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The Best Sofa Brands to Know for Excellent At-Home Lounging

You can buy a sofa from home without ever leaving your, well, sofa.

collage of three sofas Design Within Reach, Burrow, Article

By Johnny Brayson and Tyler Chin

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One of the biggest commitments you can make is buying a sofa. Sofas are not cheap, and they’re essentially the centerpiece of the living room. These days, you no longer need to go to a crowded showroom, stalked by an overeager sales associate to get the perfect couch for you. Instead, you can buy a sofa online without ever leaving your existing sofa. We narrowed down the seemingly endless places to buy a sofa to find the 20 best sofa brands for you.

Products in the Guide

What to Look for When Buying a Sofa

Materials

There are a lot of different materials that go into making a sofa, and you’ll want to take the time to consider each of them. First up is the frame. The basic foundation of a sofa or couch, the frame should be sturdy enough to hold up through several years of regular use without degrading. The best frames are made of solid kiln-dried hardwood, but they’re also the most expensive. Plywood and solid softwood frames are still-worthwhile step downs, while the bottom of the barrel would be a frame made from medium-density fiberboard (MDF), a type of inexpensive engineered particle board that has a reputation for falling apart quickly.

Your sofa’s upholstery is another important material consideration. Leather is always a classic since it’s durable, easy to clean and looks better with age if properly cared for. It is expensive, though, so a cheaper alternative — at least from a durability standpoint — would be to go with a trendy performance fabric that resists stains and other damage caused by kids, pets or any other common living room hazards.

Finally, there’s the cushioning. This will largely be a personal preference, as not everyone likes the same style of sofa for lounging. Some people prefer a big fluffy couch they can sink into, while others enjoy a firmer seat with more support and cushions that won’t flatten over time. Whatever your taste, some mix of the density of the cushioning used — likely a type of high-resiliency polyurethane foam in most cases — and the sofa’s suspension system (spring-based or webbing) will ultimately determine your comfort level.

Size

One of the most important steps to take before plunking down money on a new couch is to get out your tape measurer and take some measurements. You’ll need to measure not only the width and length of the space where you’re planning to put your sofa but also any doorways and hallways leading to the space. Remember, just because a sofa will fit in your living room doesn’t mean it will make it through your front door. There’s nothing worse than ordering a sofa, having it show up at your home and then realizing that there’s no way it’s going to make it into your place. Save yourself the headache and get all of those measurements out of the way before you even start shopping.

Utility

Another major question you’ll need to ask yourself about your upcoming sofa purchase is just how you’ll be using your new couch. Obviously, you’ll be sitting on it to watch TV, but what other duties will you need it to perform? Will it function as a bed for guests? If so, then you may want to consider a sleeper sofa or a futon. Should it be a gathering place for your entire family? In that case, a sectional may make the most sense. Is your living room always cluttered due to a lack of storage space? Go for a sofa with built-in storage and kill two birds with one stone. There are many potential uses for a sofa that go beyond its intended purpose of lounging, so figure out your needs before you choose your new furniture.

How We Tested

When Burrow first started, it had just one style of sofa: the Nomad. It has since released a whole mess of sofa styles, as well as other furniture pieces such as beds, shelves and dressers. But we always come back to the sofa. We’d go so far as to say that Burrow helped to jumpstart the whole sofa-in-a-box trend that has made it easier than ever to deck out your living room situation. Shipping is free with turnaround times in the 5- to 10-day range for in-stock items, and fabric swatches are also free upon request. Burrow’s furniture is designed to be versatile and lived in, so you can expect fair durability for the money. And while all designs are conceived in the USA, manufacturing may take place in North Carolina, Vietnam, Poland or India.

Our Pick: Burrow Nomad Sofa

The sofa that started it all for Burrow: the Nomad. Its timeless mid-century modern design will fit in wherever you put it, and the whole thing is such a breeze to put together. Add in the built-in USB charger, optional sleep kit for unexpected guests and a modular design that grows (or shrinks) with you, and you have yourself a wonderful sofa.Our tester found the Nomad to be surprisingly comfortable given its sleek and stylish appearance, but noted that it’s not a sink-in couch if that’s what you’re into. He also felt that the assembly was convenient, but stressed that it 100-percent requires two people to pull off. Overall, he felt that the Nomad’s balance of comfort, convenience and design make it tough to beat for the price.

