Plow and Hearth Review: Cozy, Quality Furniture Crafted for Country Living
Hey there, home decor lover! If you dream of kicking back in an Adirondack chair on your porch, snuggling up with a blanket by the fireplace, or serving lemonade on a classic picnic table in your backyard, then you‘re going to fall head over heels for Plow and Hearth.
This country-chic retailer has been a go-to source of mine for years when I want to add comfy-cozy, well-crafted furniture and accents to my home. Their products have a rustic, down-to-earth vibe that makes you feel like you‘re living in a rural cottage even if you‘re smack dab in the suburbs.
I‘m excited to share an inside scoop on this beloved brand, including my hands-on experience with some of their bestsellers, so you can see if Plow and Hearth is right for your style and budget. Let‘s get started!
What is Plow and Hearth?
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let me give you the 411 on what Plow and Hearth is all about. Founded in 1980 as a small country store in Madison, Virginia, this retailer specializes in indoor and outdoor furniture, seasonal decor, garden equipment, gifts and more.
The company was started by husband-and-wife duo Peter and Peggy Rice along with their friend Michael Burns. Their mission? To provide high-quality, sustainably-made "essentials for country living" backed by old-fashioned customer service.
Fast forward 40+ years, and Plow and Hearth has grown from a 3-person operation to a multi-million dollar business with a thriving website, catalog, and multiple retail locations throughout the mid-Atlantic. But even though they‘ve expanded, the company still maintains their original integrity and charm.
In 2010, Plow and Hearth was acquired by Evergreen Enterprises, a Virginia-based global wholesaler with a similar down-home philosophy. Today, the Plow and Hearth brand continues to thrive by delighting customers with products centered around relaxation, enjoyment of the great outdoors, and a sense of warmth and welcome.
Plow and Hearth‘s Core Values
What I love about Plow and Hearth is that they‘re not just about making a quick buck. They truly care about quality, sustainability, and fostering a connection to nature. Here are some of the core values that set them apart:
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Craftsmanship: Plow and Hearth partners with skilled artisans and woodworkers, many in the USA, to create furniture and accents that are made to last using premium, eco-friendly materials.
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Sustainability: From using recycled wood and metal to powering their Virginia headquarters with solar energy, Plow and Hearth strives to minimize their environmental impact. They‘ve even won awards for their green practices!
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Heritage: Plow and Hearth draws inspiration from the rustic traditions and timeless designs of country living. Their products have a classic, homespun feel that taps into nostalgia and simpler times.
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Community: Despite their growth, Plow and Hearth maintains close ties to their Virginia roots and actively supports local causes. They‘ve also fostered a tight-knit community of home and garden enthusiasts who share ideas and inspiration.
Plow and Hearth‘s Product Selection
Now that you have a feel for the brand, let‘s talk products! Plow and Hearth offers a HUGE variety of items for every room in your home, as well as your porch, yard, and garden. Here are some of their most popular categories:
Indoor Furniture
Curl up and get cozy with Plow and Hearth‘s extensive selection of indoor furniture, including:
- Sofas, love seats and sectionals
- Accent chairs and recliners
- Rocking chairs and gliders
- Dining tables and chairs
- Coffee tables and side tables
- Bookcases and cabinets
- Bedroom dressers and nightstands
What ties all these pieces together is their solid wood construction, timeless silhouettes, and rustic-chic detailing like vintage-inspired hardware and distressed finishes.
One of my personal favorites is the best-selling Thresholdᵀᴹ Barrel Chair. This compact accent chair features a kiln-dried hardwood frame, hand-applied brass nailhead trim, and a comfy foam cushion. I have two in the fawn-colored fabric flanking my fireplace, and they‘ve held up beautifully to daily use (and puppy naps).
Outdoor Furniture
Extend your living space outdoors with Plow and Hearth‘s patio furniture and accents, such as:
- Adirondack chairs
- Porch swings and gliders
- Wicker and metal dining sets
- Umbrellas and shade sails
- Patio heaters and fire pits
- Outdoor cushions and pillows
- Planters and garden beds
As an avid gardener, I can personally attest to the durability of Plow and Hearth‘s outdoor products. I have several of their galvanized metal raised beds, and they‘ve held up impressively to the elements. The aluminized steel is 20% thicker than average and the tight seams keep my soil exactly where it should be.
Another outdoor essential of mine is this Adirondack glider. Made from recycled HDPE lumber, it‘s virtually maintenance free and the contoured seat is SO comfy for relaxing after a long day in the garden. I love that it comes in a rainbow of fade-resistant colors too!
Lighting and Decor
The quickest way to cozy up your space is with Plow and Hearth‘s lamps, chandeliers, and lanterns. String up their popular Firefly string lights to add a warm glow inside or out.
