By Daniela Gorny
Daniela Gorny is an editor covering all things home and decor. She has also written about furniture, area rugs, and organization.
After years of research and testing, we’ll be the first to admit that there is no such thing as the “best” sofa. Comfort and aesthetics are highly subjective—a sofa can simultaneously be one person’s dream and another person’s nightmare.
A sofa’s success also depends on how you plan to use it at home. Is it mainly for lounging on and watching television? Is it for receiving guests and socializing? Do you eat in your living room? How many people do you need to seat? Do you have kids, pets, or both?
A couch is probably one of the biggest purchases you’ll make for your home—and not just because sofas are expensive (they are) but also because a couch is likely something you’ll be spending a lot of time on. So if a sofa is not comfortable, or you’re not happy with how it looks, it will be a constant day-to-day reminder of what went wrong.
In this guide, we call out some of our favorite sofas we’ve tested. We also have advice on what to look for when shopping for a couch for you and your home.
I’m an editor at Wirecutter covering furniture, bedding, and home decor. I’ve been testing sofas since , but I’ve been entrenched in the furniture world, in one way or another, since . I studied and worked in the architecture field (where furniture is a big focus) for over a decade and have even dabbled in woodworking as a hobby.
For this guide:
Since , we’ve been researching and testing sofas for this guide, including, more recently, a major round of new testing in and again in fall at our Long Island City, New York, office. Here, we evaluated a handful of new sofa models from our existing brand recommendations, and we invited staffers and paid testers to share their feedback. We assembled and thoroughly inspected how each sofa is constructed. We also sat, lounged, napped, and typed on our laptops—using the sofas as we would in our own homes.
While it’s impossible to find the “best” sofa for everyone, we found options that we can stand behind in terms of quality and comfort. Here are some of the things we kept in mind during testing:
Made with repairability and longevity in mind, this low-profile sofa has a sleek silhouette that invites lounging as well as socializing. But it’s on the firmer side.
Founded in , Sabai is an environmentally minded company that’s a relative newcomer in the furniture world. The easy-to-assemble furniture is made entirely in the US, using non-toxic, often recycled materials, and its offerings are shipped in flat-pack boxes.
It’s inviting. Launched in , The Elevate Sofa features curved armrests and a streamlined single-seat cushion, and it immediately drew the eyes of our testers. The sofa comes in three lengths (70, 86, and 96 inches), various sectional configurations, and a daybed. The sofa we tested was the 86-inch version in a jewel-like green velvet (Moss), which various testers described as soft and buttery. Besides recycled velvet, you can also get The Elevate in an upcycled polyester, hemp, or a hemp-cotton blend (for a total of 20 color choices).
It’s firm but comfortable. The seat cushion on our sofa was among the firmest we tried, but it still had enough give to make it comfortable. The back cushions felt dense and plush, providing comfortable back support. This sofa strikes a good balance between something you can lounge on as well as sit upright and talk to other people.
It’s made to be repairable and recyclable. The word sustainable gets thrown around a lot, but Sabai’s company model revolves entirely around this approach—from making its sofas easy to repair, with extra parts you can buy at any time, to offering a buy-back program if you decide to get rid of yours. It also sells its open-box returns at a discounted price, to avoid items going to the landfill. While it’s not the only company that offers recycled and responsibly sourced materials, it’s one of the most transparent we’ve seen in terms of how exactly it goes about using sustainable materials and local production.
Assembly is so easy that it’s almost enjoyable. The first thought that comes to mind when you hear the term “flat-pack furniture” is the tedious assembly process, but Sabai’s is anything but. Our 86-inch sofa arrived in five boxes, with simple-to-follow instructions. Unlike Burrow’s Range Sofa, The Elevate was very simple to assemble on my own—all of the pieces were relatively easy to lift, and everything fit perfectly in place.
The Elevate’s armrests are very firm. While the armrests are curved and inviting, a few people mentioned they were uncomfortable to rest their head on when they were lying on the couch. But we think most people will be using throw pillows for napping. Also, because the armrests curve inward, there’s not a flat horizontal surface for a plate or a drink.
It’s low to the ground. A few testers noted that The Elevate, despite its name, felt low for them. Like the Burrow Range and the Article Ceni, this sofa has a 16-inch seat height, which is on the lower end of the spectrum. In contrast, the BenchMade Eva also has a 16-inch height, but no one commented on the seat height, probably due to its bouncier and plumper cushion.
There are very limited options for other styles. Sabai may not be the place to shop if you want endless customization. But the three sofa styles come in various configurations, like sectionals, chairs, and loveseats.
The sofas are hard to see in person. Sabai has only one showroom—in Brooklyn, New York. If you live nearby or are visiting New York City, we highly encourage you to try the couches in person.
Key specs:
The Metro has been Room & Board’s best-selling model since , and it’s a favorite among our staff as well. But it’s on the pricier side.
