Apt2b Review: Are Their Customizable Sofas Worth it?

Apt2b offers simple sophistication in all areas of home furnishing.

Founders Alex Black and Matt Herman are committed to bringing customers affordable styles with mid-range prices and high-end customer service.

Pros

• Quality construction made in the USA
• Made-to-order styles
• Wide variety of color and fabric options 
• Ten free fabric swatches
• Free Shipping with $99 White Glove Delivery/Assembly Service available
• Lengthy 100-day return window
• Lifetime Warranties
• $150 off first order

Cons

• More expensive than some other online furniture companies
• Longer wait times for made-to-order items
• Returns, damaged or not, must be in the original box/packing
• Restocking fee

Scoring

Table of Contents

• About
• Design
• Assembly
• Comfort
• Service 
• Returns
• Summary

Who is Apt2b?

Located in LA and featuring the exclusive upholstery collection of leading design industry personality Kyle Schuneman.

You may have seen the brand featured in a number of different places including:

• HGTV Magazine
• Forbes
• Refinery29
• Apartment Therapy

Apt2b bestsellers range from nightstands and tables to ottomans, club chairs, and lamps. Their sofas, however, attract the most attention.

Apt2b sofas are made in the USA. Sizes and styles include full-size sofas, loveseats, apartment sofas, sectionals, recliners, and sleepers. Most models are made to order, offering a truly dizzying array of customizable size, color, fabric, and wood finish options.

Selected items are in stock, and available for quicker shipping, usually with fewer customizable options. Prices begin around $1,200. Apt2b gets overwhelmingly positive reviews online, with a small minority of service or quality complaints. 

Materials and Design

As a company, Apt2b includes “Made in the USA” as one of its Core Values as stated on its website. It does feature a few exclusive imports such as the Landon Leather Sofa. For the most part, however, sofas are constructed in its Los Angeles facility. 

 Apt2b founders also value quality construction using eco-friendly materials.

“Our upholstered furniture is made by hand in our downtown Los Angeles factory using solid wood, top of the line materials, and an attention to detail that borders on obsession. We don’t use any chemicals or flame retardants in our materials.” 

Apt2B | Step Inside Our Factory

Apt2b specializes in simple sophisticated style for all kinds of spaces. Bestsellers include the Delilah Sofa with a bench-style tufted seat cushion and its companion Samson Sofa, a non-tufted three-cushion variation featuring the same sharp contemporary-yet-classic lines, extra bolster pillows, and tapered wood legs with three finish choices.

Both offer the standard eco-friendly, solid wood construction and like most Apt2b fabric designs, the versatility of reversible, flippable cushions.

Color & Fabrics

The upholstery collection offers an extensive range of customizable colors and fabrics. The vast majority of models offer between 30-60 color/fabric combinations to consider.

Microfiber, velvet, leather, and various woven fabrics come in a rainbow of colors including neutrals, jewel tones, and pastels. For example, the eye-catching lines of the Saxon Loveseat with its Victorian legs and knife edge cushion trim comes in 53 colors ranging from an Amethyst Tailored Woven Fabric with a tight weave/smooth finish to a light beige Buckwheat non-woven velvety soft microfiber. 

Fabrics are easily cleaned and hypoallergenic. We highly recommend taking Apt2b up on its offer of free fabric swatches to ensure you are ordering a feel and color right for you—as well as testing out their kid/spill/pet-friendliness. 

Apt2b designs can accommodate any space. For smaller spaces, check out apartment sofas like the chic Albright Apartment Size Sofa.

For a larger space, explore the various configurations of the Melrose Reversible Chaise Sofa, which can be reconfigured with the chaise on either side, depending what fits your area best. 

Legs

Most of the Apt2b sofas feature wood legs, such as mid-century conical, tapered, or modern block wood feet. Finish options usually include a choice of Pecan, Espresso, or Natural.

Use the online tools to play around with how different finishes look with different models and colors.

For example, the dark base of the Brentwood 2 Piece Sectional Sofa gives it a grounded, modern feel in Pecan or Espresso finish and a neutral upholstery color.

In a lighter Natural wood finish with a more vividly colored upholstery, the same sofa would create a more luxurious statement. Play with what looks best in your space with the “See This in 3D” and “Upload My Room” features. 

Minor screw-on assembly may be required to attach the legs.

