The 14 Best Couches, According to Testing - Better Homes & Gardens
The 14 Best Couches, According to Testing - Better Homes & Gardens
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.
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“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.
Our Top Picks
- Best Overall: Room & Board Metro Sofa
- Best Budget: Ikea Uppland Sofa
- Best Splurge: Maiden Home Varick Sofa
- Best Sectional: Albany Park Kova Pit
- Best for Pets & Kids: Burrow Nomad Collection Block Nomad Sofa
- Best Velvet: Article Abisko Couch
- Best Sleeper: Joybird Briar Sleeper Sofa
- Best Customizable: Coastal Living Kiawah Sofa
- Best Modern: Crate & Barrel Lounge Couch
- Best Slipcovered Sectional: Sixpenny Devyn L Shape Sectional
Best Overall: Room & Board Metro
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 our top spot overall.
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.
Product Details: Dimensions: 88 x 34 x 38 inches | Upholstery Material: 243 color/fabric options available | Number of Seat Cushions: Two
Best Budget: Ikea Uppland Sofa
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 the couch 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.
How It Performed After One Year
After one year of testing, this couch is still in excellent condition and has very little wear and tear. The cushions remain comfortable and have kept their shape nicely, and there are no lumps or imprints The fabric has maintained its high-quality appearance. We’ve washed the slipcover multiple times; doing so is easy and has helped to effectively remove stains.
We also really appreciate that we have the option to buy a new slipcover if we decide we want to change up the look of the couch at some point without having to invest in another expensive model.
Product Details: Dimensions: 88.25 x 36.25 x 36.25 inches | Upholstery Material: 13 fabric/color options | Number of Seat Cushions: Three
Best Splurge: Maiden Home The Varick
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 choice 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.
How It Performed After One Year
This couch looks exactly the same as it did when we first had it delivered. Even though it just has the one seat cushion, it hasn’t changed its shape at all and remains firm but comfortable.
We haven’t really tested its durability, however — since it’s made of velvet, we avoid eating on it to prevent stains. And while it’s certainly not a casual everyday couch, this sofa continues to be stylish and lovely to sit on.
Product Details: Dimensions: 90 x 40 x 30.5 inches | Upholstery Material: Performance velvet | Number of Seat Cushions: One
Best Sectional: Albany Park Kova Pit
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 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.
Product Details: Dimensions: 120 x 39 x 78 inches | Upholstery Material: Fabric or velvet | Number of Seat Cushions: Six
Best for Pets & Kids: Burrow Block Nomad Sofa
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 best choice for those with 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.
Product Details: Dimensions: 85 x 33 x 35 inches | Upholstery Material: Olefin fabric | Number of Seat Cushions: Three
Best Velvet: Article Abisko Sofa
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 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.
Product Details: Dimensions: 91 x 28 x 35 inches | Upholstery Material: Velvet | Number of Seat Cushions: Two
Best Sleeper: Joybird Briar Sleeper Sofa
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 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.
How It Performed After Six Months
This couch held up well to six months of testing at home. Although we broke in the cushions a bit, they still remained firm and in good shape. We tested out a performance fabric and were pleased that all stains could be easily removed.
The mattress remained comfortable and nobody developed any pain from sitting or sleeping on this couch. Overall, we felt that we would buy this couch again and would recommend it if you’re looking for a sleeper.
Product Details: Dimensions: 79 x 35 x 36 inches | Upholstery Material: 89 color/fabric options available | Number of Seat Cushions: Two
Best Customizable: Coastal Living Kiawah Sofa
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.
How It Performed After One Year
One year later, this sofa continues to impress. Even though it’s used pretty much daily, the fabric appears nearly the same as it did the day we took it out of the box. There hasn’t been any fabric thinning or color fading, which is notable since it’s sitting next to windows.
We do find that the cushions need to be fluffed a little more often now to regain their shape, but otherwise the sofa has proven to be extremely durable, well-made, and is clearly an exceptional value.
Product Details: Dimensions: 87 x 35 x 35 inches | Upholstery Material: Not listed | Number of Seat Cushions: One
Best Modern: Crate & Barrel Lounge Deep 2-Seat Sofa
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 our favorite couches 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.
