Design Within Reach

Hmmm. I am not sure how many stars i should give for this showroom. I have had mixed experiences ranging from awesome to What The Heck?! But, i will try to be fair. 8 out of 10… The experience is usually okay. I often buy stuffs from DWR both Costa Mesa, Pasadena, and Hollywood one.
Lets talk about the good stuffs first:
The showroom is huge and have more items in the store that you can examine closely. Props for that!
During the pleasant time, service is rather courteous. They are very accommodating and helpful with your questions. They say hi to you at first and don’t hover around you making you feel uncomfortable. Transactions are easy peasy and quick.
Now the bad stuffs:
Pricing is steep. Why do i say steep? It’s because you can actually get the exact same item (and i mean authentic licensed item –not replicas) from local smaller stores around los angeles for usually 20% less (and unlike DWR, a lot of them throw in free shipping too). In fact, nowadays, i shopped only floor samples at dwr. Since that is the only time DWR actually can be competitive with other stores.
Now, onward to the rather unpleasant experience i have (drum roll please…):
Honest to God,
depending on how i dress when i get into the store, i would get free water and a bit more friendly faces.
So, when i want them not to bug me, i wear shirt, short, and sandals.
When i want them to take me seriously, i wear long pants, a tie, and a fancy shirt.
But, to be fair, DWR costa mesa is NOT the only DWR that does that. In fact, almost all DWR does that selective service.
Last time i went there, i dressed rather fancy because afterward i am going to be on a date with my wife to a broadway musical in costa mesa. That is the FIRST time, i got a friendly hi from the south east asian looking man (whom i believe is the store manager). He usually just worked at his station rather grumpily. And, avoid any eye contact with me. This time he smiled brightly and say «good evening» to me. I guess i got points for my fashion choice that day. Or maybe he has better day that day. I am not offended though, since i could not careless about how others view me. But, again, some people might. So, store manager, please smile more. You looked nice when you smile ;)

Should be called Design Without Reach. Super expensive. Service OK. Similar merchandise can be found elsewhere for a better price.

Excellent service, great selection of classic designs. Still a bit pricey but so much better than the cheap knock offs out there. Very comfortable beautiful furniture. If I actually had the money to throw around I would buy two chairs that would cost a total of 11k.

I know their products inside and out. And I will say this is the best incarnation of the DWR retail experience. Alfonso treated me graciously, almost as a personal shopper – with lots of knowledge and a pleasant demeanor.
Just wish they displayed more of the complete Eames Collection, since this location is GIGANTIC!
In any case – a great place I hope stays here for the long run.

Frankly, I don’t understand the high ratings here. Everything is overpriced. A bathroom trash can cost over $ 200. Really? The furniture appeared to be cheap and look like it will break sooner rather than later. All the reviewers call it modern furniture. I instead call it plain. With the prices here, you can get much higher quality for less elsewhere.

Design Within Reach is our favorite destination to source authentic modern design and we are so happy to live near one of the largest studios in the country.
We value the undivided attention we receive when we stop by. Curtis has assisted us with a number of client & personal purchases, makes sure we understand what all of our options are and keeps us informed and updated all the way through to the delivery process.
It’s one of the few places we stop by if we are in the area, even if we don’t need anything. The history and evolution of the product is so rich with design history that we look forward to stopping in to chat with Curtis and to learn about what’s new.
In a world where online shopping reigns, it’s worth it to shop in person at DWR for their customer service, the value of seeing and touching the product in person and the myriad of custom choices you have while shopping in the studios. Kudos to Curtis and his team for creating a great design experience.

We love DWR and have been shopping here for years. We started visiting the So Cal store after we moved back down from the Bay Area and we were fortunate enough to meet Tyler. Everyone in the store has always been extra helpful but Tyler has been instrumental in helping us get settled into our new home, especially since he was mindful of our having newborn twins.
I wish we had an empty house so we could have Tyler help us fill it from scratch. At least we were able to get a lot of new items for the new house. We love it all and we love Tyler!

I love DWR. Not being independently wealthy, I can’t afford to shop there very often. I wanted to take advantage of the Knoll sale, and Mikaela was extremely friendly and inviting, and also careful to back off and just let us browse until we had questions.
The layout of the store is open and everything is merchandized beautifully. All staff we passed were extremely friendly and encouraged us to play around with the (expensive) products.
Mikaela helped us with our purchase and made the experience totally simple and pleasant. I will definitely be back to visit.

