Snuggle Up on the Best Couches of 2022
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Our best overall pick is the Burrow Nomad Sofa , with its many fabric and leg finish customization options, modular design, and top-notch materials.
A quality couch is your living room's centerpiece and can move with you from home to home for many years . We researched and tested dozens of couches, judging them on comfort, quality, ease of assembly, and value.
This sofa is available in dozens of fabrics, including a wide range of neutral and vibrant shades. The frame has kiln-dried, solid wood spring rails and is wrapped in foam, and the cushions are filled with contouring foam that will make you feel like you’re lounging on a cloud. The brand also offers a matching ottoman if you like to kick up your heels while you binge-watch your favorite shows.
Joybird is known for its high-end modern furniture, and the Bryant Sofa is a dreamy couch that just about anyone will love—don’t you just want to sink into those plush, welcoming cushions? The couch is 96 inches wide and 40 inches deep with generous 26-inch seats, and it has a low profile and “lived in” appearance that make it oh-so welcoming.
This slipcovered sofa comes in dozens of fabric options with many that are machine washable. The corner-blocked frame provides added stability, and the bed mechanism is made for heavy use. It has removable legs and adjustable levelers that can provide stability on uneven floors. The cushions are also plush and comfortable, so it's a relaxing place to unwind as a sofa as well as a bed.
If you regularly host overnight guests—whether planned or spontaneous—you could definitely benefit from a sleeper sofa like the Cameron Roll Arm Slipcovered Sleeper Sofa. This 88-inch sofa pulls out into a queen-sized bed with a memory foam mattress, allowing you to make your guests as comfortable as possible. The mattress is 5 inches thick, containing 1.5 inches of gel foam to wick away heat.
This sectional is made up of three pieces—the left arm, right arm, and corner wedge—and it’s 121 inches long and wide, so make sure your space is big enough to accommodate it before you buy. The Pearce Sofa has classic rolled arms and square, tapered legs, and it features welted seams for a more elegant look. Plus, it’s available in dozens of upholstery fabrics, including everything from traditional woven materials to sofa suede, trendy velvet, and even performance fabrics like Sunbrella.
Sectionals are a popular style of sofa, as they can seat more people and have unique configurations that help to fill up a living space. If you’re in the market for a new sectional, the Pearce Sectional is a stunning L-shaped option with a traditional appearance and a nearly endless number of upholstery choices.
This high-end leather couch is crafted from both kiln-dried wood and engineered wood and it features down-wrapped back cushions that are simply delightful to sink into after a long day. The silhouette of the sofa is inspired by 1950s design, and it features piping all around the edges for a more defined appearance.
Do you love the look of a sleek leather sofa? Then you’re sure to swoon over the Hamilton Leather Sofa, which comes in a delectable cognac-colored finish that’s perfect for a boho or mid-century style home. This couch is available in 70, 81, or 91 inches lengths, and while the “Burnt Sienna” color is the standard choice, you can also have the piece custom made in other top-grain or vegan leather finishes.
The couch arrives in one large box (there are two pieces inside plus the removable cushions), and it takes between 15 to 20 minutes to slot the pieces into place. The foam-filled back and seat cushions are on the firmer side, so if you prefer a plush seating area, you might want to add some throw pillows to make it feel softer. Another bonus? This couch has an interchangeable ottoman that can be arranged on either side, creating a comfortable 45-inch chaise lounge that's perfect for reading and relaxing.
To make the most of your small space , add a versatile couch like the Zipcode Design Cazenovia Reversible Sofa, which is upholstered in linen-like fabric and has an interchangeable ottoman. This sleek and modern sofa is the perfect size for smaller living rooms, dorm rooms, and apartments.
"When considering furniture purchases, look to manufacturers that meet the relevant standards such as the ANSI/BIFMA furniture standards. These standards include safety, durability, emissions, sustainability, and ergonomics."—Dave Panning, Technical Director for Safety and Performance at BIFMA .
This couch is also easy to care for, making it a great choice for those with kids or pets. The cover is removable and can be machine washed if it gets dirty or stained. IKEA also sells replacement covers if you ever want to change the color or appearance. Another great feature is that the back cushions are reversible, so you can turn them around to even out the wear and tear.
