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An honest comparison to help you choose the best option for your needs, timeline, and budget.
Both retailers have strengths:
Full disclosure: We're Furniture Fair—a family-owned retailer serving Cincinnati, Dayton, Louisville, and Indianapolis, founded in 1963. This guide helps you decide which fits your situation, even if that's Wayfair.
Use this quick chooser to find the right fit for your needs
See how both retailers stack up across key factors
| Factor | Wayfair | Furniture Fair |
|---|---|---|
| Selection | Massive (millions of items across all styles/budgets) | Curated (Good/Better/Best quality tiers) |
| Shopping Experience | Browse at home; no sales pressure | In-person showrooms; design consultations available |
| See Before You Buy | Photos & reviews only | Touch, sit, test in 12 showrooms across 4 regions |
| Customization | Wayfair Custom Upholstery available; made-to-order items typically final sale | Extensive (fabrics, finishes, sizes on select brands) |
| Quality Verification | Relies on specs & reviews | Staff can explain construction details |
| Pricing | Varies by item and category | Low-Price Guarantee (beat competitors or free) |
| Delivery Speed | Varies by item type and location | Next-day available on in-stock items |
| Delivery Service | Threshold, room-of-choice, or white-glove (fees vary) | Multiple tiers with assembly included |
| Assembly | Often DIY; optional paid service | Included with Preferred Delivery and above |
| Returns | 30 days; you often pay return shipping | Varies by item; easier in-person resolution |
| Customer Service | Phone/chat support | In-person + phone support Mon–Sat 11am–8pm, Sun 11am–6pm |
| Warranty Support | Remote (parts shipped or credits issued) | In-person assessment and manufacturer mediation |
| Best For | Budget shoppers, quick needs, décor/accents | Quality seekers, custom orders, high-use furniture |
Brands are organized into a Good/Better/Best system based on construction and durability:
| Tier | What You Get | Sofa Lifespan |
|---|---|---|
| Good | Entry-level construction | 3–5 years |
| Better | Stronger frames, upgraded materials | 5–10 years |
| Best | Premium hardwood, hand-tied springs | 10–20+ years |
| Wayfair | Furniture Fair | |
|---|---|---|
| Channels | ||
| Strengths | Quick responses on orders & returns | Face-to-face problem-solving, warranty coordination |
| Limitations | Remote-only resolution; mixed reviews on complex issues | Requires physical visit for full experience |
In-Home Design Service
Featured brands:
Good/Better/Best Lifespan Guide| Tier | Sofa | Dining | Mattress |
|---|---|---|---|
| Good | 3–5 yrs | 5–10 yrs | 1–5 yrs |
| Better | 5–10 yrs | 10–15+ yrs | 5–10 yrs |
| Best | 10–20+ yrs | Decades | 10+ yrs |
| Wayfair | Furniture Fair | |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | Varies by item type and location | Next-day on in-stock (order by 5pm) |
| Free shipping | Available on select items | See delivery tiers below |
| Assembly | DIY or paid add‑on | Included with Preferred Delivery and above |
| Delivery area | Nationwide | Greater Cincinnati, Dayton, Louisville & Indianapolis areas; Northern Kentucky; Southern Indiana |
| Wayfair | Furniture Fair | |
|---|---|---|
| Return window | 30 days | Varies by item |
| Return shipping | You pay ($200–$400 for sofas) | In‑person resolution |
| Warranty support | Remote—parts shipped or credits | In‑person assessment + manufacturer coordination |
Find the exact same item advertised lower in the region? We beat that price or it's free.
(Exclusions: Tempur-Pedic, Serta, Stickley, clearance, closeouts)
Tailored advice for each area of your home
Living Room (Sofas, Sectionals, Recliners)| Wayfair | Furniture Fair |
|---|---|
| Accent chairs, ottomans, décor  Risky for sofas—can't test Watch for "faux leather," "engineered wood" | Test comfort in person Revolution fabric: stain-resistant, bleach-cleanable Smith Brothers: 800+ fabrics, custom builds |
Bedroom (Beds, Dressers, Nightstands)| Wayfair | Furniture Fair |
|---|---|
| Budget platform beds, storage Check solid wood vs particle board | Daniel's Amish: handcrafted solid wood Limited lifetime warranties on specific components (drawer boxes, glides, bed slats, rails); custom options |
Dining (Tables, Chairs, Pub Sets)| Wayfair | Furniture Fair |
|---|---|
| Breakfast nooks, temporary solutions Limited customization | Trailway (Amish-made) and Archbold customization Choose size, wood species, edge profiles, stains |
Mattress: Wayfair vs Furniture Fair Comparison| Wayfair Mattresses | Furniture Fair Mattresses |
|---|---|
| Bed-in-a-box ships fast to your door Wide price range from budget to premium Can't test before buying—relies on 30-100 night trial periods Return shipping often deducted from refund Must repackage for return—logistics challenge | bedMATCH technology: 3-5 minute diagnostic using 18 statistical measurements and 1,000 scientific calculations to recommend your ideal firmness Test before you buy: Lie on mattresses for 10-15 minutes in showroom Premium brands: Tempur-Pedic, Serta, Sealy, Stearns & Foster, Beautyrest Black Sleep specialists guide selection based on sleep position, body type, preferences Professional delivery with mattress setup and old mattress removal |
You spend 1/3 of your life on a mattress. The average person tries 3-4 mattresses before finding the right one. Wayfair's trial-and-return model means you may go through multiple bed-in-a-box deliveries before finding comfort. At Furniture Fair, bedMATCH eliminates guesswork—you'll know your ideal firmness profile before you even lie down.
Choose based on your situation and priorities
Everything you need to know about your options
It varies widely—budget particle-board to solid mid‑tier furniture. Wayfair also offers custom upholstery and made‑to‑order options, though these are typically final sale and non‑returnable. You must vet quality yourself:
Yes. Find the exact same item advertised lower in the region? We beat it or it's free.
Exclusions: Prior sales, clearance, floor samples, Tempur‑Pedic, Serta, Stickley, Sealy, Stearns & Foster, Beautyrest Black, Cozzia, Leesa
30‑day window, but return shipping costs are typically deducted from your refund unless the return is due to Wayfair's error. Must be in original condition/packaging. Personalized and clearance items are non‑returnable.
Furniture Fair ranks by construction, materials, and lifespan:
Shop by durability, not just price.
Yes—shop at furniturefair.net. For customizable items (Stickley, Smith Brothers), visit a showroom to see swatches and finishes in person.
No—online only. You can't see or test products before buying.
For mattresses specifically, local stores like Furniture Fair offer significant advantages over Wayfair:
Choose Wayfair for budget bed-in-a-box options if you already know your firmness preference. Choose Furniture Fair for quality sleep investment with expert matching.
A 3–5 minute diagnostic that analyzes your sleep posture and pressure points to recommend ideal mattress firmness. Compare Tempur‑Pedic, Serta, and more—data‑driven, not guesswork.
