After over a decade testing couches, evaluating fabric performance and dissecting furniture construction across leading brands, I‘ve developed an eye for spotting quality. And Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams pieces have the hallmarks of durability, comfort andIntentional design I seek out. If premium materials and Made-in-America craftsmanship matter to you too, read on for my complete assessment of their collections‘ value and performance.
Who is Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams?
Chances are you‘ve spotted Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams’ sofas or chairs while browsing your local luxury furniture gallery or high-end design magazine like Architectural Digest. Since launching their brand in 1989, this North Carolina-based company has become the gold standard for upscale yet family-friendly custom upholstery.
Co-founders Mitchell Gold and Bob Williams bring complementary skillsets that drive their success–Mitchell contributes the creative eye and Bob oversees manufacturing. Together they’ve built a team dedicated to quality craftsmanship and enduring style. Their diverse collections spanning over 4,000 fabrics and 50 frame styles display attention to every detail. And an in-house design staff helps match customized pieces perfectly to your space.
While some balk at higher price points, fans insist Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams furniture is an heirloom-quality investment, especially for statement living room or bedroom pieces. My own positive experiences over the past three years solidly back up that glowing reputation.
My Personal Experience Buying Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams
Back when my husband and I began furniture shopping for our new home, I instantly connected with Mitchell Gold + Bob William‘s focus on livable luxury and quality craftsmanship. We invested in two of their premium sofas along with a stunning dining set as the foundation for our home‘s style.
The buying experience itself proved smooth, guided every step of the way by our knowledgeable sales associate Lisa. She simplified selections from the vast custom upholstery and finish options. I appreciated Lisa’s candor on reasonable timeline expectations as well (no sugarcoating the 16 weeks from order to arrival!).
On delivery day, the white glove installation team took great care situating our heavy new furniture in place. Assembly was a cinch thanks to the clear instructions and pre-attached fabric covers.
Since then, through countless family movie nights, dinners around the oversized dining table and even the occasional spilled glass of wine, our furniture has more than stood the test of everyday life. The slipcovered sofas tidy up nicely after my sons’ sleepovers thanks to the moisture-resistant protectant spray we use. And the dining set finish still looks freshly polished.
Consider me a devoted Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams customer going forward. While the production times demand some patience, their pieces are well worth the wait.
Key Pros of Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams
From quality to customization, several factors make Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams a frontrunner amid luxury furniture brands.
1. Superior Materials and Construction
MGBW utilizes advanced techniques like double doweling and corner blocking to create exceptionally sturdy frames engineered to stand the test of time–and rambunctious kids. 8-way hand-tied springs offer enhanced suspension for noticeably comfortable seating. And smooth, kiln-dried North American hardwoods give tables, dressers and beds lasting structural integrity.
Upholstery and performance fabrics rank top-tier too. Buttery soft aniline leathers and rich chenilles transform family rooms into luxury spaces. While Crypton and Perennials fabrics withstand the toughest stains. And waterproofing treatments add an extra layer of protection.
2. Customization for a Perfect Fit
With 10+ base sofa frames alone, Mitchll Gold gives you ample options to tailor your furniture to your lifestyle. Choose your preferred depth, height and cushion fill. Then select forms and fabrics to create an intentional oasis of comfort. All customized furniture is Made-to-Order in their North Carolina headquarters too for exceptional quality control.
3. Free Design Services
The expert Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams design team offers complimentary renderings showing fabric and finish pairings in your actual space. Upload room images and dimensions online or visit showrooms to collaborate 1:1 with designers who can visualize the possibilities. They’ll simplify the dizzying array of materials and educate you on performance tradeoffs too.
What Buyers Should Consider: Potential Downsides
Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams sofas, beds and furniture undoubtedly excel in critical areas like quality and comfort. But a few potential drawbacks exist that buyers should weigh as they evaluate options.
1. Extended Lead Times
Custom-crafting furniture made to order in America guarantees quality yet requires more production time. Be prepared to wait 12-16 weeks for specialized sectionals or dining sets. Simple in-stock pieces ship in 6 weeks. I helped offset wait anxiety by focusing on finalizing other room elements like rugs and lighting during the production window.
2. Above Average Pricing
The superior quality, craftsmanship and materials do come at a cost. Mitchell Gold seating starts around $1200 for a basic chair. Sectional sofas hit well over $4000. Storage beds reach nearly $6000 for the largest sizes. Budget-focused buyers may find options like Joybird, Article or Burrow more friendly to slim budgets.
Yet smart sales during holidays like Memorial Day can slice prices by 20% or more. And Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams frequently introduces new frames and fabrics at more moderate price points too.
3. Rare Quality Issues
The vast majority–over 95% by some measures–of Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams buyers report perfect products with smooth delivery. But periodic complaints around scratched wood, dented packaging or cushion durability issues do surface. Quickly inspecting furniture on arrival and reaching out to customer service regarding defects is key. Their limited warranties protect against manufacturer flaws. But daily wear and tear or improper care voids coverage.
