West Elm

West Elm is a home furnishings retailer that uses design to help the environment, communities, and customers. The company's products are 95% designed in-house, and 60% of sales support sustainability initiatives. West Elm is a leader in sustainability, supporting small American-made businesses and collaborating with artisan collectives around the world. Certified organic cotton bedding and bath towels are sustainably sourced, and wood furniture is sustainably sourced. Certified nontoxic furniture has been screened for over 100,000 chemicals and VOCs. Founded in 2002, West Elm is headquartered in Brooklyn, NY.

Image source:

West Elm

Overview

Headquarters

Brooklyn, New York

Year Founded

2002

Parent Company

Williams-Sonoma, Inc.

Related Brands

William Sonoma Home, Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids, PBteen, Rejuvenation

Price

Welcome Discount

15%

Price Range

$$-$$$

Free Shipping

On Select Items

Return Policy

30-day

Design

Aesthetic

Mid-Century Modern

Design Services

Free

Designer Collaborations

Yes

Quality

Quality Level

Mid-High

Reviews on Website

No

Furniture Product Warranty

5-year

Distribution

West Elm is a retailer of furniture and furnishings, with both online and showroom channels. With a trade program in place, customers can enjoy a 20% discount on all products. West Elm's distribution strategy focuses on providing customers with convenient shopping options, as well as access to quality products at discounted prices. Through the combination of online and showroom retail channels, West Elm is able to reach more customers and provide them with multiple options for purchasing products. Additionally, the trade program allows for further discounts that help promote customer loyalty and satisfaction.

Scroll back to top ↑

Store Types

Online, Showroom

Product Types

Furniture, Furnishings

Trade Program

Yes

Trade Discount

20%

Services

West Elm offers customers a comprehensive suite of services to make shopping for furniture and home décor easy and enjoyable. Customers can take advantage of free swatches, the ability to order made-to-order items, and access to an in-house design team for advice. The company also collaborates with designers on exclusive collections and provides in-house design services. Customers can further enjoy convenience with the availability of a registry and White Glove Delivery service. West Elm strives to provide customers with an exceptional shopping experience.

Scroll back to top ↑

White Glove Delivery

White Glove Delivery

Registry Available

Yes

Made-to-Order Items

Yes

Free Swatches

Yes

West Elm

Image source:

West Elm

Sustainability Mission

West Elm is committed to sustainability and reducing its environmental impact. The company sources organic and sustainably sourced materials, such as FSC-certified wood, recycled polyester, and organic cotton. Its products are certified nontoxic and free from harmful chemicals. West Elm also uses handcrafted and local materials, as well as contract grade, low-VOC, reclaimed, recycled, upcycled, water-based finishes, and water efficient materials. By doing so, the company has saved 2.3 billion liters of water in 2019 and kept 66 million plastic bottles out of landfills in 2020.

Scroll back to top ↑

Sustainable Product Certifications and Programs

West Elm is committed to sustainability and is proud to offer GOTS Certified, FSC Certified, OCS Certified, OEKO-TEX® Standard 100, Global Recycled Standard, Recycled Claims Standard, Greenguard Gold Certified and REACH certified products. These certifications ensure that all materials used are low-impact and sourced sustainably in order to create less waste. Products are also tested for harmful chemicals in order to guarantee safe quality.

Scroll back to top ↑

Sustainable and Equitable Labor Programs

West Elm is committed to ethical labor practices, certifying with Fair Trade USA, Better Cotton Initiative, Craftmark, HERproject and Nest's Ethical Handcraft Program. These organizations promote equitable working conditions and wages, as well as human rights standards in the workplace. Furthermore, they seek to educate farmers in sustainable practices and support women's economic empowerment. West Elm's efforts guarantee employees safe working environments with fair compensation.

Scroll back to top ↑

Frequently Asked Questions

What is West Elm?

West Elm is a high-end retail brand that specializes in home furnishings and decor. Known for its modern and sustainable designs, West Elm offers a range of products including furniture, bedding, bath, rugs, lighting, and accessories. With a focus on combining design and functionality, it provides customers with contemporary and stylish options for decorating their living spaces.

Where is West Elm furniture made?

West Elm's furniture is produced through a combination of in-house manufacturing and partnerships with global artisans and craftsmen. The company prides itself on its commitment to sustainability and ethical production, sourcing many of its products from Fair Trade Certified™ factories around the world, including the United States.

Who owns West Elm?

West Elm is owned by Williams-Sonoma, Inc., a leading American retailer of high-quality home products. Williams-Sonoma also owns other well-known brands such as Pottery Barn and Williams-Sonoma Home, making it a significant player in the home furnishings market.

When was West Elm founded?

West Elm was founded in 2002, and since then, it has established itself as a premier retailer for modern furniture and home accessories. The brand quickly differentiated itself by offering unique pieces that resonate with contemporary trends and sustainable practices.

Why is West Elm so expensive?

The pricing of West Elm products reflects the brand's commitment to quality, sustainability, and artisanal craftsmanship. Their use of high-quality materials, ethical labor practices, and collaborations with global artisans leads to higher production costs, which then contributes to the premium pricing of their merchandise.

What style is West Elm?

West Elm is synonymous with a modern, urban style characterized by clean lines, a neutral palette, and a balance of form and function. It appeals to a design-conscious audience looking for pieces that are both aesthetically pleasing and practical for everyday living.

What is West Elm's Return Policy?

West Elm offers a straightforward return policy, allowing customers to return eligible items for a refund or exchange. Products must be returned within the specified period and in good condition along with proof of purchase. Specific information about the return process, time frame, and any exceptions can be found on West Elm's official website.

Does West Elm have physical locations?

Yes, West Elm operates numerous physical storefronts across the globe, enabling shoppers to experience their products in person. Customers can find a range of items on display, from furniture to home accessories, at various urban locations, as well as specialized studios for consultations on interior design services.

Scroll back to top ↑

Self-Claimed Sustainability

Hem great design can enrich lives. That’s what we believe at Hem. As an independent design brand and platform for progressive thinking, we aim to inspire the creative community through collaboration, innovation and experimentation.We collaborate with vanguard designers and renowned European manufacturers to deliver

Handcrafted

Artisan Handmade

Local

Assembled in the USA

Assembled in the USA

Low-VOC

Nontoxic

Reclaimed

Recycled

Upcycled

Salvaged Wood

Water-Based Finishes

Water Efficient

Recycled Water

Organic Cotton

Responsibly Sourced Materials

Eco Delivery

Contributor

Christi Farrell

Christi is a licensed architect and interior designer specializing in sustainability. She enjoys teaching design and bringing transparency to the impact that furniture has on our planet.

Subscribe to our newsletter for updates!

More from Studio Marlowe