:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/spr-best-best-velvet-sofas-776aeaf5f2064d96b8037aebda24bd9a.jpg)
The Spruce / Kristin Kempa
If you’re looking for a new sofa that’s stylish and elegant, you might consider velvet—an extremely luxe-looking fabric that’s plush to the touch. And in addition to looking sleek and sumptuous, velvet can also be pretty hardy. “Even in a family room that’s often used, a velvet sectional is a practical choice that will look great after years of use,” says Blima Ehrentreu, CEO of The Designers Group, an interior design firm based in New York, Miami, and Toronto.
To help you find the velvet sofa for your own space, we scoured dozens of retailers and evaluated hundreds of highly-rated, top-selling products to assess style, size, color options, comfort, and overall value. Our number-one pick is the Sven Sofa by Article. It’s a beautiful and durable piece of furniture that suits both large and small spaces, comes in four colors, and has a moderate price tag. But if you’re still shopping around, these are the best velvet sofas available today.
Best Overall
Article Sven Sofa
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/article-sven-sofa-792274f46a4a482293778e735f965352.jpg)
Article
Easy assembly
Comfortable down and foam-filled cushions
Stylish and modern
Fabric is dry clean only
Cushions require fluffing to keep their shape
The Sven Sofa from Article tops our list because it hits all of the right marks. For starters, it has a super sleek design, complete with rolled pillows on either end, that looks highly sophisticated. It truly says luxury—without a terrifyingly large price tag.
This velvet sofa also comes in three beautiful gem colors: vibrant green, rich navy, pacific blue, and yarrow gold. And at 72 inches wide, it's longer than most compact sofas, which means it’s versatile and will work in both small and large spaces alike.
It’s an exceptionally durable piece of furniture, too. The sofa has a sturdy, corner-blocked wooden frame made of kiln-dried solid wood and heavy-duty upholstery. And there’s no need to worry about high traffic. The velvet is rated 40,000 rubs, which means it can stand up to commercial environments—ideal for families with kids and pets.
Price at time of publish: $1,499
Best Budget
Mercer41 Adhafera Upholstered Sofa
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/mercer41-adhafera-upholstered-sofa--180e7eb03abb4aceb070df8eb109aec3.jpg)
Mercer41
Soft, quilted texture
Affordable
Plush pocketed coil and foam cushions
Durable materials
Colors can vary in person
Cushions run firm
Though velvet sofas are undeniably luxe, you don’t have to splurge to get a nice, sophisticated piece of furniture. This one is incredibly affordable—you can compare the price to something you might find at IKEA—but is definitely elevated, both in its appearance and its ability to handle everyday wear. The unit has the same clean, crisp lines as our top overall pick. Plus, it comes with two beautiful round throw pillows that add eye-catching detail.
The fabric is 100 percent polyester velvet, which has a slight sheen and a smooth feel. Plus, there’s slight quilting to help add to overall comfort. What’s more, the cushions are welted and feature pocketed-coil spring inserts in the foam core for even more comfort and durability.
If you look closely, you’ll also notice beautiful chrome legs. They are resistant to fading and tarnishing—plus, they’re easy to wipe clean. Choose from six colors, but note that they look a bit different in person. Additionally, keep in mind that this couch’s cushions run on the firm side.
Price at time of publish: $500
Best Splurge
Lulu and Georgia Fabienne Sofa
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/lulu-and-georgia-fabienne-sofa-27a5effcac874d378163c9c80c484a26.jpg)
Lulu and Georgia
Sophisticated design
On wheels
No assembly required
Made to order
Long lead time
Can't be returned
Expensive
Though undeniably expensive, you’d be lucky to have Lulu and Georgia’s Fabienne velvet sofa in your living space. It’s a true investment piece with classic appeal that’s sure to stand the test of time. Each of the five available colors are beautifully rich and come complete with ornately-shaped wooden legs, each of which have wheels. This made-to-order couch features down blend cushions to keep you comfortable whether relaxing or entertaining, and there’s plenty of room to stretch out.
The sofa may be more of a decor piece than an item suitable for long-term lounging, but when it comes time to entertain, you’ll be glad that it can comfortably accommodate at least three people. It also comes fully assembled, so you won’t have to lift a finger—just immediately enjoy your beautiful new sofa. That said, it’s worth noting: This is a custom piece that takes eight to 10 weeks to arrive. And because it’s made to order, it unfortunately can’t be returned.