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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.
Product Details: Dimensions: 93 x 46 x 25 inches | Upholstery Material: 100+ color/fabric options | Number of Seat Cushions: Two
Best Slipcovered Sectional: Sixpenny Devyn L Shape Sectional
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.
How It Performed After Six Months
Overall, we’ve been very happy with the durability of this couch. The fabric is comfortable but strong in a good way—it’s held up to frequent use from two kids, a cat, and a puppy. Despite not being exactly easy on the couch, there’s no visible wear. That said, the cushions do require some fluffing every few days (the back pillows tend to lose their shape and start looking a little flat otherwise).
The seat cushions also occasionally slip out a bit on the bottom, but fixing this is quick and easy. There have been a few spills on the couch, but they’ve come out with a wet towel (we haven’t needed to take the covers off to wash them).
Product Details: Dimensions: 145 x 98 x 33 inches | Upholstery Material: Seven upholstery options an 29 colors | Number of Seat Cushions: Three
Best Loveseat: 7th Avenue 2-Seat Modular Loveseat
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.
How It Performed After Six Months
Six months later, this couch is in amazing condition and looks like new. We’ve used it daily, but despite heavy use, the cushions haven’t lost their shape or thinned out in any way. The fabric looks the same, too, with no pilling, color fading, or stains (we’ve even had to wash the pillows and cover twice due to spills, both of which came out completely). It’s still very comfortable to sit on, but we have found that three people is the max—after that, it becomes a bit of a squeeze.
Product Details: Dimensions: 94 x 24 x 27 inches | Upholstery Material: Nine fabric/color options | Number of Seat Cushions: Two
Best Modular: Ashley Furniture Emilia 5-Piece Modular Sectional
Why You Should Get It: This large sectional couch accommodates multiple people and pets comfortably.
Keep in Mind: Delivery is only available to your driveway, not inside.
The Ashley Furniture Emilia 5-Piece Leather Modular Sectional is large and flexible with a sleek, modern design that’ll transform your family movie nights.
You can fit five to seven people comfortably on it, plus pets. And even when it’s full of people, everyone feels supported by the generous cushions and like they have enough space.
The frame of this couch feels very sturdy, the cushions are superbly comfortable, and the 100% leather upholstery is quite soft. We noticed that the cushions seem to retain their springiness, too: When someone gets up from a sitting position, the cushion volume immediately returns to its original form. We’re hoping this means the cushions won’t become too sunken-in over the years.
This couch has loose-back cushions, which some people love and others dislike. This makes the couch easier to clean and gives it a casual, lived-in appearance. But we also found that this means they’re constantly slipping down, which can look a little sloppy if you aren’t frequently resetting them.
We used this couch in a home with pets, and we found it very easy to clean dog hair off of these cushions — most of the time, it just slides right off the couch.
There was some color fading in the most popular spot on the couch where people tend to sit the most often. This area also appears to have a few very light-looking “cracks” in the leather compared to the rest of the couch. This wear and tear is overall very minor, but we anticipate that it will continue to wear down in the future.
It’s also worth mentioning that Ashley’s delivery is to your driveway, but the boxes aren’t brought inside or assembled. We found the unboxing process very easy, however. The instructions were simple to understand and it took about 25 minutes total to build the entire couch.
Product Details: Dimensions: 132 x 132 x 36 inches | Upholstery Material: Leather | Number of Seat Cushions: Five
Best Leather: Article Sven Sofa
Why You Should Get It: This couch is stylish, durable, and easy to care for.
Keep in Mind: It’s on the smaller side—two people is the sweet spot for comfort.
With its tufted bench, semi-aniline leather upholstery, and rounded bolsters, Article’s Sven Sofa is ultra stylish. But don’t let its sleek looks deceive you: It’s also gloriously comfortable to sit on. This couch was tested in a rental home that receives frequent visitors, and many people commented that they took epic naps on it.
This couch received regular use during the testing period and has proven itself to be very durable: It’s held up beautifully. The upholstery and frame feel well-designed and are clearly made of quality materials. This isn’t the largest couch on our list, but it comfortably seats two people or one person lying down. However, it’s not ideal for larger gatherings or for a bigger family to sit on all at once.
