The Best 6 Sofas for Bad Backs

By Patrick Wilson

When you have a bad back, the last thing you want is for your sofa, which is supposed to help provide relief, to cause more aches and pains. That's why it's important to take couch construction and design into consideration when purchasing new furniture. The materials and techniques used to craft a couch impact not only the sofa's longevity, but its ability to support your body as well. Here's what to look for while you shop.

What to Look for When Choosing the Best Sofa to Buy Online for Bad Backs

Does your couch help your bad back or make your pain worse? Use this guide to find a living room sofa that is supportive and good for your body.

Supportive Spring System

A sofa made with an eight-way hand-tied spring system (like the Bowman 82 Inch "Designer Style" Small Track Arm Sofa) or well-crafted sinuous springs is an ergonomic couch that’s designed to support your back and prevent it from sinking into the sofa cushions too much. This is important both when you're sitting upright in your sofa and are stretched out while taking a nap.

Dense Cushioning

People don’t want a couch that feels hard, but many furniture buyers don't know that a sofa that is too soft can also be problematic. Cushions should add another layer of firm support to your sofa; the best kinds of cushions, like high-density cushions, provide a little give without causing you to sink. A good test to see whether a couch is supportive enough is to sit down, get comfortable and then get up off the couch. If it's difficult to leave the couch, it's likely that the cushions aren't supportive and firm enough. The Nanette 97 Inch Retro Oversized T-Cushion Sofa With Wooden Base is a great example of a couch that will provide you with plenty of back support.

A Sturdy Frame

A large sofa like the Dewey 90 Inch Oversized Rustic Leather Sofa that’s designed with a hand-crafted frame made from quality materials, like hardwood, improves a couch's stability and prevents it from moving while you get situated. Avoid cheap frames that allow you to save money upfront – these types of couches might seem like a steal, but they are bad for your body and wear down much more quickly, forcing you to spend money on a replacement sofa sooner than expected.

A Design That Prevents Slouching

When you sit down on a couch, your knees should be able to bend to a 90-degree angle. If a sofa's too high or too low to the ground, you're instead forced to sit in a slouched position, which puts a lot of stress on your back. Good posture is important for your health, and while you want to be comfortable, slouching excessively is never the solution. Instead, rely on supportive, firm cushions and soft upholstery to address these problems and provide the comfort you crave.

Check out Club Furniture’s living room sofas to find something that works well for your back problems!

The 6 Best Sofas for Back Support

It can be very difficult finding a comfortable sofa that’s designed to feel comfortable, support your spine correctly, as well as look great in your home. Club Furniture recognizes this difficulty, which is why we’ve created a list of some of the best sofas we carry for back pain to aid you in your search, along with the pros and cons of each sofa.

This relaxed sofa is available in 30 different shades of distressed leather and two finishes on the turned wooden legs. It's a traditional design without being over-the-top on an office vibe.

Pros

Taller 21" seat makes it easier to stand up without straining your back.

Supportive seating, with 8-way hand tied springs and high resiliency cushions.

Solid hand-crafted construction to prevent wobbling that could occur when the frame weakens in cheaply assembled sofas.

Cons

25'' seat depth can encourage slouching unless you're long-legged. To maintain an upright posture, place a pillow behind the small of your back.

This sofa features a retro-modern look with clean lines. To ensure that it works with your decor, it's available in 100 different fabric colors, and you can choose from two different finishes for the wooden base.

Pros

Springs are guaranteed not to sag.

Cushions are made of high resiliency cushions (wrapped in polyfiber) for back support and comfort. Soft sofas that you sink into cause you to slump, distorting the curves in your back, leading to more pain.

Sturdy, kiln-dried hardwood frame.

Cons

Seat height on the lower side (19") may not work for taller people.

Matching side pillows can cause a twisted posture if they are behind one side of your back. Be sure to place a pillow evenly behind your back for support or move them entirely out of the way.

Perfect for a smaller space, this classic sofa has sleek lines. The 100% top grain leather is available in 30 colors. The legs are available in either Bombay Coffee Bean or Chestnut Medium Brown finish.

Pros

22" seat depth so the back can support your lumbar without needing an extra pillow.

Upright back encourages a vertical sitting position to maintain healthy curves in the spine.

No-sag platform with sinuous steel springs for reliable, long-lasting support.

Cons

Narrow width, so it only seats two people.

Featuring traditional styling in 100% aniline dyed top-grain leather, this sofa has a distinctive curve to the back for a unique look. Classic nail head trim is available in pewter or antique brass, and leather in 30 colors.

Pros

22" seat depth and full back pillows for lumbar support.

Sturdy kiln-dried hardwood frame to prevent instability caused by shifting.

The 8-way tied spring system, frame, and cushions are all warrantied, promising durable support.

Cons

The seat cushions may not be firm enough to support your back with the optional plush down upgrade. Bowman Designer Style Small Track Arm Sofa

This classic leather sofa is proportioned on the smaller side, at 82" wide. The top grain leather upholstery is available in 30 colors, and the turned wooden legs can be either Bombay Coffee Bean or Chestnut Medium Brown finish.

Pros

Full back cushions offer lumbar support to maintain the natural curves of the spine.

22" seat depth to prevent slouching.

Cons

The moderately sloped back makes it harder to sit upright.

The plush down wrapped seat cushion upgrade can make the seat too soft.

This mid-century modern sofa has clean, retro lines and is available in three sizes. It's available in your choice of 100 colors and has sleek metal legs.

Pros

The 22" seat depth means you can sit all the way against the back cushions.

Upright, firm back to encourage vertical seating posture.

High resiliency cushions, hand-tied springs, and solid hardwood frame for durable back support.

Cons

The shorter seat height of 18" may make it difficult for taller people to stand up.

Whatever your home's style, you can find a sofa that will support your back and enhance your décor at the same time. We highly recommend that you take a look at our wide range of sofa styles because we’re confident that you’ll be able to find one that works for your needs.