Room & Board offers excellent craftsmanship, and it has exemplary customer service, so it stands by its products. It may not have ultra-trendy styles, but we think its classic yet modern designs are timeless.
The sofa has a crowd-pleasing feel. We tried two different Metro sofas at two different showrooms, and we found both to be very supportive without feeling too firm. This sofa comes in two depths, standard (22 inches) and deep (27 inches). The 22-inch seat depth is on the shallower end of the spectrum, but due to the give of the cushions, it still felt good for my 5-foot-4-inch frame. But if you’re tall, or you know you want more space to lounge, we’d recommend the deeper seat.
The look is timeless. This sofa’s rectangular yet slightly rounded corners make it feel modern but cozy. The squat, square legs give the sofa a grounded feel, with just a teensy bit of height. This classic style could easily feel at home in either a modern loft or a breezy beach cottage, depending on the fabric you choose. And (not that you necessarily should) the wide arms let you set down a drink if you want to.
Exceptional craftsmanship and quality. Founded in and headquartered in Minneapolis, Room & Board manufactures 90% of its furniture in the USA. Multiple staffers have a Metro, and every one of them gushes about the quality, saying their sofas look basically as good as the day they got them, even after as many as five years of use. One staffer who has had the Metro since (in Tatum gray) said stains camouflage well and that it still is in excellent condition, despite lots of pet and kid throw-up accidents.
You’ve got lots of options. In addition to a variety of depths, the Metro comes in multiple lengths and configurations, dozens of fabric choices, and two wooden leg finishes.
Chances are good you can try the sofas in person. Unlike a lot of the other picks in this guide, Room & Board has 23 showrooms around the country.
And it offers customer service you can rely on. While other companies seem to have hit-or-miss customer service, Room & Board gets consistently high marks from five staffers we’ve spoken to. One staffer has called Room & Board’s customer service twice, once because the wooden legs on her sofa arrived nicked and another time because of an upholstery staple that was protruding slightly. And both times, Room & Board acted immediately to rectify the situation, offering on-site repair and replacement parts for free.
Lead times can be long for some options. If you pick an option that isn’t in stock (which is the case with most of its options), it can take two to three months for your sofa to arrive, so plan ahead if you want a very specific fabric.
It’s not cheap. Along with BenchMade Modern, Room & Board has some of the priciest picks we recommend. The 88” Metro Sofa is currently about $2,000 in a standard performance fabric, whereas the 83” Article Ceni is half that, currently around $1,000. Unlike BenchMade Modern, Room & Board doesn’t have sales on its regular stock, but it does have clearance sales on discontinued items. And it holds an annual Every Last Yard sale, during which it creates high-quality furniture made from leftover and discontinued materials; this helps manufacturers use what would have otherwise gone to waste.
The Metro (in standard depth) can feel a bit shallow for some. One 5-foot-9 person who’s had the Metro Sofa since late said he wishes his sofa were slightly deeper. The standard seat depth on the Metro is 22 inches, but Room & Board now also offers the Metro in a deep version, which extends the seat depth to a generous 27 inches (but it’s also more expensive).
Key specs:
This contemporary sofa has a vintage vibe, and it offers a combination of good construction and comfort at an approachable price. However, we’ve gotten some mixed long-term feedback.
Article’s Ceni Sofa has been a pick in our guide since . Thanks to its versatile look, it’s been one of Article’s best-sellers, and our testers still love it. Vintage-y yet contemporary in feel, this sofa has a low-slung look that feels clean and modern.
Testers of different heights and sizes found it comfortable. The Ceni is plush but still supportive, and its 23-inch seat depth feels generous for most people but not so deep that you can’t get up.
It’s well constructed. Despite its accessible price, the Ceni looks and feels well made. It has a sturdy frame made of rubberwood, pine, and plywood and a supportive suspension system. It also has solid hardwood legs that sit low to the ground (the legs are the only parts you need to screw on yourself when the sofa arrives). One Ceni owner on staff said that, aside from some minor pilling, her sofa is still holding up well after three years—despite the fact that she sits on it every day and has a dog that sheds and spends hours on it.
The woven polyester fabric hides stains well. The textured, slightly heathered fabric has multicolored yarns that are adept at camouflaging. It’s also easy to clean and maintain. The fabric has a rub count that’s rated up to 50,000, which is what our experts recommended for high durability (and it’s above the industry standard of around 20,000).
There are many styles, and the website is easy to navigate. If you like the Ceni’s vintage look, you can add matching chairs or loveseats. (And if you don’t like the Ceni, we also tried the Sven 88” Sofa, which we discuss in Other sofas worth considering.)
Delivery is efficient. Article clearly lists shipping windows on each product page, and it can usually dispatch its products in a few days. In our experience, Article’s communications on delivery have been clear and accurate.