Price at time of publish: $3,998
Best for Small Spaces
Homary Modern Bronze Velvet Curved Sofa
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/modern-63-blue-velvet-curved-sofa-gold-legs-toss-pillow-included--70f143d67766455bbabeb080414caef6.jpg)
Homary
Fast, free shipping
Stylish and contemporary
Includes throw pillows
Not ideal for lounging
Only seats two
If you want a refined, style-forward piece for your living room, bar area, or sitting room, Homary’s Modern Velvet Curved Sofa is a great option. It has sleek, beautiful lines that give off a definite contemporary vibe. And it’s a gorgeous couch to look at, with its included throw pillows, jewel-toned color choices, and shining gold-hued legs.
The sofa is definitely made for small spaces, too. At just 63 inches in size, it’ll fit almost anywhere. It does only seat two people, but it’s not really for lounging anyway. It’s more of a statement piece, and the cushion runs firm rather than soft.
With your purchase, you’ll also get three throw pillows—two matching and one contrasting. And don’t worry about assembly. It’s easy, since this couch only requires partial assembly on your part when it arrives. Shipping is free, too; you’ll get your new couch in less than two weeks.
Price at time of publish: $1,500
Best for Large Spaces
Interior Define Marlow 3-Seat Reversible Chaise Sectional
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/interior-define-marlow-3-seat-reversible-chaise-sectional-f8b41e331e9842cfb164d78e92ece6e3.jpg)
Interior Define
Customizable configuration
Performance upholstery available
Easy to reverse
Expensive
Delivery fee
If you have the space, a sectional like the Marlow’s 3-Seat Reversible Chaise Sectional is a great option. More stylish than your typical sectional sofa thanks to the velvet upholstery, this is a couch that provides plenty of customization and choices. The chaise is reversible, so you can adapt the sofa to best suit your room. You can even reorient it if you need to—like if you’re having a party and need to make more space around your bar area. The reversible chaise works using connector clips that are effortless to hook and unhook.
You can also customize the size, depth, chaise length, and seat cushion type. In total, there are more than 100 color and material choices, but if you want to stick with velvet, you still have an impressive 26 options. Once you settle on a style, you can also upgrade your cushion fill for added comfort. Opt for a double down blend or down alternative instead of the standard down blend, if you want extra-plush cushions.
This velvet sofa is pricey, and you’ll have to tack on an additional $249 delivery fee to the total. However, it’s also more modern and sleeker than other velvet sectionals that tend to look more traditional, thanks to padded track arms and a linear frame with delicate pin legs.
Price at time of publish: $2,945
Best Sleeper
Pottery Barn Buchanan Square Arm Upholstered Deluxe Sleeper Sofa
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/_Pottery-Barn-Buchanan-Square-Arm-Upholstered-Deluxe-Sleeper-Sofa--b7db93ac0c3448858d562f0c4ac6fa18.jpg)
Pottery Barn
Narrow profile
Durable kiln-dried hardwood frame
Extra-long Queen mattress
Removable legs
Expensive
Long delivery times
No returns
Pottery Barn’s Buchanan Deluxe Sleeper Sofa may house an extra-long Queen mattress under its cushions (with two extra inches of mattress length), but you’d never know it by looking at it. That’s because it has the same beloved classic design as other sectional sofas, just with a standout velvet upholstery.
Like other sofas from Pottery Barn, there are also tons of options for customization so you can build your ideal sectional in just the material you’ve been looking for. Overall, you can choose from over 90 color and fabric options, but if you want to stick to velvet, you still have a nice selection of 10. Just note: This sofa is made to order, so delivery takes about 10 weeks or longer. (You also can’t return the sofa unless there are defects.)
And while it’s undoubtedly expensive, if you’re willing to wait for the white glove delivery, you’ll be pleased with your purchase. Once it arrives, there’s no assembly required on your part. You can get right to enjoying your new couch, whether you’re using it as a sofa or a sleeper.
Price at time of publish: starts at $3,644
Best Sectional
Rove Concepts Porter Sectional
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/rove-concepts-porter-sectional-velvet-2cdd2d928fbd4c5e82836c6b065e90f0.jpg)
Rove Concepts
Durable
Modular pieces available
Comfortable for lounging
Expensive
Only two color choices
For a large space, you can’t go wrong with a sectional—especially if you have a big family or love to entertain big groups. While pricey, the Rove Concepts Porter Sectional is a fantastic option, because it comfortably seats multiple people. It’s also exceptionally comfortable, which makes it a prime pick for watching TV or taking an afternoon snooze.
