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The Spruce / Marcus Millan
Couches are often used as the focal point of indoor living spaces, as they give you somewhere to sit, lounge, and socialize. They also come in a wide range of options, which means "buying a sofa is almost like buying a mattress," explains Jessie Neuman of Numi Interior Design. When looking for a new couch, you want to consider how many people will be using it on a regular basis, what kind of fabric will work best with your household, and the overall style of your space.
With that in mind, we tested and evaluated products on their construction, upholstery options, aesthetic, special features, and overall value. We know that buying a couch has a lot to do with personal style, so we've rounded up options that will fit into spaces big or small, classic or modern, formal or informal.
Testing Stats | |
---|---|
Products Tested | 11 |
Hours Spent Testing | 570 |
Tests Performed | 5 |
Unique Testers | 10 |
Best Overall
Room & Board Metro Two-Cushion Sofa
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Room & Board
Highly customizable
Seamless delivery service
Exceptionally comfortable
Clean, refined, and casual design
Expensive
Of all the sofas we tested, we can’t recommend the Room & Board Metro Two-Cushion Sofa enough. It earned a perfect score in every category and we were seriously impressed with its top-notch comfort level, classic look, and durability. No matter your decor style, this sofa’s casual yet streamlined design is sure to upgrade your space. What’s more, you can customize just about every aspect of this couch, including its seat depth, size, upholstery, and leg finish. And while you can choose from over 200 different fabric options, we opted for the charcoal twill, which felt thick and durable.
We were also impressed by just how comfortable this couch felt, as the cushions were exceptionally plush while still providing enough support to lounge in for long periods of time. The cloud-like cushions are made with high-resiliency foam wrapped in fiber, feathers, and down. We loved the sofa’s sink-in comfort, which is perfect for sitting, lounging, and napping.
And while this sofa is on the more expensive side, we think that its price tag is reflective of the high-quality construction. Its hardwood frame is extremely sturdy and prevents it from shifting around on the floor. Plus, you don’t even have to worry about the hassle of assembly—it comes with a full-service delivery and setup for $99, which was seamless, efficient, and stress-free in our experience.
Price at time of publish: $1,999
Dimensions: 88 x 38 x 34 inches | Weight: 161 pounds | Capacity: 3 | Material: Olefin, Hardwood | Seat Fill: High-resiliency foam, fiber, feather, down
The Spruce / Donna Freydkin
Best Value
Article Sven Sofa
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Article
Plush yet supportive cushions
Durable reinforced wood frame
Good for small spaces
Some assembly required
If you want genuine leather, you're going to have to pay a bit of a premium. Having said that, Article is a brand you can count on for high-quality furniture pieces at relatively affordable prices. We're loving the Sven Sofa, which has a durable wood frame with corner-blocked reinforcements. The cushions are foam-wrapped fiber surrounded by feathers to create a supportive yet plush sitting experience.
As for the upholstery, you're looking at full-aniline leather with a slightly worn appearance in your choice of four neutral hues. It also comes with two matching bolster pillows. Measuring just 72 inches wide, this two-seater is great for small spaces. Partial assembly is required, but it's super easy and shouldn't take you more than five minutes.
Price at time of publish: $1,799
Dimensions: 77 x 42 x 23 inches | Weight: Not listed | Seating Capacity: 2 | Seat Fill: Foam, fiber, feathers
Best Splurge
Albany Park Kova Pit Sofa
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Albany Park
Spacious and versatile design
Exceptionally comfortable
Supportive yet plush cushions
Sturdy kiln-dried wood frame
Expensive
Pillows flatten with time
Assembly required
Considering just how much use our sofas get on a daily basis, we think splurging on a high-quality, comfortable, and stylish option is well worth the investment. The Albany Park Kova Pit is much larger than a traditional couch, and the modular sofa can be configured in many ways to suit your needs. You can even create an oversized bed-like formation, which we especially love for slumber parties and movie nights in. Alternatively, you can opt to arrange the pieces as a sectional or even just a standard couch.