You probably can’t try these sofas in person. Article has only one showroom, in Vancouver, Canada. So look carefully at all of the listed dimensions online, and then compare the measurements to those of your current sofa, in order to get a sense of how this new sofa would feel. Another tip is to look up used ones online, in places like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist, to get a sense of how they age.
The Ceni doesn’t have leather or velvet options. If you had your heart set on either velvet or leather, the Ceni, unfortunately, comes only in woven polyester fabrics. The Sven Sofa, another couch we like, and the Riley Sofa, in our Competition section, offer more fabric variety.
Some people found it to be too low. Several reviewers (and someone on staff) noted that this sofa feels very low to the ground. The Ceni has a seat height of 16 inches, which is on the lower end of the spectrum (seat heights on sofas generally range between 15 and 22 inches), but it’s not an unusually low height, either. Seat height is measured to the top of the seat cushion, so how plush a cushion is will affect the overall height and how it’s perceived.
Customer support can be hit or miss. One Ceni owner on staff reported that his cushions had sagged significantly after a year (something we didn’t experience in our own testing) and that Article had promised to replace them. But an entire year passed and it had yet to do so, he said. By contrast, another Ceni owner noticed some squeaks when they first received their sofa. But after they sent a video to Article, the company quickly sent a new sofa and picked up the old one.
Key specs:
This curvy, deep-seated sofa is highly customizable—it comes in eight widths and dozens of upholstery choices. But it’s on the pricier side.
BenchMade Modern sofas are more expensive than those from companies like Article or Burrow. Yet for the price, you get a better-quality item, and there’s a lifetime guarantee for the frame. The Eva Sofa is one of BenchMade Modern’s newest additions, and it quickly became one of its best-sellers.
It’s an eye-catching sofa. Several testers admired the Eva Sofa’s unique curved base, and they commented on the buttery-soft yet sturdy fabric (we tested the sofa in the light blue Arden Chambray). When it came time to return the sofa, people were sad to see it go.
This sofa is generously sized yet supportive. The 25-inch seat depth and pillowy back cushions encourage lounging, while its medium-firm seat cushions and matching lumbar pillows keep you from feeling swallowed up. At 16 inches, the seat height is on the lower end of the spectrum, but few people noticed it, compared with the remarks they made about the low seats on the Article Ceni or Sabai Elevate, which are the same height. We think this probably has to do with the medium-firm, slightly bouncy cushions, which don’t sink in as much.
It’s highly customizable. The Eva Sofa comes in eight different widths and dozens of upholstery options, including performance fabrics in several finishes, velvet, and leather. You can also get it in several other configurations, like sectionals and sofas with chaises. (Some of BenchMade Modern’s other sofas, like the Skinny Fat, are even more customizable—with options for different depths, legs, and cushion fills. But the rounded base on the Eva won us over, despite its having a few less customization options.)
Delivery is usually very fast. BenchMade Modern makes its furniture to order in Dallas and Los Angeles, and it can typically make and deliver a sofa in 24 days. This is far less time than the six to 12 weeks it takes most furniture companies to fulfill custom orders. Article also ships similarly quickly, but those fast-shipping orders are usually for off-the-shelf in-stock options, as opposed to custom-made ones.
It requires little to no assembly. Most of BenchMade Modern’s sofas ship fully assembled. Some of its sofas arrive with detached legs, and sectionals ship in pieces, which you need to simply connect together with the included hardware.
It’s built to last. While we can’t yet speak to the Eva’s longevity, we know from experience that BenchMade Modern makes high-quality items and frames that are guaranteed for life. One of our testers has had a Skinny Fat sofa since , and he says it’s still holding up great, despite two cross-country moves and a lot of use in a dog household. Like the Eva, the Skinny Fat has cushions with removable covers, which he periodically rotates and washes. He said the couch is still “really comfy,” even though he’s noticed somewhat that the cushions have lost some of their ability to bounce back.
BenchMade Modern sells its furniture online only. You can’t try the sofas in person, but at least BenchMade offers the best return policy among the online-only companies we looked at (see key specs, below). The company will also send you a printout of your item’s footprint, so you can see whether the piece fits into your space and has adequate clearance to get through doorways and around corners. This is a small detail, but it’s one we found very helpful. Most of the user reviews about the company’s customer service and delivery were positive.
It’s on the pricier side. While BenchMade Modern offers a range of sofa models, it’s among the most expensive of our picks (along with Sixpenny and Room & Board). The Eva Sofa is currently around $3,200 for a 90-inch sofa, compared with about $1,000 for the 83-inch Article Ceni. To save money, wait for a 25%-off sale, which happens a couple of times a year, like Black Friday.
Key specs:
This extremely generous sofa is the ultimate cozy nest for watching movies (and never wanting to get up).
