When it comes to purchasing high-quality furniture for your home, two of the most popular brands that often come up are King Hickory and Restoration Hardware. Both of these brands are well-known for their exceptional craftsmanship, luxurious designs, and unparalleled comfort. But which one is right for you? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at King Hickory and Restoration Hardware and compare them based on several important factors, including their history, design aesthetics, material quality, pricing, customer service, and more. Let’s dive in.

Understanding the Basics: King Hickory and Restoration Hardware

Before we dive into a detailed comparison, let’s take a moment to understand what these two brands are all about.

Starting with King Hickory, this brand is known for its high-quality, custom-made furniture. They offer a wide range of products, including sofas, chairs, sectionals, and bed frames, all of which are handcrafted in their North Carolina-based factory using traditional techniques and the finest materials available. King Hickory is committed to providing comfortable, stylish furniture that will last for years to come.

On the other hand, Restoration Hardware is a luxury home furnishings brand that offers a wide range of furniture, bedding, lighting, outdoor decor, and much more. Their products are known for their high-end designs, which mix old world and modern styles to create a unique and sophisticated look. Restoration Hardware products are made with a focus on quality and durability, making them an ideal choice for those who want furniture that will stand the test of time.

King Hickory vs. Restoration Hardware: A Brief History of the Brands

Understanding the history of both King Hickory and Restoration Hardware can provide valuable insights into what sets these brands apart from each other, as well as what they have in common.

King Hickory is a family-owned furniture maker that has been in business for nearly 60 years. Their commitment to quality began with founder Leroy Godsey, who started the company in 1958 with the belief that furniture should be comfortable, durable, and timeless. Since then, the Godsey family has continued to run the company and uphold Leroy’s original values.

Restoration Hardware, on the other hand, was founded in 1979 by Stephen Gordon. The company began as a small hardware store in Eureka, California, but eventually shifted its focus to high-end home furnishings. Today, Restoration Hardware is a publicly-traded company with over 100 retail locations across the United States, Canada, and Europe.

Design Aesthetics: How Do King Hickory and Restoration Hardware Differ?

One of the most noticeable differences between King Hickory and Restoration Hardware is their design aesthetics. While both brands are known for their high-quality materials and craftsmanship, they have distinct styles that may appeal to different types of consumers.

King Hickory is known for its traditional and classic designs, which are timeless and elegant. Their products range from simple and understated to ornate and decorative, with a focus on comfort and function over high-end design. King Hickory products are ideal for those who want furniture that can blend in seamlessly with any decor style, and that won’t go out of fashion any time soon.

Restoration Hardware, on the other hand, is known for its more contemporary and cutting-edge designs. The brand is not afraid to take risks with its furniture and often incorporates modern elements into its products. Restoration Hardware products are ideal for those who want statement pieces that can add a touch of glamour and sophistication to their home decor.

Material Quality and Durability: Which Brand Wins Out?

When it comes to investing in high-quality furniture, one of the most important factors to consider is material quality and durability. After all, furniture that is made with subpar materials or that is poorly constructed won’t last very long and may end up costing you more in the long run.

Both King Hickory and Restoration Hardware are known for their use of high-quality materials, including solid wood frames, top-grain leather, and durable fabrics. However, when it comes to material quality, King Hickory may have a slight edge over Restoration Hardware.

This is because King Hickory products are made using traditional, time-tested methods that have been perfected over several decades. The brand also sources the majority of its materials from American suppliers, ensuring that the materials used are of the highest quality. Restoration Hardware, meanwhile, does use high-quality materials but may not always be as meticulous about sourcing them.

Comfort and Functionality: Evaluating King Hickory and Restoration Hardware’s Furniture Offerings

Another important consideration when comparing King Hickory and Restoration Hardware is comfort and functionality. After all, furniture that looks great but isn’t comfortable or functional won’t be of much use in your home.

King Hickory is known for its commitment to comfort and functionality, with all of its products designed to be both stylish and user-friendly. Their sofas, chairs, and sectionals are often designed with wider seats, deep cushions, and plush fabrics to provide maximum comfort. Plus, the brand offers a wide range of customization options, allowing consumers to personalize their furniture to their specific needs.

Restoration Hardware also offers a range of comfortable and functional furniture, but may not always prioritize comfort over design. Many of their products are designed more for looks than for practicality, meaning that they may not be as comfortable as some of King Hickory’s offerings.

Pricing and Value: Is One Brand More Affordable than the Other?

One of the most significant differences between King Hickory and Restoration Hardware is pricing. While both brands are known for their high-end products, King Hickory products tend to be more affordable than Restoration Hardware products.

King Hickory sofas, for example, generally start at around $1,500, while Restoration Hardware sofas can run upwards of $3,000 or more. Similarly, King Hickory chairs start at around $800, while Restoration Hardware chairs can cost upwards of $1,500. However, it’s important to note that pricing can vary depending on the specific product and customization options selected.

In terms of value, both King Hickory and Restoration Hardware offer exceptional quality and craftsmanship. However, for those looking to get the most bang for their buck, King Hickory may be the better option.

Customer Service and Warranty Policies: Comparing King Hickory and Restoration Hardware

Another key factor to consider when choosing between King Hickory and Restoration Hardware is customer service and warranty policies. After all, even the best-made furniture can experience wear and tear over the years, so it’s essential to choose a brand that stands behind its products.

King Hickory offers a limited lifetime warranty on all of its products, which covers defects in the frame construction, springs, and cushions for the life of the furniture. They also offer a one-year warranty on all finishes and hardware. Additionally, King Hickory has a dedicated customer service team that is available to answer any questions or concerns and can help with any issues that may arise with your furniture.

Restoration Hardware also offers a warranty on its products and has a dedicated customer service team. However, their warranty policies are slightly less generous than King Hickory’s – most products come with a one-year warranty that covers defects or damage caused during shipping only.

Reviews from Real Customers: What Do People Have to Say About These Brands?

One of the best ways to evaluate King Hickory and Restoration Hardware is by looking at reviews from real customers who have purchased and used their products.

Overall, both brands have received positive reviews for their quality, craftsmanship, and customer service. However, some customers have noted that Restoration Hardware products can be less durable than expected and may require frequent repairs. On the other hand, King Hickory products are consistently praised for their comfort and longevity.

Making the Final Decision: Which Brand is Right for Your Home?

After considering all the factors above, the question remains – which brand is right for your home?

If you’re looking for comfortable, durable furniture that won’t break the bank, King Hickory is likely the better option. Their traditional and timeless designs are perfect for those who want furniture that can stand the test of time, and their customization options allow you to personalize your furniture to your specific needs.

However, if you’re more interested in cutting-edge, modern furniture that makes a statement, Restoration Hardware may be the better choice. Their high-end designs are perfect for those who want to add a touch of glamour and sophistication to their home decor.

Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal taste, budget, and lifestyle. Whether you choose King Hickory, Restoration Hardware, or another high-quality furniture brand, investing in well-made furniture is always a sound investment that will provide comfort and style for years to come.