Still, the presence of these certifications may give you peace of mind that the companys claims have backup. Instead, we point you toward brands and companies that stood out in our research and testing. 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. Shipping & delivery: Depending on sofa size, shipping ranges from $50 to $175 for new loveseats and sofas within the continental United States. After a mattress, a sofa is likely the most-used piece of furniture in a home. In our own initial testing, after only a few hours of use, the Kivik sofa looked disheveled and off-kilter. But it also means the piece shifts easily. Looks more e Im writing this review a year into having the Anton sofa.

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.

A curated style universe that tailors trends to you. Increasingly, companies are including sustainability claims, materials disclosures, and third-party certifications in their marketing materials.

And because of the heavy showroom traffic, this should give you a good indication of how cushioning will fare over time. 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. Beyond this, you may also encounter fabric claiming to be water-repellant or stain-resistant. Though some fabrics may be treated with chemical coatings for those qualities, in residential settings, theyre not always necessary.

We list everything you need to know about sofas, including the common styles, which is best for your lifestyle, and how to spot a quality sofa. Articles in-room delivery and assembly policy, Things to consider before you order a sofa, Article: Modern style and comfort at a competitive price, BenchMade Modern: Highly customizable, meticulously constructed, with a lifetime warranty (and a higher price tag), Burrow: Tailored, modular sofas that are better for smaller spaces, Sixpenny: Like a literal cloud for lounging, with a limited lifetime warranty, Floyd: Modular design and customization (with limits), Sabai: A compact sofa made with recycling in mind, Quality construction (and what to look for), How to Prepare for Furniture Delivery video, Habitat UKs six-step sofa-fit checklist, cotton canvas, linen, leather, and velvet fabrics, Sofa Buying Advice From the People Who Design and Make Them, international manufacturing (subscription required), rising shipping costs (subscription required), add these compounds to foam-filled furniture, whats coming out of your foam mattress, measured from the edge of the front of the seat to the front of the back cushion (video, upholstery merchandise manager at Room & Board. When youre testing out a sofa, remember that any swaying is a sign that the frame isnt strong. Regardless of whether it seems relevant to your situation, this information can provide some valuable insights. Here are some (verifiable) terms you may encounter while shopping: Forest Stewardship Council (FSC): FSC is a voluntary certification verifying that the wood used in a product is sourced from international forests that are managed in a socially and ecologically responsible way. Though the Loyd Chair we ordered was beautifully made, the angle of the seat back made it hard to sit upright and encouraged a more-reclined positionsomething we might have foreseen had we viewed models sitting in the chair. Because of its petite proportions, the settee works well in smaller apartments, in a pair facing each other, or placed within unexpected spaces like bedrooms, offices, or even hallways. (Sixpenny provides in-depth recommendations for how to clean its fabrics). But Floyd is a solid stop for those who want a modular sofa with modern styling, priced around $2,000 to $2,500 for both styles in three-seater sizes. 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). The color was accurate to the site, customer service was great, and delivery was a breeze. 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. But we think for the price you get better quality, including a lifetime guarantee for the frame. IKEA sells a range of sofas and sectionals. Our testers varied in height, weight, and age (including some jumping children). For an extra fee, you can have the sofa delivered to a specific room, but assembly is not available. Follow these steps to ensure that you dont become a cautionary tale for future generations of sofa shoppers. A sofas online product page should include measurementsat minimum the width, height, and depth of the sofa. We also appreciate the assembly videos and imagery available on its site, so shoppers can get a sense of the product in an actual space and in proportion to people. 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. Requesting samples is a good way to understand the quality and characteristics of the fabric youre buying. You can see whether flame retardants are present in your sofa by checking the California labeling standard, TB 117-2013 (PDF). BenchMade Modern typically can make and deliver a sofa in 24 days, even if you need it in a special size; this is far less time than the eight to 12 weeks it takes most furniture companies to fulfill orders. What does the sofa look like in photos on resale sites? Regularly fluff cushions to ensure they retain their shape. You also can usually find out how a sofa shipsin sections that just need joining or completely disassembledin the company FAQ or by emailing customer service. And even if a company does include third-party certifications, like Oeko-Tex fabrics or Greenguard Gold, their product is not necessarily healthier for you and the planet than some others. As you browse, youll encounter a host of sustainability and performance claims and certifications related to upholstery. Though we love IKEAs simple Scandinavian styling, its couches are neither well constructed nor particularly comfortable. 