During our tests, we were blown away by just how comfortable the couch felt, as the deep seats allow for multiple people to sit back and stretch their legs. In fact, we found that it felt like a separate bed for your living room and was exceptionally cozy to lay down on. Made with a kiln-dried hardwood frame, we were impressed with the overall construction quality of this sofa, as it seems to be very well-made. Plus, the removable cushion covers are very easy to wash and proved to be highly durable.
Note that you will have to assemble this product yourself, which may take a long time due to how large the sofa is. However, the actual setup process proved to be intuitive and simple—you may just need an extra set of hands to help you out. Overall, we highly recommend this product to anyone who’s willing to spend a little more on their living room furniture, as the Kova Pit is stylish, versatile, high-quality, and exceptionally comfortable.
Price at time of publish: $3,994
Dimensions: 121 x 79 x 34 inches | Weight: 466 pounds | Capacity: 4 | Material: Kiln-dried hardwood | Seat Fill: Feather-fiber blend
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The Spruce / Jennifer May
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The Spruce / Jennifer May
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The Spruce / Jennifer May
Best Budget
Mercury Row Isley 79” Upholstered Sofa
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Wayfair
Clean, modern lines and styling
Medium-firm supportive cushions
Versatile enough for any aesthetic
Some assembly required
Only one fabric type and color choice
With enough room for three people, retro mid-century modern styling and tweed upholstery, and solid, sturdy construction, Mercury Row’s Isley Upholstered Sofa is a great all-around pick. But best of all, this couch comes with an affordable price tag that packs plenty of value. Its versatile styling looks great in almost any living room, with button-tufted back cushions, crisp square arms, and wood cone legs. The cushions offer a good balance of comfort and support thanks to their medium-firm density and sinuous spring construction. A solid and manufactured wood frame offers long-term sturdiness and support, and the deeper seat is popular among taller customers.
However, you don’t have a lot of customization choices when it comes to this budget-friendly couch. It’s only available in one shade of tweed, and only one type of fabric. Some assembly is required, but customers report that it’s not too lengthy of a process (or too challenging!)–you may not even find that you need tools to get this sofa together.
Price at time of publish: $780
Dimensions: 38 x 79 x 38 inches | Weight: 120 pounds | Capacity: 3 people | Material: Tweed fabric | Seat Fill: Foam and sinuous springs
Best Sectional
West Elm Harmony Modular 2-Piece Sleeper Sectional With Storage Chaise
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West Elm
Exceptionally comfortable
Integrated storage space
Highly durable
Casual and elegant look
Some issues with white-glove delivery
Mattress could be more comfortable
Expensive
This casual and sophisticated West Elm Harmony Modular Sectional could make an elegant addition to any living space. And not only is it stylish, but it also converts into a queen-sized bed in less than a minute. You can choose from a wide variety of fabrics and colors, including velvet, boucle, and tweed. However, we chose the performance basketweave fabric which was exceptionally soft and felt lovely when laying on it. Over time, it held up exceptionally well and was easy to clean even with lots of spills and stains.
During our testing, we were impressed with just how comfortable the sofa was. It boasts oversized cushions and big pillows which are exceptionally plush and provide that “sink-in” feeling that we love. When it first arrived, the cushions looked almost overstuffed and bubbly. But with time, the cushions wore perfectly, which gave the couch an effortlessly chic, lived-in look. The mattress was comfortable enough—in fact, it was more comfortable than many other sleeper sofas we’ve tried. But while it is sturdy and relatively plush, you can slightly feel the frame underneath.
While this product comes with white-glove delivery, we had a few issues with the assembly, which we then had to fix ourselves. This may not be a widespread issue, but it’s definitely worth noting that the process wasn’t exactly seamless. However, after the setup was all said and done, we were seriously wowed by the overall construction quality, elegant look, and top-notch comfort of this couch.
