After furnishing my coastal cottage almost exclusively with products from Serena and Lily over the past 5 years, friends and family constantly ask me: "Is it worth buying from them?"
That‘s the key question I‘m going to comprehensively analyze in this review, leveraging my years of first-hand experience plus detailed research comparing Serena and Lily to similar brands.
By the end, you‘ll have all the info you need to determine if their signature coastal chic style and quality is worth those premium price tags compared to alternatives like Crate & Barrel and Pottery Barn.
Overview: Serena and Lily‘s Origins & Brand Philosophy
Before digging into the product specifics, let me quickly recap who Serena and Lily are and how they got started for some helpful context…
Serena Dugan (the Serena half) is a textile designer who teamed up in 2003 with home furnishings store owner Lily Kanter to launch a baby nursery line. Their coastal-inspired prints and aesthetic were so popular that within a couple years, they expanded into children‘s lines and then full home furnishings.
Flash forward 15+ years and Serena & Lily has become America‘s go-to brand for casually elegant coastal decor that manages to feel both put-together yet livable at the same time.
Beyond the laid-back coastal vibe, S&L‘s brand philosophy emphasizes creating spaces that feel like home. As they put it:
"Your home should be a welcoming oasis – your favorite place to retreat, gather, and live well every day."
That ethos is tangible across almost all of their products – from bedding and rugs to furniture and lighting. Speaking of which, let‘s dive into the details…
Serena and Lily Bedding Review
As the original backbone of their nursery collection that sparked S&L‘s launch in 2003, it‘s fitting we start this review looking at how their bedding and linens hold up nearly 20 years later.
Spoiler alert: both the classic designs (like the best-selling Brookside collection) and newer patterns withstand the test of time even after years of regular use.
Brookside Duvet Cover & Shams
The #1 question I‘m always asked is: "How is the Brookside duvet cover holding up?"
My short answer after 5+ years of near daily use: Like it‘s brand new.
But more specifically:
- The 100% cotton fabric retains its soft, light and breezy texture wash after wash.
- The embroidery and stitching remains flawlessly intact without any loose threads.
- The tassels never fell off or frayed (a common headache with cheaper duvets!).
- The white backdrop looks freshly bright and new, with no visible yellowing or staining.
I attribute that durability to the quality craftsmanship coupled with the Oeko-Tex certified sustainable fabrics. While $400+ may cause sticker shock upfront, this duvet set survives years of regular laundering and wear better than any I‘ve owned.
I paired my queen Brookside duvet with the matching embroidered sham pillowcases which complement beautifully while holding up just as well over time.
Positano Linen Duvet Cover
For my guest bedroom, I opted for Serena and Lily‘s best-selling Positano Linen Duvet Cover and I certainly understand why it‘s their most popular bedding collection.
The ultra-soft 100% European flax linen provides hotel-worthy luxury with an irresistibly cozy texture right out of the packaging. But beyond the initial softness, let me share a few reasons why I think the quality surpasses the price tag:
Lasting Durability
After laundering this duvet cover at least dozen times per year, it maintains that buttery soft texture wash after wash. The colors also stay rich and vibrant just like when it was new.
Year-Round Temperature Regulation
Flax linen provides welcome warmth in the winter yet remains cool and breathable come summer. It makes the Positano perfect for year-round use.
Lovely Aesthetic Touches
I ordered the duvet in Serena and Lily‘s proprietary "Dusk Blue" shade which features a tasteful ivory pinstripe pattern that adds depth without overpowering.
It‘s those special touches that justify the price premium over comparably constructed linen duvets you can buy elsewhere for less.
If seeking durable, adaptable and luxuriously soft bedding, I confidently recommend indulging in the Positano Linen Duvet cover or shams.
Rugs Review: Comparing Durability & Value
Rugs are another product genre where S&L stands out from the pack. Let‘s review two of my favorites.
Amelia Rug
The plush Amelia Rug has been a standout addition that upgrades any room its placed in with an artisanal charm.
Here are the key signs of enduring quality I‘ve observed in the 2 years since purchasing this rug:
- Zero visible wear, stains or damage despite high foot traffic
- Continues feeling as satisfyingly plush as the first day
- Vibrant dyed blue and ivory colors show no hints of fading
- The hand-woven craftsmanship and 88% wool / 12% viscose composition clearly withstands serious use.
