We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Shopping Home Reviews Furniture Reviews After Over 1,500 Hours of Testing, These Are The 13 Best Couches of 2024 We logged hours of reading, napping, and TV in service of finding the best sofas. By Kathleen Felton Kathleen Felton Kathleen Felton is a writer and editor with more than a decade of experience at women’s lifestyle publications. Learn about BHG's Editorial Process Updated on February 22, 2024 In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Our top picks Reviews The Bottom Line Our Testing Process Others We Tested What to Know Before Shopping Your Questions, Answered Who We Are What Is BHG Recommends Better Homes & Gardens / Andrea Lavinthal A couch can serve several purposes in your home, whether it's for style, lounging, or entertaining. Regardless, choosing the right size, material, and style for your space can be difficult. “Investing in a good sofa with high-density foam and down feathers will allow you to relax for many years,” says interior designer Margaret Carroll. “I prefer sofas that don't need much maintenance (like ones covered in performance fabrics), so I can enjoy them without worrying about my kids or pets ruining them.” To help you find the best couches, we sat, stretched, and slept on a slew of couches in our homes for several months. During the testing period, we considered the comfort, ease of use, durability, quality, and value of each option. In addition to Carroll, we also consulted Emily Mackie, owner and principal designer at Inspired Interiors. Jennifer Stephan, founder and interior designer at Jennifer Stephan Interiors, and Lauren Figueroa, interior designer at Lauren Figueroa Interior Design. What We Looked For We evaluated 25 couches for their comfort, ease of use, durability, and quality. For more information on how we tested couches, check out our testing process below. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Room & Board Metro at Roomandboard.com (See Price) Jump to Review Best Budget: IKEA Uppland Sofa at Ikea ($849) Jump to Review Best Splurge: Maiden Home The Varick at Maidenhome.com (See Price) Jump to Review Best Sectional: Albany Park Kova Pit at Albanypark.com (See Price) Jump to Review Best for Pets & Kids: Burrow Block Nomad Sofa at Burrow ($1,279) Jump to Review Best Velvet: Article Abisko Sofa at Article.com (See Price) Jump to Review Best Sleeper: Joybird Briar Sleeper Sofa at Joybird.com ($2,339) Jump to Review Best Customizable: Coastal Living Kiawah Sofa at Universalfurniture.com (See Price) Jump to Review Best Leather: Pottery Barn Leather Sofa at Pottery Barn ($2,879) Jump to Review Best Modern: Crate & Barrel Lounge Deep 93 Inch 2-Seat Sofa at Crate & Barrel (See Price) Jump to Review Best Overall Room & Board Metro Room & Board View On Roomandboard.com Our Ratings Comfort 5/5 Ease of Use 5/5 Durability 5/5 Quality 5/5 Value 5/5 Why You Should Get It There's a slew of customization options, easy delivery, and quality comfort. Keep in Mind If you choose one of the custom upholstery options, delivery may be slower. Sometimes classic is the way to go, and that’s the case with the Room & Board Metro Sofa, which scored a perfect score for its durability, quality, comfort, and value. The ordering process was smooth and easy (we chose an in-stock upholstery on the Room & Board website), and the delivery team arrived early, with triple confirmation of their arrival time, and smoothly set up the sofa. Upon sitting on the couch, we found it to strike the perfect balance of soft and comfortable, yet firm and supportive. We also noticed that compared to inexpensive couches, this one had a solid frame and it didn’t move across the floor when we sat on it. Our favorite activity to do on this couch was curl up with a good book, which we found ourselves doing frequently because the couch felt so comfortable. In fact, we loved this couch so much that we ordered the matching loveseat to complete the set. There are over 243 different color and fabric options to choose from, and we opted for the twill charcoal fabric to help conceal any stains from pets or kids. Because of its quality, comfortability, and plethora of fabric options, this couch earned the top spot for best couch. How It Performed After Six Months Six months later, this couch still looked brand new. Despite heavy daily use, we didn’t notice any fading, pilling or staining. It was tested in a home with multiple pets, and even though a dog regularly sleeps on it and a cat peed on it, it continued to look like it just came out of a showroom (and as a bonus, the material seems to repel pet hair). The pillows and cushions remain fluffy and comfortable. Just So You Know At more than $3,000, the Room & Board Metro definitely isn’t the cheapest couch on our list. But while it’s an investment, this couch has held up wonderfully over time and has proven to be worth the higher price tag. Product Details: Dimensions: 88 x 34 x 38 inches | Upholstery Material: 243 color/fabric options available | Number of Seat Cushions: Two Better Homes & Gardens / Donna Freydkin Best Budget IKEA Uppland Sofa IKEA View On Ikea $849 Our Ratings Comfort 5/5 Ease of Use 5/5 Durability 5/5 Quality 5/5 Value 5/5 Why You Should Get It It held up well against stains