My Full Hands-On Review: Why Medley Furniture is Worth Every Penny
As someone who just went through the process of selecting and ordering multiple pieces from sustainable furniture brand Medley, I wanted to provide an in-depth review of my experience for others considering this investment.
I ultimately ordered over $15k in Medley furniture including a sectional, dining table and media center. I couldn‘t be happier with my purchases, although it did represent a major investment.
In this review, I‘ll share insights from my personal experience over the past 6 months to help you determine if splurging on Medley‘s locally-made designs aligns with your style, values and budget.
Why I Chose Medley
As my husband and I began conceptualizing our dream home, quality and sustainability were big deciding factors in furnishings. I discovered Medley by chance while searching for sectionals and realized their ethos fully aligned with ours:
Locally Handmade: As a ceramicist who sells her own work, I love supporting local artisans. All Medley pieces are meticulously crafted by hand in their LA workshop.
Ethically Sourced Materials: Medley uses FSC-certified woods from responsibly managed forests as well as organic cottons and latex.
Customizable + Recyclable: We could select perfect dimensions, finishes and fabrics while minimizing waste. Plus all pieces are recyclable.
Timeless Aesthetic: I wanted furniture transending trends. Medley‘s silhouettes balance contemporary and midcentury influences for a refined yet relaxed style.
Beyond sustainability, Medley‘s furniture also prioritizes ultimate comfort through ergonomic designs and premium cushioning. This quality craftsmanship comes at a cost – but for me, pieces made consciously that will endure for over a decade represent a worthwhile investment.
So while certainly a splurge, I knew Medley‘s offerings would stand the test of time while making our values manifest in our new home.
Ordering My Medley Pieces
I ordered the following Medley pieces for my new home:
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Rio Sectional: Their #1 bestselling sectional, customized to fit our living room perfectly. We selected compact dimensions along with performance velvet upholstery in navy blue.
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Prado Dining Table: Their widest table offering at 111", finished in warm acacia wood to seat 10 people comfortably. Absolutely gorgeous.
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Bran Media Console: This 76” media console provides concealed storage for all our AV equipment behind striking vertical wood slat doors. We enhanced with warm walnut finish and solid maple top.
The process was smooth and whitespace delivery meant everything arrived in perfect condition ready for our living room and dining room.
While pieces range anywhere from $1k for a chair up to over $10k for sectionals, given their ethical production and enduring quality, I found Medley‘s prices justifiable and fair. Their team also provided guidance to ensure I selected perfect pieces for my home that I‘d enjoy for many years.
Now having lived with multiple Medley investments for over 3 months, I couldn‘t be happier with my decision.
My Hands-On Medley Reviews
Here is an in-depth, hands-on review of each Medley signature piece along with insights other Medley owners have shared:
Medley Rio Sectional Review
Without a doubt, Medley‘s Rio Sectional is their strongest offering. As their #1 top selling piece, I had high expectations and the Rio delivered sensationally on every level.
Quality & Durability
With its kiln-dried hardwood frame and no-sag sinuous springs, this sectional achieves that "perfect balance between support and comfort" as one reviewer said. Everything from the cushion density to the velvet performance fabric exudes quality craftsmanship made to endure decades of everyday use.
I‘ve lounged, napped, entertained and then some over the past months and the Rio looks and feels brand new. No cushions losing shape or fabric pilling in sight.
Customization
I was able to customize the Rio’s dimensions to fit my living room footprint exactly. With dozens of textile options too, you can select perfect shades to integrate into your existing space.
We went with Compact Dimensions:
94”W x 62"D x 28"H
Upholstery: Navy Velvet Performance Fabric
Comfort
While supportive and ergonomic, make no mistake – the Rio Sectional is supremely comfortable thanks to its premium cushions. The seat cushions strike an ideal density balance where you slowly sink into plush comfort without feeling swallowed.
Meanwhile the back cushions offer full body contouring whether you‘re working or napping. The velvet upholstery adds extra coziness too. I may have dozed off more times than I can count!
What Other Rio Sectional Owners Say:
"We customized the fabric and dimensions – it’s perfect! Everyone who visits says how gorgeous, high quality and comfortable it is. 100% worth the investment.”
“I didn’t realize a couch could be so comfortable! The cushions are supportive yet soft. The performance velvet looks brand new after months of kids and pets using it.”
Clearly the customizable Rio Sectional leaves Medley owners over the moon thanks to its unparalleled quality, comfort and durability. It was the crown jewel ensuring our Medley investments collectively delivered.
Medley Prado Dining Table Review
As the centerpiece of my new dining room, I knew a table had to check all the boxes – beautiful yet durable for daily use, comfortably seating 10+ people while matching my existing decor.
The Prado Dining Table fulfilled my wishlist flawlessly. Its smoothly sculpted edges provide a soft, organic feel while the sheer size securely seats my largest dinner parties.
We finished the solid acacia wood base in a rich walnut that perfectly compliments our midcentury dining chairs. Needless to say, this table has me looking forward to hosting holiday dinners again!
Quality & Durability
From the expert joinery to smooth sanded edges, exceptional craftsmanship shines through in this 75 lb dining table. The solid acacia wood shows beautiful, naturally occurring grain patterns that will only improve with age. It arriived without a single blemish or scratch.
Despite heavy use with consecutive dinner parties, the thick stable wood base and durable finish have maintained the Prado‘s beauty and structural integrity with no wear and tear in sight.
