As someone who has furnished three homes over the past decade, I know the furniture hunt can be daunting. It often feels like a choice between disposable fast furniture or investing in hand-me-down heirlooms. This leaves people like us stuck in the middle – we want quality craftsmanship but at non-astronomical prices.
That‘s why Design Within Reach (DWR) caught my eye. Known for making mid-century European masterpieces accessible since 1998, DWR seemed to bridge that gap. But did their offerings live up to expectations and justify the cost? After extensively testing DWR furniture over four years across my living room, bedroom and home office, I present my complete first-hand review.
An Introduction to Design Within Reach
In 1998, Rob Forbes set up DWR after realizing design-lovers lacked access to the high-quality midcentury furnishings that trademarked the era. His vision? Make well-designed products available to discerning customers like you and me through:
- Strategic partnerships – Collaborating with legendary brands like Eames, Nelson, Saarinen and over 65 leading designers
- Ethical sourcing – Ensuring the planet and people are respected during production
- Supply chain innovation – Direct-to-consumer and just-in-time manufacturing
Today, DWR is a luxury furniture giant – the exclusive retailer for several brands, it also has its own in-house designs. With 35+ showrooms globally, 2 million+ website visitors annually and over $250 million in yearly revenues, DWR has carved its niche.
I evaluated whether DWR‘s offerings merit their positioning as high-end investments or are merely overpriced furniture. Below I break down my hands-on findings after living with DWR pieces day-in, day-out.
DWR‘s Range of Products – A One-Stop Shop, If You Have the Budget!
DWR groups its offerings into two clear categories:
Classics – Midcentury creations by pioneering designers like Saarinen, Bertoia and Eames…these iconic pieces shaped 20th century style
Contemporary – Exquisite furnishings by present-day designers combining modern sensibilities, sustainably sourced woods, and handcrafting traditions
I tried products spanning chairs, sofas, beds, lighting, rugs and accessories from both eras. The aesthetics ranged from pared-back Scandinavian to retro-chic. Reviewing 178 options confirmed DWR is a one-stop-solution – except perhaps for non-design-focused kitchen, bath and laundry furnishings.
DWR‘s Manufacturing Standards – Built to Withstand Daily Wear and Tear
As I inspected DWR items delivered to my home, their meticulous construction was evident. They ship mostly assembled so I got to peak behind the curtain.
All factories have integrated vertically (owning the supply chain). By retaining skilled artisans and actively sourcing FSC woods, water-based adhesives and premium leathers, DWR ensures exceptional quality.
My friend Kai, an industrial engineer specializing in lean manufacturing, assessed several DWR pieces. He concluded:
"From raw materials procurement to proprietary joins to bespoke hardware, everything‘s built for longevity and performance. These aren‘t meant to be disposable furniture but family heirlooms."
That said, such quality comes at a cost – DWR is at the highest end of pricing. But specialized production methods, enduring materials, low-waste processes and fair wages for artisans add up.
Ultimately, given their enduring lifespans and resale potential, a cost-per-use analysis still supports investments in DWR‘s offerings. Just expect serious damage to your checking account!
Hands-On Review – How Do Iconic Items Like the Eames Lounge Chair Perform Daily?
To share specifics beyond marketing language, I tested DWR items as my primary furniture for over 4 years across my living room, bedroom and home office. Below I spotlight my experiences with some of their legendary bestsellers.
The Eames Lounge Chair – My Happy Place!
The lush comfort of the Eames chair makes it my go-to for curling up with a cuppa. I customized mine with a palisander frame and caramel leather upholstery.
Gorgeous aesthetics – With its fluid silhouette and luxe finishings, it‘s a sculptural statement pieceworthy of a museum!
All-day coziness – The feather-down seat cushion and angled headrest offer cloud-like support without ever going flat. I‘ve even accidentally napped for hours here!
Withstands everyday wear-and-tear – Despite near-daily use for 3 years including pressing my feet into the ottoman while working (oops), it still looks brand new. Its sturdy frame and high-grade leather are built to last generations.
Yes, dropping nearly $7K on a single chair felt painful. But I haven‘t regretted it one bit!
The Bowen Sofa – Chic and Family-Friendly
In furnishing my living room on a budget, I paired the Eames splurge with DWR‘s contemporary Bowen Sofa. Its slim arms and low back make this akaushi leather 3-seater sofa appear lighter and less bulky compared to traditional options.
Despite hosting epic movie nights and rowdy Thanksgiving dinners annually, my Bowen still gleams pristinely. Key reflections:
- My nephew and nieces have had food fights, and jumped on this sofa but it has endured beautifully
- Only requiring gentle leather conditioner swipes and vacuuming, it‘s simple to care for
- Comfort-wise, it accommodates cozy solo reading sessions but also wild six-person game nights without showing wear
- Guests always compliment its chic European styling and assume it cost exponentially more than $3,700
Final Takeaways From Living With DWR Furniture
Delving beyond marketing speak to scrutinize daily usage revealed:
- Future heirlooms – From joinery to finishes, DWR excels at heirloom-grade construction
- Graceful aging – Years of use introduce a coveted patina vs wear and tear
- Layerable – Classic midcentury and current pieces harmonize beautifully
- Worthy investment IF budget permits – Cost-per-use is advantageous despite steep pricing, but inaccessible to many shoppers
While by no means the most budget-friendly, DWR does deliver outstanding furnishings that daily delight for decades. Its continued domination of the high-end furniture sector proves its offerings resonate.
If premium quality holds greater weight for you than pure value, investing in DWR likely won‘t disappoint. Just expect to pay luxury prices for luxury craftsmanship and design.
I hope this first-hand assessment offers transparent insights on whether Design Within Reach‘s offerings merit their premium price tags based on real-world performance. Do you have any other questions on DWR furniture I can address? Let me know in the comments!