Read our full Burrow Nomad review.

As one of the more prominent (and internet culture-literate) online-only furniture stores out there, odds are that you already know someone with an Article sofa in their home. The brand produces stylish modern furniture with decent specs at relatively affordable prices, so it’s no surprise that they’ve struck a chord with consumers. Shipping is typically fast, with orders sometimes arriving in just a few days, and fabric swatches are free. Like many online-only brands, Article doesn’t manufacture its own furniture. Instead, it works with factories in Vietnam, China, Indonesia and India.

Our Pick: Article Nirvana Sofa

Boasting a classic modern design and buffed, untreated leather upholstery that’s as soft as it is durable, the Nirvana is a definite crowd pleaser. Our tester found it to be a great “slouch couch” with leather that gets better with age even with little maintenance. One slightly annoying drawback is the duck down-filled pillows do require a fair amount of fluffing and moving around to get comfortable.

One of the newer brands in this guide, Singapore-based Castlery only debuted in the US in 2019. Since then, business has been booming, with the brand’s stylish original designs — which are surprisingly affordable — squarely hitting their target market of young urban professionals. From classic mid-century modern looks to wide-channeled bouclé sectionals to more daring sofas that verge on biomorphic, Castlery offers a wide range of styles that are well-made and will turn heads.

Our Pick: Castlery Jonathan Chaise Sectional Sofa

Our tester loves the clean lines of this sectional and the fact that it sits close to the ground. He also noted that, like many of Castlery’s designs, it strikes a beautiful balance between mid-century aesthetics and modern sensibilities. He described the couch as firm but comfortable, noting that you’re not going to sink into it. He said those looking for the “ultimate relaxation experience” might want to look elsewhere, but noted that this sofa is still plenty easy to sleep on.

Our tester also appreciated the modularity of the sectional, as he’s able to pick up different sections if he decides to move it to a new room. Parents and pet owners will also appreciate the fact that if part of the couch is damaged or stained in any way, you can address the issue piecemeal without having to replace the entire sofa. Assembly is a breeze too, with pieces coming together in seconds with just a single person on duty.

While our tester has only had the sofa for a couple of months, he expressed confidence that it will last for many years thanks to its durable build quality and the hardiness of the upholstery. He did warn that the cushions begin to sag a bit after a few weeks, but thinks that’s just part of the nature of low-slung fabric sofas.

For practically any and every style of sofa, Apt2B has it. The bonus is, whether you want a futon or a made-in-USA sofa, everything ships for free — with ready-to-made pieces shipping out in 5–7 days and custom Los Angeles-crafted sofas taking 5–7 weeks. The latter option really ups the quality quotient, too, with solid alder wood frames and premium upholstery. Apt2B offers a very robust range of fabrics, so we definitely recommend taking advantage of their free swatch samples.

Our Pick: Apt2B Sloane Sofa

This curvy sofa might not be for everyone, but there’s no denying Sloane’s appeal. Its minimalist construction (it sits on invisible legs) makes for a standout piece, and with over 80 color options, you’re bound to find something you like.

Allform’s modular sofas have become a hit because of their high-quality build and because they’re easy to put together. Sofas are made to order in the US, and because you won’t see the sofa in person before you buy, you can get a free swatch kit to help you pick your ideal couch. Hardwood plywood frames with a limited lifetime warranty and performance fabrics mean Allform’s sofas should last a bit longer than their affordable prices suggest. The brand also ships its sofas fast and free, so you can expect short turnaround times despite Allform’s plentiful customization options.

Our Pick: Allform Corner Sectional

With Allform, you get seven fabric options, two leather options and a 100-day free trial. This sofa features dual detachable chaises that can be placed wherever you like.