and spills. Keep in Mind You can pay extra for assembly by Taskrabbit, but otherwise will need to set this up yourself. In testing, the Ikea Uppland Sofa received a perfect score in every single category. Overall, we thought it was one of the best couches to consider if you’re furnishing a home on a budget. From the moment we sat on this couch after setting it up, we could tell it was going to be very comfortable. We let the cushions fully inflate before sitting on them, and they felt pleasantly springy, plush, and never too firm. With three seat cushions, it’s spacious enough for multiple people to sit on at one time, and everyone who used it found the cushions to be supportive for their back and neck. Our favorite feature on this couch, though, was the removable cover. You can easily take the slipcover off to give it a deep clean in the washing machine, which is incredibly helpful for families or homes with pets. IKEA sells a number of covers in different colors that are compatible with the Uppland sofa, so if you’re feeling like a change but don’t want to replace your entire couch, a new cover can instantly deliver a fresh look and feel. This couch fared well during the testing period, and we didn’t observe any signs of wear and tear. The frame felt sturdy and held up nicely with no bowing. The couch was tested in a home with a young child, and even though it endured a few spills (including a large juice stain), we were able to remove the cover and wash it, and the stain fully came out. Despite its lower price tag, this couch looks and feels high-quality. It’s soft, comfortable, and appears to be very durable, and we particularly appreciate the option to switch out the cover to give it a new look. Just So You Know Unless you opt for the extra delivery from Taskrabbit, you’ll need to set aside assembly time for this couch. The couch is delivered in one large box and comes with a relatively easy-to-follow setup manual. Overall, it took two people about an hour to build the couch, and we found it to be relatively simple though time consuming. Product Details: Dimensions: 88.25 x 36.25 x 36.25 inches | Upholstery Material: 13 fabric/color options | Number of Seat Cushions: Three Better Homes & Gardens Better Homes & Gardens Better Homes & Gardens / Michael Navarro Best Splurge Maiden Home The Varick Maden Home View On Maidenhome.com Our Ratings Comfort 4.5/5 Ease of Use 5/5 Durability 4.5/5 Quality 4.5/5 Value 4/5 Why You Should Get It There's one long cushion, so you won't sink between cushions. Keep in Mind It’s on the firm side. No question about it, the Varick from Maiden Home is a statement piece. Upholstered in a beautiful olive-colored performance velvet with one long cushion bench, it has clean lines and an undeniably modern appearance. This is a beautiful couch, and the materials feel as high-quality as they look. The frame is made from kiln-dried hardwood, the velvet soft with a lovely handfeel, and the cushions made of a high-resiliency core wrapped in microfiber. Even if you hadn’t seen the price tag, you’d immediately be able to tell that this is an expensive piece of furniture designed to be both comfortable and visually impressive. Overall, we enjoyed sitting on this couch. It would be ideal for an office or more formal sitting room, though you may not find it the most plush option for a nap. That’s especially true because the arm is on the high side, so you can’t rest your head on it. However, we loved that this couch has just one long cushion. This is a particularly nice feature for anyone who dislikes the feeling of sinking in between couch cushions, and it also adds to the couch’s sleek look. If you like your couch cushions squishy and deep, this probably isn’t the best couch for you. But the stiffer cushions offer lots of support and keep the couch from looking too relaxed. They also hold their shape nicely over time. Just So You Know This is a gorgeous couch, but it’s not the most family-friendly option. The velvet fabric showed imperfections more easily than some of the other couches we tested. Product Details: Dimensions: 90 x 40 x 30.5 inches | Upholstery Material: Performance velvet | Number of Seat Cushions: One Better Homes & Gardens Better Homes & Gardens Better Homes & Gardens Best Sectional Albany Park Kova Pit Albany Park View On Albanypark.com Our Ratings Comfort 4.5/5 Ease of Use 4.5/5 Durability 5/5 Quality 5/5 Value 5/5 Why You Should Get It This deep sectional was comfortable to lounge in and we found that dirt wiped off easily. Keep in Mind It doesn’t have traditional armrests, just backrests. If you are looking for a sectional to fill your space, the Albany Park Kova Pit is the best couch for you. Because of its quality and value, it earned perfect scores in these categories during testing. The ordering process was simple, as the only customization decision was picking one of the seven colors. The sectional arrived in eight boxes that were organized according to piece, and it was easy to visualize the process during setup. However, we did experience some issues putting together the corner pieces and did need a hammer to push the pieces into place. Other than this, the assembly process was fairly straightforward since the pieces connected by sliding into one another. After