Hi all,
I recently purchased the Mid-Century Armoire (38”), which came out to about $2,400 after tax and delivery.
I really like the piece overall, but I’m pretty disappointed with the quality. The left door was installed too low, so it’s uneven with the right door and rubs along the bottom. It’s not something I can easily adjust—it would require fully removing and reinstalling the door hardware, which would surely void the warranty.
On the plus side, customer service was easy to deal with and they’re sending a replacement; although I would be equally fine with if they just sent out a repair person to correct the bad factory install. Still, for something at this price point, I expected better quality control.
Has anyone else had similar issues with West Elm? This was my first purchase from them. I like their designs and would consider buying more, but not if inconsistencies like this are common.
Mostly venting, but I’d appreciate hearing about others’ experiences.
by PianistMore4166
7 Comments
BDI is equally low quality. So frustrating!
Thankfully the Amish started making MCM furniture.
I used to work for customer service there so naturally I only heard the negatives. The issue with the stain is common as well as the issue with the poor installation.
The quality control there isn’t the best and it’s really unfortunate. They make a lot of pieces that have the potential to be good but they 3/4ths ass it. It’s like they always stop just short of making a perfect quality item.
There is no warranty on furniture there btw – not unless they’ve changed something since I left last year or you paid for the allstate plan
They started going downhill about 13 years ago in my opinion. That’s when I finally stopped shopping there. It’s like they are the new Pier1 but double the price
I have the same piece and no such issues with mine, fortunately. I did hear a lot of very mixed and negative opinions about West Elm while researching but I could not find anything else new or used that had this kind of configuration of ‘cube’ division spaces on the inside which is the only way to store clothes that works for my ADHD so I took the risk. Hopefully your replacement will be better!
I googled this exact cabinet. The hinges appear adjustable on the website. Adjust the screws to align the doors. Use a Philips screw driver. The front screw closes gaps between doors for horizontal adjustment. The rear screw adjusts in and out or depth. If the door is too high or low, loosen the top and bottom screws on the hinge plate, adjust the height, shim with some playing cards or something and retighten.
They are definitely the budget friendly arm of Williams Sonoma. Buy the furniture at WS you won’t be disappointed.
Your cabinet is out of wrack. Do the feet have levelers? If they do, unscrew the left front leveler a few turns. If not, get some of those thick felt adhesive pads and put one on the left front foot as a shim.