Evaluating the Quality and Durability
The true indicator of any furniture brand comes down to how their pieces withstand years of everyday living. Between materials selection, construction methods and quality control, Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams checks every box to ensure their sofas, beds and more outlast trends.
Time-Tested Materials
From kiln-dried Maple, Poplar and Pine sourced regionally in America to cerused oak finishes that celebrate natural wood grain, Mitchell Gold chooses materials to balance beauty and durability.
Aniline-dyed leathers and solution-dyed acrylics outlast traditional fabrics thanks to their exceptional ability to avoid stains and fading. And performance fabrics from names like Perennials and Crypton introduce ultra-stain resistance without compromising softness.
Mitchell Gold’s in-house designers carefully vet each material not just for look but also relevant measures like double rub counts for upholstery textiles. This helps ensure any piece you select measures up to years of expected use.
Precision American Manufacturing
At their 1.2 million square foot manufacturing headquarters in North Carolina, over 1,200 skilled artisans transform raw lumber, textiles and leathers into exceptional furniture. Master craftspeople supervise key construction steps completed in on-site wood, metal, webbing and cushion workshops to ensure flawless finishes.
White glove delivery teams take great pride (and care) relocating completed pieces into your home. And customer service follows up post-delivery to address any issues promptly. This attentive construction and service process explains rave reviews from long-time owners.
Built to Last Warranties
Backing up their promises of heirloom quality, Mitchell Gold offers warranties up to 12 years for frames and 5 years for standard upholstery fabric and cushions. The specific lengths align with average lifespan estimates for each material type. Their policies comfortably exceed guarantees from competitors.
Of course achieving maximum longevity requires proper care too. Following the cleaning guidelines for slipcovers and fabrics will maintain fresh appeal. And giving seats ample recovery time to regain shape will keep cushions plump. Invest in furniture protection if kids and pets join the equation.
Reviewing Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams‘ DesignCatalog
Beyond masterful craftsmanship, a keen design perspective weaves through Mitchell Gold‘s broad range of furniture styles. From traditional rolled arms and turned legs to slim sleek silhouettes, their design vocabulary offers both iconic shapes reinvented for modern living along with forward-thinking originals.
Modern and Contemporary
Clean architectural lines define many newer Mitchell Gold collections like Metro and Austin. Block legs grounded by stable bases or inverted corners introduce subtle flair. Slim arms encourage settling in. While luxe fabrics and exaggerated scales on seating and beds add high-impact style.
The modern Marlo bed confidently anchors master suites with its lofty wing-shaped headboard panel available in a mix of finishes. Performance fabrics introduce striking large-scale prints on sofas and chairs to generate lots of look while still promising fuss-free care.
Traditional Classics Reinvented
Signature Mitchell Gold comfort emerges through familiar classical shapes elevated by artisanal details. Rolled arms, turned legs, button tufting and nailheads bring dimension across seating. Custom upholstery options in velvets, linen textures and more encourage layering rich, tactile fabrics.
The Bond Street club chair makes a timeless fireside companion with slim flared arms, angular back and tapered legs. Stud details and casters add flair while keeping the vibe contemporary. Mitchell Gold truly excels at bringing together the best of both worlds–modern and traditional–in one piece.
Reviews: What Owners Say About the Shopping Experience
For discerning customers investing thousands in showstopping furniture, the full package–from sales to delivery–needs to impress. Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams nails high marks across the board from enthusiastic fans.
Knowledgeable sales associates shine through the customization process offering realistic time estimates and simplifying overwhelming options. The extensive fabric swatch program helps envision pieces in situ. While 3D room renderings bring your vision to life digitally so you can confirm proportions and style flow before purchase.
Post-purchase, buyers praise consistent communication and white glove delivery. And quality assurance teams follow-up directly to smooth any issues. Reviews confirm the excellence carries through years of use thanks to durable materials designed to withstand life’s messinesses.
Independent review aggregators make finding candid feedback simple. The brand earns a “Great” rating averaged across nearly 1400 Trustpilot reviews. And deeper analysis shows 98% satisfaction with service and quality. Recent reviews praise specific pieces like the Davis leather sofa along with stellar sales support. Negative reviews mostly link to elongated lead times or isolated damage incidents. But detail quick resolution from customer service once contacted.
Pricing Breakdown: Investing in Exceptional Quality
Comparing Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams’ pricing to mass-produced or budget brands misses the mark. Instead, the apt comparison falls against luxury players like Restoration Hardware or high-end Italian imports.
