Joybird is worth it if your top priorities are mid-century modern style and extensive customization. The brand occupies a competitive middle ground, offering better materials and more personalization than budget brands like IKEA, but without the heirloom quality of high-end furniture makers like Crate & Barrel or Room & Board.
Joybird's quality is generally good for the price, but long-term durability can be a concern on heavily used items, with some customers reporting cushion sag after 3-5 years. In short, you're paying a moderate premium for design and the ability to choose your own fabrics and finishes. Here's a detailed breakdown of what to expect.
How Is Joybird's Quality?
Joybird's quality is above average for its market segment, but it falls short of being a lifetime investment. Construction is consistent, but a reliance on engineered wood in many pieces limits their long-term durability. Here are the specifics:
- Materials: Frames in premium lines use kiln-dried hardwood, which is great, but many pieces rely on engineered wood, plywood, and MDF cores. Upholstery is a strong point, with durable performance fabrics often rated between 15,000 to 50,000 double rubs, indicating good resistance to wear.
- Construction: The brand uses standard mid-range construction methods, including dowels, screws, and corner-blocked joinery. Cushions are typically made with high-density foam (2.0 to 2.5 lb/ft³), which provides good initial support and comfort but isn't as resilient as high-end options.
- Durability & Longevity: Most owners report their furniture looks good and feels comfortable for about 3-5 years. After that period, cushion flattening and fabric pilling become more common, especially on primary seating like the family sofa.
- Common Complaints: The most frequent issues cited in customer reviews are cushion sagging after a few years of daily use, shipping delays, and minor damages occurring in transit. Some fabric options are also prone to fading if placed in direct sunlight.
Is Joybird Good Value for the Price?
Joybird offers fair, but not exceptional, value. The price tag is justified by the wide range of customization options, but you can often find pieces with similar or better-quality materials for less if you're willing to sacrifice personalization.
Price Positioning
Joybird is firmly in the mid-range market. Sofas typically cost between $1,200 and $2,500, dining tables are in the $800 to $1,400 range, and accent chairs are usually $600 to $1,200. This places them in direct competition with West Elm and Article, though Joybird's prices can be slightly higher due to its customization and American-based manufacturing for many items.
What You're Paying For
The premium you pay at Joybird is primarily for style and personalization. You are paying for the distinctive mid-century modern aesthetic and the ability to choose from dozens of fabrics and finishes to create a semi-custom piece. This direct-to-consumer model with extensive options is their main selling point over competitors.
Where You Get Good Value
- Customized Sofas: If you need a specific color or fabric type (like pet-friendly or performance velvet) to match your decor, Joybird offers excellent value.
- Statement Chairs: An accent chair with a bold, unique fabric can be a great way to add personality to a room without the high cost of a custom sofa.
- Holiday Sales Events: Joybird frequently runs sales of 20-30% off, which significantly improves the value proposition and makes the pricing much more competitive.
Where You Don't Get Good Value
- Case Goods (Tables, Dressers): Furniture made with engineered wood and veneers often offers poor value compared to solid wood alternatives you can find for a similar price at other stores.
- Standard, Non-Customized Pieces: If you want a basic gray or beige sofa, you can likely find a comparable or better quality piece for less from a brand like Article.
- Full-Price Purchases: Buying anything outside of a major sale event means you are likely overpaying relative to the quality of the materials and construction.
Joybird Quality by Category
Quality can vary significantly depending on what you're buying. Upholstered seating is Joybird's main focus and generally their strongest category.
Sofas & Sectionals
This is Joybird's core offering. Frames are a mix of engineered and kiln-dried hardwood, with high-density foam cushions that offer good initial comfort. Expect them to hold up well for 3-5 years of regular use before showing signs of sag. Prices range from $1,200 to $3,000+. The verdict: A solid choice, especially when personalized and purchased during a sale.
Bedroom Furniture
Joybird's bedroom furniture, including bed frames and dressers, often relies heavily on engineered wood with wood veneers. While aesthetically pleasing, the durability won't match solid wood pieces. Construction can feel less substantial than what you'd find at Crate & Barrel. The verdict: Proceed with caution and check material specs carefully.