If you're looking for an affordable sofa for your first home or apartment, the IKEA UPPLAND is a great choice. This slipcovered couch comes in six colors to suit your space and decor, and is slightly over 88 inches long and 33 inches deep, providing comfortable seating for three people. The frame is made from a combination of real and manufactured wood, and the cushions feature both pocket springs and foam for a soft, yet supportive feel.
"As a military family member, I am always considering how versatile a piece of furniture will be in another home. I never know if we will have a large family room or just a small space, so I tend to avoid bulky or oddly shaped furniture. I assembled the Nomad using all three seats, but I could easily shorten it to a loveseat configuration if needed."— Katie Begley , Product Tester
The upholstered fabric is made from a tight olefin fiber weave that's scratch- and stain-resistant, and it can be returned within 30 days if any flaws are detected. Measuring 86 inches long and 35 inches deep, the couch ships in three individual sections that connect using galvanized latches. Our testers found it surprisingly easy to assemble and were particularly impressed with the built-in USB outlet—and the included 72" cord—that can be used to charge your devices while you lounge.
Whether your priority is a color scheme, back support, or level of comfort, this sofa has a wealth of options to choose from to make it the perfect couch for you. Customize the fabric color, leg finish, arm style, and back cushion design, and select add-ons like lumbar pillows, an ottoman, or a sleep kit. You can even add a chaise to make it more like a sectional couch.
Known for its modern, modular furniture, Burrow's Nomad Sofa is one of the brand's most popular offerings, thanks to its unparalleled versatility and wide range of customization options.
Final Verdict If you're looking for a couch that's stylish, comfortable, and versatile, go with the Burrow Nomad Sofa. It has a unique modular design and allows you to customize its fabric, legs, armrest shape, and more. For those on a budget, the IKEA UPPLAND Sofa (view at IKEA) has a classic design that's easy to maintain thanks to its washable slipcover.
The Spruce / Angelica Leich
What to Look for in a Couch
Size
Before you start shopping, it’s important to measure the space where you want your couch to go. There’s nothing more frustrating than falling in love with a piece of furniture, only to discover it won’t fit in the room. So make sure you measure the area where you want to place the couch and figure out a range of dimensions that would fit comfortably. Don’t forget to consider the depth of the couch, too, as many have deep seats that take up more space.
Also, be sure to measure the doorways and any stairs leading to the room. You’ll want to make sure there’s clearance to fit every piece of the couch into the room.
Type
There are a few common types of couches and sofas that you’ll encounter when shopping. We’ll go into more details about each kind below, but here are the basics you should know.
First, there are standard sofas, which are one straight line and typically between 72- and 84-inches long. These can generally seat three or four people, and they come in a wide range of styles, materials, and price points. Similarly, you’ll find loveseats, which are essentially small couches, measuring 48- to 72-inches long. Loveseats can comfortably seat two people—hence their name—and are a great solution for smaller spaces. Some people like to have a matching sofa and loveseat for a cohesive look in their living room.
Today, sectionals are an incredibly popular style of couch. These modular couches are made up of more than one piece, and they’re commonly L- or U-shaped. Sectionals provide more seating, making them a good solution for large families or big rooms.
There are also sleeper sofas, which transform into a temporary bed, as well as reclining sofas. Your style options may be more limited if you choose one of these specialty couches, but there are still an impressive range of options available at numerous price points.
Bailey Mariner / The Spruce
Style
One of the most challenging parts of buying a couch can be finding a style you like. There are hundreds of styles available today, but here's a rundown of the most popular styles you may want to consider.
Mid-century: features clean lines, simple legs, and a low profile
features clean lines, simple legs, and a low profile Chesterfield: features rolled arms, tufted back, and often made of leather
Lawson: features a boxy shape and detached cushions, and prioritizes comfort
Bridgewater (also called English roll arm): has low arms that lean outward and is very cushy
Tuxedo: features a boxy shape and its arms are the same height as its back
features a boxy shape and its arms are the same height as its back Contemporary: modern, unique, and often unconventional
modern, unique, and often unconventional Camelback: features a curved back with a “hump” in the middle, as well as high arms
Scandinavian: popularized by IKEA, has clean lines and is minimalistic
Settee: a specialty loveseat with a high back and shallow depth
Chaise: an asymmetrical design with just one arm
These are some of the most common couch and sofa styles, but there are many variations of each. As you shop, you’ll want to take note of which features you like and which styles will look best with your existing decor.
