Reviewer: Elise Portale, contributor
Model tested: Urban Outfitters Isobel Sectional
The details: We all know the name Urban Outfitters, usually from their combination of unique clothes and just-a-little-weird gift selections. Perhaps you’re even familiar with their home decor offerings, like the odd wall hanging or table lamp. But, yes, if you didn’t already know that UO does furniture, such as the chic Isobel sectional I’ve been sitting on for the past month, you do now! The sectional gets its name from the Isobel collection, a line of ivory seating, side tables, shelves, consoles, and more that are as bouba as it gets.
Before delivery
Price: How much does it cost? Are there payment plans available?
Like most things from UO, the Isobel isn’t exactly a budget find—the sectional retails at $1,999—but thankfully, the company does offer payment plans through both Klarna and Afterpay, making the sofa a decent get at a doable price point.
What are the upholstery or customization options? Did you choose any?
The Isobel sectional comes in one color (white) and upholstery (Jovan linen). Naturally, that makes getting this sectional as easy as clicking “add to cart” and setting your delivery date.
What is the lead time for customization, manufacturing, and delivery?
While there’s no customizing Isobel, that does mean it’s ready to go as soon as you click “buy.” You’ll need to pay a $149 flat-rate delivery fee, and there are no options for white-glove service, so be ready to accept three boxes in your living room within two to four weeks.
Couch delivery + assembly
What was the delivery and process like?
Unlike a typical delivery, you won’t have a tracking number to watch your sofa make its way to you. Instead, when it’s time to receive your sofa, you’ll be given a link to the courier website in order to schedule delivery. You have only a few options (three or four days), though if you need more time, you can contact the courier and be more specific. Then, on your specified day during the two-hour delivery window, they’ll drop the boxes off inside your home.
What was the assembly process like? How long did it take and how many people?
Luckily the sectional is a fairly easy assembly—opening the three boxes is about all you need to do. (To be honest, unpacking the boxes in a small space by myself required patience, creativity, and plenty of AC, so I recommend grabbing a friend, lover, and/or roommate to help.) Once they’re unpacked, you just line up the quick-release mechanisms on the base of each unit and snap them together like Legos. Easy as pie!
After delivery
What are the dimensions? How does it fit in your space? Would it be better suited for a different type of home?
Now, let’s get into the nitty gritty of the Isobel. Assembled in the classic L shape, the sectional is 100 inches long and 64 inches deep. (The UO website says something totally different, but you have to trust me on this one—I have literally reviewed the schematics.)