Price at time of publish: $4,598
Dimensions: 123 x 69 x 37 inches | Weight: 385 pounds | Capacity: 4 | Material: Hardwood | Seat Fill: Polyurethane, polyester, duck feather, duck down
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The Spruce / Elena Garcia
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The Spruce / Elena Garcia
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The Spruce / Elena Garcia
Best Sleeper
Joybird Briar Sleeper Sofa
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Joybird
Clean and stylish design
Wide selection of upholstery options
Fits queen-sized mattress
Durable construction
Couch cushions can be quite firm initially
Expensive
For a comfortable sofa that doubles as a sleeping spot for out-of-town guests, you can’t go wrong with the Joybird Briar Sleeper Sofa. We love its clean and stylish silhouette, and you can choose from nearly 100 upholstery options, including pet-friendly and sustainable options. The sofa converts to a queen-sized bed easily and quickly, and during our real-world tests, the mattress proved to be extremely comfortable for overnight guests.
While the couch cushions are quite firm initially, we found that it improves in plushness the more you break them in. The couch has gotten better and better with each day, but it’s important to note that it may not be the comfiest upon arrival. Additionally, we found that the sofa held up exceptionally well over time, as it proved to be highly durable even in a household with pets. Any stains came out very easily and overall, the couch looks as good as new. And while this sofa may be expensive, we think it's worth well worth the investment, as it both looks and feels exceptionally high-quality. Plus, its functionality and convenience make it super practical for those who love to host.
Price at time of publish: $2,747
Dimensions: 79 x 36 x 35 inches | Weight: Not listed | Capacity: 4 | Material: Rubber wood, engineered wood, solid wood | Seat Fill: Polyurethane foam, fiber
Best Slipcovered
Pottery Barn Cameron Roll Arm Slipcovered Sleeper Sofa
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Pottery Barn
Easy to clean
Highly customizable
Fits queen-sized mattress
Classic, sleek design
Expensive
Arm cushioning is quite thin
May require regular fluffing
If you love the convenience and casual look of slip-covered couches, the Pottery Barn Cameron Roll Arm Slipcovered Sleeper Sofa is both stylish and comfortable. Despite its relatively compact size, it easily converts to a queen-sized bed whenever you need it. The sofa is also highly customizable, as you can choose from an extensive selection of upholstery, including chenille, velvet, and twill. Its simple and sleek silhouette makes this a timeless and design-forward addition to any space.
During our at-home tests, we found that the sofa has held up very well in a household of four. The cushions held up relatively well after a year, though we did find that they need to be fluffed consistently in order to keep them looking tidy. The overall construction of the sofa is sound, but we wish there were more padding in the rolled arms. The couch cushions provide a great balance between comfort and support, making it suitable for everyday use.
Ideal for households with children and pets, the slipcover material held up to spills, accidents, and daily wear and tear. Taking off and putting on the slipcover was seamless, and cleaning it couldn’t be easier—for many material options, you can simply throw it in the washer and dryer. So although this sofa may come at a more expensive price point, we found it’s worth it for those in a busy household that wants a durable sofa that can hold up to frequent stains.
Price at time of publish: $2,339
Dimensions: 74 x 35.5 x 38 | Weight: 290 pounds | Capacity: 3 | Material: Steel, wood | Seat Fill: Polyester-wrapped foam
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The Spruce / Dwyer Frame
Best Leather
Lark Manor Rasberry 81'' Upholstered Sleeper Sofa
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Wayfair
Good color selection
Firm but comfortable seat cushions
Supportive queen-sized mattress
Heavy
Not only do leather sofas add a timeless and luxurious element to a room, but they’re also durable and functional. This one from Lark Manor has a traditional silhouette with rolled arms and three seat cushions, and it’s finished in genuine leather that's available in more than a dozen colors. Plus, when you need an extra bed, the sofa pulls out into a queen-size innerspring mattress, which we found to be comfortable and supportive.
Because it houses a mattress, this sofa is heavier than many similarly sized options, and you’ll likely need two people to move it. We also liked that the back is covered with leather, allowing it to be styled in the middle of the room if needed, and it has a seated weight capacity of 750 pounds, which should be more than enough to comfortably seat two adults. Certain leather finishes may take a month or two to ship to your home, but overall, it’s a well-priced, versatile sofa that could make a useful addition to your living space.
