…
Beginning with the Galvin bedframe, sharp back corners created snags in sheets and blankets constantly needing repair from pulls or tears. Sanding down these flimsy veneer points helped resolve somewhat. The Lucca dresser also shows concerning gaps unevenly spaced between drawers likely from rushed construction job. Nightstands and bedframe so far have decent structural integrity though the thin wooden materials used chip easily. While style remains on point, the quality proves less refined than items placed in more public rooms.
For a short-term situation or guest bedroom seeing infrequent use, Apt2B bedroom furniture at these price points should sufficiently stand the test of time. But as full time pieces intended to endure years of everyday living, I cannot fully endorse based on my experience with durability concerns emerging early on.
Related Pieces: Galvin Upholstered Bed Frame, Lucca Dresser, Matilda Nightstands x 2
How Apt2B Compares: Style Focused & Wallet Friendly
While greatly appreciating beautiful style and customization options during the initial honeymoon furniture phase, Apt2B long term performance proves highly dependent on category and usage levels. Living and dining room pieces still look sensational and structurally sound enough for my needs as a serial apartment flipper. More delicate bedroom furniture shows cracks in quality though when subjected daily wear and tear.
Compared to higher end yet prohibitively expensive RH and Pottery Barn, the middle ground Apt2B pricing keeps options feasible for modest budgets. Yet reflecting my “you get what you pay for” mentality, I’d steer buyers wanting to make lasting generational investments towards brands utilizing finer craftsmanship and materials.
For temporary living situations or those simply wanting quick trendy upgrades on a strict budget, Apt2B checks the boxes delivering stylish looks shoppers go ga-ga over on Pinterest and Instagram. Just temper expectations on pieces withstanding truly enduring usage unless selecting their premium collections.
Below summarizes my determining factors for labeling Apt2B a conditional win in my book:
Pros
- Wide style variety from modern to Bohemian at affordable price points
- Helpful customization options like fabrics, finishes and sizes
- Graceful aesthetics blending well into trendy, small spaces
- Convenient online ordering and delivery process
- Easy assembly with clear instructions
- Strong customer service throughout process
Cons
- Materials and constructions favor style over durability & longevity
- Signs of cheap craftsmanship emerging after short-term use on select items
- Not the most ethical or sustainable manufacturing methods
Final Recommendations: Ideal for Style-Focused Budget Shoppers
While Apt2B may not match the enduring legacy or ethical production standards of higher end brands, their solutions cater well to temporary housing needs or style conscious shoppers focused first on looks within tight wallet constraints. Their online convenience and customization options also facilitate reasonably painless furnishing, especially for smaller spaces.
I do wish more transparent production details were provided upfront around materials sources and manufacturing methods. But those prioritizing both humanely produced and durable investments may need to fork over bigger budgets regardless.
If keeping costs low NOW is imperative while still desiring your space to look chic AF straight off the ‘Gram, Apt2B pushes all the right aesthetic buttons. Based on which rooms and pieces you select strategically, they could stylishly fill needs short term style without necessarily showing structural strains immediately. But for long run legacy furniture expected to grace homes for decades, seek out superior craftsmanship brands focused equally on form and function in my seasoned opinion.
I hope this uncompensated firsthand review detailing my year long adventures researching, purchasing and living with Apt2B furniture aids fellow shoppers determine if solutions fit your unique needs and expectations. Please fire any additional questions my way in comments so I can address in future content! Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to scour vintage shops for my next design project inspiration…