For an upgrade to Ikea that’s a little more wallet-friendly than something like RH, West Elm is the perfect medium. Shop modern designs that are either made by the brand’s in-house team or opt for one of the many collaborative pieces that West Elm does with third-party designers. As a large, more premium furniture retailer, West Elm offers all of the goodies you’d expect, like free fabric samples, 2- to 3-week shipping times, and U.S.-based assembly and upholstering.

Our Pick: West Elm Harris 2-Piece Sleeper Sectional w/ Storage Chaise

Sleeper sofas offer loads of utility, giving you a place for guests to crash while also functioning as your living room’s home base. But as our tester discovered during her time with the Harris, this example takes things a step further by offering storage built into the chaise, allowing her to store her bedding inside the sofa when it’s not being used as a bed. She found the mattress to be very comfy, too.

King of both mid-century modern designs and ergonomic office chairs, Herman Miller is unsurprisingly a great place to pick up a sofa — that is, if you’ve got the budget for it. Built to last a lifetime, Herman Miller products don’t come cheap, and the company manufactures its furniture in its own factories around the world, namely in Michigan and China. Typical standard delivery usually takes 1 to 3 weeks, and while fabric samples can be requested, it takes some digging on their website to do so.

Our Pick: Herman Miller Wilkes Modular Sofa Group Sofa

Although Herman Miler is mostly known as the home of modern design, it’s no stranger to post-modern either, as evidenced by Ray Wilkes’ playful “Chiclet” sofa from 1976.

If Herman Miller is the king of mid-century modern furniture design, then Knoll is the queen. Home to designs from names like Saarinen and Bertoia, Knoll — which merged with Herman Miller in 2021 to form MillerKnoll — is a premium luxury brand with premium luxury build quality (and prices). Free fabric samples can be requested, and if you’re into doing your own upholstering and find a fabric you like, you can also purchase it by the yard. Shipping for large items like sofas takes about 10 weeks, with Knoll furniture being manufactured in the U.S., Canada and Italy.

Our Pick: Knoll Florence Knoll Sofa

With its six-legged chrome frame, tufted cushions and clean lines, brand co-founder Florence Knoll’s signature design has been a classic of modernism since making its debut in 1954.

Hay is a Danish brand that leans towards the more eclectic side of home accessories and furniture — think bright colors and unique silhouettes inspired by the worlds of art, architecture and fashion. Hay is getting into luxury territory, so you can expect premium construction to go along with its one-of-a-kind designs. Fabric swatches are free by request, and in-stock furniture can make it to your door in about two weeks with standard shipping.

Our Pick: Hay Pandarine Sofa

For a supreme lounging experience, look to Hay’s Pandarine sofa. Its back cushions can be folded down, so it’s sort of like a recliner. And if you want, you can opt for that same reclining cushion as the sofa’s armrests or go for a more common cylindrical bolster.

You can’t escape Wayfair if you’re shopping for furniture. Its low prices and massive — and we mean massive — selection make this a must-visit website for furniture shoppers. While its inventory is filled with some misses, it’s not that hard to find something you’ll like. Build quality varies given the vastness of the catalog, but you should generally expect to get what you pay for. Like sister brand AllModern, Wayfair offers fast free shipping, free fabric samples, and a good dose of mystery when it comes to its overseas manufacturers.

Our Pick: House of Hampton Pasillas Upholstered Loveseat

Our tester described this statement-making loveseat as the best bang-for-your-buck piece of furniture she owns, thanks in no small part to its rich velvet purple upholstery and Chesterfield-inspired design that make it look far more expensive than it is. She also appreciated how easy it was to put together by herself, as it basically came in four large parts — the back, arms and base of the sofa — plus the legs and cushions.While the looks are next-level, our tester did warn that it’s not the most comfortable sofa in the world and it sits rather low, so you might want to consider it as a second couch rather than as your main living room seating.