I was out browsing the shops at SOCO after a nice charcuterie and cheese platter at Serfas, and ended up here. If you are a fan of mid century modern furniture, this is really a must see kind of place. Kind of a Herman Miller museum of sorts, all of it new. I plopped into an Eames lounge chair just for fun, and sat in disbelief at the comfort. I used to have one of these, an old one, but not the original Eames, and loved that chair. This one was literally a hundred times more comfortable. My God I wanted this, so I checked the sticker. It was the first item that I actually checked the price on. It was somewhere between six and seven thousand dollars. Funny, thinking that the original chair, made of plywood, was meant to be affordable, functional furniture for the masses. I continued to sit for several minutes, as that was the only way I could enjoy this chair, as it would be a highly unlikely situation where it would ever end up in my living room.
A friendly sales person came up and started asking questions about how I liked the chair. I expressed my opinion, perhaps a bit exuberantly, and got up and made my way to some other furniture, and my goal of finding the right sectional. I found it, and pretty quickly. Right in the front of the store sat a white leather sectional. I was a close clone to the couch I was meaning to replace, so I made the mistake, again, of sitting down to test it out. Looks here were terribly deceiving. This was way, way more comfortable than it looked. Again, I had a hard time getting up, just wanting someone to bring me a TV and some snacks. Our sales person eventually gave up on us and moved on, stating with a forced smile that we were free to enjoy the couch, and offered to bring us information on it. We politely declined, after seeing the tag. Whew. $ 14,000 and change. At that price they would surely throw in a nacho cheese fountain…
This place has some really nice stuff, and a staff that isn’t too pushy. Browse for fun, unless you have quite a bit more cash or credit than the average bear, in which case by all means spend away. I can’t imagine not being satisfied with the furniture here. Just keep in mind that when they say «Design within reach» they mean that you can actually «reach» the furniture from a standard height, or slight horizontal extension.

— Locale Destination —
It’s on Hyland Ave and 405 freeway in Costa Mesa.
It’s in SoCo — shopping mall that mainly has furniture stores and some restaurants and shops. Very hippy and «OC» shopping mall. It’s located right by the entrance of this mall. The shop is big and spacious. A lot bigger than the one in Santa Monica. White, simple and sleek design. The staff offers you a bottle water once you get in. Plenty of parking.
Style: Over the top Italian modern, sleek and minimalism design — the lines were always super clean. That was my old impression about this place. But I feel like they got more «approachable» lately. It’s still VERY expensive compared to others, but I feel it used to be much more like «you wouldn’t see anything under $ 3k» and «the stuff you only see at fancy restaurants or houses with minimalist design». Now they added more «mid-​century» inspired, «organic» flare furniture throughout the store. They are still sleek and modern, but not so much of classy meaning of «minimalism» anymore. They look much more playful and approachable than it used to be. The pricing got more approachable, too.
Price: It’s still very expensive. But good furniture is never cheap. FYI: The literal definition of «Design within reach» — within reach to the people who have an abundant disposal income. They never meant to be targeted to people who enjoy «ikea». I tell you the truth — lol. But I feel they have much more affordable pricing than before (I love furniture and architectures. I check out those a lot to get inspired by designs and colors). You can get the same stuff easily online now with a little cheaper price tag. But remember, the shipping for furniture costs a lot. It could be cheaper to buy it at the spot. It’s good to get in touch with sales associates. Furniture is very expensive and long term investment/​commitment. Take your time and use available resources — my 2 cents.
Varieties: Mainly tables, chairs, shelves, lighting, and beds. Not so much of accent pieces.
«Trial section»: In the middle of store, they have several colored & textured tables and chairs. If you wanna try mix&match or unified look, you can try it here! Dark brown table with white or light brown chairs — How do they look? It’s pretty cool you can play around before you purchase them. I like simplicity in general, but could enjoy being playful by «miss & match». This is a great section that other places won’t offer.
— Conqueror’s Deduction —
You see their furniture everywhere — restaurants, furniture/​design magazines etc.
I do like «modern» design in general, so I think this is a good start to look around for your furniture hunting. Once you see here, the price would be most likely going down a little bit ;p This place is very expensive but got a great taste for modern design lovers like me. I think more classy Victorian type design is much more expensive than modern design in general. Why not you like?