assembly, we found that the sectional was comfortable to sit in and soft to the touch. It felt sturdy and high quality, and we were impressed with the construction. Each cushion was large enough for about a person and a half to sit on. Due to the deep pit design, there aren’t traditional armrests, just the backs of the pieces. However, adding a tray or side table can help provide a stable surface for drinks or snacks. The velvety fabric was easy to clean, and muddy paw prints wiped right off without leaving any residue behind. The fill of the cushions was comfortable, and they maintained their shape over the course of testing. How It Performed After One Year Overall, we were still impressed with the Albany Park Kova Pit a year later. The pit design made it easy to move from room to room, and it remained very comfortable to sit on. Though they were still soft, some of the cushions did seem a little more lopsided and lumpy from constant use, with a few rogue feathers poking out. However, fluffing the cushions daily helps them regain their shape. The couch was tested in a home with pets, and it also accumulated a few scratch marks during this time. Just So You Know The cushions are a little lower than some other couches, so it’s not the most supportive option for your neck. Product Details: Dimensions: 120 x 39 x 78 inches | Upholstery Material: Fabric or velvet | Number of Seat Cushions: Six Better Homes & Gardens / Jennifer May Better Homes & Gardens / Jennifer May Better Homes & Gardens / Jennifer May Best for Pets & Kids Burrow Block Nomad Sofa Burrow View On Burrow $1,279 Our Ratings Comfort 4/5 Durability 4/5 Quality 4/5 Value 5/5 Size 5/5 Why You Should Get It Burrow offers easy ordering and assembly, a classic style, and reversible back pillows. Keep in Mind The design is better for sitting rather than lying down, and isn’t suited for those who want to sink into their cushions. Households with kids and pets are typically more prone to spills and accidents, so it’s important to have a couch with a durable construction and easy-to-clean fabric. The Burrow Nomad Collection Block Nomad Sofa has both of these details, making it the best couch for pets and kids. Assembly was a breeze and took less than 30 minutes with two people, thanks to the clear labeling and precise instructions. The design is more for those who prefer to sit, rather than lie down, since there is very little sinking in the firm cushions. It’s comfortable, but not so comfortable that anyone is likely to fall asleep—it’s better for sitting and watching television than it is for snuggling in. Stains from a mystery child-related spill came out easily, and we love that the couch can be cleaned with water and bleach. It held up against three months of children jumping on it with no sign of losing firmness or any wear and tear, and the fabric is designed to be scratch- and stain-resistant. The ability to add to the system with other pieces makes it a good starter sofa, particularly for those who like a lot of support. There are also plenty of options to customize the couch with five fabric colors, six leg finishes, three arm styles, and two back cushion styles. We also love that the back pillows are reversible for a little bit of design versatility down the line. How It Performed After One Year Other than pillows and cushions that looked a little more lived-in, we didn’t notice any significant changes in the appearance of this couch a year later. In fact, the upholstery looked pretty much the same as when we first began testing it. Just So You Know This is a solid couch for an office, guest room, or kids’ playroom, but we wouldn’t say it’s necessarily the best option for lounging. If you’re looking for an ultra comfortable, cozy couch for your living room, this may not be the best pick. Product Details: Dimensions: 85 x 33 x 35 inches | Upholstery Material: Olefin fabric | Number of Seat Cushions: Three Better Homes & Gardens / Andrea Lavinthal Better Homes & Gardens / Andrea Lavinthal Best Velvet Article Abisko Sofa Article View On Article.com Our Ratings Comfort 5/5 Ease of Use 5/5 Durability 5/5 Quality 5/5 Value 5/5 Why You Should Get It This perfect design is comfortably firm, deep enough for a good nap, and easy to clean. Keep in Mind Assembly is required, and there are only two colors available. Velvet adds a touch of luxury to your living room, and the Article Abisko Couch is the best couch to elevate your space with Midcentury Modern flair. The couch was delivered in two large boxes, and it was delivered in the time frame that was promised. It took about 20 minutes to assemble and was fairly straightforward, although you may need an additional person to help move the boxes initially. It’s on the firm side, but that’s what we found makes it comfortable, even for long periods of sitting. We also found that it was the perfect depth for napping. In addition to working on the couch, we used it to read, hang out, and nap as often as possible, simply because we enjoyed it so much. During our testing, we found the couch to be durable and sturdy. Despite frequent use, the couch didn’t bow in the center and didn’t move when we plopped down on it. We also appreciated that the cushions were firm and supportive, and we couldn’t feel the frame of the couch