Based on the complete lack of wear after 24 months of everyday use by my family, I believe the $2000+ splurge on my 8’ x 10’ Amelia rug will easily last 5+ years or longer.
Solana Rug Durability Concerns
While nearly all Serena and Lily rugs I’ve purchased measured up to their premium quality claims, I did experience issues with one lower-cost polyester rug – the Solana Rug.
In just under 3 years since buying this mostly decorative living room rug, I noticed the following wear and damage:
- Visible color fading in high foot traffic areas
- Numerous pulled threads creating snags across the surface
- Stained spots that proved impossible remove despite professional cleaning attempts
This offers an instructive reminder that "you get what you pay for" often still applies to some of Serena and Lily‘s more budget friendly offerings.
Key Takeaway: Investing a little more upfront in their wool or wool blend rugs pays off exponentially with enhanced longevity and durability over cheaper synthetic fiber alternatives.
Furniture Review: To Splurge or Not to Splurge?
As Serena and Lily’s presence expanded into furniture, I gradually replaced my IKEA staples with their couches, chairs and tables throughout my home.
But does the substantially higher pricing legitimately deliver more enduring quality to justify the spend? Let’s analyze the pros and cons.
Preston Sofa Review
My family spends more collective hours enjoying movie nights piled onto our 6-foot Preston Sofa than any other furniture piece in the house.
So does this everyday heavy use reveal any hidden durability issues or signs it won‘t last? After 2 years of "testing", here are the main takeaways:
Pros
- Cushions retain 95% of original fluffiness without sinking or sagging
- Fabric shows no piling, pulls or pet scratches despite serious use
- Frame remains ultra sturdy and squeak free
- Easy 5 minute slipcover changes keep the look feeling fresh
Cons
No noticeable defects or drawbacks to report yet besides the notable dent to my credit card!
Overall, the Preston sofa delivers outstanding durability and maintenance-free ownership. Yes, you pay a premium versus other similarly sized couches. But based on my first-hand testing, it outlasts cheaper alternatives and justifies an "A" rating for quality & longevity.
Haven Chair Quality Issues
While the Preston sofa earns top marks across the board, I can‘t say the same for every Serena and Lily furniture piece in terms of enduring quality…
Case in point – the customer-loved Haven Chair my husband gifted me for my 40th birthday recently already shows concerning defects after less than 6 months of careful use.
Specifically, the cushions sag deeply despite regular fluffing and demonstrate visible corner wear exposing the interior foam. Disappointingly, the chair frame also emits loud creaking noises whenever I adjust positions.
Overall, I expect this $1200+ chair to deteriorate rapidly based on these early red flags – especially compared to the rock-solid durability of our Preston sofa.
The Takeaway
Like the variability seen with S&L‘s rugs, not all furniture upholds the same standards for longevity and defect-resistance. While couches and upholstered pieces generally excel, cheaper woven rattan or cane pieces pose elevated risks for premature wear issues in my first-hand experience.
Lighting Fixtures – Glaring Quality Control Issues
I wish I could conclude this comprehensive Serena and Lily review with two enthusiastic thumbs up across their entire catalog. Unfortunately, rampant quality control issues with their lighting selection prevents such a glowing testimonial.
Now, in S&L‘s defense, defective electronics plague even the most beloved brands. However, thehigh 30-40% failure rate across the 5 unique Serena and Lily light fixtures I‘ve purchased over the years raises serious red flags buyers should consider.
A recap of the problems I encountered:
Chesapeake Sconce – Both failed to turn on right out of the box despite changing multiple bulbs. Had to be returned.
Mila Table Lamp – Worked properly for 22 days before refusing to turn on. Replaced once, second lamp failed after 11 days.
Claudia Cloud Pendant – Initially worked fine but beads detached and crashed down over the dining table 4 times over 2 years, prompting disposal for safety.
Agate Flushmount – Developed sporadic flickering issue ~3 months after installation, indicating likely internal wiring deficiency.
Ames Floor Lamp – On/off foot switch failed 7 months post-purchase, requiring inconvenient manual plugging/unplugging.