Price at time of publish: $3,116
Dimensions: 33 x 81 x 35 inches | Weight: 223 pounds | Capacity: 3 people | Material: Genuine leather | Seat Fill: Fiber-wrapped foam
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The Spruce / Stacey L. Nash
Best Velvet
Article Abisko Sofa
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Article
Contemporary design
Easy-to-clean upholstery
Straightforward assembly
Firm yet comfortable cushions
Expensive
Limited color options
Not only is a velvet couch timeless and luxurious, but it can also make a big statement in any space. We love the design-forward Article Abisko Sofa, which is available in pacific blue and yarrow gold and boasts a contemporary look. And even in a household with pets, we found that this sofa held up exceptionally well, as the upholstery was durable and easy to clean.
When testing this couch, we were definitely skeptical of its comfort level at first—it initially felt firmer than some of the other options on this list. However, after sitting, laying, and lounging on it for some time, we found that it actually provided a ton of support, which allowed us to stay comfortable for long periods of time. In fact, it earned a perfect score in this category.
While you do have to assemble this sofa yourself, we found that the entire delivery and setup process went seamlessly. The boxes were heavy, but once we got them inside, assembling the sofa took just around 20 minutes. The directions were easy to follow and straightforward, so we don’t expect you’ll have any issues on that front.
Price at time of publish: $1,399
Dimensions: 28 x 91 x 35 inches | Weight: 132 pounds | Capacity: 3 | Material: Velvet, aluminum, soft and composite wood | Seat Fill: High-density foam, feathers, fiber
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The Spruce / Abigail Wetzler
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The Spruce / Abigail Wetzler
Best Modular
Burrow Block Nomad Sofa
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Burrow
Several customization options
Stain-resistant upholstery
Built-in USB charger
Easy to assemble
Limited upholstery colors
Cushions are on the firmer side
If you’re looking for a well-made sofa that you can easily customize to fit your home, the Burrow Nomad Sofa is the way to go. It comes in five different stain-resistant upholstery colors, and you can personalize a variety of other features, including the leg finish, arm shape, and cushion style. You can also add on a moveable chaise, matching ottoman, or lumbar pillows to complete the setup. And thanks to its modular design, you can expand or shorten the sofa if needed.
This sofa has a sturdy birch frame and triple-layer foam and fiber cushions that deliver a plush yet supportive feel. During our real-world tests, we found that while the cushions weren’t so soft that you could sink into them, they were still comfortable enough to sit and lounge on for long periods of time. We also love that it has a USB charger integrated into one of the arms, which became one of our favorite added features of the sofa.
Burrow makes its furniture in America, and the brand uses sustainably sourced wood and fabric from upcycled materials. It ships to your door in compact, easy-to-lift boxes, though you must assemble the sofa yourself. However, the good news is that it doesn’t require any tools thanks to the brand’s unique latching system. (It also comes apart just as easily in case you need to move it somewhere else.) The assembly process took under 30 minutes and proved to be very straightforward and intuitive, which we appreciated.
Price at time of publish: $1,595
Dimensions: 85 x 35 x 33 inches | Weight: Not listed | Capacity: 3 people | Material: Stain-resistant olefin | Seat Fill: Foam and fiber
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The Spruce / Katie Melynn
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The Spruce / Katie Begley
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The Spruce / Katie Begley
Best Adjustable
Ikea SLATORP Sofa
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Ikea
Chaise can be positioned on either side
Back cushions can be raised for adjustable comfort
Large enough to lay down
Not the most durable fabric
Can stain and show dirt easily
If you’re searching for a couch that’ll adapt to your needs, living room setup, and comfort, Ikea’s SLATORP Sofa can step up! This couch is surprisingly adjustable and adaptable, giving you options when it comes to everyday comfort. Built with a chaise lounge, you can choose which side that chaise is positioned on and switch it up whenever you want something different. The high back on this couch is extra-comfortable for those seeking extra neck support, and as an added perk, the back cushions can be adjusted and moved to change the seat depth and your level of back support. And the foam inside each cushion offers a good amount of firmness for those who prefer some bounce over an extra-plush couch.
