Ashley Furniture is a massive, widely accessible brand known for its trendy, budget-friendly furniture, while Levin is a regional retailer that focuses on higher-quality craftsmanship and timeless styles at a mid-to-upscale price point. Ashley offers a vast selection tailored to current trends, making it ideal for quick and affordable home updates. Levin, conversely, provides a more curated collection of durable, classic pieces and a personalized shopping experience for those seeking long-term investments.
Let's break down everything you need to know to choose the right furniture retailer for your home.
Ashley Furniture: The Affordable & Accessible Choice
As one of the largest furniture manufacturers in the world, Ashley Furniture delivers an extensive range of styles - from contemporary to traditional - at prices most shoppers can afford. Their target customers are budget-conscious families, first-time homeowners, and anyone needing stylish furniture without a hefty price tag. With massive showrooms and a robust online store, Ashley makes it easy to furnish an entire home quickly and economically.
- Product mix: A complete range of home furnishings, including living room sets, bedroom furniture, dining tables, mattresses, and home office solutions.
- Style/vibe: A broad mix of contemporary, modern farmhouse, casual, and traditional styles that follow current interior design trends.
- Price point: Entry-level to mid-range. Sofas often start around $399, dining sets can be found for under $500, and complete bedroom sets often begin at $699.
- Quality: Quality can be inconsistent and generally reflects the price. Entry-level pieces often utilize engineered wood and basic fabrics, while their higher-end lines offer better construction for a higher price.
- Sales: Known for frequent sales events, promotional financing, and holiday deals, making their already low prices even more accessible.
- Shopping Experience: Shop online or in one of their many large-format retail stores or outlet centers. The experience is typically straightforward and self-guided.
Ashley Furniture offers an unparalleled selection of on-trend furniture at prices that make decorating a home accessible to nearly everyone.
Shop Ashley Furniture: ashleyfurniture.com
Levin: The Quality & Service-Focused Retailer
Levin is a respected regional furniture retailer, primarily serving the Midwest, that has built its reputation on quality craftsmanship and exceptional customer service. The brand offers a curated selection of furniture that leans toward classic and transitional designs built to last. Levin appeals to homeowners who view furniture as a long-term investment and appreciate a more personalized shopping process, including services like in-home design consultations.
- Product mix: A curated selection of sofas, sectionals, bedroom collections, dining room furniture, and accent pieces from reputable brands.
- Style/vibe: Primarily classic, transitional, and timeless aesthetics with an emphasis on elegant, refined pieces that won't go out of style.
- Price point: Mid-range to upper-mid-range. Sofas typically start around $799, and solid wood bedroom sets can begin at $1,200, reflecting the brand's focus on quality materials.
- Quality: Emphasis on durability and longevity. Many pieces feature solid wood frames, high-quality upholstery, and fine-tuned construction details.
- Sales: Levin offers regular sales promotions, especially around major holidays, providing solid value on higher-quality pieces.
- Shopping Experience: Customers can shop online or visit their showrooms, which are known for attentive staff and a personalized, service-oriented approach.
- Services: A key differentiator is their offering of in-home design consultations to help customers create cohesive and functional spaces.
Levin is an excellent choice for those who prioritize timeless design and durable construction and are willing to invest a bit more for pieces that will last for years.
Shop Levin: levinfurniture.com
Ashley Furniture vs. Levin Comparison
Price Comparison
There is a clear difference in pricing between the two brands. Ashley Furniture is the more budget-friendly option, with entry-level sofas starting as low as $399 and entire bedroom sets often available for under $1,000. Their business model is built around making furniture accessible and affordable for the mass market.
Levin operates in a higher price tier, with sofas generally starting around $799 and dining sets from $1,200+. This higher cost is a direct reflection of their commitment to superior materials, such as solid wood frames and more durable upholstery. While Ashley offers a better price upfront, Levin positions its products as a longer-lasting investment.
Style & Aesthetic
Ashley Furniture’s collections are vast and trend-driven. You’ll find a mix of styles from modern farmhouse to glam to minimalist contemporary, ensuring there is something for almost any taste. Because they focus on what's currently popular, Ashley is a great destination for anyone looking to achieve a fashionable, of-the-moment look without a huge financial commitment.
Levin, on the other hand, curates a more timeless and classic aesthetic. Their pieces are designed to be elegant, refined, and versatile enough to stand the test of time, blending seamlessly into traditional or transitional homes. If you want furniture that avoids passing trends and maintains its appeal for years, Levin's selection is better suited for you.