Sixpenny really nails the casual fluffy-couch vibe—with a rustic look and deep seats, this is a sofa that invites napping. This company has several styles of sofas, but all of them have that relaxed, rumpled-chic look. The Aria Grande Sectional’s laid-back style and proportions make this sofa perfect for lounging, so it easily became a favorite.
This sofa is luxuriously big and pillowy. The Aria Grande takes generous dimensions to the extreme—32-inch seat depths and 46-inch wide seats. It comes with either poly-fill or down-filled cushions (both are fluffy but dense), and the sofa also comes with rectangular lumbar throw pillows to move around for back support. This is definitely a side-seated, knees-bent-style lounging sofa that encourages snoozing. The seats are 18 inches off the floor—2 inches higher than those of the Burrow Range and Benchmade Eva sofas, but the cushions compress somewhat and make the sofa feel lower to the ground. This sofa received some of the highest praise from one of our testers, who declared the Aria Grande to be “like a literal cloud.”
The slipcovers are removable and washable. Even though Sixpenny officially recommends dry cleaning its slipcovers, the instructions also admit that machine-washing is possible—it just comes with a few more risks. We’ve machine-washed the slipcover on the Aria Grande, and while it’s definitely a labor-intensive task (think several small loads, air-drying in-between, and wrestling covers back on to big cushions), it’s doable and worthwhile. Our down-filled tester lost some feathers when we took off the covers, but overall the process was straightforward.
The fabrics are exceptionally beautiful. Sixpenny mainly offers either cotton or linen fabrics—most of which are dyed by hand in small batches—but it also has options for leather and recycled polyester. If you have a household with pets or kids, Sixpenny recommends choosing a tighter weave and heavier cotton. We highly recommend ordering swatches and considering care instructions before deciding.
Assembly for the Aria was incredibly easy. The Aria Grande sectional arrived almost completely assembled—we just had to arrange the heavy seat cushions and pillows and connect the sections (they attach with alligator clips). You can also wait to connect your sofa sections, to play around with the configuration; our tester is a constant rearranger, so she left hers disconnected, and they mostly stay in place. If you want to expand the sofa in the future, you can also order individual seats.
It’s hard to sit upright in. Throw pillows can help prop you forward somewhat (and many of Sixpenny’s designs come with throw pillows included), but this plush, deep sofa really wants you to lie back and relax. (If you like Sixpenny’s style but prefer a more-upright sofa, the company has a guide that clearly explains the differences among each of its models, including a helpful chart.)
Sixpenny’s fabrics and cushions can require more upkeep. Sixpenny uses mainly natural cotton and linen fabrics (in a variety of weights and weaves), which can stain easily. Our Aria Grande from , which has a cotton linen slipcover in Sundazed Coral, definitely looks a little less plump. And the fabric has faded somewhat—it’s positioned in a very sunny location, so that doesn’t surprise us much. You can easily see dirt and discoloration along the edges and most-touched surfaces, but spot-cleaning and washing the slipcovers takes care of most of the stains. And because the cushions are so plush, they require frequent plumping to look put-together.
Sixpenny recently added a recycled poly weave, made of recycled polyester, as its response to a “performance” fabric option, to make upkeep easier. It has a linen-like weave and none of the chemical finishes common to most performance fabrics. If you have pets and children, we highly recommend getting a more stain-resistant and durable fabric, like cotton canvas or poly weave.
It doesn’t have arms. We loved the streamlined look of the armless Aria Grande, and the extra depth and width meant we had plenty of room and pillows to lean on, but a lack of arms may be a dealbreaker for some people. (If you want something with arms, Sixpenny has the almost equally wide and deep Sixpenny Devyn Sectional, which we haven’t tested yet. Or for a similar yet more affordable option, consider Floyd’s Sink Down Sofa in our Other Good Sofas section.)
You can buy the sofa online only. Its showroom, the Sixpenny Loft in Brooklyn, New York, is open only to people in the design industry and by appointment. So you can’t try the sofas before you buy them.
Key specs:
This sofa has angled fluffy backs and firm upholstered seats, with petite dimensions, so it works well in small apartments. But assembly can be tedious.
If you’re seeking a compact, low-maintenance sofa with a tailored look, and you’re willing to tackle a more-involved assembly, the Burrow Range is a great option.
Its compact and modular design is small-apartment-friendly. The Range Collection includes sofas with a unique angled-back silhouette and a contemporary Scandinavian style that we love. And the 3-Piece Sofa works great in small spaces. Its seats, at 21 inches, feel very shallow and are on the firmer side, so this is more of a conversation couch than a marathon-movie-session one—but those petite dimensions make it a great option for small spaces. Due to the modular design, you can add extra seats and ottomans to create comfier configurations. But if you know you want something loungier, Burrow lets you easily compare seat depths and cushion firmness with its other lines, so you can find your preferred sofa style.