Frame

All Apt2b sofas are made in the USA and shipped from their warehouse in Los Angeles. They feature eco-friendly construction and most have solid wood frames.

All pieces are shipped in large boxes and require very little assembly. Sofas, sectional sofas, and sleeper sofas generally only require their legs to be attached or their sectional brackets connected. 

Seat

Seat depths vary by model. The Fillmore Sofa comes with a roomy depth of 26”, one of the widest sofas. The Fillmore is also one of the few that features metal base/legs rather than wood.

Most of the sofas and sectionals fall somewhere in the 23” to 25” range. Narrower options like the Embry Sofa might be more suitable for smaller spaces with its 22” seat depth. 

Many of the Apt2b seat cushions are reversible and flippable. Some even feature different styles on different sides, like the Delilah Sofa, which has button tufting on one side and tufting pulls on the other for a different look.

Many of the seat cushions are also zippered and removable for easy cleaning—even those with single long seat cushion styling like the Walton Sofa or the Harper Loveseat. Tufted cushions do not have removable covers.

Apt2b cushions use quality foam, mostly between 1.8 to 2.0 PCF (pounds per cubic foot) density for comfort and durability without added flame retardant chemicals. Some go as high as 2.5 density foam, such as the Phantom Sofa with Power Foot Rest.

Each product page clearly lists the cushion features so check for all the options on your favorite choices.

Arms

The arm style is an often-underestimated element of sofa design.

Knowing how arm style impacts both the visual silhouette as well as the functionality and comfort of any sofa, Apt2b has incorporated carefully chosen designs into their collection.

The most commonly seen are the basic wide armrests like those on the Harper Reversible Chaise Sleeper and the slim track arms that add to the sleek lines of the Scott Apartment Size Sofa.

For less common options, look for the striking curves created by the glamorous swoop arms of the Jackson 2 Piece Sectional.

The rolled arms of the Albright Reversible Chaise and nailhead stud trim of the La Brea Reversible Chaise Sofa prove that larger styles can still have their own design flair.

The high-track arms of the Catalina Sofa add depth to a timeless design and may be extra comfortable for taller people.

From the elegantly angled flared arms of the Carson Sofa that complement its angled legs to the charmingly vintage curved arms of the Bannister Loveseat, Apt2b provides choices for every taste.

Back

The Apt2b sofas usually have flat panel backs. Many models integrate the standard two or three cushions for the length of the sofa, or use one long continuous piece as seen on the Monroe Drive Sofa.

Models including the Nora Loveseat add contemporary channel-tufting on the back. Others showcase the more classic button-tufting seen on the Marco Sofa and the Saturn Sofa.

For alternative choices, check out the Beatrix 2 Piece Sectional which uses five detachable pillows across the back, and the partially open back of the Samson Lounger.

How To Assemble 

All sofas are shipped fully assembled, in some cases with just the legs off. In that case, Apt2b sofas may require minimal assembly. According to the representative with whom we chatted, no hardware is needed, as the ones with removable legs use a screw-on design.

If you have questions about assembly, contact Apt2b directly via email, phone, or the chat tool on the website. In our experience, they responded almost immediately to inquiries (even on a weekend). 

Large items delivered fully or mostly assembled means large bulky boxes.

If you’re concerned about moving/unpacking large boxes and/or getting your new item(s) set up, opt for the White Glove Delivery.

For $99, they will bring the item inside and assemble it in your room of choice, as well as removing all packing material.

This charge is the same even if you have multiple items in the same order that need the Room of Choice plus Assembly delivery option. 

NOTE: If using this assembly option, just know that original packing boxes are required for return. 

Are Apt2b Pieces Comfortable?

Comfort is highly subjective. Materials matter as well. Check the listed density of the foam as well the seat and arm height/depth measurements to know what will offer you the most comfortable lounging experience. 

Many reviews find the Apt2b sofas to be comfortable, especially once brand-new cushions, which may seem a bit firm at first, get broken in with use. 

Fortunately, you have a lengthy 100-day trial window to test out your new purchase. Just remember that any return may be subject to a 15% restocking fee and must be in the original box/packaging. 

Service and Shopping Experience 

Apt2b seems to get mostly positive reviews on quality and service. The few negative reviews we found related to what appear to be relatively isolated issues with delayed shipping or company response.

Of those negative reviews, some had been responded to by “Alex B”, presumably Alex Black, one of the Apt2b founders himself, with every effort to resolve any issues. 