when sitting or laying on it. The stylish design felt like it was on the wider side, making it great for lying down or tucking your feet in. Even better, it’s sold at a reasonable price for its quality. We do wish that it was available in more than two colors, but we appreciated that the fabric was easy to keep clean—even in a household with two pets. How It Performed After Six Months Six months later, the quality of the Article Abisko couch remained consistent. We were impressed by how well the upholstery held up—there’s no pilling or color fading—and how easy it is to clean. It didn’t develop any noticeable scratches, despite being in a home with two cats. And the cushions maintained their firmer texture and shape nicely. Just So You Know While it’s comfortable to sit or even nap on, this couch is definitely on the firmer side. It wouldn’t be the best couch for anyone looking for something especially slouchy and cozy. Product Details: Dimensions: 91 x 28 x 35 inches | Upholstery Material: Velvet | Number of Seat Cushions: Two Better Homes & Gardens / Abigail Wetzler Better Homes & Gardens / Abigail Wetzler Best Sleeper Joybird Briar Sleeper Sofa Joybird View On Joybird.com $2,339 Our Ratings Comfort 4/5 Ease of Use 5/5 Durability 5/5 Quality 5/5 Value 4/5 Why You Should Get It We found that this sleeper sofa was just as comfortable as a standard mattress, and it was easy to clean. Keep in Mind The cushions start out extremely firm, and it’s on the expensive side for a couch of this size. If your living room is doing double duty as a guest room, this Joybird Briar Sleeper Sofa is the best couch for you. The company provided assembly for us, which took about five minutes. We found the bed aspect to be more comfortable than the couch, but the couch got more comfortable by the day during testing. Initially, we found it to be stiff and firm, but it became softer with continued use. As far as comfort, we rated the couch itself to be a 3.5 out of 5, but the bed earned a perfect score of 5 out of 5. It’s easy to use, with nearly no time needed to go into bed mode—our first try took 5 minutes, and later efforts took just 30 seconds. It’s a fairly standard sleeper sofa build, with a separate mattress folded in under the cushions that you pull out, then fold back in half and push back in when done. It’s also quite durable and easy to clean. It stood up to a dog jumping all over it, and any muddy paw prints came off easily. If you’re concerned about dirt, you can also choose a darker shade, since there are a total of 89 upholstery options available. Not only is it aesthetically pleasing and nicer than a futon, guests will always have a comfortable place to sleep. Just So You Know Though the sofa bed is very plush from day one, the couch is on the firmer side, so much so that we initially didn’t find it very comfortable to sit on. The cushions did soften up with time, however. Product Details: Dimensions: 79 x 35 x 36 inches | Upholstery Material: 89 color/fabric options available | Number of Seat Cushions: Two Better Homes & Gardens / Amina Abdelrahman Best Customizable Coastal Living Kiawah Sofa Universal Furniture View On Universalfurniture.com Our Ratings Comfort 4.8/5 Ease of Use 5/5 Durability 4.5/5 Quality 5/5 Value 4/5 Why You Should Get It The sheer number of customization options are impressive, and the couch itself is beautifully constructed. Keep in Mind You’ll need to select your body fabric, cushion fill, finish, caster, and cushion fabrics to determine the final price. If you have a specific vision for your space, the customization options for the Coastal Living Kiawah Sofa allow you to achieve it. You’re able to customize a variety of details, including the body fabric and cushion fill, the leg finish, the fabric for each individual cushion. We like that there are an impressive number of upholstery fabrics to choose from, too, including a mix of prints and stylish patterns. Once you’ve settled on your perfect combination of fabrics and finishes, you can feel confident in the brand’s white glove delivery service. We were impressed by how seamless the delivery process was: The couch was assembled by the delivery team within about 45 minutes, and all boxes were taken away, leaving no mess behind—just a stunning new sofa. Overall, the quality of this couch is amazing. The fabric we tested is a tight weave with a perfect blend of cream, white, and tan, a nice combination to disguise small specks and stains. The fabric is soft to the touch and the cushions are down-filled (you can choose from a number of different fill options, including ultra plush or spring down). This couch has one long seat cushion instead of multiple, which helps give it a modern look and feel. When multiple people sat on the couch at the same time, the long cushion remained in place and didn’t move or bend. We found all of the included pillows and cushions very comfortable to lean back on, and liked the ability to reorganize the back pillows to stretch out in different positions. The frame of this couch felt sturdy and high-end, too, and there are a number of thoughtful, high-quality details throughout. In addition to the cushion bench, we loved the look of the rounded legs with casters (they also make it easy to move around a room) and the