Dining Furniture
Dining tables and chairs frequently use veneer surfaces that are susceptible to chipping and scratching over time. For the price point ($800–$1,400 for a table), you may find better long-term durability from competitors who offer solid wood options. Verdict: Lower value compared to their upholstered furniture.
Decor & Accessories
Joybird offers a selection of rugs, lighting, and decor. The quality is comparable to what you would find at West Elm or similar retailers. These items are design-focused and typically not built for intense, long-term durability. Verdict: Worth it if you love the style and find it on sale.
Our Verdict: Is Joybird Worth It?
Joybird is the right choice for design-conscious shoppers who value customization above all else. If you have a specific vision for your living room and want to choose the perfect fabric and leg finish, Joybird delivers without the price tag of a fully custom design studio. However, if your main goal is getting the most durable furniture for your money, there are better options available.
Quality Grade: B
Joybird earns a B for quality. Their upholstered pieces feature durable fabrics and decent initial construction with high-density foam and sometimes kiln-dried hardwood frames. However, the lifespan is limited to about 3-5 years of heavy use before common issues like cushion sagging appear. A heavy reliance on engineered wood and veneers in their case goods also prevents a higher rating.
Value Grade: C+
The brand gets a C+ for value. The ability to customize products provides a legitimate benefit that partially justifies the mid-range pricing. Waiting for a 30% off sale makes the value proposition much stronger. Without a sale, you are paying a significant premium for style over substance when compared to competitors like Article.
Better Alternatives to Joybird
If Joybird's price-to-durability ratio isn't quite right for you, these alternatives may offer better value or stronger construction for a similar aesthetic.
Article
Article offers modern and mid-century modern furniture at prices typically 10-20% lower than Joybird. They cut costs by offering less customization, but many of their sofas feature solid or kiln-dried hardwood frames and high-density foam cushions, often providing better structural quality for less money.
Shop now at article.com
Interior Define
If customization is what draws you to Joybird, Interior Define is an even better choice. They offer a staggering array of personalization options on size, depth, fabric, legs, and cushion fill, with a reputation for higher-quality construction and durability that justifies a slightly higher price point.
Shop now at interiordefine.com
Crate & Barrel
For a step up in both price and quality, Crate & Barrel offers furniture built for longevity. Their pieces often feature solid wood frames, more resilient cushion options, and more durable finishes that are designed to last 7-10+ years, making them a better long-term investment.
Shop now at crateandbarrel.com
West Elm
West Elm occupies a very similar market space to Joybird, offering trendy, mid-century inspired designs at a comparable price. Their quality is notoriously inconsistent, but their solid wood furniture lines and higher-end upholstered pieces can offer good value, especially during their frequent sales.
Shop now at westelm.com
Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams
If you have the budget and want true heirloom-quality furniture, MG+BW is a top-tier choice. Their commitment to craftsmanship is evident in their hardwood frames, eight-way hand-tied springs, and lifetime warranties. Expect prices to be 2-3 times higher than Joybird, but the furniture is built to last for decades.
Shop now at mgbwhome.com
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Joybird furniture last?
With regular daily use, you can expect Joybird upholstered furniture to maintain its look and comfort for about 3-5 years. After this period, common issues like cushion sagging and fabric pilling may appear. With lighter use and proper care, it can last for 7+ years.
Is Joybird furniture made of real wood?
It's a mix. Joybird's premium sofas often use kiln-dried hardwood for the frame's structural elements, which is a sign of good quality. However, many of their other pieces, including case goods and some frame components, are made from engineered wood, plywood, or MDF with wood veneers.
Are Joybird sofas comfortable?
Yes, most customers find Joybird sofas comfortable upon arrival. They use a high-density foam core (2.0-2.5 lb/ft³) that provides a supportive yet plush experience. The primary complaint is that this comfort can diminish over time as the foam compacts with use.
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.