Design
Beyond using premium solid woods, Medley also nails the design details from the gently curved table edges to tapered legs providing visual lightness. The walnut finish adds warmth that flatters any dining decor.
At 111” long and 47” wide, the Prado comfortably seats large parties without crowded elbows. The 30” height is also perfect for dining in most chair styles.
What Other Prado Dining Table Owners Say
"The entire experience with Medley was phenomenal. The table is obviously the showstopper when you enter our home – we are thrilled."
"We were deciding between custom table makers but ultimately Medley provided better quality and service for less. The table arrived flawlessly and looks incredible."
Much like my experience, the Prado Table delights owners with its combination of superb quality, beautiful design and perfect sizing for effortless everyday use and entertaining. It makes for a welcome focal point rather than just utilitarian dining furniture.
Medley Bran Media Console Review
Since our living room lacked sufficient storage, I wanted an expandable media console accommodating all our components and accessories while anchoring the room.
The Bran Media Console delivered on every front with its adjustable shelves, hidden cord management and abundant consolidated storage. The solid wood doors add beautiful contrast in the room too.
We customized the Bran console with walnut finish and maple top – I smile each time I look at the organic wood patterns Medley captured.
Quality & Durability
As expected with Medley, superb craftsmanship and quality materials shine through. The cabinet arrived precisely measured to the 1⁄4” with fully finished interiors and flawless closing drawers. The solid maple butcher block top feels heavy and durable enough to last decades.
Despite stuffing the Bran console full, it shows no signs of structural stress. Drawer glides open and close smoothly while the adjustable shelves make smart use of vertical space without clutter.
Storage & Functionality
The Bran console provides abundant storage space for media components without feeling bulky. The 6 central drawers hide DVD players and game consoles while adjustable shelves store 100+ movies. Side compartments consolidate accessories from controllers to headphones.
I especially appreciate the built-in cord management holes and pathways to minimize wires. The Bran feels so thoughtfully designed to effortlessly accommodate modern media needs for years to come.
What Other Bran Console Owners Say:
"We‘ve crammed games, 100+ DVDs and accessories in here and it handles the weight perfectly. Saves a huge amount of visual clutter while looking great."
"Assembly was quick – everything fit together flawlessly. It looks incredible in our midcentury living room thanks to the adjustable leg height and wood finish options."
Overall the expertly built Bran console provides optimized storage with adjustable organization to neatly consolidate media components for years of seamless use.
See Medley‘s Full Catalog
Browse More Signature Medley Pieces →
Key Takeaways From My Medley Investment
Having now used multiple high-ticket Medley pieces for over 3 months, I can wholeheartedly say this investment was well worth it in every regard. Here are my key reflections:
Unsurpassed Quality
From the impeccable craftsmanship to premium materials selected, Medley‘s quality shines through across their catalog. Their pieces not only look beautiful but are clearly built to endure generations of use while maintaining structural integrity and aesthetic.
They Exceeded My Expectations
I had high hopes given Medley‘s reputation and premium pricing. Yet they still managed to surpass my expectations when it came to quality, customization and overall ordering experience. Their team provides guidance every step ensuring you invest in pieces perfect for your lifestyle.
Medley Aligns With My Values
As someone who cares deeply about sustainability and ethically made goods, Medley allowed me to stand firmly behind my purchase decisions. The peace of mind knowing my furniture was crafted locally with fair labor practices matters deeply.
It Was Worth Every Penny
While certainly a financial investment, I haven‘t second guessed my decision once. Medley‘s offerings will aesthetically anchor my home for 10+ years while avoiding disposable fast furniture. So for me, it represented value for money in spades.
My Guests Are Also Wowed
From my Rio sectional to dining table, every single guest who‘s seen my Medley furniture in person has been stunned by the quality. They can see and feel firsthand what sets Medley apart. I smile knowing this is just the beginning of the joy these pieces will spark.
So in summary – as a discerning customer with high standards for quality, ethics and sustainability – Medley delivered a 10/10 experience that was worth every hard-earned penny.
Should You Invest in Medley?
At the end of the day, while not inexpensive, I wholeheartedly believe Medley offers exceptional value furniture that will endure and spark joy for generations.
For consumers who prioritize quality craftsmanship, comfort, aesthetic longevity and sustainable production – Medley checks every box.
Yes, their products range from $1,000 to over $10,000. But keep in mind each piece is meticulously handmade to order in the USA from premium materials. Additionally, the customization minimizes overproduction and waste significantly compared to mass manufacturers.
So while certainly a financial investment, you secure furniture intentionally designed to last decades, avoid disposability and honor skilled artisans. For conscious consumers like myself, those factors make Medley worth every penny.
Ready to Discover Medley?
I hope this firsthand review has provided you valuable insights into whether investing in Medley is the right decision for your home and values.
To browse Medley‘s complete line of sustainably handcrafted furniture, visit:
See Medley‘s Catalog →
From sectionals and sofas to dining sets, storage pieces, beds and more, I‘m confident you‘ll be wowed by their offerings like I was.
Medley also offers complimentary swatch samples if you wish to see their fabric and wood options in person. Their team is also happy to advise as you assess pieces for your lifestyle and space.
Please feel free to reach out with any other questions about my experience too! Investing in quality furniture made to last is a big decision – but one I‘m confident you won‘t regret going with Medley.