Materials
What your couch is made from will not only dictate its appearance, but its durability, ease of cleaning, and more. The first thing you’ll want to consider is the frame material, as a sturdy frame will ensure your sofa lasts for years. Avoid materials like particleboard and plastic, which can warp or break easily. Pine is a low-cost option for frames, but it won’t last as long as a hardwood such as oak, ash, or beech. To test the frame of a sofa, lift one corner up 6 inches off the ground—the other leg should lift up, as well. If it doesn’t, the frame is likely too flexible and prone to warping or breaking.
You’ll also want to consider the filling of a sofa’s cushions. Perhaps the most comfortable, long-lasting option is high-resilient foam, but this can be quite expensive. Polyurethane foam is a popular option thanks to its low cost and ease of care, but you’ll want to make sure it’s a higher density; otherwise, it may deteriorate over time. Polyester fiber is another inexpensive option, but it flattens quickly, so only choose this option if you're looking for a short-term furniture solution. There’s also high-end goose down fill, which is incredibly comfortable, but extremely expensive and requires a lot of maintenance.
Finally, you’ll need to consider the upholstery material, and be sure to weigh both appearance and functionality. If your couch will be getting a lot of use, you’ll need a tough, durable fabric to ensure it lasts for years to come. Here are some of the most popular fabric options and their benefits:
Leather: durable and easy to clean, but expensive and can fade over time
Faux leather: durable and easy to clean, but not as long-lasting as real leather
durable and easy to clean, but not as long-lasting as real leather Cotton: soft and somewhat durable, but stains and wrinkles easily
soft and somewhat durable, but stains and wrinkles easily Linen: beautiful and upscale, but hard to care for and soils easily
Microfiber/polyester: soft, durable, easy to clean, and inexpensive
soft, durable, easy to clean, and inexpensive Chenille: soft and luxe, but hard to clean
Velvet: soft and stylish, but also trendy
The Spruce / Angelica Leich
Comfort
Another key consideration when purchasing a sofa is whether it’s comfortable! It’s hard to gauge whether a couch will be comfortable if you’re buying online, so if you’re able to see the piece in person, you should always do so.
When testing a couch for comfort, you should sit and lie down on it. Evaluate whether it’s supportive enough for your needs and easy to get up. You’ll also want to see if your feet can touch the floor when you’re sitting upright—if not, you may want to look for a sofa that has a shorter depth.
Special Features
You can find couches with several special features. For example, some models have either manual or automatic recliners built into the sofa. You can also find couches with built-in drink holders, USB ports, hidden consoles, and more.
Care
As mentioned above, you’ll want to consider how much maintenance you’re willing to put into keeping your sofa looking nice. Certain materials are easy to care for, while others require professional cleaning. This is an especially important consideration if you have pets, kids, or both.
If you want a low-maintenance sofa, look into leather, faux leather, or polyester options. Most of these models resist spills and stains and can simply be wiped down to clean. There are also treated cotton fabrics that resist stains. If you have pets, you’ll want to ensure whatever fabric you choose won’t get caught on their nails and is easy to vacuum.
The Spruce / Katie Begley
FAQ What is the difference between a couch and a sofa? Historically, a couch referred to a low piece of furniture without arms that was used for lying on, and a sofa was more bench-like with arms and a back and cushions. Today, the general consensus is that couches refer to more casual pieces designed for comfort and sofas are more formal, stylish pieces of furniture. However, for the most part, the two words are used interchangeably and it often comes down to personal word preference.
How do you clean a leather couch? For regular cleaning, you can vacuum loose dirt and crumbs and wipe the leather down with a damp cloth and mild hand soap (test in a small area first). Then buff it with a dry cloth—no need to rinse the soap, it acts as a conditioner to the leather. Use talcum powder or cornstarch to get out grease stains and allow it to sit for 15 minutes before brushing away with a soft-bristle brush. For more specific spot cleaning techniques, check out our guide to cleaning leather furniture.