You’ll love the flexible design, too. Choose from two options: a right- or left-oriented chaise. This way, you can get a sofa that works best in your space. And if you need more seating, there are additional modular pieces you can opt for to make the sofa even larger or add an additional chaise. You can also purchase an ottoman or two for even more comfort.
The couch is very durable, so you don’t have to worry about premature wear and tear, despite heavy use. It has a kiln-dried hardwood frame with doweled joints and reinforced corner blocks. However, you do only have two shades of velvet fabric to choose from, which can be a little limiting (especially if you’re a bit hesitant to go with white!)
Price at time of publish: $2,957
Best Mid-Century Modern
West Elm Pasquale Sofa
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/west-elm-pasquale-sofa-d3e9d6df126a4aa39d19785f8d9e1576.jpg)
West Elm
Lots of color choices
Fiber-wrapped high-resiliency foam cores
Sleek profile
Reversible cushions
Long lead time
Velvet upholstery can see delays
If you’re leaning into aesthetic more than comfort and love the look of mid-century modern furniture, you’ll swoon over the Pasquale Sofa from West Elm. It’s no surprise, really—this retailer is known for its high-quality and incredibly attractive mid-century modern furniture. And you can combine both your love of velvet and your aesthetic into one highly functional piece.
The price point of this sofa is moderate and accessible, but you’ll get a great piece of furniture. And you can choose from an impressive 15 different colors of velvet in either distressed velvet or performance velvet. Design and construction cues like a kiln-dried engineered hardwood frame, reinforced joinery, and high-gauge sinuous spring cushion offer support and great longevity with wear.
The couch is more structured than cozy, but it’s a nicely functional couch. The tufting and wooden pin legs add eye-catching detail to a very sleek sofa. Just keep in mind that West Elm’s furniture often faces long lead times–and opting for velvet upholstery adds up to five additional weeks before your sofa ships.
Price at time of publish: starts at $949
Best for Apartments
Urban Outfitters Gavin Velvet 2-Seat Sleeper Sofa
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/urban-outfitters-gavin-velvet-2-seat-sleeper-sofa-c831de96a57c4c75b08a05f78f7851bd.jpg)
Urban Outfitters
Converts into a bed
Affordable
Comes assembled
Only comes in one color
Lengthy delivery time
In general, an apartment couch should be two things: small and multifunctional. Apartments tend to be more compact, so most apartment dwellers will need a sofa that doesn’t overwhelm, but still provides a nice, comfortable place to relax. And if your sofa can do more without taking up a ton of space–like Urban Outfitter’s Gavin Sleeper Sofa–you’ll get fantastic value in addition to usefulness out of it.
This particular velvet sofa provides a cozy place for two people to sit or one person to spread out. And if you have guests, but no guest room, it also functions as a sleeper, complete with a pull-out mattress, so you can give your visitor a nice place to call it a night.
The couch only comes in one color, but is relatively neutral. And while you’ll wait two to four weeks for your purchase, it comes assembled for your convenience.
Price at time of publish: $599
Best Deep
Nomad Velvet 5-Seat Corner Sectional with Ottoman
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/nomad-velvet-5-seat-corner-sectional-with-ottoman--3bf24264c1a74dd6b28b270f8d56a213.jpg)
Burrow
Customizable modular system
Durable, easy-to-clean velvet fabric
Integrated charging station
Easy latch-based assembly
Expensive
If you love the luxe look of velvet, but need something nice and large, Burrow's Nomad Sectional is a great option. Each piece of this deep-seated modular sofa–which seats five comfortably–comes packaged separately, so it can easily be configured however you like. After you choose the parts and pieces you’d like to customize this couch with, assembly is a breeze. The whole thing relies on a system of latches that can attach to any Nomad Collection seat, affording an endless array of possibilities. And you can always expand your sofa later on.
That’s not the only way to customize your sofa, though. There are five color options and six leg choices. There’s even an integrated USB port for charging your favorite devices.
It’s not cheap, that’s for sure, but it’s a worthy investment for a big family. The 22-inch deep cushioned seats are exceptionally comfortable, the velvet is gorgeous, and the Baltic Birch frame is very durable. You’ll undoubtedly have this piece for years to come. Plus, like you might expect at this price point, Burrow offers fast and free shipping.