Now you may argue a ~33% defect rate (2 of 6 lights) might fall within acceptable boundaries of quality variation. But combined with the premature issues hitting the working units months later, I‘m forced to conclusively warn buyers away from Serena and Lily lighting overall.
While flaws happen, such widespread and rapid issues strongly indicate the company prioritizes decorative appeal over electronics durability and quality control.
I still adore my statement Serena and Lily pendants and sconces. I just regret trusting them to reliably illuminate my home. Stick to battery powered if insisting on their lighting designs to avoid inevitable disappointment.
Ordering, Shipping & Returns Overview
Since detailing product-specific pros and cons represented the meat of this review, I‘ll just briefly summarize a few key ordering, shipping and return policy highlights potential customers should keep in mind:
Pricing
- Mainpieces often run $100s if not $1000s above comparable options
- But frequent 15-20% off sales help ease the premium pricing pain
Shipping
- $10-$25 shipping fees apply based on order total
- Large items often ship free
- Delivery typically within 7-14 business days
Returns
- Most non-custom orders can be returned within 30 days
- Some categories like bedding and mattresses allow 60 day returns
- Return shipping ranges from $15 for smaller FedEx packages to 15% of large item costs
I‘ll cover additional FAQs in the final section below. But in general, Serena and Lily makes ordering, shipping and returns consumer-friendly if you can stomach the premium product pricing.
FAQs – Additional Questions Answered
I‘ll wrap up this exhaustive real-world review of Serena and Lily‘s appliances answering some frequently asked questions about their business, processes and practices.
Does Serena and Lily offer financing payment plans?
Yes, Serena and Lily partners with Affirm to enable monthly financing purchases rather than one large lump debit. I used Affirm myself to pay off that Amelia wool rug over 6 months. Just select Affirm at checkout to split any purchase over $50 into 3, 6 or 12 months.
How quickly does Serena and Lily ship orders?
For in-stock inventory (which applies to a majority of their catalog), expect your order shipment within 3-5 business days after purchase completion. Made-to-order pieces naturally take longer around 4-8 weeks.
I will say years of personal purchases consistently arrived on the low end of expected ranges. So while not the absolute fastest shipping around, Serena and Lily reliably meets its delivery promises in my experience.
Can you return Serena and Lily floor model or clearance items?
Yes, the standard 30 day return policy applies equally to full-price, floor model and clearance purchases. The only exceptions as mentioned previously are custom or made-to-order items which cannot be returned or cancelled once ordered.
Does Serena and Lily offer price matching?
No, Serena and Lily does not offer any price matching at this time. I have seen indications they may test such a policy in the future. But for now, you won‘t succeed requesting a credit if you spot one of your items cheaper elsewhere later on down the line.
The Verdict – Is Serena and Lily Ultimately Worth The Splurge?
If you made it this far reading my whistle-stop review of nearly every Serena and Lily product category imaginable, I imagine you want the grand finale final verdict:
Should you actually spend your hard-earned money with this company?
Here‘s my conclusive guidance after half a decade furnishing my home almost exclusively via Serena and Lily:
The answer depends entirely on which pieces speak to you paired with realistic longevity expectations.
If prioritizing premium bedding and linens or wool-heavy rugs, Serena and Lily remains 100% justifiable for the tangible step up in enduring quality compared to alternatives.
For case goods like dressers and nightstands or decorative accessories like mirrors, vases or ceramics, you certainly pay a perceivable premium for the coastal styling. But the designs and craftsmanship seemingly warrant the added cost based on years of everyday use experiences.
On the other hand, concerning defects plaguing the lighting and select furniture classify those divisions as risky investments I would probably avoid personally if focused purely on maximizing product lifespans.
At the end of the day, Serena and Lily built its brand around effortlessly livable, coastal-inspired homes. If you value those aesthetics and are willing to pay more for design alignment, then by all means indulge.
Just temper expectations understanding the quality, while superb in some areas, remains hit or miss in others. But for the bedding and rugs alone where they excel, I happily crown Serena and Lily as ultimately worthy of its praise and premium pricing.
I hope this thorough, boots-on-the-ground review helps inform your purchasing decisions! Feel free to reach out with any other questions.
