If you're upgrading your space, you've likely come across Essentials for Living. Their knack for blending sleek, modern designs with functional comfort at a price that doesn't feel outrageous makes them a popular choice for stylish homes.
Their furniture nails the contemporary vibe with clean lines and sophisticated, versatile pieces that make any room feel instantly polished. For those who love that modern, accessible aesthetic, there are plenty of other brands that hit that same sweet spot. Here are 19 similar brands worth checking out for your next furniture find.
1. Article
Article delivers contemporary, Scandinavian-inspired furniture that feels both stylish and approachable. As a direct-to-consumer brand, they offer things like sofas, beds, and dining sets with a clean, minimalist vibe, cutting out the middleman to keep prices fair. You can expect to find pieces ranging from $300 for accents to $2,500 for larger items like sectionals.
Much like Essentials for Living, Article is focused on sleek design and great value. However, Article leans much more heavily into Scandi and mid-century modern aesthetics, making it a perfect alternative if you want a similar quality but with a bit more of a Nordic, airy feel in your space.
Shop now at article.com
2. Joybird
Joybird is a haven for lovers of mid-century modern design. They specialize in beautifully handcrafted sofas, chairs, and bedroom furniture that have a distinctively vintage look. What makes them stand out is their incredible level of customization, you can choose from dozens of fabrics and finishes to create a piece that’s uniquely yours. Prices for sofas start around $600 and can go up to $4,000 for larger, more intricate sectionals.
While Essentials for Living offers modern versatility, Joybird focuses on a fun, retro aesthetic. If you're drawn to Essentials' quality but crave more color and a vibrant, bespoke feel, Joybird is the perfect destination.
Shop now at joybird.com
3. West Elm
West Elm is a go-to for modern furniture that is trend-forward and design-driven. Their collection spans everything from mid-century modern sofas and beds to contemporary lighting and office furniture, with a strong commitment to sustainable sourcing and fair trade practices. Prices generally sit between $400 and $3,500 for their staple furniture items.
Like Essentials for Living, West Elm offers a cohesive, sophisticated look for the modern home. The main difference lies in West Elm's broader lifestyle approach, offering everything from bedding to kitchenware, and their unique collaborations with independent designers give their lineup a fresh, curated feel.
Shop now at westelm.com
4. Burrow
Burrow built its reputation on clever, modular sofas designed for modern life. Shipped in easy-to-manage boxes, their furniture is famously simple to assemble and can be reconfigured as your living arrangements change. Their product line has expanded to include sectionals, seating, and storage, typically priced between $900 and $2,500.
Burrow shares Essentials' focus on function and style, but their key differentiator is unparalleled flexibility. If the idea of a flatpack sofa that's actually stylish, durable, and adaptable sounds like a dream, Burrow is the brand for you.
Shop now at burrow.com
5. AllModern
As the name suggests, AllModern is a one-stop-shop for all things modern design. From mid-century gems to minimalist and Scandinavian pieces, their massive online catalog covers furniture, decor, and lighting at accessible prices, often ranging from $200 up to $3,000. They make it easy to find of-the-moment styles without breaking the bank.
Think of AllModern as a more budget-friendly and expansive version of Essentials for Living's modern theme. If you value a wide selection and enjoy hunting for a great deal on contemporary looks, you'll love browsing their site.
Shop now at allmodern.com
6. CB2
CB2 is Crate & Barrel's edgier, younger sibling, offering modern furniture with a bold, urban attitude. Their pieces often feature interesting materials like acrylic and raw metals, along with sleek silhouettes and unexpected shapes. It's the place to find statement items, from sofas to shelving, with prices anywhere from $300 to $3,000.
Both CB2 and Essentials for Living cater to a modern sensibility, but CB2 takes more risks. If Essentials' vibe feels just a bit too safe for you, CB2's confident and artistic approach will definitely appeal.
Shop now at cb2.com
7. Maiden Home
Maiden Home delivers luxury-level craftsmanship without the showroom markup. They offer handcrafted modern and transitional furniture - particularly sofas, sectionals, and chairs - using high-quality, sustainable materials. Expect prices to start around $1,200 and reach $4,000 for premium pieces, justified by their bespoke quality.
Maiden Home elevates the modern aesthetic that Essentials for Living also embraces, but with a pronounced focus on artisanal quality and heirloom-worthy construction. If you're willing to invest a bit more for superior materials and craftsmanship, Maiden Home is an exceptional choice.
Shop now at maidenhome.com
8. Floyd
Floyd designs minimalist, essential furniture meant to last and adapt with you. Known for their iconic platform bed and modular sofa, their philosophy revolves around simplicity, durability, and easy assembly. Their core items, such as beds, storage units, and tables, generally fall between $300 and $1,500.
Floyd shares Essentials' commitment to stylish, functional pieces, but doubles down on longevity and a very stripped-back, almost utilitarian aesthetic. If you're seeking a buy-it-once piece with a profoundly minimalist and long-lasting design, Floyd's approach is for you.
Shop now at floydhome.com
9. Crate & Barrel
Crate & Barrel is a cornerstone of classic, contemporary home furnishing, offering timeless furniture alongside kitchenware and decor. Their designs are known for being high-quality, reliable, and sophisticated, making them a fixture in well-appointed homes for decades. Furniture prices range widely, typically from $200 for small accent pieces to $4,000 for sectionals.
