Combining durable, top-quality craftsmanship and high-density foam filling, this sofa will provide everyone with great comfort and undoubtedly become the centerpiece of your living room, den, urban loft, condo, or home office. CertiPUR-US: This voluntary standard, owned by the nonprofit Alliance for Flexible Polyurethane Foam, certifies the foam does not contain heavy metals, formaldehyde, known ozone depleters, or certain phthalates and flame retardants, and that it has less than 0.5 ppm VOC emissions (which impact indoor air quality and human health). Some accessibility rules of thumba short seat height can be taxing on arthritic knees, and a shallow seat depth can be uncomfortable for people of above-average heightcan help. And they come in a light and bright color palette, compared with fabrics from some other companies whose palettes often skew grayer, brasher, or darker. But later, scientists demonstrated that the compounds didnt actually work as described. Three-seaters range from about $2,000 to about $3,000 (less expensive than BenchMade Modern but pricier than Article or Burrow). As a last resort, a well-placed area rug can keep sofa feet from damaging a floor. The Aria Grande sectional arrived almost completely assembledwe just had to arrange the heavy seat cushions and pillows, and connect the sections (when aligned, they attach with alligator clips). The cheapest fabrics are generally more susceptible to stretching and staining. But you can have the sofa delivered to a designated room for $119 and assembled for an additional $80. The zipper flaps on the Skinny Fats cushions closed evenly, and the stitching was tight and even. However, when our 5-foot-4 tester was seated normally, facing forward, it felt almost too deep; taller folks may find it to be just right. But two smaller sofas, or a pair of loveseats, can offer the same amount of seating, or more, while being more flexible. As with most user feedback for sofas, regardless of make, most concerns over long-term durability focus on cushioning. These sofas arent the most comfortable we tested, but personal preference does play a role. Things we didnt love: There is a trade-off to the compact style of Burrow sofas. But it may also be due to issues with domestic suppliers, as in the case of foam.
Phantila Phataraprasit, co-founder at Sabai, phone interview, January 12, 2022, Jay Novak, co-founder at Modernica, in-person interview, May 30, 2018, Joshua Siegel, owner at BSC Furniture, in-person interview, June 5, 2018, Megan Torres, general manager at BenchMade Modern, in-person interview, June 5, 2018, Svenja Diekmann, lead designer at Hem, in-person interview, June 7, 2018, Brad Sewell, founder at Campaign, email interview, July 11, 2018, Natalie Quinn, upholstery merchandise manager at Room & Board, email interview, August 14, 2018. (You should also read our overview of how to pick a sofa style and consult our decision-making checklist.). Shop here if: You like a soft-modern look, a median price, and want some future flexibilityand you dont mind limited upholstery options. A number of customer reviews from 2019 through 2022 cite issues with manufacturing defects, unresponsive customer service, and poor communication. If you want to expand the sofa in the future, you can order individual modules.
Shop here if: You have a smaller budget and want a good variety of styles and fabrics, from sleek, mid-century modern looks to classic leather sofas. But we think for the price you get better quality, including a lifetime guarantee for the frame. This company basically offers only one stylethough its available in multiple configurations and sizes, from armchair to loveseat to three-seater and corner sectionals. Greenguard: This voluntary certification system scientifically verifies that products contain very low levels of harmful chemicals, including VOCs (volatile organic compounds), that impact indoor air quality and human health. Traditionally this sofa features one side with an arm and the other side without (aka a mridienne sofa or fainting couch), but many chaise designs forgo arms altogether. The companys seating comes in a range of sizes, including armchairs, loveseats, three-seaters, and sectionals, and it can usually be dispatched in a few days (Article clearly lists the shipping windows on each product page). And you shouldnt machine-wash or remove the cushion covers (the covers have zippers for manufacturing purposes, but in its FAQ, Floyd advises against removing them).
Weve all heard the horror stories about someone who purchased the sofa of their dreams only to discover it would not fit through a doorway, navigate a stairway, or fit inside the room.