sleek silhouette. Just So You Know The armrests on this couch are firm with minimal padding. Though this helps give it its sleek and modern appearance, it does make it a little less comfortable to lie down on for a nap. Product Details: Dimensions: 87 x 35 x 35 inches | Upholstery Material: Not listed | Number of Seat Cushions: One Better Homes & Gardens / Holly Raibikis Better Homes & Gardens / Holly Raibikis Better Homes & Gardens / Holly Raibikis Best Leather Pottery Barn Leather Sofa Pottery Barn View On Pottery Barn $2,879 Our Ratings Comfort 4.5/5 Ease of Use 5/5 Durability 4.5/5 Quality 4.8/5 Value 4.5/5 Why You Should Get It Delivery is seamless, the leather feels very high quality, and craftsmanship is excellent. Keep in Mind The cushions are a little on the firm side. There are more than 50 different combinations of leather type and color for the Pottery Barn Turner Square Arm Leather Sofa, including a mix of nubuck, pebble, and keystone. But regardless of which you choose, you can rest assured that the quality of the upholstery here is top-notch. We were immediately impressed by the high-quality leather and beautiful stitching on the seams. When we first sat down on this couch, the bottom cushions felt a bit firm, though the back cushions were more plush. Still, the cushions offered excellent support and we didn’t feel like you’re sinking into them. Over time, we suspect that the bottom cushions may soften up a bit. We tested the three-cushioned version of this couch, which is about 73 inches across. We found it to be a nice, versatile size that works well for seating up to three people (though two is a little more comfortable). This style is also available in a number of other widths and seating configurations, including a loveseat and more compact apartment sofa. The entire delivery process was very seamless and convenient. We appreciated the text updates along with an active map letting us know where the delivery truck was, and the estimated arrival time was correct. When the couch was delivered, it was in one large box that was unpacked and placed in the room. While the couch was never seriously damaged during the testing period, we did notice that the leather tends to scratch relatively easily. It was tested in a home with young children, and toys in particular seemed to impact the leather. Though these scratches were initially very visible, they slowly faded with time and continued use. As long as you aren’t too tough on the leather, we believe that this couch could last a family for many years. Just So You Know Though the back cushions were a little softer, the overall feel of this couch was definitely on the firm side. We found that this gave it great support. But if you’re looking for a plush couch to lounge in, this one may feel a little too hard. Product Details: Dimensions: 73.5 x 36.5 x 36.25 inches | Upholstery Material: Leather (50 color options) | Number of Seat Cushions: Three Better Homes & Gardens / Abby Mercer Better Homes & Gardens / Abby Mercer Better Homes & Gardens / Abby Mercer Best Modern Crate & Barrel Lounge Deep 93 Inch 2-Seat Sofa Crate & Barrel View On Crate & Barrel Our Ratings Comfort 4/5 Durability 3/5 Quality 3.5/5 Value 4.5/5 Why You Should Get It This was a top-scoring couch in our testing, and proved to be both exceptionally comfortable and highly durable over time. Keep in Mind There are countless upholstery fabric and color options but many of them aren’t always in stock and may take longer to ship. There’s a reason why this Crate & Barrel Lounge Couch received perfect scores across the board: We found it to be easily one of the best couches we’ve ever tested. Deep, versatile, and extremely comfortable, this two-seater couch would be perfect for any room in the home. We were especially impressed by how durable this couch was. It was tested in a home with pets and young children, and despite being heavily used and occasionally spilled on—one of the cushions had an unfortunate run-in with spaghetti sauce—it looks good as new. The spaghetti sauce miraculously came out of the upholstery after we dabbed it with water and a multipurpose cleaner. Crumbs and pet hair also brush off easily. The real star of this couch, though, is the cushions. The back ones have the perfect amount of give, so they feel comfortable but still supportive to lean against. And all of the cushions feel plump, full, and billowy without being stiff. You’ll want to lie down immediately to take a nap, though it’s also very comfortable for two people to sit upright. The delivery process was easy, too. In-home delivery includes assembly and placement in the room of your choice, and everything was set up in less than 10 minutes. Given its superior performance and how comfortable the cushions are, we found the price of this couch to be just right. In fact, we’d be willing to pay a little more given how well-made and durable it is. Just So You Know The bottom cushions on the couch may flatten out a bit over time, though this doesn’t impact the comfort. Product Details: Dimensions: 93 x 46 x 25 inches | Upholstery Material: 100+ color/fabric options | Number of Seat Cushions: Two Better Homes & Gardens / Amina Abdelrahman Better Homes & Gardens / Jamie Weissman Better Homes & Gardens / Amina Abdelrahman