Quality & Materials
Quality is perhaps the most significant differentiator. Ashley Furniture's quality varies widely by collection. Their most affordable lines often use materials like particleboard, engineered wood, and simple-weave fabrics to keep costs down. While functional, these pieces may not stand up to heavy daily use over many years. Their more expensive lines show marked improvements in construction.
Levin prioritizes quality craftsmanship from the start. Many of their furniture pieces are made with solid wood frames, higher-density foam cushions, and premium upholstery. This focus on better materials results in furniture that is generally more durable, sturdier, and designed to offer comfort and support for a longer lifespan.
Shopping Experience
Shopping at Ashley Furniture is a typical big-box retail experience. Their large showrooms allow you to see a massive amount of inventory, but the service can be less personal. Their online platform is user-friendly and makes browsing their huge catalog easy and convenient.
Levin provides a more hands-on and personalized shopping journey. Their sales staff are often more knowledgeable, and they offer services like free in-home design consultations to help you make confident decisions. This approach is ideal for shoppers who want expert guidance and a more high-touch experience.
Sustainability & Ethics
As a global leader, Ashley Furniture has implemented various initiatives aimed at sustainability, such as responsible wood sourcing and waste reduction in their manufacturing processes. However, the nature of fast-fashion furniture raises questions about long-term environmental impact.
Levin’s approach to sustainability is inherent in its business model. By offering durable, long-lasting furniture, they encourage less consumption and waste over time. Their emphasis on quality means customers are buying pieces to keep for years, not just for a season, which is a more sustainable practice.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both brands serve their customers well, but they cater to very different needs and priorities.
Choose Ashley Furniture if:
- You are furnishing your first home or apartment on a tight budget.
- You enjoy updating your decor with current trends every few years.
- You need a wide variety of styles and options to choose from.
- Convenience and affordability are your top priorities over long-term durability.
Choose Levin if:
- You view furniture as a long-term investment and prioritize quality.
- You prefer timeless, classic, or transitional styles over passing trends.
- You appreciate a personalized shopping experience and access to design services.
- You're willing to pay a premium for more durable materials like solid wood frames.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ashley Furniture or Levin cheaper?
Ashley Furniture is significantly cheaper. Their business model focuses on providing affordable, mass-market furniture, with sofas and bedroom sets often priced hundreds of dollars less than comparable items at Levin.
Which has better quality furniture?
Levin generally offers better quality furniture. They prioritize durable materials like solid wood frames and high-quality upholstery, leading to pieces that are more robust and built to last longer than most of Ashley Furniture's more budget-focused collections.
What styles does each brand offer?
Ashley Furniture provides a vast range of trendy styles, including modern farmhouse, contemporary, and traditional. Levin focuses on a more curated collection of timeless, classic, and transitional designs meant to have enduring appeal.
Is Levin a national chain?
No, Levin is a regional retailer primarily located in the Midwest. However, they have a strong online presence and can serve customers outside their physical footprint, though delivery options may vary.
Which brand is better for families with kids?
This depends on the family's priority. Ashley is great for families on a budget who need affordable pieces that can withstand some wear and tear without the worry of damaging a major investment. Levin is better for families who can invest more in highly durable furniture that can withstand years of active use.
Do Ashley Furniture and Levin have sales?
Yes, both brands run sales, particularly around major holidays like President's Day, Memorial Day, and Black Friday. Ashley Furniture is known for having more frequent sales and promotions throughout the year.
Does Levin offer design services?
Yes, Levin offers in-home design consultations, which is a key part of their personalized shopping experience. This service helps customers select the right pieces and create a cohesive look for their space.
Which furniture will last longer, Ashley or Levin?
Furniture from Levin is designed to last longer due to their focus on high-quality materials and construction. While Ashley sells some durable pieces, Levin's overall standard for quality means their products are generally a better long-term investment.
At Interior Insider, we're dedicated to curating the best in home decor, interior design, and home essentials to help you discover brands we think you'll love. Every brand we feature is independently selected by our editorial team based on quality, design, and craftsmanship. When you make a purchase through our links, Interior Insider may earn a commission - which helps support our small team and allows us to continue bringing you inspiration and expert advice for creating your perfect space.
Looking for more inspiration? Explore our curated design guides to find your next favorite piece.