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. Chesterfield: Identified by its quilted or tufted low back and its high arms, this British design is classically upholstered in leather. To conform to TB 117-2013, each piece of upholstered furniture must include the following lines, with one of the lines marked with an X: The upholstery materials in this product: _X_ contain added flame retardant chemicals, _X_ contain NO added flame retardant chemicals. So far theyve held up well, but well see how they perform over time. The cheapest fabrics are generally more susceptible to stretching and staining. Swatches: You can get up to 10 free swatches through an online form; not every couch style comes in all fabrics or leathers, so check before ordering your swatches. Interior Defines cushion matrix notes that certain cushion types will require more-regular fluffingand this is just a reality of some sinkier sofa styles. All three sofa stylesthe Nomad, Field, and Rangehave exposed legs and clean lines, giving them a mid-century modern look. So youll also have to like that one look. If you tend to slouch, a daybed or sectional with a chaise will prove more comfortable and wont disfigure cushions (over time, slouching presses the front of seat cushions outward). Be honest with yourself about how youll sit on the sofa. Katie holds a masters degree in architecture and a bachelor of arts in environmental studies. Luckily, most sofas no longer use them. Shipping & delivery: free threshold delivery to your door, or white-glove delivery (assembly in your room of choice) for $100. If you have to assemble your sofa, make sure all connection hardwarelike alligator clips, bolts, and screwsare in good condition before assembling. Subscribe now for unlimited access. However, Interior Define has the most punishing restocking fee weve seen (50% the original price). A delivery driver will call to schedule a specific date and time. We initially recommended Joybird in 2016 because of the furnitures quality, comfort, and pricing, as well as the variety of modern-to-retro styles the brand offers. 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. Compared with the imagery of other companies we researched (such as that of Article and Sixpenny), BenchMade Moderns is minimal, lacking lifestyle photos and photos with people. As with most user feedback for sofas, regardless of make, most concerns over long-term durability focus on cushioning. The frames are well built and made in the United States (in Dallas and Los Angeles, the factory we visited). 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. And were confident about the frames construction, which blends steel with birch plywood and steel legs. Return policy: Returns are free within 14 days. anton chaise Manufacturers used to add these compounds to foam-filled furniture, because the substances supposedly slowed the spread of fire (hence the name). Shopping online for a sofaprobably one of the bulkiest and most expensive pieces of furniture youll ownrequires a huge amount of trust. Some retail companies, like IKEA and Wayfair, offer augmented-reality apps so you can visualize furniture in any space. Weve read mostly positive user reviews about the companys customer service and delivery. For more about off-gassing, see our article discussing whats coming out of your foam mattresssince its also coming out of your couch. Shipping & delivery: Its $99 for curbside delivery and $295 for white-glove delivery (which includes in-room delivery, assembly, and hauling away of debris). Expect one more box than the number of seats you ordered (the extra box contains legs and hardware). Inspect stitching and piping sewn across cushions, to check whether they align consistently. Settee: This is a small upright sofa thats distinguished by its seating for two, and settee is the original name for the loveseat. Though we like the configuration tool (this lets you visualize different dimensions and see zoomed-in swatches) on each product page, these renderings dont give us a sense of the product in real life. When youre on a tight budget and an even tighter timeline, we think your best bet is to head to IKEA (you can also order IKEAs sofas on its website). So its hard to get a sense of scale.

But check Articles instructions for each item (available as a PDF on the product page) before you order. For this guide, we sought companies whose sofas hit the sweet spot of durability, comfort, price, and availability of styles. Sit or lounge how you normally would, and note how it feels over time. 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 Sofa (which blends Scandinavian modernism with a plush, pillowy look) and The Sectional (which is sleek and modern) are somewhat confusingly named; each is available starting in a two-seater size up through sectional sizes. But two smaller sofas, or a pair of loveseats, can offer the same amount of seating, or more, while being more flexible. Some sofas are supported by fabric poly-webbing, which can be even more durable than sinuous springs, depending on the quality. Instead, we help you navigate companies to compare value, shopping experience, and customer service. The sofa shouldnt squeak or creak when you sit on it. Microfiber and leather upholstered sofas are the easiest to clean and maintain. The number of boxes and their dimensions and weights are clearly noted in the companys FAQ. It looks like someone from our Care team has been in touch to look into t Seat cushions are high resiliency foam with Polyester, Back cushions are fiber down blend in a down proof cambric shell, Loose, reversible cushions with removable covers for seat, Some assembly required (approximately 5 minutes). We perused their websites, visited showrooms, and compared fabric samples. 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.