Best Deep Seat 7th Avenue 4-Seat Modular Chaise Sectional with Ottoman 7th Avenue View On 7thavenue.co Our Ratings Comfort 5/5 Ease of Use 4/5 Durability 4.3/5 Quality 5/5 Value 4.5/5 Why You Should Get It With four deep seats and an included ottoman, this couch is simply made for comfort. Keep in Mind We thought the assembly could have been easier. If the 7th Avenue 4-Seat Modular Chaise Sectional with Ottoman could speak, it would say “Lay on me, and good luck getting out.” Ultra soft, generously cushioned, and designed for ultimate comfort in every way, this roomy sectional is ideal for lounging. This couch got a lot of use during the testing period, and four people and one dog were able to fit on it at a time. Thanks to the deep cushions and long length, it’s roomy enough for a crowd and ideal for movie night. Even with additional people, we never felt like the couch was caving from extra weight—the frame is clearly well-made. Like many 7th Avenue couches, this one is upholstered with performance fabrics that are strong enough to hold up to heavy wear and tear. The covers are water-repellent and stain-resistant, as well as also OEKO-TEX Certified, meaning they’re manufactured without potentially harmful chemicals. The back cushions move and adjust perfectly, whether you’re sitting upright or lying down while watching TV or taking a nap. And even after a lot of use, the cushions didn’t show imprints or look especially lived-in. Other than one small split in a seam on the ottoman (which may have very well been made from pets in the test home), we found the fabric to be extremely durable. Another appealing feature about this couch is that it has a modular design, so you can easily change the configuration depending on your space or needs. Each module can be separated and reattached using Velcro, which makes the process simple. It’s worth noting that the Velcro also makes a slight noise when you shift around on the couch. Just So You Know This couch is delivered in a surprising number of boxes—we counted 16. This is helpful if you live in an apartment or need to get the couch through a narrow hallway. But though it’s overall pretty intuitive, setup is definitely time consuming, and it can be overwhelming to sort through all of the boxes and pieces. We found the provided how-to video helpful during the assembly process. Product Details: Dimensions: 132 x 85 x 24 inches | Upholstery Material: Nine color/fabric options | Number of Seat Cushions: Five (including the ottoman) Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson Best Slipcovered Sectional Sixpenny Devyn L Shape Sectional Sixpenny View On Sixpenny.com Our Ratings Comfort 4.5/5 Ease of Use 5/5 Durability 5/5 Quality 4.5/5 Value 4.5/5 Why You Should Get It The sectional was easy to clean and lovely to lounge on. Plus, it has a high-end look. Keep in Mind The cushions needed to be fluffed up from time to time. The Sixpenny Devyn L Shape Sectional may be the perfect lounging couch. It’s wide (more than 145 inches long), deep, and low to the ground — in fact, you may feel like you’re on a bed when lying down on it. Multiple people can fit on this couch at one time, some sitting and some reclining. And you can tell it’s high quality from the second you sit down. Filled with plush feather down, it looks and feels beautifully elevated. We tested the cotton linen upholstery and were pleased to discover that spills easily wiped out with a wet rag without leaving any marks. The material feels durable and heavy duty, and we appreciated that you can remove the slipcovers and put them in the washing machine to treat serious stains. And despite how low and wide this couch is, the centers never sagged during the testing period. Delivery was quick and easy. It was unboxed in three sections and set up without any major assembly. Though it’s on the larger side, the low back means that you can still maneuver it through narrow doorways—a big selling point for those in smaller spaces or apartments. Though the back of this couch is a little low, because the cushions add a bit of height, we still found it offered sufficient back support. The cushions do need to be fluffed up from time to time, but not as much as we may have thought given their slouchier appearance. This couch is quite an investment in comparison to other options. But given the quality materials, larger size, high-end look, and impressive performance, we found the price to be well worth it. Just So You Know This is an incredibly comfy couch to lounge on, but the arms don’t have much stuffing in them and can feel a little hard. You may want to place a pillow against the arm when resting your head down. Product Details: Dimensions: 145 x 98 x 33 inches | Upholstery Material: Seven upholstery options an 29 colors | Number of Seat Cushions: Three Better Homes & Gardens / Jodi Espinosa Better Homes & Gardens / Jodi Espinosa Best Loveseat 7th Avenue 2-Seat Modular Loveseat 7th Avenue View On 7thavenue.co Our Ratings Comfort 5/5 Ease of Use 4/5 Durability 5/5 Quality 4.5/5 Value 4.5/5 Why You Should Get It Not only is this modular couch comfortable and endlessly versatile, but the covers are water-repellent and stain-resistant, making it a good option for families or homes with pets. Keep in Mind It arrived in