AllModern, a sister brand of Wayfair, focuses more on the modern side of things (hence its name). Its picks are slightly less budget-friendly than its parent company, but its styles are way more fun. Given their lower price points, these sofas aren’t really built to last for years and years, and you can expect less-specific language when it comes to materials (e.g., “solid wood frame”). Free shipping is offered with turnaround times usually taking a week or two, and free fabric swatches are also available. Like other Wayfair brands, AllModern’s sofas are manufactured by any number of outside suppliers, making it a bit of a chore to find out where your furniture is coming from.

Our Pick: AllModern Kearney Sofa

With its seemingly levitating seat, the Kearney sofa draws on mid-century modern design cues at an approachable price point.

Although best known for its stellar collection of lighting, Portland-based Rejuvenation also has a knockout collection of furniture, with its sofa catalog being especially impressive. Expect stellar build quality with features like kiln-dried hardwood frames made with sustainably sourced wood, free fabric swatches to aid in your decision, and flat-rate shipping that takes 4-6 weeks for in-stock items. Rejuvenation also assembles and upholsters its couches in the USA from imported parts.

Our Pick: Rejuvenation Svenson Sofa

Showing a clear Scandinavian influence in both style and name, the Svenson combines an exposed solid hardwood frame (walnut or white oak) with fixed tapered legs and a tight seat, making for a supportive statement piece that will last a long, long time.

Blu Dot is a Minneapolis-based furniture brand focused on modern designs, well-crafted furniture and functional home decor. Its sofas could be considered mid-tier in terms of pricing, with great build quality that frequently includes well-put-together kiln-dried hardwood frames and wrapped high-resiliency foam cushions. Shipping turnaround times are dependent on stock and can be long, often taking several weeks or months, while fabric swatch samples ship must faster and for free. Everything Blu Dot makes is designed in-house, including its sofas, and a decent chunk of its couches are made in the U.S., too.

Our Pick: Blu Dot Sunday Sofa

Our tester had wanted this sofa for years after sitting on one in a showroom and purchased it as soon as she moved to a space with a layout that could accommodate it. It proved worth the wait, as she described the deep cushions as “super comfy.” Her dog also appreciates the depth of the cushions, and the forgiving, easy-to-clean fabric means our tester doesn’t worry too much about her furry friend’s favorite spot.The sofa does have some slouch to it, but since the sofa is so low, you don’t notice it as much. Our tester also said steam cleaning and fluffing the pillows helps. Furthermore, she advised that if you’re not into deep and low sofas, then this isn’t for you. But if that sounds like your style, then Blu Dot’s Sunday series — which is lightweight and also comes in sectional layouts — may be your dream couch.

This California brand is all about giving you the sofa you want — literally, as Inside Weather specializes in custom sofas. Build quality is solid with materials appropriate for the price, and shipping is faster than you’d expect for a custom piece of furniture, typically arriving at your door in under two months. Swatches are free and take just three days to get to you, allowing you to quickly make an informed decision on your customization. Inside Weather sustainably makes its sofas in California and offers a 365-day trial for you to figure out if you’ve made the right choice.

Our Pick: Inside Weather Custom Nox Sectional

Every sofa Inside Weather sells is custom-made, but you choose the base you’re going to be working with. Our researcher found his custom-made sectional to be well-made and easy to assemble, with the sofa arriving flat-packed in multiple boxes, making for an easy delivery.

Custom-made furniture should not be this reasonably priced. Yet somehow BenchMade Modern manages to sell high-quality sofas (think solid hardwood frames) with unbelievable customization at prices that won’t totally break the bank. Even better, you get your sofas in less time than you’d think, with custom pieces going out between six to seven weeks, or just a couple of days if you opt for a ready-to-ship model. Swatches can be ordered for free, and every sofa is handcrafted in the USA.

Our Pick: BenchMade Modern Catwalk Sofa

The Catwalk features some generously sized cushions that sit atop slim legs, which actually make vacuuming underneath super easy. Part of the fun of ordering from BenchMade Modern is scrolling through the seemingly endless selection of options from different fabrics to the style of legs. The brand offers a 100-day return window, and the Catwalk’s frame is even backed by a lifetime warranty.