We have tested The Sofa (in its three-seater-with-chaise configuration) for more than two years, using it daily. Things we didnt love: Among the many glowing Article reviews we saw, there were a fair number of negative ones, most of them pertaining to durability. Use this test: Lift the front corner or leg of the sofa about 6 inches off the floor. Return policy: Free exchanges, or returns within 30 days. If you bought a Joybird sofa and are happy with it, your experience has been much like that of our testers. And the cushions all fit inside the seat volume, creating a 70-pound compact cube23 (H) by 43 (W) by 48 (L) inches. Its easy to scroll through technical information like rub count, content, and cleaning guidelines while perusing colors. 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. We visited three furniture factories to learn what makes a great sofa. This is a small detail, but its one we found very helpful. In retail stores, weve seen shoppers sitting like theyre upright mannequins, which is likely not the way they would sit or lie on them at home. The return process is more cumbersome than most weve reviewed, since youll be asked to email photos to show an items current condition and/or potential defects. Average standard sofa price: $1,500 for a three-seater. Down-filled cushions are kept in check by the clean lines of this mid-century modern sofa. In our first round of testing, one Wirecutter tester worried about long-term sagging. Also, review warranties and return policies. Tuxedo: This style is distinguished by boxy dimensions, tufting along the back and arms, and arms of equal height to the back.

Never underestimate a dogs, cats, childs, or party guests ability to destroy your furniture. But it may also be due to issues with domestic suppliers, as in the case of foam. What we liked: Floyd sells just two sofa styles, so its not the first place to go if you want to browse a lot of looks. Both The Sofa and The Sectional are available in two-seater, three-seater, and sectional configurations. But when in doubt, ask. It simply means the company could afford to pay for the certification process and thought doing so was worthwhile. Katie Okamoto is the lead editor of sustainability at Wirecutter. Average standard sofa price: $2,500 for a three-seater. Although Burrow offers a limited range of performance fabrics (between three and five, depending on the line), the deep neutrals, navies, and greens are rich and saturated. 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. (You should also read our overview of how to pick a sofa style and consult our decision-making checklist.).

Check legs for color or wood stain/grain mismatches. But the company provides detailed delivery windows by product and region, and it updates shipping estimates on product pages. And she reports that its cushions look plump, unfaded, and virtually like new, even without washing the upholstery or flipping the cushions (but with regular vacuuming). Instead, we point you toward brands and companies that stood out in our research and testing for quality, value, online shopping experience, delivery experience, customer service, transparency, warranty, and other considerations. Note whether the frame bows in the center when two or more people sit on it; if it does, this likely means the frame should be reinforced, something that is particularly important for extra-long sofas. 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. 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. If this were a typical Wirecutter guide, wed now highlight our picks for the best sofas you could buy online. 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. Article also lists box dimensions and weight on each product page. And we chatted with salespeople on the floor of such retailers as IKEA, Crate & Barrel, and West Elm, and read thousands of online reviews and editorial recommendations listed online at HGTV, Architectural Digest, Curbed, Apartment Therapy, Houzz, and Elle Dcor. If your kids jump on the sofa, stick with a frame that has sinuous springs or poly-webbing supports, rather than one with more-delicate hand-tied springs. Shop here if: You like a soft-modern look, a median price, and want some future flexibilityand you dont mind limited upholstery options. Shop here if: You prize a couch thats affordable, recyclable, and replaceable, or you need a sofa with a smaller footprint. Weve found that the cushions on the Range sectional we are testing continue to look neat and tidy and feel firm. Most frames are made of some kind of engineered wood. Residential rub counts above 25,000 are usually considered fine. In 2022, we spoke with Phantila Phataraprasit, co-founder of Sabai, about the companys approach to designing for a sofas lifecycle. This style looks best in traditional and transitional decorated spaces that have enough room not to cramp its size. The other front leg should eventually lift with it. Regardless of how well a sofa is made, you wont be happy with it if you dont also love the way it looks. Responsible Down Standard (RDS): This voluntary certification for down verifies that 100% of the products down content was sourced according to certain minimal requirements for humane treatment, including no live plucking or force feeding (for more information, read our post on ethical down). Plus, we include a helpful checklist. In our experience, this is simple to do, and overall we found The Sofas assembly to be straightforward, though easier with two people. But later, scientists demonstrated that the compounds didnt actually work as described. Add to that the emerging picture of how flame retardants can affect our health, and its no surprise that manufacturersincluding IKEA (PDF)have mostly retired them from their couches. This company basically offers only one stylethough its available in multiple configurations and sizes, from armchair to loveseat to three-seater and corner sectionals. What we liked: Article offers a range of sofa typesincluding loveseats, sectionals, and sleeper sofasin modern and trendy styles. Gorgeous and comfortable (a little firm at first) couch. Some sofas ship fully assembled, some ship with detached legs and separate cushions, and others require more-extensive assembly. Gregory is a former industrial designer and current writer and editor who has been covering home design since 2006. Updates on shipping-time estimates and delivery are usually accurate. Upholstery fabrics sometimes share a rub-count rating, which indicates their longevity.