This brand provides a similar modern feel to Essentials for Living but with a more established, classic refinement. Its extensive collections and trusted reputation make it a safe and stylish bet for anyone looking for enduring design that won't feel dated in a few years.
Shop now at crateandbarrel.com
10. Interior Define
Interior Define revolutionizes furniture shopping by offering an insane level of customization. Specializing in sofas, chairs, and beds, they let you dictate everything from fabric and leg style to size and cushion fill. This made-to-order approach starts around $1,200 for smaller pieces and goes up to $4,000+ for large, custom sectionals.
Like Essentials, Interior Define nails the modern aesthetic. Their major advantage, however, is personalization. If you've ever dreamt of designing the perfect sofa tailored specifically to your room and taste, this is your brand.
Shop now at interiordefine.com
11. Lulu and Georgia
Lulu and Georgia is the go-to for chic, on-trend furniture with a distinct California-cool vibe. Their collections feel curated and design-forward, blending modern lines with bohemian textures and eclectic touches. You'll find everything from statement rugs to elegant sofas, generally priced between $300 and $3,000.
While sharing a contemporary foundation with Essentials for Living, Lulu and Georgia infuse their pieces with more warmth, personality, and trend-driven flair. It’s perfect for someone who wants a modern home that also feels expressive and effortlessly stylish.
Shop now at luluandgeorgia.com
12. Havenly (Furniture Collection)
Primarily an online interior design service, Havenly also offers its own collection of curated, modern furniture. Their selection is designed to be versatile, chic, and functional, with pieces designed to work easily into various styles. For items like sofas and beds, pricing typically falls in the $600 to $3,000 range.
Havenly's furniture collection provides a similar mix of accessible modernist style to Essentials for Living. The unique perk is their integrated styling service, making it a great option if you need a little expert guidance on how to pull your room together.
Shop now at havenly.com
13. Allform
Allform focuses on doing one thing really well: modular sofas. Backed by the team behind Casper mattresses, their sofas are engineered for comfort, durability, and easy assembly. They feature American craftsmanship and performance fabrics designed to stand up to real life, with prices ranging from $1,200 to $3,500.
Like Essentials, Allform delivers stylish and functional furniture for modern living spaces. But if your main priority is finding a truly comfortable, durable, and adaptable seating solution, Allform's specialized approach is hard to beat.
Shop now at allform.com
14. Serena & Lily
Serena & Lily embodies a breezy, coastal aesthetic that feels relaxed yet sophisticated. Their furniture uses natural materials like rattan, linen, and light-toned woods to create an airy, vacation-like vibe. While they offer a distinct style, pieces like sofas, beds, and dining sets land in the $500 to $4,000 price range.
In contrast to Essentials for Living's urban contemporary look, Serena & Lily leans into a more relaxed, seaside elegance. If you’re captivated by modern design but prefer a lighter, more organic feel, this brand is an absolute must-see.
Shop now at serenaandlily.com
15. Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams
Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams produces high-end, classic modern furniture geared toward comfort and timeless style. Their luxurious sofas, sectionals, and bedroom sets are known for their exceptional craftsmanship and eco-friendly construction. This is an investment brand, with prices starting around $1,200 and extending well beyond $6,000 for premium items.
The brand shares a sophisticated design sensibility with Essentials for Living but operates in a more luxury-focused tier. It’s the brand you turn to when you’re ready to invest in enduring pieces celebrated for both their comfort and timeless aesthetic.
Shop now at mgbw.com
16. Castlery
Castlery is a direct-to-consumer brand that has quickly become a favorite for its mid-century modern and contemporary furniture at very reasonable prices. They offer a stylish selection of sofas, dining sets, and bedroom pieces with clean lines and unique details. Sofas generally sell for between $1,000-$2,500, offering great design value.
Castlery sits in the same sweet spot as Essentials for Living: stylish, quality-conscious, and not outrageously expensive. They appeal to the exact same customer looking for thoughtfully designed pieces that won't go out of style next season.
Shop now at castlery.com
17. Room & Board
Room & Board champions timeless, modern design with a strong emphasis on American craftsmanship. Their furniture is built to last, featuring solid woods and durable fabrics that withstand daily life. You can find everything from sofas and dining tables to office solutions, with prices for large items typically in the $500 to $5,000 range.
Both brands offer versatile, modern furniture. Room & Board's key differentiator is its commitment to sustainability and American-made quality, making it an excellent choice for shoppers who prioritize durability and domestic manufacturing.
Shop now at roomandboard.com
18. Havertys
Havertys offers a wide variety of furniture collections that span from contemporary to transitional styles. Known for being a reliable furniture retailer, they provide options for every room in the house at accessible prices, often starting around $300 for small items and up to $3,000 for living room sets.
Havertys and Essentials for Living both aim to provide stylish, affordable furniture for the average household. Havertys tends to offer a broader range of styles, making it a good place to look if you want a modern-ish feel but haven’t settled on one specific aesthetic just yet.
Shop now at havertys.com
19. Nathan James
Nathan James is focused on creating designer-inspired furniture for small spaces and tight budgets, without sacrificing style. They're particularly known for affordable yet chic accent chairs, bar stools, shelving, and office desks, with most pieces priced well under $500. Their aesthetic is minimalist and modern, with occasional glam or industrial touches.
Like Essentials for Living, Nathan James makes stylish design accessible. However, they lean into a much more budget-friendly price point, and their collection is perfect for furnishing apartments, first homes, or adding a final touch to a room without a major investment.
Shop now at nathanjames.com
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