Just keep in mind that the light color of this couch’s upholstery can attract dirt and stains–and they can be pretty visible if it’s seeing a lot of wear. The upholstery also isn’t the most durable material, and it can show spots of wear under heavy use. This couch’s adjustable nature makes it quite handy and comfortable, but keep in mind that it’s a better choice for homes with less traffic or rugged use.
Price at time of publish: $1,499
Dimensions: 36.25 x 108.63 x 61.75 inches | Weight: Not listed | Capacity: Not listed | Material: Cotton, polyester | Seat Fill: Polyurethane foam
Best for Small Spaces
Interior Define Winslow Loveseat
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Interior Define
Wide selection of upholstery fabrics and colors
Plush and comfortable bench cushion
Can customize in multiple ways
Somewhat limited return window
A loveseat can be the perfect fit in a small living room, studio apartment, or even office in need of extra seating. The Winslow Loveseat from Interior Define is a great pick for any small space, as this two-person couch is compact yet elegant, subtle and soft. It features gentle curves and soft corners so it doesn’t take up a lot of space, with slimmed-down arms and clean lines. For comfort, there’s a nicely medium-firm bench cushion, and you can opt for either a 24-inch or 29-inch seat depth, depending on your preferences and available space. Every one of these loveseats is made to order, so you can customize your couch in multiple ways for the perfect fit.
However, it’s important to note that because the Winslow Loveseat can be customized from its seat comfort to its seat height to its upholstery, there’s a somewhat limited return window if you aren’t happy with the final result. It’s not a dealbreaker by any means, but worth keeping in mind as you place your order.
Price at time of publish: $1,045
Dimensions: Various, depending on customization | Weight: Not listed | Capacity: 2 people | Material: Various | Seat Fill: Down blend or down alternative
Best Deep
Wayfair Custom Upholstery Emilio 90” Upholstered Sofa
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Wayfair
Removable and reversible cushions
26 inches of seat depth
Sinuous spring cushions offer support
Not all fabrics are durable
May not hold up to rough wear and tear
If you want a couch that welcomes you with plush, deep seats, Wayfair’s Emilio Upholstered Sofa will fit the bill. Featuring a seat depth of 26 inches, plus removable and reversible cushions, this spacious sofa offers enough room to really sit back and relax–and lay down! The foam-filled cushions are constructed with sinuous springs for a mix of support and plushness, and they’re less prone to sagging over time. An extra four toss pillows are included for extra lounge comfort (and some style, too.) We also like the fact that the seat and back cushion covers are all removable and easy to clean.
When you’re building your ideal deep-seated couch, just keep in mind that this Wayfair model does offer a number of different fabric upholstery options. While many options are highly durable and even built to be stain- and water-resistant, not all fabrics are this tough. Some may be more delicate and prone to wear, so think about your lifestyle when choosing a fabric (and read the fine print on your top picks!)
Price at time of publish: $1,953
Dimensions: 30 x 90 x 41 inches | Weight: 170 pounds | Capacity: 3 people | Material: Various, depending on customization | Seat Fill: Foam, sinuous springs
If you're looking for a couch that's stylish, comfortable, and customizable, go with the Room & Board Metro Two-Cushion Sofa. It has an effortlessly clean design allows you to customize its fabric, legs, seat depth, and more. For those on a budget, the Mercury Row Isley 79” Upholstered Sofa is versatile, well-made, and affordable.
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How We Tested the Couches
Throughout the last few years, we’ve tested over a dozen couches, putting them in our homes to see if they were worth it. Multiple products in this roundup, including the Room & Board Metro Sofa and Article Abisko Sofa, were real-world tested in order to see how the sofas held up for at least one month. We sent the sofas to our volunteer testers’ homes to note how they performed in real-world situations after consistent use. We asked testers to consider the ease of assembly, comfort, durability, quality, and value. Testers took note of each product’s sturdiness, firmness, size, frame materials, and upholstery texture. Additionally, they observed whether or not the couch changed in shape or texture over the course of the testing period. We analyzed our testers’ scores and insights, along with our supplemental research, to compile this list of the best couches on the market.