Design Within Reach is a great place for furniture shopping, although the title is a bit deceiving.
I have recently found myself attracted to modern design, at least by judging my more recent furniture purchases, which lead me to Design Within Reach while looking for a pair of Herman Miller Eames Lounge Chairs for my loft. I was very judicious in my decision making and the process took me over three months as I looked at the pair of loungers as a major purchase, I wanted to love these chairs for life. After asking some leading questions on my first visit, I found that Herman Miller offers two sale periods per year and a sales associate promised to call me just before the sale began, which would save me literally thousands.
Come time of the sale, a Design Within Reach representative called as promised to inform me that they were accepting preorders and I arranged a time to again visit their massive 20,000 plus square foot facility. By this time I knew precisely what I wanted so the actual sale was basically a slam dunk. Within a week both chairs arrived via while glove service to my home and I have enjoyed the Eames Lounge Chairs ever since. In fact, I am as happy today as the first time I sat in these works of art. I am completely satisfied with both the service and product.
Off topic, one thing I must admit is that the name is a bit curious only because «Within Reach» is clearly relative to what you have to spend. You could drop fifty racks in this warehouse furnishing a single room with no problem. Not that the quality does not warrant the cost of ownership, it is just «Within Reach» almost screams «value priced furniture» liquidators and DWR is anything BUT that.
Title aside, I have no question in my mind that I will return to Design Within Reach as soon as I set my sights on updating my upstairs loft couch with the Eames two seat sofa thanks to their highly professional staff.

I have to write this on behalf of my aunt whom I both live with and accompanied with when we visited this location. My wallet isn’t deep enough (yet) to shop for myself but luckily I got to put my two cents in for my aunt who was furnishing a vacation home in upstate New York.
I have to admit at first when you enter it could feel like entering into a museum but heck, I learned that some of this stuff is in museums! They give you water which is a nice touch, and the gentleman who’s name escapes me but if anyone frequents the store I’m sure you would recognize him by his «colorful» clothing.
He then introduced us to Tyler who once he was done with whomever he was helping prior gave us great undivided attention. My aunt always jokes around about being treated like Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman, being prejudged but Tyler definitely was welcoming, knowledgable and not for a second did we feel that he didn’t think we had the money to buy their furniture. (she ended up spending upwards of 12K)
The main reason I’m writing this review is because just recently catching up with my aunt she showed up the communication AFTER we left their store between Tyler and herself. Now I know they are salespeople and making money but who emails for two weeks back and forth answering questions and sends over computerized images of what the furniture will look like in her home (and MULTIPLE options) AND follows up with a thank you card?
True customer service is something that is awfully hard to find these days and for that for myself and especially on behalf of Alexandra, we both thank Design Within Reach and especially Tyler. Definitely will be back once my budget allows me to move beyond hand me downs!

I have to start by saying I am a perfectionist. When it comes to furnishing my two homes and offices, I am fantastically particular. I met Houra Kahni about a year ago at the Costa Mesa DWR. She was immediately engaging and helpful. We had done some research online so we knew roughly what we wanted but she spent quite a bit of time showing us options and variations to what we had «thought» we wanted. With her help, we were able to completely refine our choices. She helped us meticulously furnish a living room and dining room for our downtown highrise condo.
The order was perfect with the exception of one major challenge that I imposed — I needed everything ASAP. We were planning a large holiday gathering. She worked tirelessly to get everything to us in time. But one problem. Our 96″ marble table top arrive cracked. She looked to find local marble manufacturers who could turn around a massive table top in 48 hours. Nothing was available. Instead, she shipped the floor model to my home at no cost to make my holiday dinner a success. Who goes to that level of customer service anymore?
Earlier this year, we purchased additional furniture and just now, we re-​did two complete bedrooms. She arranged overnight shipping for half the order so that their «white glove» service staff could assemble all pieces. Everything worked like clockwork, something that rarely happens in construction and furniture purchase/​installation.
We’re going back up again tomorrow as she arranged a purchase from DWR’s eBay site for a Barcelona stool and other items.
She keeps us posted on items we like when they go on sale. She answers my emails when I just have random questions about furniture and what might go well with what we’ve purchased in the past — even when the pieces I’m interested in aren’t from DWR.
Houra Khani is amazing. Make sure you ask for her. I’ve been shopping at DWR since it opened some 15+ years ago. She is the best representative I have ever had the pleasure of working with.