For a classic country look, you can‘t go wrong with Plow and Hearth‘s braided jute rugs. I have the Shaded Awning rug in my entryway and it hides dirt and wear like a champ.
Pet Products
Let‘s not forget our furry friends! Plow and Hearth has a paw-some array of pet beds, toys, and more to keep Fido and Fluffy happy.
My pup loves their Faux Suede Comfy Couch, which is like a miniature sofa complete with bolster pillows and a machine-washable cover for easy cleanup.
Plow and Hearth By the Numbers
Plow and Hearth has served over 8 million customers in their 40+ years of business. Here are some other interesting stats that show the scale and success of this country-chic retailer:
- 200+ employees at their Madison, Virginia headquarters
- 2500+ unique products on their website
- 72,000+ orders shipped in November-December 2019
- 3.5 million+ catalogs mailed per year
- 1.2 million+ email subscribers
- 156,000+ social media followers
What Customers Are Saying
You don‘t have to take just my word for it! Here‘s a sampling of glowing reviews from other Plow and Hearth customers:
"I have been a customer of Plow and Hearth for many years. Their products are high quality and their customer service is outstanding. I highly recommend them." – Carol M., Trustpilot
"The Adirondack glider is terrific. Easy to assemble, smooth gliding, very attractive and comfortable. I expect it will last for years." – Ken F., plowhearth.com
"In a day and age when so many companies lack customer service and true caring for their customers Plow & Hearth goes above and beyond. The staff in customer service is always so very helpful and kind. The products are a great quality. The descriptions on the website and in the catalogs are always spot on so you truly know what you are getting." – Alison H., BBB
"I ordered this beautiful rug and am thrilled with the quality and fast shipping! The rug is thick and comfy underfoot and looks fantastic in my living room." – Pamela S., plowhearth.com
How Plow and Hearth Stacks Up
If you‘re considering Plow and Hearth, you might be wondering how they compare to other retailers that sell farmhouse and rustic-style furniture and decor. Here‘s a quick comparison:
| Retailer | Style | Average Price | Shipping | Returns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plow & Hearth | Rustic farmhouse | $$ | Free over $99 | 90 days |
| Pottery Barn | Upscale farmhouse | $$$ | Varies by item | 30 days |
| Wayfair | Varied rustic styles | $$ | Free over $35 | 30 days |
| Birch Lane | Classic cottage | $$ | Free over $35 | 30 days |
While Pottery Barn has a more elevated (and expensive) take on farmhouse style, Plow and Hearth, Wayfair, and Birch Lane all offer a similar rustic aesthetic at a more accessible price point.
What sets Plow and Hearth apart, in my opinion, is their authentic country roots, sustainable practices, and commitment to quality that larger retailers often lack. Plow and Hearth also stands out for their generous 90-day return policy, so you can shop with confidence.
Tips for Shopping Plow and Hearth
Want to get the most out of your Plow and Hearth experience? Take it from a superfan:
- Sign up for emails to get a $10 off $75 coupon and be the first to know about sales and new products.
- Read product reviews from other customers to get a sense of quality, fit, and real-world use before you buy.
- Measure your space and check the dimensions of each product carefully to ensure a good fit.
- Get inspired by Plow and Hearth‘s curated looks that show how to mix and match their products for a pulled-together style
- Know your woods to pick the right furniture material – oak is a durable classic while pine offers a more casual feel
- Take advantage of their Happiness Guarantee, which offers no-hassle returns within 90 days (just know that furniture may have a restocking fee)
- Check out the Sale section for deals on seasonal and discontinued items
The Final Verdict
So, is Plow and Hearth worth your hard-earned money? In my book, absolutely! I‘ve been consistently impressed with the quality and charm of their products and their responsive customer service.
If you love the laid-back comfort of country style and want furniture and accents with character that will last for years, Plow and Hearth should be your first stop. Their product lineup has something for every room and budget, from smaller updates like a set of string lights to big-ticket investments like a heirloom-quality table.
One of the biggest selling points for me is that Plow and Hearth products feel authentic in a way that sets them apart from generic big-box versions of farmhouse chic. You can tell that each item was designed and made with care by people who walk the walk when it comes to country living.
While Plow and Hearth might not be the cheapest option out there, I‘ve always found their prices to be fair for the level of quality and customer service you get. And with their generous return policy, loyalty program, and frequent sales, you can find great deals if you‘re a savvy shopper.
The bottom line? If you want a home that feels like a cozy country retreat, Plow and Hearth is a brand you can trust for the long haul. So go ahead, put your feet up and stay awhile – Plow and Hearth has got you covered.