What to Look For in a Couch
Size
Before you start shopping, it’s important to measure the space where you want your couch to go. There’s nothing more frustrating than falling in love with a piece of furniture, only to discover it won’t fit in the room.
"Size really matters when it comes to buying a sofa, something too big or too small for your room can really affect the flow of your space," says Neuman. "It should fill the room nicely and feel inviting, but it should never feel like it's overwhelming your space. I like to always do the blue tape test. Buy yourself some blue painter's tape at any hardware store and tape out the dimensions of the sofa on the floor so you get a good idea of how it will feel in the space."
Also, be sure to measure the doorways and any stairs leading to the room. You’ll want to make sure there’s clearance to fit every piece of the couch into the room.
If you’re especially pressed for space, you’ll want to consider purchasing sofas that are meant for small spaces, like the Interior Define Winslow Loveseat
Type
There are a few common types of couches and sofas that you’ll encounter when shopping. We’ll go into more details about each kind below, but here are the basics you should know.
First, there are standard sofas, which are one straight line and typically between 72- and 90-inches long, like the Article Abisko Sofa. These can generally seat three or four people, and they come in a wide range of styles, materials, and price points. Similarly, you’ll find loveseats, which are essentially small couches, measuring 48- to 72-inches long. Loveseats can comfortably seat two people—hence their name—and are a great solution for smaller spaces. Some people like to have a matching sofa and loveseat for a cohesive look in their living room.
Today, sectionals are an incredibly popular style of couch. These modular couches are made up of more than one piece, and they’re commonly L- or U-shaped. Sectionals like the West Elm Harmony Modular Sectional provide more seating, making them a good solution for large families or big rooms.
There are also sleeper sofas, which transform into a temporary bed, as well as reclining sofas. Your style options may be more limited if you choose one of these specialty couches, but there are still an impressive range of options available at numerous price points.
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The Spruce / Bailey Mariner
Style
One of the most challenging parts of buying a couch can be finding a style you like. There are hundreds of styles available today, but here's a rundown of the most popular styles you may want to consider.
- Mid-century: features clean lines, simple legs, and a low profile
- Chesterfield: features rolled arms, tufted back, and often made of leather
- Lawson: features a boxy shape and detached cushions, and prioritizes comfort
- Bridgewater (also called English roll arm): has low arms that lean outward and is very cushy
- Tuxedo: features a boxy shape and its arms are the same height as its back
- Contemporary: modern, unique, and often unconventional
- Camelback: features a curved back with a “hump” in the middle, as well as high arms
- Scandinavian: popularized by IKEA, has clean lines and is minimalistic
- Settee: a specialty loveseat with a high back and shallow depth
- Chaise: an asymmetrical design with just one arm
These are some of the most common couch and sofa styles, but there are many variations of each. As you shop, you’ll want to take note of which features you like and which styles will look best with your existing decor.
Materials
What your couch is made from will not only dictate its appearance, but its durability, ease of cleaning, and more. The first thing you’ll want to consider is the frame material, as a sturdy frame will ensure your sofa lasts for years. Avoid materials like particleboard and plastic, which can warp or break easily. Pine is a low-cost option for frames, but it won’t last as long as a hardwood such as oak, ash, or beech. To test the frame of a sofa, lift one corner up 6 inches off the ground—the other leg should lift up, as well. If it doesn’t, the frame is likely too flexible and prone to warping or breaking.
You’ll also want to consider the filling of a sofa’s cushions. Perhaps the most comfortable, long-lasting option is high-resilient foam, but this can be quite expensive. Polyurethane foam is a popular option thanks to its low cost and ease of care, but you’ll want to make sure it’s a higher density; otherwise, it may deteriorate over time. Polyester fiber is another inexpensive option, but it flattens quickly, so only choose this option if you're looking for a short-term furniture solution. There’s also high-end goose down fill, which is incredibly comfortable, but extremely expensive and requires a lot of maintenance.
