Is Reese Witherspoon's New Furniture Worth Buying? Here's Our Honest Review of the Draper James x Polywood Collection
Reese Witherspoon has long been the queen of Southern charm, whether she's gracing the screen or launching stylish collections through her lifestyle brand, Draper James. Now, she's bringing that signature grace outdoors — literally — with a brand-new patio furniture collaboration.
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When the opportunity came to try a few pieces from the collection, I had high expectations. Polywood has a solid reputation for building sturdy, eco-friendly outdoor furniture, and this collaboration promised to blend that durability with Draper James' signature Southern charm. If you're in the market for new patio furniture, here's the low-down on Polywood from customization to unboxing to backyard lounging.
The Draper James x Polywood collection pairs Witherspoon's timeless eye for detail with Polywood's eco-conscious craftsmanship. The result: a collection that feels thoughtfully designed and effortlessly refined. The silhouettes are clean and classic — rockers with just the right sway, deep-seated chairs that invite you to sink in and dining sets that tie it all together. This is the kind of patio setup that makes you want to pour a lemonade — or grab a Reese's Book Club read — and stay a while.
Every piece of furniture we tested held up against the elements, from sunny weather to hailstorms. They're nearly kid-proof, too: Whether it's a sticky popsicle, a dropped juice box or a spontaneous round of chair jumping, we found that the seating handled it all.
Pros:
Many customization options
Easy to assemble and clean
Weather-, sun- and mold-resistant materials
20-year warranty
Cons:
Made-to-order, 2-4 weeks for delivery
Shipment includes many large boxes
The Draper James x Polywood collection comes in eight lumber colors, from crisp white to rich wood tones and a bold forest green. The cushion options are just as varied, with dozens of styles ranging from classic solids to playful ginghams and timeless stripes. You can even order samples of both lumber and cushion fabrics — a thoughtful touch that makes it easier to find the perfect match for your space.
For our set, I chose the Vintage Sahara finish with Dune Burlap cushions. With two active toddlers, we try to stick to pieces that can handle the daily mess (like our Ruggable rugs and Article couch), so white —though so pretty — was out of the question. The Dune Burlap felt like the best compromise — warm, neutral and forgiving. It ended up looking a lot less brown and more creamy in person than I expected from the website, which was a nice surprise, making it an even better fit for our space. The Vintage Sahara finish is part of their vintage collection and only available directly on Polywood's website.
Buy at Draper James, $3,149
Each piece is made to order, which means there's a bit of a wait involved while your furniture is crafted and shipped. For me, it took about three weeks for my order to arrive. The pieces are delivered on pallets in large boxes, and while this can make for a slightly overwhelming delivery day, the assembly process is fairly straightforward.
Polywood includes all the necessary screws, tools and clear instructions, making it possible to go from box to backyard in just a few hours. It took me about two and a half hours to assemble the furniture I received, and while it's a bit of a workout, the result is well worth the effort. Once assembled, the furniture feels substantial and sturdy, without any of the wobble or creak that can plague lesser outdoor sets.
What impressed me most was the look and feel of the 'wood.' The material has a solid, weighty feel that instantly gives off a sense of durability. It's made in the USA from high-density polyethylene lumber (a.k.a. recycled plastic) and holds up impressively well in all kinds of weather. Hardware is made from 18-8 marine-grade quality stainless steel with a Xylan coating, which Polywood says helps the metal resist corrosion no matter the climate. The products come with a 20-year warranty, adding to the peace of mind that they're built to last.
Since receiving the furniture, it's already gone through a few rainstorms, even a recent hailstorm and wind gusts. It's mentioned on their site that there isn't a need to cover. I was skeptical about not covering my new furniture, but I was pleasantly surprised by how quickly it dried and did not leave watermarks. The material was not only waterspot-free, there was also not a single dent in sight.
Cleanup is straightforward, too: Polywood says its furniture requires just a little soap and water to keep the material looking fresh. The cushions are equally impressive and are made of outdoor performance fabric that's resistant to mildew, mold, salt, sun and moisture. All of those features combined to deliver plush and supportive seating designed for hours of relaxed lounging, even after they endured their fair share of weather.
Buy at Draper James, $3,049
The Draper James collection also has an adorable kids' selection that brings the same timeless design and all-weather durability to pint-sized patios. Mini rockers, benches and table sets are the perfect way to let the little ones join in the fun. These scaled-down versions are just as tough as their full-sized counterparts, making them a practical choice for families who want to create an outdoor space that works for everyone.
Buy at Draper James, $229
Overall, the Draper James x Polywood collection delivers on its promise of style, comfort and durability. It's a smart investment for anyone looking to upgrade their outdoor space with pieces that are both beautiful and built to last. With a range of customization options, low-maintenance and sturdy design and Reese Witherspoon's impeccable taste, it's an easy pick for anyone tired of flimsy, disposable patio furniture.
If you're ready to give your outdoor space a bit of Southern charm with a side of sustainability, this collaboration is well worth considering. It's functional and photogenic, which feels like the exact balance Witherspoon would want for quiet brunches and backyard bashes alike.
Draper James x Polywood Furniture Collection Specifications
Price range: $79 for side tables to $4,749 for nine-piece dining sets
Shipping and returns: Free
Fulfillment: Minimum 14 days
Warranty: 20 years for residential use
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