Overall, this couch is easy to care for and clean. You do definitely want to act on spills quickly—we had more difficulty removing stains that had set in.
At $1,900, this couch falls somewhere middle of the pack in terms of price. We felt that this represented a good value. The Sven Sofa feels high-quality, is incredibly stylish, and very comfortable—so much so that we’d actually be willing to pay a little more for it. Plus, the entire delivery process was painless. The delivery team did all the unboxing, removed the old couch and assembled everything (which took just about 10 minutes).
How It Performed After Two Years
This couch was tested in a rental home and received heavy use during that time. Over the course of more than two years, we noticed only light fading and some slight cushion drooping, though again, it was very minor. Other than that, this couch has held up very well.
Product Details: Dimensions: 88 x 34 x 38 inches | Upholstery Material: Semi-aniline leather | Number of Seat Cushions: One
Most Comfortable: Albany Park Lido Sofa
Why You Should Get It: This couch packs a lot of value for the price, and the smooth delivery process was impressive.
Keep in Mind: The cushions are foam and fiber fill rather than down, but that doesn’t impact the comfort in any way.
The Albany Park Lido couch earned a perfect score across all categories in home testing, and a big reason for this was the fact that it’s delightfully comfortable to sit on.
With its thoughtful design, this is a couch you want to sink into and not get out of: The back cushions are high enough to offer solid support and the seat is nice and deep, so you never feel like you’re on the edge. And despite being foam and fiber fill rather than down, the cushions are plush, comfortable, and kept their shape well during the testing period—no sagging or lumpiness here.
Plus, this couch just looks good. There are a number of color options and fabrics to choose from, including velvet, basketweave, and vegan leather. We opted for the boucle and were impressed by the material’s soft, textured look and feel.
While you might think of boucle as a fragile fabric, it’s proven to be surprisingly durable. During testing, a black mark spilled on the couch, but we were able to remove it completely by gently rubbing the fibers with a stain remover (though we didn’t need to do so, the cushion covers can also be removed and hand-washed to treat serious stains).
As a bonus, the delivery process from Albany Park was incredibly smooth. The couch arrived within the delivery window, and unboxing and assembly was easy—two people were able to set up the entire piece in about 15 minutes, thanks to very clear instructions.
All in all, this is a solid couch that looks surprisingly high-end given its more reasonable price point (at $1,500, the Lido is one of the more affordable couches on this list, and the brand often has sales, too).
How It Performed After Six Months
There are no notable differences in the look or feel of this couch after six months of use. The cushions remain full and have no sagging. Even though the fabric is boucle, it hasn’t worn down at all and continues to look beautiful and high-end (we spot-treated a stain early on and were able to get it out completely). We also appreciate how easy it is to care for. All in all, this is a gorgeous, timeless piece of furniture.
Product Details: Dimensions: 75 x 32 x 37.5 inches | Upholstery Material: Eight 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
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.
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.
Sixpenny Aria Leather Sofa
The Sixpenny Aria Leather Sofa is a cozy, comfortable leather couch you can really sink into, and delivery was a breeze. The design is undeniably stylish and it’s a real statement piece. However, it ultimately didn’t make our list because we were concerned the cushions could thin out over time, not to mention how tricky the material is to clean. Overall, we found it to be best suited for occasional use in a formal setting rather than as a primary, everyday sofa.
Better Homes & Gardens Nola Modern Futon
The Better Homes & Gardens Nola Modern Futon is made from durable leather and has a sleek, modern design. We also found it fairly easy to clean and appreciated its less expensive price point. However, the couch itself is a little hard and stiff, and we didn’t find it nearly as comfortable to sit on for long periods of time compared to other models on this list. And even though it can convert to a bed, you have to pull it away from the wall in order to do so, which is a little inconvenient.
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.”
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 writer for Better Homes & Gardens specializing in bedding and furniture content. To make this list, she analyzed insights from our extensive at-home testing. She also consulted with interior designers Margaret Carroll, Emily Mackie, Jennifer Stephan, and Lauren Figueroa.
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