7 Chic Stores Like West Elm for Modern Furniture in 2025

Last Updated on June 23, 2025 by Beth Martin

Looking for that perfect blend of modern design and accessible pricing that made West Elm a household name? You’re not alone.

West Elm revolutionized how we think about contemporary furniture by making sleek, mid-century modern furniture pieces accessible to everyday homeowners. But sometimes you need alternatives—whether you’re seeking better quality, different price points, or simply more variety in your furniture hunt.

The good news? The modern furniture landscape has exploded with incredible options that capture West Elm’s aesthetic DNA while offering their own unique advantages. From affordable furniture finds to investment-worthy pieces that’ll last decades, these seven furniture stores, like West Elm, will help you create the contemporary space of your dreams.

Whether you’re furnishing your first apartment or upgrading your living room essentials, these alternatives offer everything from sleek sectionals to statement home decor—all with that signature modern flair that makes West Elm so popular. Plus, many offer better alternatives to what you’d find at Pottery Barn or other high-end retailers.

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7 Furniture Stores Like West Elm Modern Furniture (But Better?)

1. Poly & Bark

1. Coffee Table | 2. Dining Chair | 3. Daybed

If you love West Elm’s modern aesthetic but wish the prices were more budget-friendly, Poly & Bark might just be your new favorite furniture destination. This online retailer has mastered the art of delivering contemporary style without the premium price tag that often comes with modern furniture—making it a great alternative to both West Elm and Pottery Barn.

Poly & Bark specializes in clean-lined, minimalist pieces that feel both timeless and on-trend. Their selection focuses heavily on mid-century modern classics—think sleek leather sofas, sculptural dining chairs, and geometric coffee tables that could easily be mistaken for much more expensive designer pieces.

Poly & Bark has a strong commitment to making modern design accessible. Their prices consistently undercut West Elm while maintaining solid construction and attractive finishes. You’ll find everything from statement sectionals to accent chairs that capture that perfect mid-century vibe without breaking the bank.

The brand excels particularly in seating—their dining chairs (including my favorite Wishbone replica!) and lounge chairs often become the star pieces in modern homes. While their selection isn’t as vast as some larger furniture retailers, every piece feels carefully curated to deliver maximum style impact with thoughtful home decor options.

2. Room & Board

1. Sofa | 2. Pendant Light | 3. Bed | 4. Accent Chair | 5. Rug

When you’re ready to invest in furniture that’ll last for decades, Room & Board represents the gold standard of modern American-made furniture. While their prices often exceed both West Elm and Pottery Barn, the quality difference is immediately apparent—and almost all pieces are proudly made in the USA.

Room & Board has been perfecting contemporary furniture since 1980, long before “modern farmhouse” became a Pinterest trend. Their expertise shows in every detail, from the precision of their joinery to the durability of their finishes. This is high-quality furniture you’ll pass down to your children, not replace in a few years like some affordable furniture options.

Their design philosophy centers on timeless modern pieces with clean lines and exceptional craftsmanship. Where West Elm might offer trendy pieces that feel disposable, Room & Board creates investment furniture that grows more beautiful with age. Their solid wood dining tables, expertly upholstered sofas, and carefully designed storage solutions represent the pinnacle of American furniture making.

The shopping experience itself reflects their commitment to quality—knowledgeable staff, detailed product information, exceptional white glove delivery, and a warranty program that stands behind their craftsmanship. Yes, you’ll pay more upfront than at other furniture stores, but the cost-per-year over the lifetime of these pieces often makes Room & Board the smarter investment for those seeking high-quality furniture and sophisticated home decor.

3. Blu Dot

1. Sectional | 2. Bookcase | 3. Table Lamp | 4. Accent Chair

For those who appreciate minimalist modern design, Blu Dot offers beautifully crafted furniture that’s better made than most West Elm pieces, though with a more curated selection. This makes them an excellent alternative for shoppers seeking something more unique than the typical offerings from the Pottery Barn umbrella.

Founded by three Minneapolis-based designers, Blu Dot brings a fresh perspective to contemporary furniture and home decor. Their pieces often feature unexpected details—a subtle curve on an otherwise angular chair, perfectly proportioned storage solutions, or lighting that doubles as sculptural art. This attention to design nuance sets them apart in the crowded modern furniture space.

While Blu Dot’s selection is smaller than mega-retailers like West Elm, every piece feels intentional and well-considered. Their furniture tends to have longer lifespans both in terms of durability and style relevance. A Blu Dot sofa or dining table won’t look dated in five years because their designs focus on timeless proportions rather than fleeting trends.

The online retailer particularly excels in smaller space furniture—their compact dining solutions and multi-functional pieces solve real problems while maintaining aesthetic appeal. Quality control is notably better than many competitors, with fewer customer complaints about construction issues or finish problems. Their modern furniture and home decor consistently deliver that perfect balance of form and function.

4. Joybird

1. Sectional | 2. Nightstand | 3. Swivel Chair

Joybird occupies a unique space in the modern furniture world—their mid-century modern aesthetics are undeniably striking, but customer reactions tend to be quite polarized. People either absolutely love their bold, colorful approach to contemporary design, or they find it too loud for their taste.