Finally, you’ll need to consider the upholstery material, and be sure to weigh both appearance and functionality. If your couch will be getting a lot of use, you’ll need a tough, durable fabric to ensure it lasts for years to come. Here are some of the most popular fabric options and their benefits:
- Leather: durable and easy to clean, but expensive and can fade over time
- Faux leather: durable and easy to clean, but not as long-lasting as real leather
- Cotton: soft and somewhat durable, but stains and wrinkles easily
- Linen: beautiful and upscale, but hard to care for and soils easily
- Microfiber/polyester: soft, durable, easy to clean, and inexpensive
- Chenille: soft and luxe, but hard to clean
- Velvet: soft and stylish, but also trendy
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Comfort
Another key consideration when purchasing a sofa is whether it’s comfortable! It’s hard to gauge whether a couch will be comfortable if you’re buying online, so if you’re able to see the piece in person, you should always do so.
"Depending on how much you will be using it, its comfort is both important and subjective to each person," says Neuman. "Some clients love the loose fluffy feeling of down feathers on a sofa, while others prefer for the structure of foam fill. "
When testing a couch for comfort, you should sit and lie down on it. Evaluate whether it’s supportive enough for your needs and easy to get up. You’ll also want to see if your feet can touch the floor when you’re sitting upright—if not, you may want to look for a sofa that has a shorter depth.
Special Features
You can find couches with several special features. For example, some models have either manual or automatic recliners built into the sofa. You can also find couches with built-in drink holders, USB ports, hidden consoles, and more.
Care
As mentioned above, you’ll want to consider how much maintenance you’re willing to put into keeping your sofa looking nice. Certain materials are easy to care for, while others require professional cleaning. This is an especially important consideration if you have pets, kids, or both.
If you want a low-maintenance sofa, look into leather, faux leather, or polyester options. Most of these models resist spills and stains and can simply be wiped down to clean. There are also treated cotton fabrics that resist stains. If you have pets, you’ll want to ensure whatever fabric you choose won’t get caught on their nails and is easy to vacuum.
Many slipcovered sofas, such as the Pottery Barn Cameron Roll Arm Slipcovered Sleeper Sofa, have removable covers that can be easily thrown in the washer and dryer for easy maintenance.
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The Spruce / Andrea Lavinthal
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What is the difference between a couch and a sofa?
"There really isn't one—the terms are used interchangeably," explains Neuman. "Historically, there was a difference in the furniture's arms, but today they mean the same thing." If anything, some people use the term couch to refer to more casual pieces designed for comfort, which sofas are more formal and stylish.
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How do you clean a leather couch?
For regular cleaning, you can vacuum loose dirt and crumbs and wipe the leather down with a damp cloth and mild hand soap (test in a small area first). Then buff it with a dry cloth—no need to rinse the soap, it acts as a conditioner to the leather. Use talcum powder or cornstarch to get out grease stains and allow it to sit for 15 minutes before brushing away with a soft-bristle brush. For more specific spot cleaning techniques, check out our guide to cleaning leather furniture.
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How do you clean an upholstered couch?
Check the label of your upholstered couch: “W” means you can use a water-based cleaner, “S” designates a solvent-based cleaner is safe, “WS” means you can use either, and an “X” means it should be professionally cleaned. To clean with soap and water, combine a half teaspoon of clear dish soap with warm water and gently spread over the fabric without soaking, and then wipe it clean with a damp cloth. For more specific spot treatments of upholstery, check out our guide to washing upholstery fabric.
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When do couches go on sale?
Many online and in-store retailers offer major savings around national holidays. Throughout the summer and during the fall and winter, you can find sales on couches at Wayfair, All Modern, Ashley Furniture, and more.
Couch Styles
There are several types of couches and sofas you’ll encounter as you shop, each of which has its own pros and cons.
Standard
As mentioned above, standard sofas are typically between 72- and 84-inches long and can fit three or four people. Beyond these measurements, standard sofas can vary significantly in their depth, style, and cost. You can find a budget sofa for as little as $200 or opt for a custom option that may run $4,000 or more.
