Image source:
Design Within Reach
Image source:
Poly and Bark

Design Within Reach vs Poly and Bark

What's the difference between Design Within Reach and Poly and Bark

Design Within Reach (DWR) focuses on creating and sourcing furniture that is built to last and beautifully designed. They believe in design that inspires and solves problems, offering free design services to help customers create spaces they love. DWR was founded in 1998 when the founder struggled to find clean, simple classics for his apartment. They gained immediate recognition from architects, designers, and the public, as well as brands like Herman Miller. DWR believes in making authentic modern design accessible. Poly and Bark also prioritize comfort, durability, and aesthetics in their furniture designs. They carefully construct updated takes on iconic furniture with inspiration from various cultures. Each Poly & Bark product goes through a meticulous process to ensure quality before reaching customers' doors. As an online company, they eliminate showroom costs and middlemen markup, offering prices up to 50% less than traditional retailers. While both retailers offer high-quality furniture designs, there are some key differences between them. Design Within Reach emphasizes sustainability by participating in equitable labor programs like Fair Trade Certified™ and Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification for their wood products. On the other hand, Poly and Bark do not have any certifications related to equitable labor programs. Additionally, Design Within Reach claims to offer innovative designs crafted by renowned designers with a focus on sustainable materials and production methods. In contrast, Poly and Bark do not make any specific claims regarding these benefits. Overall, Design Within Reach offers a curated collection of timeless designs while prioritizing sustainability through certifications and responsible sourcing practices. Poly and Bark provide affordable furniture options with attention to comfort, durability, and aesthetics but without specific claims or certifications related to sustainability or equitable labor programs.

CB2 has this but West Elm does not have it

CB2 has this but West Elm does not have it

CB2 has this but West Elm does not have it

CB2 has this but West Elm does not have it

- Design Within Reach focuses on creating and sourcing exceptionally crafted, built-to-last, and beautifully designed furnishings. - They offer free design services to help customers create a space they'll love coming home to. - The company was founded in 1998 with the goal of making modern design more accessible. - Design Within Reach became part of the Herman Miller family in 2015, bringing iconic Herman Miller designs directly to retail customers for the first time ever. - Poly & Bark offers furniture that is thoughtfully designed for comfort, durability, and aesthetic appeal. - Their collections are globally inspired and updated takes on iconic furniture and classics. - Poly & Bark is an entirely online company, which allows them to pass on savings of up to 50% less than traditional retailers by eliminating brick-and-mortar showrooms and middlemen.

Company Description

Design Within Reach
Design Within Reach, founded in 1998 by Rob Forbes, is a retailer that specializes in offering exceptionally crafted and beautifully designed furnishings. With a commitment to sustainability, the company conducts its operations in an environmentally responsible manner and supports responsible forest management practices. Design Within Reach is dedicated to providing access to authentic modern design, bringing iconic pieces from renowned brands like Herman Miller directly to retail customers across the country. Headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, the retailer aims to create enduring benefits for clients, employees, and communities while promoting a space that inspires and solves problems through its free design services.
Poly and Bark
Poly & Bark is an online furniture retailer that provides quality, affordable pieces to make home a haven. Their collections are globally inspired, featuring updated takes on iconic furniture and much-loved classics. Careful attention is paid to every detail from design to construction to ensure the highest quality product. By being an online company, they can pass on the savings of not having a brick and mortar showroom or middle man markups on to the customer - pricing up to 50% less than traditional retailers. Founded in 2016, their mission is to make stylish furniture available for everyone in Chicago, Illinois and beyond.

Differences at a Glance

Design Within Reach

Poly and Bark

Headquarters

Year Founded

Store Type

Product Type

Aesthetic

Parent Company

Welcome Discount

Price

Quality Level

Reviews on Website

Free Returns

White Glove Delivery

Product Warranty

Registry Available

Made-to-Order Items

Free Swatches

Designer Collaborations

In-House Design Services

Trade Program

Trade Discount

Stamford, Connecticut

1998

Online, Showroom

Furniture, Furnishings

Modern

MillerKnoll, Inc

None

$$$$

Mid-High

Yes

No

White Glove Delivery

Yes

No

No

Yes

Free

Yes

20%

Chicago, Illinois

2016

Online

Furniture, Furnishings

Mid-Century Modern, Scandinavian Modern

None

$25 Off First Order Of $100+

$$

Mid

Yes

One Item Free Of Charge Per Category

White Glove Delivery

Yes

No

No

Yes

No

Not Available

Yes

5% on orders $5,000+

Sustainability Mission Comparison

Design Within Reach participates in equitable labor programs, including the Fair Trade Certified™ program and the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification for their wood products. On the other hand, Poly and Bark does not have any certifications related to equitable labor programs.
Image source:
Design Within Reach
Image source:
Poly and Bark

Sustainable Product Certifications and Programs

Design Within Reach

Poly and Bark

Sustainable Forestry Initiative

Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification Warranty

Appalachian Hardwood Manufacturers Inc.

National Hardwood Lumber Association

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

White Glove Delivery

Yes

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

White Glove Delivery

Yes

No

No

Sustainable and Equitable Labor Programs

Sustainability Mission

Design Within Reach
Design Within Reach is committed to environmental sustainability, aiming to minimize their impact on the environment through responsible operations and sustainable products. They prioritize conserving energy, proper waste disposal, reducing pollutants, and promoting sustainability. The company supports responsible forest management practices and ensures responsible wood sourcing. Additionally, they adhere to the Conflict Minerals Rules by refraining from purchasing minerals that may finance armed groups in Central Africa. Design Within Reach requires its suppliers to establish due diligence programs and certify that their products are "DRC conflict free" in accordance with the rules.
Poly and Bark
Poly and Bark is a retailer that specializes in modern furniture designs. While the company has not specified a sustainability mission, they have made sustainability claims such as using materials sourced from renewable forests and minimizing their carbon footprint while shipping. Poly and Bark is committed to providing customers with quality furniture that is produced in an environmentally-friendly manner, helping to promote sustainable practices within the industry.

Sustainable Product Certifications

Design Within Reach and Poly and Bark do not have any certifications.

Design Within Reach

Poly and Bark

FSC Certified

GOTS Certified

OCS Certified

OEKO-TEX® Standard 100

EcoTex

Global Recycled Standard

Recycled Claims Standard

Greenguard Gold Certified

SCS Indoor Advantage Gold

REACH

Ecolable

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

Sustainable and Equitable Labor Programs

Design Within Reach participates in equitable labor programs, including the Fair Trade Certified™ program and the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification for their wood products. On the other hand, Poly and Bark does not have any certifications related to equitable labor programs.

Design Within Reach

Poly and Bark

Goodweave

Fair Trade USA

Better Cotton Initiative

Craftmark

HERproject

Nest Ethical Handcraft Program

Fifteen Percent Pledge

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

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.

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