Canada-based EQ3 is proud of its north-of-the-border heritage, putting a “uniquely Canadian” spin on its designs. The brand produces everything from lighting and rugs to office furniture and mattresses, but we’re obviously most interested in its sofas. Upholstering is done in-house in Winnipeg, while manufacturing is done either in Canada or by a variety of worldwide partners that meet EQ3’s exacting standards. Up to 10 swatches can be ordered at a time for free, while delivery on couches takes a minimum of 2 to 6 weeks — or considerably longer for made-to-order pieces.

Our Pick: EQ3 Reverie Apartment Sofa

A more budget-minded and compact homage to Florence Knoll’s mid-century modern classic (more on that later), the Reverie offers over 130 upholstery options to go with its time-tested design.

A trendier, more upscale offshoot of Crate & Barrel, CB2 tends to trade in whatever is hot at this moment — or what’s about to be hot. So if you’re looking for a sofa that’s Instagram-ready right out of the box, this may be your retailer of choice. As a pricier brand, you can expect solid build quality, with features like sustainable, benchmade solid hardwood frames and credited individual designers for specific sofas. In-stock sofas arrive in one to two weeks, and upholstery swatches can be requested at no additional cost. CB2’s sofas are produced in various factories around the world and are imported to the U.S.

Our Pick: CB2 Strato Boucle Sofa

Designer Mermelada Estudio is behind this 1970s-inspired number that combines very on-trend boucle upholstery with classic channeled tufting all over. We guarantee your neighbor won’t have the same one.

Floyd’s direct-to-consumer business model keeps its furniture prices low without compromising on quality or design. Based out of Detroit, Floyd has dedicated itself to becoming a more sustainable brand by opening up a secondhand marketplace to shop its used pieces. The brand’s stain-resistant fabrics can be tested by requesting free swatches, and the sofas themselves take about 6 to 10 weeks to reach your door. Frames consist of a mix of plywood and powder-coated steel, and Floyd’s fabrics are made to withstand a beating. Floyd manufactures its products in the U.S., Mexico and China.

Our Pick: Floyd The Sofa

It’s pretty easy to identify a Floyd sofa. First, you’ll notice its sleek and slim base — available in birch, walnut or upholstery — and then you’ll notice its detached, somewhat flat (yet still plush) cushions. When you finally decide to get one of your own, the only issue you’ll run into is what configuration you’ll want to get.

One does not shop at RH unless one is looking to drop a pretty penny on some high-end furniture. Though if you’re lucky enough to have the funds, you’ll find yourself relaxing on some real luxury furniture. RH’s industrial style is a mainstay in some of the world’s most stylish spaces (see: the brand’s ubiquitous Cloud Sofa) and if you pick up a piece for yourself you can expect stellar build quality and American-handcrafted production. When your order is ready to ship, RH will contact you to get all of the details and schedule a delivery within 30 days. RH also has a massive library of upholstery samples, and they’ll send you some for free upon request.

Our Pick: RH Parisian Track Arm Left-Arm Sofa

RH is among the cream of the crop when it comes to sofas, and this low-profile stunner is no exception. Our tester found the couch to be “ridiculously comfortable” to the point of almost being too comfortable, as she felt the back cushions (which are removable) were just a hair too deep. She also appreciated that the cushion covers were removable and machine-washable, especially given that this is a white couch.

You know what Ikea is, so there’s no need to drone on about its sofas. You get what you pay for, there are more styles than you could ever possibly want and half the fun is putting it together yourself. Shipping times vary depending on what you order, but you can always choose to pick up your sofa from your local Ikea if that’s easier. You’ll also have to head to the store if you want to see fabric samples in person, as the company does not readily send them out. The bulk of Ikea’s furniture, while designed in its home country of Sweden, is manufactured in Asia.

Our Pick: Ikea Morabo Sofa

For a no-nonsense modern-style sofa at a great price, you can’t go wrong with the Morabo. Our tester found the couch to be surprisingly comfortable with a pleasant depth to the cushions, and the upholstery also holds up much better than the price point would indicate.

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