Ashley vs Rooms To Go: Which Furniture Brand Is Right for Your Home?

When you're shopping for new furniture, two names keep popping up: Ashley and Rooms To Go. Both promise big selections, low prices, and fast delivery. But which one actually delivers? If you’re trying to furnish a living room, bedroom, or even a whole house on a budget, the difference between these two giants isn’t just about style-it’s about value, quality, and long-term satisfaction.

What Ashley Furniture Actually Offers

Ashley Furniture has been around since 1945 and now operates over 1,000 stores across the U.S. and internationally. It’s not just a retailer-it’s a manufacturer. That means Ashley designs, builds, and ships most of its own furniture. This control gives them an edge in consistency. You won’t find random quality drops between batches like you might with brands that outsource production.

Their catalog is massive. You’ll find everything from traditional wingback chairs to sleek modern sectional sofas. Their Signature Collection uses solid hardwood frames and high-density foam cushions that hold up well over time. A typical Ashley sofa costs between $600 and $1,500. For the price, you’re getting a 5-year limited warranty on frames and a 1-year warranty on fabric and foam.

One thing Ashley does differently: they rarely run flash sales. Instead, they keep everyday low prices. That means no waiting for Memorial Day or Black Friday to get a good deal. But if you’re looking for deep discounts, you might have to wait for clearance sections or outlet stores.

Rooms To Go: The Discount King

Rooms To Go launched in 1987 and built its reputation on one thing: instant gratification. Their model is simple-massive showrooms, aggressive promotions, and financing options that make big purchases feel easy. They carry over 30,000 SKUs, including brands like Ashley, La-Z-Boy, and their own private labels.

Here’s the catch: Rooms To Go doesn’t manufacture most of what they sell. They buy in bulk from third-party factories and slap their name on it. That means quality varies wildly. A $400 sofa might use particle board and low-grade foam, while a $1,200 model could have a solid wood frame. You have to inspect carefully.

They’re famous for their 365-day payment plans. No credit check. Just pick your items, sign up, and pay over a year. That’s great if you’re short on cash today. But if you don’t pay in full within the promotional period, interest kicks in-sometimes as high as 29.99%. That can turn a $999 bedroom set into a $1,300 bill.

Quality Comparison: Frame, Cushions, Fabric

Let’s cut through the marketing and look at what’s actually inside the furniture.

If you’re buying a sofa you’ll sit on daily, Ashley’s higher-density foam and reinforced frames mean less sagging after two years. Rooms To Go’s cheaper models can start to flatten out in 6-12 months. I’ve seen customers come back with sagging couches they bought on sale-only to realize they paid twice as much in replacements.

Delivery and Service: Who Actually Shows Up?

Ashley uses its own delivery network in most major markets. Drivers are trained, trucks are clean, and they bring furniture into your home-no curbside drop-offs. If something arrives damaged, they replace it within 7 days.

Rooms To Go relies on third-party carriers. You’ll often get a text saying your sofa is being delivered “within a 4-hour window.” That window could mean 8 a.m. or 1 p.m. No tracking. No call ahead. I once had a customer who waited four hours for a delivery that never came. They had to call back twice before the driver showed up.

Customer service is another split. Ashley has a dedicated support line and live chat with real reps who can escalate issues. Rooms To Go’s support is mostly automated. Chatbots, email forms, and long hold times are common. If you need help with a warranty claim, Ashley gets it done. Rooms To Go? You might need to call 10 times.

Who Should Choose Ashley?

• You want furniture that lasts 10+ years
• You’re willing to pay a little more upfront to avoid replacement costs
• You value consistent quality and strong warranties
• You don’t need to finance-cash or a low-interest card works
• You live in a city with an Ashley store (delivery is faster and more reliable)

Ashley is ideal for families, pet owners, or anyone who plans to stay in their home long-term. It’s not flashy, but it’s built to outlast trends.

Who Should Choose Rooms To Go?

• You need furniture fast and can’t wait for delivery
• You’re furnishing a rental, dorm, or temporary space
• You’re on a tight budget and need financing
• You’re okay with replacing items every 3-5 years
• You love sales and can wait for holiday deals

Rooms To Go works best for renters, students, or people moving frequently. It’s not about quality-it’s about getting a full living room set for $800 with no money down. Just know: you’re buying temporary.

Real-World Example: A 3-Piece Living Room Set

Let’s say you want a sofa, loveseat, and recliner. Here’s what you’d get:

• Ashley: $2,100 for a 90” sectional with solid hardwood frame, 2.3 lb foam, and stain-resistant microfiber. Delivery in 7-10 days. Warranty: 5 years on frame.
• Rooms To Go: $1,400 for a similar-looking set, but with MDF frame, 1.7 lb foam, and basic polyester. Delivery in 14-21 days. Warranty: 1 year.

After three years, the Ashley set still looks new. The Rooms To Go set has noticeable sagging and fading. The price difference? $700. But the Ashley set cost you $300 less per year over its lifespan.

Final Verdict: It’s Not About Price-It’s About Value

Ashley isn’t cheaper. Rooms To Go isn’t more stylish. But Ashley gives you durability. Rooms To Go gives you flexibility.

If you’re furnishing your forever home, go with Ashley. You’ll thank yourself in five years.

If you’re renting, moving soon, or just need something temporary, Rooms To Go gets the job done-for now.

There’s no "better" brand. There’s only the right choice for your situation. Don’t let a sale blind you. Look at the frame. Feel the cushion. Read the warranty. That’s how you avoid buyer’s remorse.