The fabrics and cushions hold up well over time. The Range Sofa we’ve been testing since , in Moss Green, looks almost the same as the day we got it. (Our tester has hosted kids and several dogs on the Range sectional, and it is no worse for wear.) The Range comes in six performance fabric options (polyester or velvet) and three leg finishes.
It’s versatile. I’ve rearranged the modular Range Sofa into multiple configurations over the years—a sofa, a chaise lounge, a bench, even a toddler bed—and its adaptability is great. Unlike other modular sofas, this one has removable arms and backs, so there’s even more flexibility on how to rearrange things, including creating a makeshift kid bed with “bumpers” (or backs) on all sides.
Assembly can be tricky and time-consuming. We’ve assembled and disassembled the Range Sectional more than a dozen times over the years—and it was tricky and frustrating every time. Even worse, the instructions, though deceptively straightforward, actually left a lot of room for user error. While assembling the sofas, we had to attach, detach, and reattach parts several times to get all of the pieces to fit just right, and we sometimes had to use our hips to hold parts together while pushing things into place. This is in sharp contrast to assembling the Sabai Elevate; this sofa also arrives in boxes and completely disassembled, and it was an absolute breeze—enjoyable even—to put together. Unfortunately, Burrow doesn’t offer any delivery options that include assembly, so be prepared to grab a building buddy (or hire somebody) and dedicate a couple of hours.
The seat may feel shallow. Its 21-inch seat depth wasn’t a dealbreaker for those who prefer a sofa for sitting up, but tall and average-height testers pointed out it wasn’t great as a lounging sofa. One tester who’s had the Range for three years said he plans to get rid of it when he moves. He said it’s not comfortable for lounging, and it’s too short for him and his partner—they’re both over 6 feet tall—but he said it works well in their small apartment. Burrow has four showrooms around the country, so if you live close to one, we highly recommend trying the sofa in person before you buy it.
Key specs:
A longstanding budget pick, this sofa offers a classic, simple design at a bargain price. But construction details are less than perfect.
When you’re on a tight budget and an even tighter timeline, your best bet is to get something from IKEA. This company may not be winning awards for expert craftsmanship, but it offers affordability, availability, and a great return policy.
It’s the most affordable decent couch we’ve seen. IKEA’s Kivik Sofa has been a pick in this guide since . Depending on what fabric you pick, you can get one as cheap as $750 and up to $900. The Kivik we tried is almost 90 inches in length, with generous dimensions.
Yilin Product Page
It’s easy to lounge on. While the cushions are not the most comfortable or durable, they are actually plush and somewhat supportive. The wide arms are easy to sit on and use as a surface for plates, phones, books, or even a drink (if you’re adventurous).
The covers are removable and washable. All of the covers on the couch, from the seat cushions to the arms, can be unzipped and removed. So if your fabric is starting to look a little dingy after a few years, or you feel like changing the color, you can easily get new covers.
It’s easy to return if you don’t like it. Between IKEA’s generous return policy and its low prices, the risk of shopping there is pretty low. You can return unopened products within 365 days for a full refund; opened products can also be returned for a full refund, but the window goes down to 180 days, which is still better than that of most retailers.
It can quickly look disheveled. In our own testing, after only a few hours of use, the Kivik already looked wrinkled. You can fluff and rearrange the cushions somewhat, but it ends up always looking this way.
It’s not the most durable. One staffer who owned a Kivik for almost a decade, through four moves, said a structural joint in the sofa’s frame broke after about three years of heavy use. Still, the couch remained functional, even though it creaked when anyone would sit on it. Another tester, who has had a Kivik for eight years (across two moves), keeps it in her kids’ basement playroom, and she said it has held up well, even though she’s run the slipcovers through the washing machine many times. We recommend looking at recent reviews on IKEA’s website, to see if any new complaints have surfaced (this can sometimes be a sign of a change in manufacturing). If possible, see the couch in person. IKEA’s heavy showroom traffic should give you a good indication of how cushions will fare over time.
Key specs:
A sofa in this section might be a better fit for you than one of our picks. There might be one here with a style that suits you better, or perhaps something we consider to be a flaw is less of a dealbreaker for you. Our goal is to provide you with as much feedback and information as possible, so you can pick the perfect couch.
If you want a tufted sofa at an affordable price: The Article Sven Sofa was a close contender to the Article Ceni for being a pick, and several Wirecutter staffers own and love it. The Sven comes in leather, velvet, or fabric, and the medium-firm cushions have a generous seat depth of 24 inches, which can easily accommodate cross-legged and side-lounging positions. We also tested a green velvet armchair version of the sofa, the Sven Lounge Chair, and the fabric on the chair was soft to the touch, with a sumptuous, mossy richness to it.
