West Elm has gained a following among design aficionados for its modern furniture and classic decor. But if you just bought a West Elm piece or are thinking about it, it’s possible you’re asking, “Does West Elm assemble furniture?” This is a valid question — for while the pieces at West Elm are stylish and well-made, putting furniture together is often a daunting task for anyone.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!This blog will cover whether West Elm assembles, how you can assemble their pieces yourself, how to best do so andany alternatives for those who would prefer to not lift a finger.
So by the end of this West Elm guide, you’ll know what you’re in for when it comes to building your new furniture.
Does West Elm Put Furniture Together? Here’s Their Policy
The short answer is yes — but it depends on how you buy it. Depending on whether you order online, over the phone or at a West Elm store, as well as whether your order came with extra delivery upgrades, there are a few ways West Elm’s assembly options might be affected.
Here’s a breakdown of its assembly policy and services:
White Glove Delivery
For select items — particularly larger items like beds or sofas — West Elm will also provide a “White Glove Delivery” option. If chosen, their delivery team will bring your furniture, unpack it and even assemble it for you. This service usually costs extra and often differs by item and location.
Threshold Delivery
This is West Elm’s regular delivery option for most items. Their furniture will be dropped off at your front door or building entrance. Assembly is not included in this option. If this is the delivery type that you choose, be sure you are prepared to handle the assembly yourself.
Online Assembly Instructions
For assembled items, West Elm includes detailed assembly instruction booklets with your purchase. For whatever product you bought, some have PDF instruction which you can also search online.
It’s probably best to verify order assembly services in your geographic area, or for the item you plan to buy. You just want to double verify at checkout or by calling West Elm customer service.
Instructions for Assembling West Elm Furniture by Yourself
If your item doesn’t come with White Glove Delivery or you’ve chosen the do-it-yourself route, don’t fret — constructing West Elm furniture can be done with a bit of patience. Here’s how to master self-assembly like a pro.
De-bundle and Clean Your Parts
After your items arrive, lay all parts, tools and hardware out in a clear, flat workspace. Make sure everything’s there — you’ll usually find an assembly guide in the box listing all the components. Comparing it against what’s in this guide will save you time down the line.
Skim Through the Instructions Before You Get Started
Whether you’re a novice or DIY pro, following these tips will make assembling West Elm furniture much easier.
Assemble in Order
Follow the instructions step-by-step; whenever you skip steps or try to put things together out of order, things only get messy and frustrating.
Use the Right Tools
Most West Elm furniture comes with any specialty tools you might need, such as Allen wrenches or small screwdrivers, but keep your basic ones (like a hammer or larger screwdriver) on hand just in case.
Don’t Over-Tighten Early
If you’ve ever put together a piece of furniture from a box, you know to not completely tighten screws early on. Once everything is properly positioned, give everything a couple of good turns to tighten things fully — you won’t want to have to get everything back apart again!
10 Tips on How to Make Assembly a Piece of Cake
Whether you’re a beginner or a DIY master, these tips will help you assemble West Elm furniture with ease.
Work With a Partner
Recruit an extra set of hands if you can — especially for heavier items such as dressers or large tables. Keeping pieces from slipping can make the process quicker and safer.
Avoid Rushing
You may be tempted to speed through assembly, but by taking your time, you can achieve precision. It’s much trickier to reverse mistakes once the parts are screwed together.
Use Online Resources
If the manual seems vague, look for video guides that provide step-by-step instructions for the same furniture piece on West Elm’s website or consider searching Reddit or YouTube.
Be Mindful of Flooring
Protect your floor by assembling on a rug, or putting a soft sheet right under the furniture. It also prevents scuffs and scratches from the pieces themselves.
Alternatives to Self-Assembly
For some, paying for assembly stress becomes a fair price to pay. If you prefer not to self-assemble, here are a few options.
White Glove Delivery from West Elm
If you haven’t purchased your bike yet, select White Glove Delivery at checkout. It is not free, but it eliminates the entire assembly process.
TaskRabbit
West Elm has partnered with TaskRabbit, which connects you with professional assemblers in your area. Just book their services through the TaskRabbit website or app, and they’ll do the heavy lifting for you.
Local Handyman Services
Google local handyman or furniture assembly services near you. Many local service providers can assemble them for a good price and are familiar with a wide range of West Elm products.
Ask a Friend or Family Member
Sometimes it’s as simple as reaching out to a handy friend or family member to come help out — they could end up liking the job more than you do.
Making Your West Elm Furniture a Stress-Free Reality
While West Elm furniture is undeniably stylish, assembling it may feel like a hurdle (especially if DIY isn’t within your comfort zone). Although you can select a White Glove Delivery or hire TaskRabbit for some assembly through West Elm, most customers will have to assemble their own furniture at home.
If you follow this guide, you will be more prepared to take on the process with confidence. And if the whole assembly thing is really not your jam, there is no shame in asking for a little extra help. After all, you want to use your beautiful new furniture as soon as you can.
Happy decorating!