Though the company claims the fabric can stand up to smells and stains, thanks to a tight weave, it isnt totally stain-proof. Interior Defines Sloan sofa was a strong contender as a pick in our first round of testing for an earlier version of this guide, and the companys sofas are comfortable and well constructed. Return policy: Sofas can be returned for a refund within 30 days of delivery, minus original shipping fees, plus a $50 return fee. The metal connectors that link the seat backs also feel a little wobbly. Keep up with what were up to. But you can have the sofa delivered to a designated room for $119 and assembled for an additional $80. Swatches: Swatches come in swatch sets by sofa style and fabric type (leather, fabric, velvet). She holds a bachelors degree in environmental studies, as well as a masters in architecture, and has covered the overlaps between sustainability and other topics for publications including The Atlantic, Newsweek, and Catapult. Average standard sofa price: $1,400 for a three-seater. Our tester said she broke a sweat doing this by herself. Though the Sven Lounge Chairs seat is medium-firm, we found that the soft back cushion sinks in, for a pillow-like feel, and requires frequent plumping.

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). And you prefer cotton or leather fabrics or dont need synthetic performance fabrics to withstand day-to-day messes. That said, the few stains weve seen so far on the Sundazed Coral cotton linen sofa weve been testing have been relatively easy to spot-clean. Sometimes there are two humps, and the sofa usually sits atop four to eight exposed wood legs. Well keep an eye on how this particular fabric wears over time.). We dont have official picks for specific sofa models. (And if you cant find this out, its a good sign that you might want to consider a different company.). These are the things that have made living, working, and taking care of ourselves (all from home) easier. Weve tested the Kivik, which has a simple, classic design. (You can read more about such requirements in our section on flame retardants.) Most of the couches we tested do contain polyurethane foams. (BenchMade Modern offers two cushion fills: a foam-and-fiber cushion, which is firmer, and a foam-and-trillium cushion, which is plusher but needs fluffing.). Survey the easiest points of entry into your home, together with any obstacles that could complicate delivery. Consider how many people will regularly sit on the sofa, as well as how they prefer to sit. 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.

Test any sofa without extra pillows; they may hide back-cushioning issues. The companys social media offers some snippets of real-life settings, but it can be hard to find your specific configuration. 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. Certain colors are ready to ship; otherwise, made-to-order configurations will deliver in about 15 weeks. 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. Otherwise, stick with upholstery fabrics with high stain protection and a higher rub count. However, one 5-foot-4-inch tester, who sat in all the styles in the New York showroom (the companys only one), found the backs to be too short (12 inches on the Range, 16 inches on the Nomad, 17 inches on the Field) for long-term support and comfort, saying they hit at the mid-back. Because of global events, you may notice longer lead times between placing an order and deliveryin some cases, months. If you have delicate wood floors, carefully consider the legs of your sofa.

Some sectionals ship in two pieces and include connecting hardware to lock pieces together. There are so many styles, types, and sizes of sofafrom buttoned-up Chesterfields to the Dal-inspired Boccathat best is often a matter of personal taste. She also said assembly was easy and that the components were light enough for her to handle alone. Things we didnt love: The Sofa model has highly stuffed, foam-filled seat cushions.