A few caveats: The soft back cushions tend to sink in, and they can require frequent plumping. The seat cushion is tufted on one side only, so you won’t be able to flip it or remove the cover to wear each side evenly, but you can flip the back cushions. Though most of our staffers who own the Sven like it, one hated it: She reported that the velvet cushions faded where the sun hit them, and the cushions started sagging (she has since replaced this sofa with a new one from Room & Board).
If you want an ultra-customizable mid-century style sofa that’s built to last: BenchMade Modern’s Skinny Fat Sofa has been a favorite of ours for years. The Eva Sofa, our pick from BenchMade, only narrowly won out because of its unique curvy base. But if this rectangular style is more your cup of tea, we think you’ll be equally happy. In addition to the customizable width and dozens of upholstery options that come with the Eva Sofa, you can also choose from two seat depths (standard or extra deep), two cushion fills (standard or down alternative), and four leg finishes. A tester who’s had the Skinny Fat since , with the original, standard depth seat, said they wished it were a little deeper. So we’re glad that BenchMade Modern now offers the extra deep version, for those who want a more laid-back sofa option with classic, contemporary lines.
If you like the Room & Board Metro but want a sofa with a slimmer silhouette (and a higher seat): The Room & Board Stevens Sofa feels like a skinnier and taller cousin to our Metro pick. We tried the Stevens at a showroom, in the “standard” depth (23 inches). And we appreciated the soft yet supportive cushions; they had a “just right” depth that the showroom representative said a lot of people find universally appealing. This sofa has a seat height of 19 inches, so we think it’s a good option for anyone taller than 5-foot-9 and for those who prefer a sofa that’s easier to get in and out of. One staffer has had the Stevens 106” Chaise (standard depth) in the Dornick camel bouclé fabric, with walnut legs, since fall , and they called it “Nice and cozy. It almost feels like a Goldendoodle.” This person has also had a 112” Metro Chaise Sofa, a version of our pick, since . And they said that despite the Stevens being 6 inches shorter in width, it feels just as spacious as the Metro, due to the slimmer armrests. The only reason the Stevens isn’t our main pick is because we think the Metro’s proportions are slightly more universally appealing (and we have more long-term experience with the Metro), but we think the Stevens is a close second.
If you want a mid-century-style sofa that’s not low to the ground: The Room & Board Jasper Sofa was a close contender for being our pick, but the Metro’s more universally appealing dimensions won out. Unlike most mid-century sofas, the Jasper has a tall, 19-inch seat, which should appeal to those with taller frames (or anyone who prefers a sofa that’s easier to get in and out of). One staffer, who has a 2-year-old and a dog, said that her four-year-old Jasper (a sofa with chaise version) looks basically as good as the day she got it. She noted that for her and her family, the Jasper feels on the shallower and firmer side (it has a 21-inch seat depth). Another staffer, who has had the Jasper sofa in mustard velvet for about a year, said she is extremely happy with it so far; she said it’s not too firm or too plush, and it offers great support. She’s 5-foot-4, and she said she does need to put a pillow behind her back if she wants her feet to reach the floor.
If you want a sustainable, easy-to-maintain mid-century-style sofa: Sabai’s The Essential Sofa is the company’s original sofa offering, and it was. Compared with Sabai’s The Elevate, our current pick, this sofa has a more-classic, mid-century-style silhouette. One staffer has had the sectional version in seafoam velvet, with natural legs, since early , and she said it’s “incredibly easy to clean,” despite kids spilling food and milk on it, with no visible stains. She said her only complaint is if you happen to sit directly along the gap where the chaise and bench cushion meet, you can feel yourself sinking. But otherwise, she said it’s very comfortable to sit on. As with The Elevate’s velvet fabric, pet hair can easily stick to this sofa’s fabric, but a pet hair remover roller takes it right off. The Essential is on the firmer side, so it’s an upright sofa to sit up in, rather than one you can sink into. Both The Essential and The Elevate have a low-slung, 16-inch seat height, but The Essential has a slightly shallower seat depth (22 inches versus The Elevate’s 23 inches).
If you want a more-affordable, cloud-like sofa: During testing, the Floyd Sink Down Sectional was a favorite with self-described “loungers.” Its 34-inch-deep seat encourages lying back and getting cozy; it’s even 2 inches deeper than the similarly proportioned (and much more expensive, by almost $2,000) Sixpenny Aria Grande. Unlike the armless Aria Grande, the Sink Down has low armrests and arm cushions that you can prop yourself up against. The Sink Down lets you easily configure anything from a one-seater lounger to four-seater sectional. You can also get individual seat units to make your own custom configuration. Like the Aria Grande, each seat comes in its own box, fully assembled, and has alligator clips along the bottom to connect to an adjacent seat.