Pretty darn expensive! $ 15,000 for a leather couch. Nice design and quality. The sales women look down on you. Offer no help but pretty nice design furniture.

I will never purchase anything from them again. They have an awful return policy and their items are EXTREMELY over priced.
First off dont even bother coming here. They do not carry any items in store. Anything you want will be shipped to you so just purchase off their website, though I recommend not to purchase anything from them. Secondly their merchandise is very cheap. I purchased a $ 400 pendant lamp and it came with the worse installation hardware I have ever seen. This $ 400 lamp was probably worth $ 5 of material. Talk about a markup and profits! For $ 400 I was expecting something that was sturdy and at least came with some installation instructions. They highly recommended hiring an electrician to install the lamp. I’m more then capable to install a light as I’ve installed everything else in my house, including a heavier and more complex lamp.
I think what really turned me off is the customer experience. I felt completely ripped off when I received this light and the cheap quality of it. Yeah, I saw it hanging in their showroom but seeing something hanging from the ceiling doesnt really allow you to see the quality up close. and had I know the cheap and complex hardware that was included to mount this light I would have never purchased it. Shame on me for coming here and my lesson has now been learned.

This is an update to the same order we placed back in mid November. Interestingly enough once I wrote my first review, they called me the following day to schedule a delivery. Can’t complain about that.
My fellow designer that placed this entire order had both our numbers on the paperwork since one chair was going to my client. It has been 2 months since I’ve been receiving calls from DWR’s delivery service trying to deliver stuff to my client. I spoke to them a few times and told them that my portion of the order was completed and that they needed to contact the other designer for her client’s delivery address.
I even had the other designer call them and remove me from their delivery contact…
It is really upsetting that people can’t get this simple task done. I was patient through the entire month of Dec. and beginning of January when they must have called me at least 5 times trying to deliver furniture to the wrong address.
This morning the caller told me he was on his way to my client’s house! I told him he needed to stop his route and call for a different delivery address! Boy what a mess. We both have decided to boycott DWR since this was such a bad experience for both of us.

They have a great selection of modern furniture and outdoor as well. I love making my purchases here for my clients. I also love the atmosphere of this place, very open and spacious floor plan. It makes you want to come all the time. Always greeted by a Sales Associate with a water bottle in hand when you first walk-​in, I felt like I am flying First-​Class. My Rep is Aimee Etters. A very pleasant lady and always eager to help. I love their accessories as well. The designs are very innovative and yet classic mostly a reproduction of famous designers from past decades as well as new emerging designers from all over the world.
I came here this time for mainly outdoor furniture. I do want to point out my favorite pieces are:
–Frank Gehry Left Twist Cube (comes in 6 awesome colors), makes great seating near the pool. Very durable.
–Midcentury Sunshade Umbrella (White, with adjustable shade), reminds me of Dubai.
–Lucca «3 Series» Chaise with Teak Arms (very yacht like).
–Bordato Illuminated Planter (White 23″ or 30″ Dia.), great for evening conversational piece.
All these pieces make a great boutique modern lounge feel. I highly recommended!

Largest DWR that I’ve ever been in. We were greeted right away and had help whenever needed. The associate was following us around at first which was uncomfortable. Luckily the store got crowded right after we came in so that the sales staff could redirect their attention to other parties. Good layout. Lots of items. Very bright and clean. Super high prices as you always find at DWR. Love their furniture inventory though.

If you are a fan of mid-​century furniture and many retro items, that if you do find them are so freaking expensive you can’t justify owning them, then THIS is the design store for you. They specialize in Mid-​Century and Danish design. There are so many gorgeous pieces in this store. The staff are very well versed on the different designers and when their pieces were originally made.
They have an entire Herman Miller section. The light fixtures alone are worth coming it to take a peek, and they have many accessory items that are very well priced.
If you bring in your room dimensions the staff here can help you design your entire room and choose pieces that will maximize the potential of any space.

I came here specifically looking for a table with a size, style and color range. The store was not formally «open» yet, but we were given a personal tour of the items by a sales associate. She was more than helpful. She showed us floor models and their inventory on her iPad. She also offered to email any new inventory they may receive matching the specifications I gave her.
Brand new store. Formal opening this weekend.
Overall, this store is a great option for looking for more design savvy items and staff.
I am a fan.