With a seat depth of 2 feet, the Sven can comfortably accommodate cross-legged and side-lounging positions. We also have a checklist to help you shop and for post-delivery, while the return window is still open. Shop here if: You want to be able to choose from a wide range of vintage-inspired styles. Determining which sofa is the best is a subjective decision. Gather everyone for a movie marathon or a game night with this Anton 102" Wide Velvet Sofa & Chaise. Very high-end sofas are made with eight-way hand-tied springs, which can do a better job of warding off sagging and squeaking. We perused their websites, visited showrooms, and compared fabric samples. You can also exchange fabric slipcovers for free within 30 days. What we liked: If youre seeking a compact, low-maintenance sofa with a tailored look, and youre willing to tackle a more involved assembly, Burrow is a great option, with sofas priced similarly to Articles. Removable legs allow for simple delivery for tight spaces. The right one for you will depend on how much space you have, how many people you want to seat, and whether you plan to use the sofa for napping or hosting overnight guests. Even if youre not shopping second-hand, sites like Craigslist, OfferUp, and others can help you see how older versions of your potential sofa have fared. You may need to negotiate between different-size people in your household. And because of the heavy showroom traffic, this should give you a good indication of how cushioning will fare over time. No-fuss upholstery and a neatly tufted button back make for an easy fit into even the most minimalist of living rooms.
They were previously an editor at Metropolis Magazine and once worked at Knoll, a mid-century modern furniture company, where they frequently reviewed quality, design, manufacturing, and sustainability in furniture. The seat cushion is tufted on one side, so you wont be able to flip it or remove the cover to wear each side evenly, but you can flip the back cushion. So its hard to get a sense of scale. Boevange-sur-Attert 34 W Polyester Blend Armchair, Marin 94.99Cm Wide Tufted Polyester Armchair, Aliya 28" Wide Tufted Polyester Club Chair, Meghan 37.4" Wide Tufted Polyester Armchair, Albanese 76.83Cm Wide Polyester Slipper Chair, Cerny 39" Wide Tufted Polyester Papasan Chair. Be honest with yourself about how youll sit on the sofa. If you have delicate wood floors, carefully consider the legs of your sofa. And you prefer cotton or leather fabrics or dont need synthetic performance fabrics to withstand day-to-day messes. Average standard sofa price: $2,200 for a three-seater. The companys social media offers some snippets of real-life settings, but it can be hard to find your specific configuration.
The company does offer various kinds of virtual appointments and assistance. If you have specific physical seating needs or preferences, such as a high seat height, firmer cushions, or more back support, you are probably already shopping with those specs in mind. Regardless of whether it seems relevant to your situation, this information can provide some valuable insights. Among other things, shes been an editor at Metropolis, where she focused on the intersection of environment and design; a manager at the NYC Department of Environmental Protection; a designer; and a freelance writer.
This is a small detail, but its one we found very helpful. Larger families or households that regularly host guests may be drawn to a sectional. Some users report the cushioning in the Ceni Sofa sinking over the years and the fabric upholstery being prone to pilling. Declare: This product-labeling system, owned by the International Living Future Institute, verifies that a company has voluntarily disclosed all product content, and it certifies the absence of Living Building Challenge Red List chemicals that have been found to be harmful to human health. Chesterfield: Identified by its quilted or tufted low back and its high arms, this British design is classically upholstered in leather. If you prefer a more upright sitting position, opt for one of the sofas with shallower seats, like the Gabriel or Elias. The green velvet has a sumptuous, mossy richness to it and is soft to the touch, and the seat cushion feels medium-firm. BenchMade Modern sends a free, true-to-size footprint of your sofa to roll out across the floor; if youre considering another company, you can create your own using newspaper, cardboard, or paper taped together. Though not endlessly customizable, the modular design allows you to expand or contract the sofa over time, pick different arm styles or cushions, and even add optional side tables. Were here to help you understand what to expect when you buy from a company, whether or not you can trust its claims, and what your options are if you end up hating your new sectionalso you can get a sofa youll love, with fewer headaches. But generally, people who are shorter than 5-foot-3 may prefer an inside seat depth of 19 to 21 inchesmeasured from the edge of the front of the seat to the front of the back cushion (video). Its also a good idea to avoid decorative detailing, like tufting buttons or frilly trim; for some kids, pulling and picking at these will prove irresistible. Our 5-foot-4-inch tester said they find The Sofa to be most comfy when they are stretched out and using the back and arm cushions as a head pillow. The frames are made of hardwood, with bent plywood panels and polyester webbing, and the cushions combine medium-density foam, shredding fill, and fiber wadding.