Simple occasional chairs made in their North Carolina factory start around $1200. While customizable sectionals soar past $6000 depending on size, configurations and designer fabrics selected. Upholstered beds range from Queen sizes under $3000 to storage-enhanced Kings topping $6500. And large dining tables with speciality finishes can exceed $4000.
On the surface, these premium prices stir sticker shock. Yet devotees insist the enduring quality and ability to specifically tailor pieces to your lifestyle makes the costs justifiable. Those coming from cheaply-made furniture that sags after mere months especially appreciate the world of difference ultra-durable double doweled frames with 8-way hand tied springs make.
strategic sales around holidays, plus affiliate discounts and financing options increase access and value. Rather than a fleeting fast furniture fad, Mitchell Gold buyers invest in decade-spanning staples. Much like a luxury vehicle or designer handbag, proper care allows MGB sofas and beds to even increase in value as collectible icons.
What to Expect: Production, Shipping and Delivery
While eager shoppers never love hearing “wait time” estimates, the upsides of made-to-order furniture outweigh shortterm impatience. Committing upfront to wait windows from 6-16 weeks sets realistic expectations for Mitchell Gold + Bob William’s process.
Simple in-stock items take around 6 weeks from order to arrival at your door. Sectionals and dining sets require 12-16 weeks for framework fabrication through meticulous upholstery finishing. Production slots fill early for peak Fall and Spring delivery seasons. So think ahead.
Once your delivery date nears, the white glove experience ensures a smooth landing. Shipping experts coordinate with you on best drop-off timing. Then professionally unpack and install pieces in precise requested spots so you skip clumsy DIYing 10 ways to destroy your new furniture trying to maneuver that 500 lb sectional! Installers remove all packaging debris too, leaving you to simply settle in and enjoy.
If parenthood or pets join your furniture priorities, protectant sprays and blankets safeguard investments. But call customer service immediately if any damage or defects appear so they can make record for future warranty reference if needed.
Returns, Exchanges and Warranties
Investing thousands in furniture understandably fuels a desire for guarantees if pieces fail to perform. Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams comforts committed customers with extensive policies designed to simplify remediation of any issues.
30-Day Returns
Not fully satisfied with comfort, fabric performance or sizing? No problem. Mitchell Gold offers full refunds on returns initiated within 30 days post-delivery. Some limitations around custom pieces do apply. And return shipping fees and restocking charges may be deducted. But overall this allows a reasonable trial period.
12 Year Limited Warranty
Defective materials and manufacturing flaws fall under warranty for an impressive 12 years on frames and 5 years on standard fabrics and cushions. Reasonable wear and tear is exempted. Reach out to customer service to open claims and schedule repairs or pro-rated replacements. Keep original docs noting fabrics and purchase dates handy as reference.
white Glove Removal
Should you need to return oversized items, Mitchell Gold’s delivery teams handleuninstalling and removing pieces with the same care they demonstrated delivering. This spares you the headache of maneuvering bulky furniture out solo.
Still Debating? How Mitchell Gold Compares to Restoration Hardware
If luxury furnishings rank on your splurge list but you’re still weighing brand options, comparing Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams to other premium players like Restoration Hardware offers helpful perspective.
Quality and Craftsmanship
Both invest in top-tier materials from thick kiln-dried hardwoods to European oak veneers and Italian leathers. Their attention to durable double dowel joinery and hand finishing mirrors fine furniture workshops. Yet Mitchell Gold’s direct North Carolina manufacturing facilitates exceptional start-to-finish quality control. And 8-way hand tied spring systems beat out RH’s sinuous steel suspension seats for lasting comfort.
Customization
Restoration Hardware abandons customized upholstery offerings to optimize their inventory model. So nearly all fabrics and finishes come predetermined. Mitchell Gold still hand tailors over 1000 combinations of fabrics and frames. This customization allows perfect personalization yet does necessitate longer lead times.
Price and Value
Surprisingly Mitchell Gold’s Made in America pieces compete cost-wise with Restoration Hardware’s Asian and European imports. And loyal fans insist their customer service and durability justify the still substantial outlay. White glove delivery and design guidance provide extra touches missing from mass retailers.
Both brands offer aspirational environments and premium quality. But Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams still stands apart thanks to custom-crafted products focused on family living. Their investments in sustainable domestic manufacturing and generously long warranties give you confidence in securing heirloom investments. Just rest assured whichever looks or feels best suited to your style.
Wrapping Up My Final Take
Through my personal tests alongside analysis of materials, craftsmanship and user feedback across Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams’ collections, one undeniable conclusion surfaces–this brand delivers exceptionally constructed furniture to stylishly endure years of family living.
While the extended production times strain impatient buyers, you‘ll ultimately be rewarded with investment-worthy pieces crafted to your custom specifications once delivery day arrives. For discerning buyers ready to transition from fast furniture turnover to forever furniture built to become beloved antiques, Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams earns their status as America‘s premium upholstery artisan.
