If you love Crate and Barrel’s modern yet timeless home furnishings, you might be wondering: what other brands are under the same umbrella? Understanding Crate and Barrel sister companies helps you find similar quality at different price points and styles. In this guide, we’ll break down each sibling brand, what makes them unique, and how to choose the right one for your home.
What Is the Crate and Barrel Family of Brands?
Crate and Barrel is owned by the Otto Group, a German retail conglomerate. Over the years, the company has expanded with several sister brands that share a commitment to quality design but cater to different tastes and budgets. The main sister companies are CB2, Hudson Grace, and Crate & Kids. There’s also DWR (Design Within Reach), which was acquired by Herman Miller (now MillerKnoll) but originally partnered with Crate and Barrel. However, DWR is not a direct sister company under Otto Group—it’s a separate entity. For this article, we focus on the brands directly under Crate and Barrel’s parent.
CB2: The Modern, Edgy Sister
CB2 is Crate and Barrel’s hipper, more affordable sibling. Launched in 2000, CB2 targets a younger demographic with contemporary designs, bold colors, and space-saving solutions. Key differences:
- Price: CB2 is generally 20-30% cheaper than Crate and Barrel for similar items.
- Style: More trend-driven, with industrial, mid-century modern, and minimalist pieces.
- Materials: Often uses engineered wood, metal, and acrylic to keep costs down.
When to choose CB2: If you want a modern look on a budget, or you’re furnishing a small apartment. Their sofas and accent chairs are great for tight spaces.
Common mistake: Assuming CB2 is lower quality. While they use less expensive materials, their construction is still solid. Check customer reviews on specific items, especially for upholstery.
Hudson Grace: The Luxury Tabletop Sister
Hudson Grace is a smaller, curated brand focusing on tabletop, kitchen, and entertaining essentials. Think of it as Crate and Barrel’s sophisticated cousin. What sets it apart:
- Specialty: High-end dinnerware, glassware, flatware, and linens.
- Price: Premium—often 2-3x more than Crate and Barrel for similar categories.
- Style: Classic, elegant, and often neutral tones with natural materials like stoneware and linen.
When to choose Hudson Grace: For a special occasion dinner set, wedding registry, or if you want heirloom-quality pieces. Their stoneware is dishwasher and microwave safe, making it practical for daily use.
Real tip: Sign up for their email list to get 15% off your first order. Also, check their sale section for past-season patterns at up to 40% off.
Crate & Kids: The Nursery and Children’s Brand
Crate & Kids (formerly The Land of Nod) is the dedicated brand for kids’ furniture, bedding, and decor. It launched in 2018 after Crate and Barrel acquired The Land of Nod. What you should know:
- Safety: All products meet or exceed US safety standards for children’s furniture (e.g., anti-tip straps, non-toxic finishes).
- Design: Playful, colorful, and scaled for kids’ rooms—think bunk beds, toy storage, and themed bedding.
- Price: Comparable to Crate and Barrel, but often with more affordable options for small spaces.
How to choose: If you need a crib that converts to a toddler bed, Crate & Kids has several options with easy conversion kits. Avoid buying mattress sets from them—third-party mattresses like Newton or Avocado are often better for support.
Common mistake: Assuming all furniture is easy to assemble. Some items require professional assembly; check the product page for assembly difficulty ratings.
How to Shop Across the Sister Brands
Now that you know the family, here’s a step-by-step approach to find the best pieces for your home:
- Identify your style: Modern and edgy? Go CB2. Classic and elegant? Crate and Barrel or Hudson Grace. Kids’ room? Crate & Kids.
- Set a budget: CB2 for budget-friendly, Crate and Barrel for mid-range, Hudson Grace for splurge.
- Check for sales: All brands have seasonal sales (Memorial Day, Black Friday, etc.). Sign up for newsletters to get alerts.
- Read reviews: Focus on reviews that mention durability and assembly. For furniture, look for photos from real customers.
- Compare materials: For sofas, check if the frame is kiln-dried hardwood (Crate and Barrel) vs. engineered wood (CB2). For dinnerware, stoneware is more durable than porcelain for everyday use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is CB2 owned by Crate and Barrel?
A: Yes, CB2 is a sister brand under the same parent company, Otto Group. It was launched by Crate and Barrel as a separate brand.
Q: Are Crate and Barrel and West Elm related?
A: No. West Elm is owned by Williams-Sonoma, Inc., a different company. However, they are competitors with similar modern styles.
Q: Does Crate and Barrel own any other brands besides CB2 and Hudson Grace?
A: Yes, they also own Crate & Kids (kids’ furniture) and have a partnership with Design Within Reach, but DWR is not a sister company—it’s part of MillerKnoll.
Q: Which brand is better for quality: Crate and Barrel or CB2?
A: For furniture, Crate and Barrel typically uses higher-quality materials (solid wood, better upholstery). CB2 is good for accent pieces and trendy items but may not last as long for heavy-use furniture.
Q: Can I return CB2 items to Crate and Barrel?
A: No, each brand has its own return policy. Returns must be made to the original brand’s store or website.
Conclusion
Knowing Crate and Barrel sister companies opens up a world of options for furnishing your home. Whether you’re after CB2’s affordability, Hudson Grace’s elegance, or Crate & Kids’ safety, each brand offers distinct advantages. Always compare materials, read reviews, and take advantage of sales. Happy decorating!