How do you clean an upholstered couch? Check the label of your upholstered couch: “W” means you can use a water-based cleaner, “S” designates a solvent-based cleaner is safe, “WS” means you can use either, and an “X” means it should be professionally cleaned. To clean with soap and water, combine a half teaspoon of clear dish soap with warm water and gently spread over the fabric without soaking, and then wipe it clean with a damp cloth. For more specific spot treatments of upholstery, check out our guide to washing upholstery fabric.
Product Types
There are several types of couches and sofas you’ll encounter as you shop, each of which has its own pros and cons.
Standard
As mentioned above, standard sofas are typically between 72- and 84-inches long and can fit three or four people. Beyond these measurements, standard sofas can vary significantly in their depth, style, and cost. You can find a budget sofa for as little as $200 or opt for a custom option that may run $4,000 or more.
Sectional
As their name implies, sectionals are typically made up of two or more sections, and the most common configurations are L- and U-shaped. Depending on the size sectional you choose, you’ll be able to sit four or more people on the sofa at a time.
L-shaped sections can be right-arm- or left-arm-facing, and this refers to which direction the “L” is meant to face. If you’re planning to purchase an L-shaped sectional, make sure to figure out which side the arm needs to be on before you shop. U-shaped sectionals offer even more seating, and they’re a good option for large rooms. Many people place an ottoman or coffee table in the middle of the U, so you may want to take note of how much space is in the center of the configuration if you already have a table to use.
When shopping for a sectional, make sure the various pieces can be firmly connected. Fabric strips typically aren’t strong enough to hold pieces of a sectional together and may tear over time, leading to awkward gaps between the sitting areas.
Sectionals are typically more expensive than standard sofas. Low-end sectionals start around $400 and range up into the thousands for oversized, luxurious models.
Loveseat
Loveseats are smaller sofas designed to seat just two people. Loveseats are generally between 48- and 72-inches long, making them a popular option for apartments and other small spaces. If you’re looking for a fancier loveseat, you may want to consider a settee, which features a high back and shallow—designed more for aesthetics than comfort.
You can purchase loveseats individually, and they typically start at around $150. However, you'll also come across living room sets that include a matching sofa and loveseat.
Sleeper
Sleeper sofas, also called pull-out sofas, look like standard couches, but they contain a hidden mattress that folds out, transforming the sofa into a temporary bed. While not the most comfortable surface to sleep on, pull-out sofas are a great option if you frequently have houseguests and don’t have space for a guest bedroom.
When purchasing a sleeper sofa, you’ll want to consider how comfortable the unit is both as a sofa and as a bed. It’s also important to choose the proper size for your space, and if possible, test how easy it is to pull out and pack up the mattress. You can find twin-sized sleeper sofas for around $400, while larger options are more expensive.
Recliner
Similar to reclining chairs, reclining sofas will simultaneously lower you backward and support your feet with a footrest, putting you in a reclined position. Many people find reclining sofas to be more comfortable for watching movies and even sleeping.
Typically, reclining sofas just have one or two seats that can recline, and they’re either manual, meaning you have to pull a lever, or power reclining, meaning it uses electricity to adjust the seat. Power reclining sofas must be plugged into an outlet to work, so keep this in mind as you lay out your decor.
Budget reclining sofas start at around $400, but a high-end model can cost well over $1,000.
Futon
Futons are a type of specialty sofa that, frankly, are hard to explain if you’ve never seen one. They look more like a bench than a sofa, as most models don’t have armrests, and they can be folded out into a sleeping surface.
Futons are typically less expensive—and therefore less comfortable—than sleeper sofas, and they’re a popular option for college dorms, small apartments, and anyone on a budget. You can find a small futon for as little as $50, and even high-end products won’t cost more than $400 or so.
Take a peek at some of the best futons you can buy.
The Spruce / Angelica Leich
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was written by Camryn Rabideau, a freelance writer who’s an expert on all things home. She’s taken several courses on interior design and furniture, and she has firsthand experience testing sofas, as well as other pieces of decor. She has written for The Spruce since 2017. For this list, she considered each couch's size, type, style, material, and comfort, as well as additional features.