The Apt2b website deserves a special mention. As you shop around the site, Apt2b makes the shopping experience easy by offering the ability on each product page to see the item in:

• Different room styles
• Your own room via a picture upload
• 360 degree rotation
• Any of the dozens of color options available

The website occasionally lags a bit as it pulls up different images based on the combinations you try out, but it’s a small price for all the great quality images that allow you to see so many different options without having to just imagine it in your head.

Other Resources

The site also offers many other resources. Article topics include:

• What’s trending
• Buying guides
• Tips on DIY
• Before and After Galleries
• Giveaways

Customers can submit pictures of their Apt2b purchases, which offers valuable glimpses of their furniture in real-world settings. Plus many fun pictures of pets on said furniture. 

Note that many of the sofas come as part of a “collection” that may include matching a matching loveseat, chair, ottoman, etc. The “Details” section on each product page offers the option to go to any other items in that style collection. 

Apt2b gets extra points for personality. The item descriptions are clear, detailed, and consistent, providing potential customers with all the information necessary for informed comparisons and purchase. They are also frequently amusing.

So are the FAQ, shipping, and general information pages. Wading through so much information can be difficult and boring as you research a big purchase. Apt2b makes that process actually enjoyable—with occasional laugh-out-loud inserts into paragraphs of details. 

How to Buy

#1. Ordering process

Apt2b makes ordering simple. Select your item, choose color/fabric option, and pick your wood finish. On any page you have the option to sign up for Apt2b emails which earns you a $150 discount code on your first qualifying purchase.

Pro-tip: If you can’t quite decide on your color/fabric option but you want to lock in a sofa sale price, use the “Decide Later” option in the list of colors. Complete the order, and Apt2b will hold the price for you until you are ready to decide. 

#2. Checking Out

Add any special notes in your Cart, and select “Proceed to Checkout.”

Express Checkout options include Shop Pay, Paypal, and Amazon Pay. You can also just continue with payment after entering your shipping and billing information manually.

#3. Shipping

Choose your Shipping Method:

• Free Entryway Delivery—Your item(s) will be delivered inside the entryway of your home or apartment, but will not be unpacked or assembled.
• White Glove Delivery—This $99 service gets your eligible item(s) delivered to your room of choice, unpacked, and assembled (if required). Any packaging materials will also be removed.

Items marked with “QUICK SHIP” (special pieces that can be built easily and shipped), clearance, and outlet pieces ship in estimated 3-5 days. Your more customized items have 2-7 week build times before shipping. Check each product information page for a current estimate on specific products. 

Delivery is available for the contiguous US. Apt2b is not currently shipping to Alaska, Hawaii, any territories, or internationally. If you need delivery to one of these locations, reach out to Apt2b Customer Support directly to see if they can assist you with organizing a freight forwarding service.

#4. Payment

Payment methods include:

• Credit cards—MC, Visa, Amex, Discover
• Paypal
• Amazon Pay
• Bread—offers the option to pay over time in monthly amounts. You can explore this option from any product page or select it at Checkout. Checking your rate will not affect your credit.

Remember to enter your discount code or any other promotional code before finishing. 

Trials and Returns

All orders qualify for Apt2b’s lengthy return window with its Hassle-Free 100 Day Guarantee. Returns must be in original packing, and may be subject to a restocking fee.

Should You Buy?

Apt2b offers high-end style at reasonable, mid-range prices for home furnishings of all kinds. An extremely well-designed interactive website makes the shopping experience easy and fun.

Mostly positive reviews, free delivery, and the 100-day trial window will reassure nervous first-time customers.

Versatile sectionals, along with chaise lounges and a whole section of Apartment Size Sofas, also make Apt2 a good source for furniture for smaller spaces.

Add a matching chair to complement your sofa, or a small tuft or lamp to complete the look of your living room. Whatever the size of your space, Apt2b offers flexible, stylish choices. 

The Apt2b sofas are recommended for consumers who:

• Prefer items Made in the USA
• Want many colors and fabric options
• Do not mind paying a bit more and waiting a few weeks longer for made-to-order furniture
• Want White Glove Delivery
• Like styles focusing on simplicity, sophistication, and comfortable style

To learn more or start shopping, check out Apt2b here. 

ChangeLog

• June 6, 2021 – Initial version of the review was published. Initial version was a pre-test review, meaning we have not yet personally tested.