Direct-to-consumer (or DTC) has been a huge buzzword in recent years—and the home design biz is certainly no exception. What is direct to consumer, exactly? By cutting out the middleman and offering products directly to the shopper (and usually exclusively online, with no physical retail footprint) these brands can usually offer a higher quality item at more affordable prices. As a bonus, shoppers get original designs and more unique pieces than you can find in your standard big-box retailer. Plus, these brands often offer incentives like free shipping and easy returns to make the online-only furniture buying format more convenient. Ready to explore the world of direct-to-consumer furniture for your own home? Here are five under-the-radar direct-to-consumer brands to check out:
Designed in Northern California, Inside Weather offers customizable furniture that combines modern style with functionality and high-quality materials. Their modular and super-customizable pieces give a bespoke look for way less. And the collection caters to every room in the house, including everything from sofas to dining tables. One seriously chic favorite: This multi-textured armchair combines powder-coated steel alongside natural wood and a padded upholstered seat for comfort.
Created by a family who self-identifies as design obsessed, this brand focuses on a midcentury modern aesthetic with touches of contemporary modern and Scandinavian influences (plus the occasional reproduction of MCM original designs). We love the luxe combinations of rich wood and leather—the brand sources its wood from Australia and its leather from an Italian tannery—such as in this slatted bench and handsome walnut-trimmed leather sofa.
Inspired by the West Coast and Scandi design, Sundays offers up thoughtfully crafted furniture and decor using natural materials and a calming color palette to create a modern-meets-timeless aesthetic. From cozy sofas to minimalist accessories, the vibe is relaxed and stylish—like this square coffee table, which relies on gorgeous walnut and a simple but impactful shape.
This Stockholm-based, design-forward brand offers modern, clean designs—but with a healthy dose of playfulness, as seen in this sculptural, pastel lilac Slurp stool and the iconic Puffy chair, which combines plump, pillow-like draping on a tubular frame. Snag a piece from this brand when you want something that feels totally fresh but gives your space that effortless cool.
Medley is dedicated to producing eco-friendly furniture that doesn’t compromise style or quality. Their collection offers modern sofas and furniture crafted from sustainable materials, including sustainably sourced alderwood, maple, and walnut, plus organic natural fibers, plant-based latex foam fillings, and nontoxic finishes. Want a stylish sofa that looks great and lasts? Check out Medley’s latex and wool sofas, like this midcentury modern inspired version designed with clean lines (and a clean environmental footprint, too). And the eco-friendly finds don’t stop at sofas—the brand also offers an array of other furniture designs, such as solid hardwood pieces like nightstands.
