Things You Should Never Buy At Pottery Barn, According To Reviews

Splurging on a piece of furniture can be rewarding, but it's important to make sure the quality is up to par. Pottery Barn has been around for over 70 years, touting themselves as a representation of exceptional quality. Currently under the William Sonoma umbrella, there is a certain level of expectation that comes with the Pottery Barn brand. However, without product reviews on their website, it can be difficult to decide whether a piece is worth the price.

Because the internet has other avenues for customers to discuss their experiences with certain companies, reviews from Pottery Barn can be uncovered if you know where to look. Although some products are highly rated and retain their reputation, others fail to live up to the Pottery Barn name. If you're thinking of adding a Pottery Barn piece to your home, it's important to make sure it doesn't fall under one of their most problematic categories. We've scoured the web and gathered up the kinds of products that you should never buy at Pottery Barn, according to customers just like you.

Leather products often come with a hefty price tag. One of the major benefits of leather furniture is the (presumable) durability. A high-quality leather chair or sofa should last for countless years to come. Although patina is normal over time, major flaws and discoloration are not expected. 

However, several Pottery Barn customers have serious complaints about the quality of the leather. Common criticisms include the lack of dye consistency and discoloration. One Trustpilot user wrote, "The chairs are leather and 2 of them have whiteish marks all over the seat." A ConsumerAffairs user also griped, "The leather's dye does not penetrate below the surface". The resilience of the leather has also come into question, with additional reviews like this Trustpilot user claiming, "I called customer service and they stated the shipper inspected the boxed item and the leather was torn."

If quality leather is your priority, there are superior alternatives to Pottery Barn. One of the most cost-effective options is to source the piece secondhand. Vintage leather pieces tend to be of higher quality than mass-manufactured, modern furniture. Look for full-grain leather for maximum durability. You can fix scratches on leather furniture or hire a pro to refinish a quality piece that's a bit worn. You can also buy patches like this highly rated ONine Self-Adhesive Leather Repair Tape if you find a great piece with a subtle flaw.

Outdoor dining tables should be able to withstand some wear and tear without their overall appearance suffering significantly. However, Pottery Barn's solid wood outdoor tables have notable issues regarding warping. There are multiple reviews about this, including one Trustpilot user who said, "Purchased a very expensive outdoor table which warped after one season." Another customer also explained on Trustpilot, "Last week, when we went to uncover it and put it back outside the wood of the extension piece was warped." Several other customers have complained that they purchased outdoor sets that disappointingly cracked and shed paint.

Many of Pottery Barn's outdoor tables have large eucalyptus or acacia wood components. Both of these are prone to warping with a lot of exposure to moisture. On the other hand, cedar is known for its stability and resistance to warping, and there are tons of furniture options on the market. However, if you're looking for top-notch durability, consider a composite wood-look option. For example, Serwall's Outdoor Dining Set is made of weather-resistant high-density polyethylene but has a similar earthy look and texture as wood. No matter what material you choose, stick with a reliable outdoor furniture brand with a strong reputation and product warranty.

Beyond complaints about materials, some customers have grievances with Pottery Barn's delivery. While they claim to offer white glove delivery service, certain buyers felt cheated by the sloppy outcome. These criticisms were largely in reference to bed frames, a furniture piece that should be reliable and secure. One Trustpilot user said, "We purchased over 5k of bedroom furniture (bed frame, nightstands) and they came to put everything together and we noticed missing screws and fasteners along with bent metal pcs after they completed." An additional review stated that the screws that were in place were not tightened down. Another review noted that the bed was missing a major piece, making it impossible for the delivery team to even attempt putting it together. And an unhappy Consumer Affairs user posted, "White glove delivery, what a joke. The bed was installed and completely unstable."

When retailers don't allow you to hire your own installers, it can put you in a tricky position. So, upon delivery of furniture from Pottery Barn (or any other source) always make sure that all parts are present and that the piece is completely secure before the installers leave your home. If you'd rather shop for pieces with more delivery options, ones like this Rustic Solid Wood Bed Frame can give you a similar vibe. Then, you can assemble it yourself or rely on a highly-reviewed TaskRabbit tasker to get the job done right. 

Pottery Barn often uses Belgian flax linen, which they claim "get softer with every wash." However, many customers argue that the material isn't as luxurious as they make it sound. In fact, the deterioration can be rapid and seemingly unstoppable. One major issue is the holes that develop after washing. A customer wrote on Trustpilot, "We have only been using the sheets for about 4 months, and the fitted sheet already has worn holes in it." A commenter on ConsumerAffairs agreed, saying, "I have bought two of their Belgian Flax Linen fitted sheets over the last 2 years, and each time they only last a year before getting a hole in them." Another user noted the filling started to peak through the comforter. Pilling is another recurring theme, as a comment on Trustpilot explains, "The pieces pilled terribly — I mean there are PILLS all over and some stuffing coming through the pill holes in the fabric." 