Price at time of publish: $3,490
Best with Storage
Joybird Holt Sectional With Storage
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/joybird-holt-sectional-with-storage-ba4f004c0ead4842b551d24e71daa0d7.jpg)
Joybird
Integrated storage
Lots of color choices
Great seating capacity
Expensive
Lower-than-typical back
Joybird’s Holt Sectional, which easily seats four or more people, is especially designed for well lived-in homes. What exactly does that mean? This is the ideal sofa for an active family. It expertly marries form and function, and it’ll handle everyday wear without worry. The sectional is easy on the eyes and comes in 22 beautiful colors to suit your decor, but it’s also very comfortable.
The couch, which has a bench-assembled engineered wood frame assembly reinforced with corner blocking and kiln dried solid wood spring rails, houses high-density polyurethane foam core cushions. You’ll practically melt into this couch. It’s made for lounging, with plenty of support and comfort.
But perhaps the coolest feature of this couch is the integrated storage. The couch has a generous pull-out storage compartment. You’d never know it was there, but it measures 31 x 64 x 6 inches–that’s plenty of room to store throw pillows or even kids toys you want off the floor. Just note that the back is lower than is typical of most sectionals, so its back support may be lacking.
Price at time of publish: $3,588
Our top pick is the Sven Sofa from Article. It’s exceptionally stylish and has comfortable down and foam-filled cushions. Still, it comes at a moderate price point. But if you’re looking for something even more budget-friendly, the Mercer41 Adhafera Upholstered Sofa is a good option. It has the same clean, crisp lines that make it look seriously elevated, plus comes with stylish throw pillows and comes in six color options.
What to Look For in a Velvet Sofa
Size
Always consider the size of a sofa and how it will fit into your home. Velvet sofas come in all shapes and sizes, from compact and sloped to spacious and totally customizable. So, be sure to measure your space to see what it can accommodate. You should also pay attention to scale. Your sofa should be the same scale as your other furniture; otherwise it could seem too big or too small in comparison to everything else.
Style
Velvet sofas come in any number of styles and shapes, from cozy sectionals to the more sophisticated Chesterfield. Choose a style based on your personal preferences and existing decor. But don’t forget practicality. Think about how you intend to use the sofa and how much you’ll use it. For example, a small style-forward pick like Homary’s Modern Velvet Curved Sofa may look really nice in your living room, but a cozy sectional like Interior Define's Marlow Reversible Chaise Sectional would be much more appropriate in a family room where multiple people watch TV on a daily basis.
Color
Like style, there are seemingly endless colors of velvet sofas. Go with what works for your space. But keep in mind traffic. If you have young kids or pets, a light color like blush or white may not be practical, no matter how nice it might look in your space.
Fabric
There are actually several different types of velvet. The best types of velvet for upholstery include: silk velvet, rayon or nylon velvet, linen velvet, mohair velvet, synthetic velvet, and crushed velvet. The type of velvet can affect both look and feel. For example, crushed velvet has a shimmery look, while linen velvet has more of a matte look.
-
Which velvet fabric is best for a sofa?
“Silk velvet is among the most expensive materials ever made,” says Ehrentreu. “It is recognized for its smoothness and opulent texture and gives off the impression of being wet.” It also rapes elegantly over furniture and has a silky feel. For use in warm climates, try linen velvet, since it is cool and breathable. “Given how well linen velvet absorbs color, the piece has a matte surface and bright color.”
-
Are velvet sofas hard to maintain?
“Many people have the misconception that velvet requires a lot of maintenance,” says Ehrentreu. “The cloth is actually not so fragile and, with careful care, may remain for decades.” But there are a few things to keep in mind. Velvet should not be exposed to direct sunlight, as it is easily affected by weather conditions and stains. Similarly, if a spill happens, take action right away to prevent the stain from setting into the base material.
-
Are velvet sofas pet-friendly?
Despite its luxurious and delicate appearance, velvet's tight weave and low pile help it resist damage from pets, says Ehrentreu. Plus, the short strands of the fabric help keep odor out. Just be sure to stay on top of the mess.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was written by Brigitt Earley, a freelance writer with nearly 15 years of experience writing about consumer products, including furniture like dressers. To curate this list, Brigitt scoured the most popular retailers to find the best, most highly-rated options. Then, she vetted each, reading all of the specs and hundreds of reviews. To make her top picks, Brigitt consulted experts like Blima Ehrentreu, CEO of The Designers Group, an interior design firm based in New York, Miami, and Toronto, and then used that guidance as she analyzed the style, size, color options, fabric type, and overall value of each sofa.