CB2
Crate & Barrel's younger, bolder sister, born in Chicago in 2000
- Founded
- 2000, Chicago
- Parent company
- Crate & Barrel
- Name
- Short for Crate and Barrel 2
- Known for
- Modern, trend-aware furniture, lighting and decor for city homes
Written by Evelien Bunnik-RemmeltsCo-Founder and CEO, WhoppahCB2 is the modern sister brand of Crate & Barrel. It opened its first store in Chicago in 2000, and the name simply stands for Crate and Barrel 2. Where Crate & Barrel is classic and family-sized, CB2 was built for apartments: smaller footprints, sharper lines, more acrylic, brass, marble and bold shapes. On Whoppah, CB2 is one of those brands that people search for when they want a modern look without waiting weeks for delivery. I have a soft spot for it. CB2 picks up trends quickly, and some of those pieces turn out to have real staying power, while others date fast. Buying secondhand lets you pick the keepers. Our curation team reviews every listing before it goes live, and in this guide I'll explain which CB2 pieces I think are worth chasing and what to check.
How did CB2 start?
Crate & Barrel launched CB2 in 2000 with a first store in Chicago, its hometown. The idea was a brand for younger, urban buyers who wanted modern design in smaller spaces. The name says it: Crate and Barrel 2.
Over the years CB2 moved from affordable basics toward more design-led collections, including collaborations with outside designers and brands. It still moves quickly, and that's both its strength and something to keep in mind secondhand.
What is CB2 known for?
Clear acrylic tables, brass and marble accents, curvy sofas, sculptural lighting and graphic rugs. CB2 is where a lot of Americans first bought a piece that felt a little daring.
My honest opinion: the most interesting CB2 pieces are the simple, material-driven ones. A clean acrylic console or a solid marble side table looks good for years. The very trendy shapes are fun, but they're also the first to feel like a specific year.
What should I check on secondhand CB2?
Acrylic scratches, so ask for close-up photos in daylight and look for clouding. Marble is porous, so check for rings and stains. For sofas, ask about the frame, the cushion fill and whether covers can be removed and cleaned.
Many pieces have a label underneath with the product name, which is handy for comparing dimensions with the original listing. Measure your door and stairs before buying a sofa. That advice sounds obvious, and it's still the number one thing people forget.
How do I style CB2 in my home?
CB2 works well as the accent in a room, not the whole room. One sculptural lamp, one acrylic table, one boucle chair. Pair it with vintage wood or a classic European design piece and the room looks collected instead of catalog-bought.
In a small apartment, lean on the pieces that were designed for that: slim consoles, nesting tables, compact sofas.
“The best CB2 pieces are the simple ones in honest materials, and secondhand is the easiest way to find out which ones stayed good.”
Frequently asked questions
What does CB2 stand for?
CB2 stands for Crate and Barrel 2. It's the modern sister brand of Crate & Barrel and opened its first store in Chicago in 2000.
Is CB2 the same as Crate & Barrel?
They share a parent, but CB2 has its own design direction. It's more modern and aimed at smaller, urban homes.
Is secondhand CB2 worth buying?
Often, yes, especially for material-driven pieces like marble, solid wood and acrylic. Check photos closely for scratches, stains and frame condition.
How do I recognize a CB2 piece?
Look for a label underneath or on the back with the product name. Compare the dimensions with the original product listing if you can find it.
Can I sell CB2 furniture on Whoppah?
Yes. Add daylight photos, the product name and the dimensions. Our curation team reviews every listing before it goes live.
CB2 rewards a good eye: pick the pieces that will still feel right in ten years. Set a saved search on Whoppah and let the good ones come to you.