Design Within Reach Furniture Review: Elevate Your Space with Iconic Modern Design
Are you longing to curate a home that looks like it‘s straight out of a magazine – but with furniture that will stand the test of time? If so, you can‘t go wrong with Design Within Reach. This industry-leading brand has made it their mission to bring the best of authentic modern design to discerning shoppers like you.
In this tell-all Design Within Reach furniture review, I‘ll give you the full scoop on the brand based on my years of first-hand experience as a bonafide DWR fangirl. We‘ll dive into the company‘s rich history, unbox their most coveted designs, compare customer experiences, and so much more. By the end, you‘ll have all the intel you need to decide if Design Within Reach is worthy of a starring role in your home. Let‘s jump in!
What is Design Within Reach?
In a nutshell, Design Within Reach (or DWR) is a contemporary furniture company specializing in mid-century modern classics and innovative new designs. Since 1998, they‘ve made it their goal to provide exceptional, authentic modern furniture that‘s, well, within reach.
Wondering what I mean by authentic? DWR partners directly with the estates of iconic designers like Charles and Ray Eames, Eero Saarinen, and George Nelson to produce their pieces as they were originally intended. You can rest assured you‘re getting the real deal – not some shoddy knock-off.
The beauty of Design Within Reach is that they‘ve made these legendary designs accessible to the masses without sacrificing an ounce of quality. Thanks to their pioneering business model, you don‘t need to be a bazillionaire to bring home a piece of design history.
The Design Within Reach Difference
So, what sets DWR apart from other high-end furniture brands? Let‘s break it down:
| Category | DWR | Other Brands |
|---|---|---|
| Designer Partnerships | Produces licensed originals | Mostly reproductions |
| Product Variety | 10,000+ products for every room | Limited selection |
| Customization | Extensive options | Few or none |
| Quality | Premium materials and craftsmanship | Varying quality levels |
| Availability | Nationwide stores and robust website | Limited retail presence |
| Pricing | Mid-range to high-end ($100s-$1000s) | Budget to luxury |
As you can see, Design Within Reach really shines when it comes to authenticity, selection, and quality. No other retailer offers the same breadth of bona fide modern designs suited for every space in your home.
I also love that DWR showrooms can be found in most major cities across the country. It‘s so helpful to experience the furniture in person, sit on the sofas, open the drawers, and consult with the knowledgeable sales staff. The DWR website is equally impressive, with 360-degree product views, customer photos, and seamless ordering.
Design Within Reach Products & Bestsellers
Now, let‘s feast our eyes on some of the drool-worthy designs that have put DWR on the map. Your jaw might just hit the floor!
Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman
I distinctly remember the first time I saw this chair in the flesh. It was like spotting a celebrity! The Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman is hands-down the most famous seating design of the 20th century – and one that tops many a design lover‘s wishlist.
Trust me when I say lounging in this chair will ruin you for all other seating. The sumptuous, buttery-soft leather and ergonomic curves cradle your body unlike anything else. This is a piece that only gets better with age, developing a covetable patina over time. We have one in our living room at home, and it‘s the first spot anyone beelines to!
Saarinen Dining Table
If you‘re familiar with the "tulip table", you have Finnish-American architect Eero Saarinen to thank. His eponymous dining table features a sleek sculptural base reminiscent of a flower about to bloom. The effect is airy and elegant – miles away from clunky traditional table legs.
I recently added a 78" Saarinen oval dining table to my own home in the Arabescato marble, and it‘s been a total game-changer for dinner parties. The surface is a cinch to clean and has already survived several red wine spills without a trace. The flowing silhouette makes it a breeze to add extra chairs without bumping knees. It‘s the sort of forever piece I plan to pass down to my own kids someday.
Noguchi Coffee Table
For something truly artful, you can‘t top the Noguchi Coffee Table. It‘s essentially a functional sculpture, composed of a gravity-defying glass top resting atop an interlocking wood base. The table appears almost weightless, allowing light to filter through from every angle.
I‘ve been obsessed with this stunner ever since touring the iconic Case Study Houses, where it‘s featured prominently. There‘s something so harmonious about the combination of natural materials and asymmetric forms. While definitely a splurge, I think it‘s one of the most striking and versatile pieces you can add to a space.
Nelson Bubble Lamps
Last but not least, no Design Within Reach review would be complete without mentioning George Nelson‘s cheerful Bubble Lamp collection. Designed in 1952, these lamps are the essence of playful mid-century style with their spherical white shades and colorful accents.