nine boxes and took us six hours to assemble it. If you’re furnishing a small space, the 7th Avenue 2-Seat Modular Loveseat is a great option to consider. The two-seater style is offered in two sizes and nine fabric and color options, so you can choose which works best in your home. The loveseat arrived in nine boxes that we had to carry up 4-5 stairs. It took us about six hours to assemble it, mainly because there were no instructions included. Once assembled, however, it was fairly easy to move the couch around to where we wanted it. During testing, the loveseat was quite comfortable and we found ourselves taking naps on it. Overall, the deep style felt high-quality and was more comfortable than the couch we had previously, which was a bonus. Three people used the couch frequently during testing but it was never stained. The couch looked good as new and overall seemed fairly durable. We especially liked how it features removable covers, so it’s easy to wash them and keep the couch looking clean. Just So You Know You’ll only have ten days from the delivery date to return the couch if you’re not happy with it, which is shorter than other return windows. Product Details: Dimensions: 94 x 24 x 27 inches | Upholstery Material: Nine fabric/color options | Number of Seat Cushions: Two The Bottom Line After testing multiple couches, we determined that the best couch is the Room & Board Metro Sofa. It earned perfect scores for its durability, comfort, value, and quality. We also appreciated that assembly was included, so we didn’t have to put anything together. Our Testing Process What We Tested We tested 31 couches We spent 1,512 hours testing We tested in 16 houses, 2 apartments, and 2 townhousesWe’ve tested over 8 upholstery fabrics and styles To find the best couches, we ran multiple rounds of testing on a variety of couches, including one specifically for sleeper sofas. The couches were tested at home, so we could see how they held up against pets, kids, and other wear and tear. For non-sleeper couches, we first assessed the purchasing process, as well as return policies and helpful services like fabric samples and measuring guides. Then, we timed how long it took to unbox and assemble the couches once delivered. After setup, we used the couches over a period of six weeks, putting various combinations of people and pets on them in as many situations as possible. We considered sturdiness, comfort, firmness, and fabric texture, as well as any changes over time and how easy any stains were to handle. To determine the quality level of the couches, we looked closely at fabric over the term of use, the fill quality, the longevity of cushions and how well they maintained their shape, sturdiness of framing and whether you can feel it through the cushions, and assembly of legs. In the sleeper sofa test, we also timed unboxing and assembly. We noted whether we could feel the frame through the cushions, examined the stitching, and recorded how long it took to transform from couch to bed and back again. We sat on the couch at least one hour a day for four weeks. We also tracked how long it took to make the bed with a fitted sheet, and slept on sofas overnight at least once a week during the four-week testing period. Any stains were cleaned based on manufacturer instructions, and we noted how easy they were to remove. Finally, we checked back in to see how the couches continued to perform over a longer period of six to 12 months. We then graded the couches on five different attributes: comfort, ease of use, durability, quality, and value. Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson Other Couches We Tested Coastal Living Siesta Key Sofa We found the Coastal Living Siesta Key Sofa easy to set up and we appreciated the soft, luxurious-feeling upholstery fabric. But the material easily wrinkled and dirtied (we started noticing scuffs within a few days). This is an expensive couch that looks high quality, but given how easily it started to show wear and tear, we wondered how well it would hold up over time. What to Know About Couches Before Shopping Dimensions Before purchasing a couch, measure your space so you know exactly what you need in your space. Remember that you may also need room to walk around the couch as well. And don’t forget to measure your entryway—after all, you want to be able to get your brand-new couch inside. “Removing legs can help if the area is tight,” says Stephan. “If you live in a walk-up or have narrow hallways, you might consider a modular sofa that comes in multiple pieces.” Dimensions also include depth, so taller people may want a deeper couch, interior designer Emily Mackie points out. “I have some clients that want something a little bit more upright because it's in a living room. They want people to sit upright and drink a glass of wine,” she says. “It depends on what you want to do.” It’s also helpful to think about how you want the couch to feel when you sit down. Do you want to be slouchy and relaxed, or prefer more back support? For this, back height and seat depth are important to keep in mind. “Back heights below 30 inches will be lower and won’t offer a ton of back support, and seat depths under 24 inches will be narrower, where 24 inches and above will feel more loungy,” says