This style looks best in traditional and transitional decorated spaces that have enough room not to cramp its size. For an added layer of protection, you may also want to consider a sofa with a slipcover or upholstery that you can remove and launder. Residential rub counts above 25,000 are usually considered fine.
Of the companies we looked at, BenchMade Modern offers one of the best return policies and warrantiesa 100-day trial period and a lifetime warranty for the frame and suspension. In our first round of testing, one Wirecutter tester worried about long-term sagging. There is evidence that flame retardants are bad for the human immune system, reproduction, endocrine system, and neurologic function, and may be linked to cancer. Instead, look for sofas with frames made of furniture-grade plywood, engineered hardwood, or solid wood. All three sofa stylesthe Nomad, Field, and Rangehave exposed legs and clean lines, giving them a mid-century modern look. Plus, we include a helpful checklist. Regardless of how well a sofa is made, you wont be happy with it if you dont also love the way it looks. Both The Sofa and The Sectional are available in two-seater, three-seater, and sectional configurations. Weve redesigned this guide to make it easier to find the best sofa for you, including what to look for and which companies to consider. Note any valleys between cushions, which can make squeezing in multiple people uncomfortable.
The plump-but-firm cushions send our bums toward the valley between themmaking it hard to squeeze a fourth person onto the three-seater, since not everyone will get a level seat. Its easy to scroll through technical information like rub count, content, and cleaning guidelines while perusing colors. However, Interior Define has the most punishing restocking fee weve seen (50% the original price). Manufacturers used to add these compounds to foam-filled furniture, because the substances supposedly slowed the spread of fire (hence the name). Return policy: Returns are accepted within 30 days for any reason (this incurs a $49 shipping fee, as long as youre in the continental US), plus $50 if you dont save the packaging. Weve tested Articles Ceni Sofa and the Sven Lounge Chair (an armchair version of the Sven Sofa). For an extra fee, you can have the sofa delivered to a specific room, but assembly is not available. When you buy something online, sight unseen, youre taking a leap of faith. What does the sofa look like in photos on resale sites? Some sectionals ship in two pieces and include connecting hardware to lock pieces together. Though it has flaws, its the best remote weve found in a dying category. More than cushioning, the suspension in a sofa is what makes it comfortable. The tester, who is 5-foot-3, noted that the sofa was relatively comfortable, but she said she wished the back were higher or the seat depth were greater, to accommodate seated lounging. Although we do our best to capture user feedback, its helpful to also get a sense of what people love or hate about the sofa, especially over time. We outline the most important things to consider when youre buying a sofabefore, during, and after shopping. Even so, we highly recommend you view your sofa, or a version of your sofa, in person in one of the companys showrooms before making a decision, since returns require you to email photos and are subject to the companys discretion. This means that The Sofa lacks bounce, despite its cushy appearance. English roll arm: The cushioned yet firm high-back sofa is distinguished by its low contoured arms leaning outward. To learn how quality sofas are made, we visited three furniture factories: Los Angelesbased BSC Furniture, which at the time was manufacturing BenchMade Moderns line of upholstered seating (the companies have since parted ways); the facility for Modernica, a modernist furniture manufacturer, also based in Los Angeles; and the Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams factory in Taylorsville, North Carolina. Down-filled cushions are kept in check by the clean lines of this mid-century modern sofa. Consider how many people will regularly sit on the sofa, as well as how they prefer to sit. Weve listed some in our sustainability section. The most durable sofas have frames made with traditional mortise and tenon joints, which require fewer staples and less glue to hold the frame together, but reinforced corners can also add durability.
If this were a typical Wirecutter guide, wed now highlight our picks for the best sofas you could buy online. (Our tester hosted three dogs at once on the Range sectional, and it was no worse for wear.) But we stopped recommending the companys products in 2017, after a number of readers reported negative experiences with Joybirds customer service, long delivery times, and even manufacturing defects. It is possible to assemble a Burrow sofa aloneespecially since Burrow packs each seat section in its own box, making it easier for one person to carry the delivery inside. And for the price, youre getting high-quality constructionhardwood frames with plywood corner reinforcementand high levels of comfort, due to spring suspension and foam-core cushions with soft down or poly fill. A steep stairway, a narrow corridor, a low overhanging fixture, or a small elevator can all present insurmountable challenges. Warranty: three-year warranty for cushions, panels, and sectional units; 10-year warranty for steel and birch frame.