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. What do buyers say? 1,100+ Burrow reviewers rated this product 5 stars. 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. This sofa has a sturdy birch frame and triple-layer foam and fiber cushions that deliver a plush yet supportive feel. It has a USB charger integrated into one of the arms—one of our tester’s favorite features—and thanks to its modular design, you can expand or shorten the sofa if needed. 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.) 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
The Harmony Sofa is plush and cozy thanks to its fiber and feather cushions, but the kiln-dried hardwood frame provides durability. The cushions are all reversible with zip-off covers, and this sofa is spacious enough for napping, especially if you opt for deeper seats. However, based on our testing, we recommend getting fabric swatches from West Elm before committing to upholstery, as some of the colors aren’t entirely accurate to their product photos. Price at time of publish: $1,999 for 76" width, 41" depth Dimensions: 76 to 104 inches wide | Weight: Not listed | Capacity: 2-4 people | Material: Distressed velvet | Seat Fill: Polyurethane foam The frame is solid wood with dark brown plastic legs, and its cushions are filled with high-density foam. You have to put the furniture together upon delivery, but it’s an easy task, even for one person, thanks to the pre-installed brackets, which simply slide together. The sofa has a weight capacity of up to 350 pounds, and you really can’t beat the value considering the stylish and comfortable design. Price at time of publish: $470 Dimensions: 57.8 x 31.9 x 34.6 inches | Weight: 64 pounds | Capacity: 2 people | Material: Microfiber | Seat Fill: Foam This high-end sofa has deep seats that are ideal for curling up in, and its down-blend cushions offer cloud-like comfort at the end of a long day. It has a kiln-dried hardwood frame for extreme durability, and the adjustable levelers on the legs prevent it from wobbling on uneven floors. The high-quality leather used on these sofas will develop a burnished patina over time, but keep in mind that certain leather finishes are made-to-order and take longer for delivery—sometimes 17 weeks or more. Price at time of publish: $3,199 for 64.5" Width, 2 Seats Dimensions: 64.5 to 103.5 inches wide | Weight: 121-180.5 pounds | Capacity: 2-3 people | Material: Top-grain leather | Seat Fill: Foam and down blend In addition to its chic aesthetic, the Neva Sofa is exceptionally well-made. It has a kiln-dried hardwood frame with both webbing and sinuous spring suspension, and you can choose from feather down or poly fill cushions, both of which have high-density foam in the middle for support. The sofa qualifies for free home delivery and comes backed by a limited lifetime warranty. Price at time of publish: $2,499 for 72" Polyfill Dimensions: 72 or 84 inches wide | Weight: 136.4 or 186 pounds | Capacity: 2-3 people | Material: Cotton canvas | Seat Fill: Foam and feathers or polyfill A laminated kiln-dried hardwood frame supports the Warrington Sofa, and it has foam cushions you can remove for easy cleaning. It comes with two complementary throw pillows for styling, and despite being made-to-order, this sofa is more affordable than other options, making it a well-priced piece for your home. Price at time of publish: $930 Dimensions: 82 x 37 x 37 inches | Weight: 135 pounds | Capacity: 2 people | Material: Cotton | Seat Fill: Foam The Beta Sofa has extremely deep seats covered with cushy fiber-and-feather cushions, making it ideal for curling up and relaxing. Both the seat and back pillows are loose and reversible, and you can remove the covers for cleaning as needed. However, the brand recommends having the fabric dry cleaned, so it may not be the most practical option for those with children or pets. Price at time of publish: $2,799 Dimensions: 137.5 x 45 x 32 inches | Weight: 285 pounds | Capacity: 3+ people | Material: Cotton-linen blend | Seat Fill: Poly-wrapped foam Because it houses a mattress, this sofa is heavier than many similarly sized options, and you’ll likely need two people to move it. Our tester 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: $1,970 Dimensions: 33 x 81 x 35 inches | Weight: 223 pounds | Capacity: 3 people | Material: Genuine leather | Seat Fill: Fiber-wrapped foam A welded steel frame supports the loveseat, and the exposed metal base offers a contemporary feel to the design, while its polyester upholstery is hypoallergenic and easy to clean. Though the back and seat cushions are attached and aren’t unadjustable, this fixed positioning prevents them from slipping and sliding all over the place as you shift around. Apt2B also offers free entryway delivery for the sofa, and it also has a 100-day return window, which is significantly longer than many other brands. Price at time of publish: N/A Dimensions: 66 x 37 x 34 inches | Weight: Not listed | Capacity: 2 people | Material: Polyester | Seat Fill: High-density foam The cushions on the Park Sectional Sofa are made from high-resiliency foam wrapped in feathers, offering both comfort and support, and it has a sturdy kiln-dried hardwood frame. The sofa ships quickly in easy-to-move boxes, making it easy to carry up stairs or through doorways, but you will need to assemble all the pieces yourself. The brand also backs its products with a lifetime warranty. While you can return the sofa within 30 days if you’re not satisfied, there is a 10 percent return fee. Price at time of publish: $2,695 Dimensions: 114 x 63 x 35 inches | Weight: 224 pounds | Capacity: 3+ people | Material: Velvet, boucle, vegan leather, or woven fabric | Seat Fill: Feather-wrapped foam This reclining sofa is available in three colors, including a soft chenille. It has classic rolled arms and edge piping for a defined appearance, and it even comes with two throw pillows for styling. Pull-cups on either end allow you to engage the recliner, and the hardwood frame can support up to 250 pounds in each seat. Just be sure you really love this sofa before you buy it, as you can’t return it. Price at time of publish: $1,500 Dimensions: 40.5 x 88 x 40 inches | Weight: Not listed | Capacity: 3 people | Material: Polyester | Seat Fill: Polyester-wrapped foam or innerspring “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.
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 84-inches long. 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 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.
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 profileChesterfield: features rolled arms, tufted back, and often made of leatherLawson: features a boxy shape and detached cushions, and prioritizes comfortBridgewater (also called English roll arm): has low arms that lean outward and is very cushyTuxedo: features a boxy shape and its arms are the same height as its backContemporary: modern, unique, and often unconventionalCamelback: features a curved back with a “hump” in the middle, as well as high armsScandinavian: popularized by IKEA, has clean lines and is minimalisticSettee: a specialty loveseat with a high back and shallow depthChaise: 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 timeFaux leather: durable and easy to clean, but not as long-lasting as real leatherCotton: soft and somewhat durable, but stains and wrinkles easilyLinen: beautiful and upscale, but hard to care for and soils easilyMicrofiber/polyester: soft, durable, easy to clean, and inexpensiveChenille: soft and luxe, but hard to cleanVelvet: soft and stylish, but also trendy
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.
Product Types
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—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.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was written by Camryn Rabideau, a freelance writer who’s an expert on all things home. She’s taken several courses on interior design and furniture, and she has 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.