interior designer Lauren Figueroa. Upholstery Material If you’re looking at an order page, it can feel like there are countless upholstery options out there. Assess the best one for you based on both your personal texture preferences and how much wear and tear you expect your couch to experience. Mackie suggests Sunbrella for a “super cleanable” sofa, which you can opt for with the Joybird Briar. Carroll personally prefers leather for its attractive appearance and easy maintenance, but also suggests Crypton or microfiber for households with children and pets due to both their durability and ease of cleaning. A velvet upholstery will both look and feel luxe but may be harder to clean, and can also be delicate and scratch easily. Performance velvet is a good option, Stephan says. For daily use, chenille is another great choice, experts say. “I personally love a chenille for its durability,” says Figueroa. “Chenille is especially nice for dogs because the material holds up so well under their claws.” Polyester is easier to clean and potentially more durable but may not be as soft to the touch. The tightly woven Olefin fabric on Burrow’s Block Nomad is designed to be scratch- and stain-resistant, made from upcycled materials, and can be cleaned with a water and bleach solution. Number of Seat Cushions As with upholstery material, the number of seat cushions in a couch is really a matter of preference. When considering how many you need, you’ll want to consider your space and your ideal furniture configuration. The number of seat cushions doesn’t necessarily translate directly to how many people can comfortably sit on a couch, but it’s usually a good guess, as not everyone can (or wants to) sit on the between-cushion cracks. Two- and three-cushion designs are usually your best bet but Carroll recommends going for three cushions to avoid feeling cramped. “For conversation, I like the look of two sofas facing each other,” says Stephan. “Ideally, three cushions will fit the most people on each side, and two for a loveseat if the area is smaller.” Another option is a “bench” cushion, which means one longer cushion. This style delivers a modern look that simultaneously allows for more seating. Consider the shape of your cushions, too. Shorter cushions are generally firmer and may hold up against wrinkles over time, Figueroa says. “Also, consider whether you’d like the back of your sofa to be removable cushions or a tight back,” she adds. “I love a tight back because there’s no need to fluff or flip back cushions, but it can be nice if you want the option to be able to flip them.” Better Homes & Gardens / Jennifer May Your Questions, Answered How much should you expect to spend on a couch? If you live in an active household with pets or children, Mackie suggests spending around $3,000 to $4,000 for a three-person sofa. If you want a 10-year investment piece, with fiber content filling, quality stitching, and cleanable fabric, she estimates $7,000 to $8,000. The Article Abisko is on the lower end of her estimated range, while the Kova Pit from Albany Park is about double that price. Is it expensive to reupholster a couch? A couch can be an investment and it's understandable if a style you picked at one point doesn't suit your home anymore. Instead of getting rid of it, however, you can change up the look of your couch with new fabric. The price of reupholstering a couch depends on the fabric you want to use and the size of the couch, as well as its construction (tufted sofas, Mackie cites as one example, will require both more fabric and more labor), and the average prices in your area. “Reupholstering a sofa can be costly, but sometimes it's worth it if it had great meaning or was once a quality piece, but the fabric has faded or worn out,” Carroll says. In the DC area, where Carroll is based, she estimates around $2,500 for labor and $1,800 for fabric and trim. What is the average life expectancy of a couch? Not all couches are created equal. “A sofa's life expectancy varies greatly depending on its quality and material,” Carroll says. She estimates that a low-quality, mass-produced couch will last you about three to five years, while a high-quality, hand-tied couch made from quality wood can last more than 20 years. “There are Victorian sofas that have been around for 200 years that still have great structures and there are some mainstream sofas that have been around for 10 years,” Mackie says. “So it depends on what you're investing in.” Who We Are This story was written by Kathleen Felton, a freelance writer for Better Homes & Gardens. To make this list, she analyzed insights from our extensive at-home testing. She also spoke with interior designers Margaret Carroll, Emily Mackie, Jennifer Stephan, and Lauren Figueroa. What Is BHG Recommends? Next to all of the products on this list, you may have noticed our BHG Recommends seal of approval. Products that earn the seal have been put through rigorous testing to make sure they're worth a spot in your home. We buy most of the products we test ourselves, but occasionally we are provided samples by companies if buying isn't an option. In these cases, we use the same testing criteria we use to test the purchased products. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit