The $15,000 Living Room Edit: How to Mix Arhaus Heritage Pieces with Refined Pottery Barn Foundations
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Many people shopping for upscale furniture and decor think a unified space means grabbing every piece from the same spot. But if you look closer, you’ll notice that standout homes on Instagram and Pinterest don’t stick to just one style from one store. Or even just one decade for that matter! Instead, they pull off the art of the mix.
Creating timeless interiors comes down to spotting where to splurge on the soul of the room, and where to save with solid basics that fit right in. Here's how that plays out with a perfect brand match, like blending the sturdy build of Arhaus pieces alongside Pottery Barn's reliable, timeless forms.
1. What is The Art of the Mix?
The Art of the mix boils down to a single key idea. Focus on big investments for the standout items, then cut costs on the supporting ones. Using these two brands as an example, Arhaus stands out with those unique finds, think intricate carvings from salvaged woods and shapes that scream handmade charm. Those turn into your room's main stars. Pottery Barn nails the simple lines, those understated backgrounds that let the bold Arhaus elements steal the spotlight.
The Breakdown:
Go big on Arhaus for the showstoppers: eye-catching chairs and sofas, tables with artisan touches, storage built to last generations.
Stick to Pottery Barn for the basics: plain floor coverings, straightforward end tables, solid curtains or shades.
2. Brand Identity: Artisanal Soul vs. Classic Versatility
To mix these brands successfully, you must understand their core style DNA.
Arhaus: The Artisan’s Studio
Via the Arhaus Catalog
Arhaus positions itself as the "collected" brand. They emphasize eco-friendly materials and craftsmanship from around the world. When you buy from them, you're often getting sturdy wood matched with metalwork done by hand. Their look thrives on contrast, rough surfaces meeting elegant forms that hint at a backstory.
Pottery Barn: The Refined Standard
Via Pottery Barn
Pottery Barn acts as the polished everyday choice. It's got that timeless American vibe, refined to perfection. Sure, they might layer thin woods over composites, but their real edge is reliability and ease of access. They’re a go-to source for and durable textiles meant for busy households. They bring a calm, comfortable feeling to your space, keeping it from looking too stuffy and precious.
3. The Materials: Why the Pair Works
Where do these brands stack up in quality and construction? Let’s take a look.
Wood Construction
Arhaus takes the lead in wood quality. Kiln-dried woods and reclaimed boards with their own patina and grain variations set their standard. Pottery Barn's versions lean toward even finishes. Try teaming an Arhaus salvaged oak coffee table with a Pottery Barn side table, and suddenly you've got this lively contrast between raw edges and smooth elegance.
Upholstery & The "Sit"
The Arhaus Sit: Often features a blend of high-density foam topped with down and feathers for that "sink-in" luxury.
The Pottery Barn Sit: Generally firmer, utilizing sinuous springs and polyester-wrapped cushions.
The Strategy: Invest in the Arhaus sofa for your main relaxation spot, where comfort counts most. Use Pottery Barn for accent chairs or stools, driven more by shape than feel. (Unless you fall deeply in love with an Arhaus chair, then feel free to flip the script)
4. The $15,000 Sourcing List: A Living Room Edit
Distributing a $15,000 budget to mimic a $50,000 high-end vibe means plotting carefully through your living and family room choices. Here’s what I came up with.
(Prices may fluctuate)
The Savannah Chair, Arhaus
The blend of structured modernism and traditional bullion fringe feels curated and playful
$2,900
The York Sofa, Pottery Barn
A clean, slipcovered silhouette in performance linen.
$2,800
The Felton Coffee Table, Arhaus
Oak wood adds natural texture.
$2,100
The Merrin Wool Rug, Pottery Barn
A natural texture that grounds the room and acts as a jumping off point for the color pallete.
$2,400
Reed Side Tables, Pottery Barn
Classic wood tones that bridge the mix.
$1,100 for 2
Custom-look Flax Linen Drapes, Pottery Barn
Adds height and softens the frame of the room.
$1,500 (variable)
Foundational Lighting, Arhaus/PB Mix
Choosing mid-tier Pottery Barn lamps allows more room in the budget for investing in one Arhaus statement chandelier.
$4,200
Antique and Vintage, Family Heirlooms/Thrifted Goods
Every room needs a little soul.
Variable Costs
5. Beyond the Living Room: Expanding the Mix
The Dining Room Recipe
The Investment: An Arhaus pedestal table. The base of these tables act as a sculptural element in the center of the room. The Foundation: Pottery Barn slipcovered chairs. These are classic, sturdy, and allow the heavy Arhaus table to remain the star.
The Bedroom Recipe
The Insvestment: An Arhaus upholstered bed, like the "Winslet". The scale of Arhaus headboards creates a real sense of modern heritage luxury. The Foundation: Pottery Barn nightstands in a contrasting finish (ex. black or dark wood nightstands paired with a cream linen bed). This adds the contrast that keeps a bedroom from feeling flat.
6. Shopping Logistics:
When decorating a home, understanding the logistics of brands is almost as important as the design itself.
Lead Times & Availability
Pottery Barn has a superior "Ready-to-Ship" infrastructure. If you need to finish a room for a holiday, Pottery Barn is your primary resource. Arhaus pieces, particularly custom upholstery, can carry lead times of 12–20 weeks. The Advice: Order your Arhaus pieces first. While you wait for their arrival, you can source from Pottery Barn to be delivered within 7–10 days in many cases.
Delivery Experience
Both brands offer White Glove Delivery, which is essential for high-ticket items.
Arhaus: Includes full assembly and packaging removal. Note that because they use solid wood, these pieces are incredibly heavy. Take care to ensure your flooring is protected before they arrive.
Pottery Barn: Known for reliable scheduling, though their parcel delivery for smaller items can occasionally be delayed.
7. Common Pitfalls: Scale and Over-Styling
The Scale Trap
Arhaus furniture is often "oversized." A sofa with a 44-inch depth will swallow a standard 8x10 rug. Always check the measurements of your rugs and furniture. If you are buying a deep Arhaus sofa, your Pottery Barn rug needs to be at least 9x12 to maintain proper proportions.
Psst: You should probably buy the 9x12 most of the time.
The "Catalog" Look
Avoid buying a full collection from either brand. If you buy the Arhaus coffee table, do not buy the matching Arhaus side table. Mix in a metal or stone piece from Pottery Barn to break up the wood grain and add to the art of the mix. And don’t forget to add a little vintage! The best way to create a lived-in collected home is to add antique and vintage pieces. These don’t have to be big buys either. A framed picture of your great-grandmother, a vase you found at your local antique store, a few carefully selected pieces is all you need for your home to tell your story.
8. FAQ: The Briefing
Is Arhaus better quality than Pottery Barn? In terms of raw materials (solid wood vs. engineered), Arhaus is the winner. However, Pottery Barn offers better value for performance materials that can take a beating from children and pets.
Does Arhaus ever go on sale? Yes! both Arhaus and Pottery Barn have regular sales. On top of that, Arhaus has a sales section that’s worth checking in on regularly.
Can I mix different woods? Yes! In fact, you should. A mix of warm oak, walnut, and black-stained furniture is the hallmark of a curated, modern heritage home.
Final Thoughts: The Art of Intentional Sourcing
To create a living space that feels collected over time, not like it came straight from a showroom, you have to venture beyond just one brand's catalog. By mixing in the sophisticated charm of Arhaus alongside those refined essentials from Pottery Barn (and a bit of vintage), you’re not merely buying stuff. You’re curating a home that blends time-honored workmanship with practical daily use, a contemporary space that manages to stay connected to tradition. Now that’s a perfect mix.