A few caveats: The Sink Down sofa we received, in Sand Crypton fabric, had a crooked and puckered seam along one of the arms and back rests. The fill on the seat cushions also looked underfilled, despite lots of fluffing. One person on staff ordered a Sink Down sofa and was similarly disappointed with the filling on the seat cushions, so she ended up returning hers. Floyd also has one of the more punishing restocking fees for returns (30%); if the return is due to a product defect, however, the restocking fee is waived.
After a mattress, a sofa is likely the most-used piece of furniture in a home. So durability is important. To find out what makes a good-quality sofa, see our companion piece, Sofa Buying Advice From the People Who Design and Make Them. Beyond that, you need a sofa that fits the unique needs of your lifestyle and your home. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Carefully consider all of the listed dimensions.
If you aren’t able to look at a sofa in person, we can’t stress enough how important it is to look at the listed dimensions online. And then pull out a measuring tape to get a sense of what that sofa will be like in your home. Compare those dimensions with your current sofa, too. It’s helpful to look at the overall dimensions to get a sense of the footprint. But the dimensions for comfort are just as important ; they include seat depth, seat height, armrest height, back height, and clearance from the floor (as in, whether there is any space beneath the sofa). If there’s a dimension missing, reach out to the company and ask. Unfortunately there’s still no replacement for trying a sofa in person because even similar dimensions will sometimes feel very different, depending on the sofa’s shape and firmness level.
Check the delivery process
Some sofas ship fully assembled, some ship with detached legs and separate cushions, and others require more-extensive, IKEA-style assembly. If you’re not handy, or you live alone, check whether the company has white-glove delivery options that include in-room delivery, assembly, or both. Sofas that need assembly, like those from Burrow and Sabai, will usually ship in several smaller boxes; this is ideal for narrow hallways or walk-ups. Companies will usually also list the dimensions of all of the boxes, so you can make sure they’ll fit around tight corners and through doors. (If you can’t find the box dimensions listed for your item, reach out to the company for information.)
Measure your entryways
Survey the easiest points of entry into your home, along with any issues that could complicate delivery. A steep stairway, a narrow corridor, a low overhanging fixture, or a small elevator can all present insurmountable challenges. We found Room & Board’s How to Measure Your Space for a Perfect Furniture Delivery particularly insightful for visualizing unforeseen obstacles.
The right sofa for you will depend on how much space you have, how many people you want to seat, and whether you plan to use the sofa for napping, reading, or entertaining. These are the three types you’ll generally find:
Give some thought to your personal seating needs. To help determine what best serves your lifestyle, think through the following questions:
How will you use the sofa daily?
How often do you entertain guests?
Who will use this sofa, and what are their needs?
Do you have kids or pets?
Do your floors scratch easily?
Article’s Riley 84” Sofa has a clean, modern silhouette, with wide arms and plump (almost bouncy) cushions that some testers loved. But others thought the cushions sank too much and were not supportive enough. The Napa White fabric we tested showed dirt quickly, especially along the bottom rail, which is close to the ground. Some testers thought the seat depth, 20.5 inches, seemed a bit too shallow, but the cushions have enough sink that others didn’t mind the shallow seat.
We tested the Sixpenny Neva 84" Sofa at our office, and it got some mixed reviews. Several people noted that the thin armrests felt uncomfortable, and they said they wished they were a little wider. Compared with the Aria Grande’s cushion fill, the Neva’s is a lot softer and fluffier, so you feel less supported and more like you’re sinking in (which some people loved but others not so much).
Burrow’s Union Collection is the company’s deepest seat offering (27 inches), but when we tested its two-seater, we thought it looked a little less refined and not as neatly finished in person as our Burrow Range pick. We also had trouble fastening the levers that connect each seat. Once we finally got everything securely latched, we thought the plush seat and back cushions were comfy and soft, and that they felt supportive.
Two staffers currently have sofas from Burrow’s Nomad Collection. One of them has owned the Nomad Sectional for over two years, and he said he generally likes it but that it’s a little squeaky. “It isn’t the kind of couch you can really fall or collapse into—and I do collapse on it often—but I just feel the couch shudder and squeak momentarily under my weight,” he noted. The other Nomad owner noticed her cushions were starting to deflate after four years. She contacted Burrow in , and the company gave her a steep discount on a new Nomad sofa (she now has two). She said the new sofa doesn’t feel as comfortable for lounging as the old one—it feels shallower and the cushions feel stiffer. A third staffer, who no longer has her Nomad Sofa, hated it; she said this sofa was too shallow and hard. She also said the Ivory Performance fabric did not hold up. She’s since replaced the Nomad with something else.
This article was edited by Daniela Gorny and Joanne Chen.