Sectional
As their name implies, sectionals are typically made up of two or more sections, and the most common configurations are L- and U-shaped. Depending on the size sectional you choose, you’ll be able to sit four or more people on the sofa at a time.
L-shaped sections can be right-arm- or left-arm-facing, and this refers to which direction the “L” is meant to face. If you’re planning to purchase an L-shaped sectional, make sure to figure out which side the arm needs to be on before you shop. U-shaped sectionals offer even more seating, and they’re a good option for large rooms. Many people place an ottoman or coffee table in the middle of the U, so you may want to take note of how much space is in the center of the configuration if you already have a table to use.
When shopping for a sectional, make sure the various pieces can be firmly connected. Fabric strips typically aren’t strong enough to hold pieces of a sectional together and may tear over time, leading to awkward gaps between the sitting areas.
Sectionals are typically more expensive than standard sofas. Low-end sectionals start around $400 and range up into the thousands for oversized, luxurious models.
Loveseat
Loveseats are smaller sofas designed to seat just two people. Loveseats are generally between 48- and 72-inches long, making them a popular option for apartments and other small spaces. If you’re looking for a fancier loveseat, you may want to consider a settee, which features a high back and shallow seat—designed more for aesthetics than comfort.
You can purchase loveseats individually, and they typically start at around $150. However, you'll also come across living room sets that include a matching sofa and loveseat.
Sleeper
Sleeper sofas, also called pull-out sofas, look like standard couches, but they contain a hidden mattress that folds out, transforming the sofa into a temporary bed. While not the most comfortable surface to sleep on, pull-out sofas are a great option if you frequently have houseguests and don’t have space for a guest bedroom.
When purchasing a sleeper sofa, you’ll want to consider how comfortable the unit is both as a sofa and as a bed. It’s also important to choose the proper size for your space, and if possible, test how easy it is to pull out and pack up the mattress. You can find twin-sized sleeper sofas for around $400, while larger options are more expensive.
Recliner
Similar to reclining chairs, reclining sofas will simultaneously lower you backward and support your feet with a footrest, putting you in a reclined position. Many people find reclining sofas to be more comfortable for watching movies and even sleeping.
Typically, reclining sofas just have one or two seats that can recline, and they’re either manual, meaning you have to pull a lever, or power reclining, meaning it uses electricity to adjust the seat. Power reclining sofas must be plugged into an outlet to work, so keep this in mind as you lay out your decor.
Budget reclining sofas start at around $400, but a high-end model can cost well over $1,000.
Futon
Futons are a type of specialty sofa that, frankly, are hard to explain if you’ve never seen one. They look more like a bench than a sofa, as most models don’t have armrests, and they can be folded out into a sleeping surface.
Futons are typically less expensive—and therefore less comfortable—than sleeper sofas, and they’re a popular option for college dorms, small apartments, and anyone on a budget. You can find a small futon for as little as $50, and even high-end products won’t cost more than $400 or so.
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Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was written by Bianca Pineda, a commerce writer specializing in bedding, bath, and home decor at The Spruce. To compile this list, she consulted at-home testing insights, assessed numerous customer reviews, and conducted supplemental research about the topic. All of the products in this roundup met our quality standards during the research process and performed the best during our tests.
Additional reporting was contributed by Camryn Rabideau, a freelance writer who’s had firsthand experience testing sofas, including the West Elm Harmony Sofa. While researching couches for this list, she considered each product size, style, material, and comfort, as well as additional features and any customization options. For more insights on how to find the right couch for your space, she spoke with interior designer Jessie Neuman of Numi Interior Design, who explained her process for selecting couches for clients.
What is The Spruce Approved?
Here at The Spruce, we want to ensure we fully stand behind every product we recommend and that when we say something is the best, we mean it. You might have noticed The Spruce Approved badge next to the products on this list. Every product with this badge has been rigorously tested in person and carefully selected by our expert team of lab testers and editors. In most cases, we buy all these products ourselves, though occasionally, we get samples provided to us directly by companies. No matter how we procure products, they all go through the same tests and must meet the same strict criteria to make the best-of cut.