The problems with the Belgian flax linen products are evidently vast, which means looking for linen elsewhere is ideal. There are several things to look for when shopping for quality linen. First, you can check the weight of the linen. Heavyweight linen means greater durability and 200-300 gsm is ideal for home textiles. Reviews can also be good telltale signs of how a set of sheets will age. Look specifically for comments from long-term owners or repeat, satisfied buyers. For other important tips, discover whether linen shrinks in the dryer and other important care information to know.

Imitation fur can always be risky, but avid fans of Pottery Barn felt comfortable trusting the quality of textiles with a fuzzy finish. Unfortunately, many buyers were disappointed. One of these customers explained on Trustpilot that they ordered a cover and bean bag chair, only to be left with a frustrating mess from the shedding. A similar Trustpilot review explained, "I received the products today and when I was holding up and checking the covers, all the synthetic material were stuck onto my sweater. I need to vacuum them off." An additional notable issue is the fact that the fur is prone to matting. Even with minimal usage and heightened care, the matting was unavoidable, according to another frustrated review.

To help remedy this, you can also use a soft-bristled brush on the surface of your synthetic fur furniture to reduce the amount of loose fibers. However, if you're looking for soft alternatives that won't shed, there are a few options to consider. Fleece or velvet pillows have a similar plush feel without the shedding risk. Genuine sheepskin is an option that will have longevity and minimal shedding. However, if you prefer a non-fur option due to ethical reasons, the Ghouse Fluffy Fur Rug is a non-shedding option that emulates the super-soft sheepskin feel. And for fur-like blankets to add cozy charm to your space, look for low-maintenance materials like sherpa.

Recliners are another piece that commands a high cost, which means structural integrity is paramount. However, there are many Pottery Barn buyers who did not think that the recliners were worth the money. For example, one Trustpilot commenter said that they wished they could give them zero stars. Part of the review read, "We paid over 2 grand for a recliner and it didn't last 9 months due to a manufacturer defect." Another Trustpilot reviewer wrote something similar, explaining, "I ordered 2 PB Comfort Power Glide recliners in February 2023. They were delivered in June. By July, one of the chairs did not work." A third customer said that their recliner lasted less than three years, and a fourth said that theirs only lasted six months.

Because recliners have a mechanical element, there is a higher chance that they'll break over time and with frequent usage. You don't want to get stuck in a situation where a piece appears high-quality until it breaks down less than a year later. A quality recliner should last between 7 and 20 years. And there's one thing you can do to prevent disappointment when purchasing one: look for a solid warranty! A few brands that offer reliable warranties include La-Z-Boy and Stressless. 

Wool should be a reliable material, but Pottery Barn has more than a few complaints about their wool area rugs. Two customers found themselves with the same issues, both complaining on Trustpilot. The first wrote, "Purchased two wool rugs, approximately $1600, the rugs were walked on for less than two months by my wife and me, and the threads are unraveling." The second reviewer replied: "Wow, I just read the review before me and we have the EXACT same issue. Bought two very expensive wool rugs from them and they constantly snag in a home with 2 adults where they rarely get walked on." Another ConsumerAffairs commenter said that they took their wool rug back after it suffered from "tufts of loose fabric all over."

When choosing a rug online or in-store, always check return policies and whether a company will stand by its product by offering a warranty. Reviews from previous buyers can also give you a reliable peek into the quality. In-person, you can get a feel for the rug's quality by checking the front and back for a tight weave and high density. Use your fingers to firmly rub the surface (or walk on it if the retailer allows) to see if shedding will likely be a problem.

Pottery Barn offers monogrammed items, which may seem like a perfect gift option. For the extra cost, buyers should be able to rely on the finished product looking presentable. However, one buyer on Trustpilot revealed the truth, saying, "The letters were not even, they were not centered, the stitching is falling apart, the whole entire chair is lopsided, we are speechless." Another customer also shared similar thoughts on Trustpilot, saying, "On Nov 6, I ordered two monogrammed Christmas stockings for twin grandchildren. One arrived, but the monogram was sewn crooked." Another review on Trustpilot accused Pottery Barn of not living up to their name: "I ordered monogrammed towels from Pottery Barn expecting high quality. Instead, it looked like a child did the monogram, and the towel quality was worse than Kmart." Reviews on ConsumerAffairs also mentioned that the monogramming looked childlike and unprofessional. The biggest issue to be wary of? Monogrammed items aren't returnable!

If you want the custom look of a monogrammed piece, try a small business on Etsy that can adjust the font and thread according to your vision — likely for a fraction of the cost. Even if you'd like a monogrammed Pottery Barn item, your best bet may be to order it blank. Then, take it to a well-reviewed embroidery shop in your area to have it customized. Because you're dealing with a small business face-to-face, they may be more likely to guarantee their results or work with you if any problems arise.