What makes Joybird fascinating is its commitment to customization within the mid-century modern framework. Unlike West Elm’s limited color options, Joybird handcrafted pieces are available in hundreds of fabric choices, multiple leg finishes, and size variations that let you create truly personalized pieces. Their sectional sofas can be configured in countless ways, perfect for creating that Instagram-worthy living room.

The brand’s aesthetic leans heavily into the playful side of mid-century design—think vibrant jewel tones, bold patterns, and statement pieces that demand attention. Their furniture feels like it belongs in a Palm Springs vacation home or a Brooklyn loft, depending on how you style it.

Quality-wise, Joybird falls somewhere between West Elm and Room & Board in terms of construction. Their pieces are generally well-constructed, though not quite investment-level like some high-quality furniture brands. The real value lies in their ability to create unique, personalized furniture that reflects your individual style rather than following generic modern trends found at other furniture stores.

5. CB2

1. Lamp | 2. Console Table | 3. Wall Mirror | 4. Accent Chair | 5. Rug

As Crate & Barrel’s younger, more design-forward sibling, CB2 delivers modern and beautiful aesthetics with an impressive range of products that often surpasses West Elm’s selection. If West Elm sometimes feels safe in their design choices, CB2 pushes boundaries while maintaining broad appeal.

CB2 excels at translating high-end trends and globally inspired pieces into accessible furniture and home decor. Their buyers have an excellent eye for emerging styles, often featuring pieces that feel fresh and current without being so trendy they’ll look dated next year. From statement lighting to sculptural furniture, CB2 consistently delivers that “how did they make this so affordable?” feeling.

Their product range is notably comprehensive—you can furnish an entire home with CB2 pieces and achieve a cohesive, sophisticated look. Their home decor accessories game is particularly strong, with decorative objects, throw pillows, textiles, and art that add personality to any modern space.

The quality generally matches or slightly exceeds West Elm, with better attention to finishing details and packaging. Their frequent sales and seasonal collections keep the affordable furniture selection fresh, making CB2 a favorite among design enthusiasts who regularly update their spaces with new furniture pieces and home decor.

6. All Modern

1. Wall Mirror | 2. Console Table | 3. Swivel Chair | 4. Geometric Rug

As Wayfair’s modern-focused division, All Modern leverages the parent company’s massive scale to offer contemporary furniture at truly competitive prices. Think of it as West Elm’s more affordable cousin with an even larger selection.

All Modern’s strength lies in its vast inventory of modern furniture and home decor—you’ll find everything from budget-friendly accent pieces to higher-end statement furniture, all curated under the contemporary design umbrella. Their search and filtering systems make it easy to find exactly what you’re looking for, whether that’s a specific style of dining chair or a particular shade of sectional sofa.

The platform particularly excels for apartment dwellers and first-time homeowners who need to furnish entire spaces without massive budgets. Their frequent sales, combined with Wayfair’s reliable shipping and return policies, make All Modern a practical choice for affordable furniture shopping that rivals what you’d find at other furniture stores.

Quality varies significantly across their range—some furniture pieces rival West Elm and even some Pottery Barn items, while others clearly prioritize price over durability. Reading customer reviews becomes crucial, but the sheer selection means you can usually find modern furniture that fits both your style preferences and quality expectations.

7. APT2B

1. Accent Chair | 2. Sofa | 3. Sectional

Rounding out our list is APT2B, a brand that’s mastered the sweet spot between affordability and quality in the contemporary furniture space. Originally focused on apartment living (hence the name), they’ve expanded to serve anyone seeking well-made contemporary furniture at reasonable prices—making them a great alternative to both West Elm and pricier Pottery Barn options.

APT2B’s design philosophy centers on modern classics—furniture that feels current but won’t look dated in a few years. Their sofas, in particular, have gained a cult following among design-conscious renters and homeowners who want quality upholstery without the premium price tag that usually comes with American-made furniture.

What sets APT2B apart is its attention to construction details typically found in more expensive furniture. Their sofas feature kiln-dried hardwood frames, high-quality foam cushions, and durable fabric options that can withstand daily use. The result is furniture that looks great and actually lasts, bridging the gap between budget and investment pieces.

Their customer service consistently receives high marks, with responsive support for everything from fabric samples to delivery coordination. For mid-century furniture shoppers who want quality without the sticker shock, APT2B offers an excellent middle ground.

That’s a Wrap

Finding the perfect alternative to West Elm doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Whether you prioritize affordable furniture prices, superior high-quality furniture, unique mid-century modern design, or comprehensive home decor selection, these furniture retailers offer compelling alternatives that capture modern style while addressing West Elm’s various limitations.

The key is matching your priorities with each brand’s strengths. Need handcrafted pieces that’ll last decades? Room & Board is worth the investment. Want to furnish a space on a budget? All Modern and Poly & Bark deliver style without breaking the bank. Looking for something unique? Joybird’s customization options and Blu Dot’s design-forward pieces offer personality beyond cookie-cutter modern.

Remember, the best furniture combines timeless design with quality construction and fits your lifestyle. Mix and match from these alternatives to create a space that’s both stylish and uniquely yours—because the best modern home tells your story, not just follows the latest trends.

Whether you’re shopping for mid-century modern furniture, contemporary home decor, or simply exploring furniture stores beyond West Elm and Pottery Barn, these options provide the perfect starting point for creating your dream space.

Cheers!