I currently own three Nelson Bubble Lamps in various shapes and sizes, and I‘m constantly finding new spots for them around the house. They cast the dreamiest ambient glow while acting as a focal point in any room. Hot tip: hang a cluster of these bad boys in alternating heights for a serious "wow" moment!
Of course, this is only a tiny taste of the incredible assortment DWR has to offer. With over 10,000 products from 350+ designers, you could spend days exploring their site or catalog. The common thread is a commitment to authentic, enduring design that sparks joy.
Design Within Reach Customer Reviews & Experiences
You know I‘m head over heels for DWR, but what are other customers saying? I‘ve rounded up some Design Within Reach reviews from across the web to give you the full picture.
Overall, Design Within Reach earns rave reviews for their:
- Authentic, high-quality furniture
- Knowledgeable, professional staff
- User-friendly website and ordering process
- Timely delivery and white glove installation
- Generous warranty coverage (up to 10 years!)
Take it from one happy customer on Yelp:
"We purchased our entire home office from DWR and could not be happier! The quality is top notch, everything was delivered and assembled perfectly. The customer service is hands down the BEST!!!"
And another on the DWR site:
"My husband and I are huge fans of mid century design, so we were excited to discover Design Within Reach. Their showroom is like a candy store for design lovers! We‘ve gradually added several iconic pieces to our home over the past few years, and they truly elevate the entire space. Worth every penny!"
While the vast majority of customers report positive experiences, I did find a few isolated complaints about:
- Lengthy lead times for custom orders
- Higher prices compared to mass-market retailers
- Occasional shipping delays or damage
However, it seems DWR‘s customer service team is always quick to make things right. Many shoppers specifically call out their friendly, responsive communication and eagerness to ensure satisfaction.
Is Design Within Reach Furniture Worth It?
At the end of the day, only you can decide if Design Within Reach furniture is worth the investment for your unique lifestyle and budget. I‘ve been a proud DWR customer for years, so I‘m clearly drinking the Kool-Aid!
Here‘s my take: if you value enduring, authentic design and view furniture as a long-term investment, Design Within Reach is 100% worth it. These are the sorts of pieces that define a space, spark conversation, and become cherished family heirlooms. I have no doubt my own DWR furniture will be fought over by my kids and grandkids someday!
Yes, you‘ll certainly pay more for DWR compared to budget-friendly alternatives. But I‘ve found the quality and longevity to be unparalleled. Knockoffs and fast furniture simply can‘t compete when it comes to materials, craftsmanship, comfort, and customer service.
It‘s also worth noting that DWR runs sales throughout the year, typically offering 15-20% off. That can translate to huge savings, especially on big ticket items. Plus, their "In Stock + Ready to Ship" section lets you shop a curated assortment that can be delivered in as little as 1-2 weeks.
If you‘re working with a tighter budget, I recommend starting small with an accent piece like a Nelson Bubble Lamp or splurging on a single statement item like the Eames Lounge Chair. You can always add coordinating pieces over time to build a collection. Design Within Reach even offers a Trade Program with exclusive discounts for interior designers, so consider enlisting a pro to help stretch your dollar further.
The Final Verdict On Design Within Reach
Phew, that was a lot to unpack – but I hope this Design Within Reach review has given you a comprehensive look at the brand through my starry eyes! As you can probably tell, I‘m a major DWR enthusiast and evangelist.
I firmly believe that surrounding yourself with beautiful, meaningful design can be utterly life-changing. Our homes are our sanctuaries, and we deserve to fill them with furniture that brings us both joy and comfort. With their vast selection of authentic icons and future classics, Design Within Reach empowers you to do just that.
Yes, you may experience a bit of sticker shock when browsing the DWR site or catalog. But I‘ve consistently found the quality, longevity, service, and overall experience to be worth that premium price tag. This is a brand that truly walks the walk when it comes to delivering on their promise of making "authentic modern design accessible."
Of course, there‘s no one-size-fits all approach to furnishing your space. Only you can determine if Design Within Reach aligns with your personal style, needs, and budget. But if you‘re on the fence, I wholeheartedly encourage you to visit a DWR showroom or schedule a virtual consultation. Seeing the furniture in person and hearing more from an expert Design Associate may be just the push you need to take the plunge.
To sum it up: if you‘re looking for furniture that stands the test of time and makes a statement, you‘d be hard-pressed to find a better source than Design Within Reach. I know my home and life wouldn‘t be the same without my cherished DWR pieces, and I‘m betting yours won‘t either!