Phantila Phataraprasit, co-founder at Sabai, interview , January 12,
Jay Novak, co-founder at Modernica, in-person interview , May 30,
Svenja Diekmann, head of design at Hem, in-person interview , June 7,
Natalie Quinn, upholstery merchandise manager at Room & Board, interview , August 14,
Daniela Gorny
What I CoverI am an editor at Wirecutter covering all things home and decor, which includes furniture, lighting, bedding, rugs, organization, and more.
by Joshua Lyon
The best sofa sleepers are easy to use and as comfortable to lie on as they are to sit on. After a months-long search, we found three excellent options.by Gregory Han
We researched patio furniture by the dozens and tried several kinds at our homes. Here are our favorite sofas and chairs for lounging outside.by Harry Sawyers
Sleeping on a sofa bed doesn’t have to be a nightmare. Here's our advice on how to make it more comfortable.
by Gregory Han
We visited three furniture factories to learn what makes a great sofa. Here are the tips you need to know from furniture designers and manufacturers.
Buying a sofa is a major investment that can significantly impact the comfort and style of your living space. With so many options available, choosing the perfect sofa can feel overwhelming. This ultimate sofa-buying guide will walk you through everything you need to consider, ensuring you select a sofa that suits your needs, preferences, and budget.
Before you start looking at sofa styles, it's crucial to determine the right size for your space. Measure the area where you plan to place the sofa, considering doorways, windows, and other furniture. Consider how much seating you need and how the sofa will fit with the room's flow.
Whether you need a compact loveseat for a small apartment or a large sectional for a family room, knowing the right dimensions will help narrow your options and ensure a comfortable fit in your space.
Leisure Sofa That Won the German Designer Award
Sofa styles vary widely, and the right one for you will depend on your interior design and personal preferences. Some popular styles include:
- Mid-century modern: Featuring clean lines, tapered legs, and a minimalist aesthetic.
- Chesterfield: Known for its deep button tufting, rolled arms, and luxurious appearance.
- Sectional: Offering flexible seating arrangements and perfect for larger spaces.
- Sleeper sofa: A practical choice if you need extra sleeping space for guests.
Consider the overall style of your home and choose a sofa that complements your décor. Whether you prefer modern, traditional, or something in between, there's a sofa style to suit your taste.
Flexible Assembly, Small Size Saves More Shipping Space
Your sofa's material and upholstery are crucial for comfort and durability. The most common options include fabric, leather, and synthetic materials.
-Fabric: Fabric sofas offer a wide range of textures, patterns, and colors. They are often more affordable than leather and can provide a soft, cozy feel. However, fabric may be more prone to staining and wear over time.
-Leather: Leather sofas exude luxury and sophistication. They are durable, easy to clean, and tend to age well, developing a rich patina over time. However, leather can be more expensive and may require additional care to prevent cracking or fading.
Synthetic Materials: Options like microfiber and polyester are budget-friendly, stain-resistant, and easy to clean. These materials are often a good choice for families with kids or pets, as they offer durability and low maintenance.
Consider your lifestyle, aesthetic preferences, and budget when choosing upholstery. If you have young children or pets, you may want to prioritize durability and easy maintenance.
Fabric Sofa
Comfort is key when choosing a sofa, and it's important to test how it feels before purchasing. Pay attention to the seat depth, cushion firmness, and back support. Do you prefer a firm seat or something you can sink into?
If possible, try out the sofa in-store by sitting on it for a few minutes. Make sure the height and depth feel comfortable, and that the cushions provide adequate support for both sitting and lounging.
Durability is just as important as comfort. A well-constructed sofa will last for years, while a poorly made one may start showing signs of wear much sooner. Here are a few key construction elements to consider:
-Frame: A solid wood frame, such as kiln-dried hardwood, is often more durable than plywood or particleboard.
-Springs: Look for sofas with sinuous springs or eight-way hand-tied springs for better support and longevity.
-Cushions: High-density foam cushions wrapped in down or other padding offer a balance of comfort and durability.
Investing in a high-quality sofa will save you money in the long run, as you won't need to replace it as frequently.
Double-layer Design for Backrest & Armrests, Provides Comfortable & Perfect Support
Q: How can I ensure my sofa will fit through the door?
A: Measure all entryways, including doorways, stairwells, and elevators, to make sure the sofa can be delivered to your space. Some sofas come with detachable legs or modular designs to make delivery easier.
Q: Should I prioritize style or comfort?
A: Ideally, your sofa should offer both style and comfort. Choose a design that complements your decoration, but make sure it's comfortable enough for everyday use. Testing it out in person can help you find the right balance.
Q: What's the best way to clean and maintain my sofa?
A: Regular cleaning and maintenance will depend on the material. For fabric, vacuuming and spot-cleaning stains are important. Leather requires conditioning to prevent cracking. Always follow the manufacturer's care instructions.
Choosing the perfect sofa requires careful consideration of size, style, material, comfort, and construction. By following this ultimate sofa-buying guide, you can make an informed decision and find a sofa that enhances your home for years to come.
For more living room sofa supplierinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.