The 10 Best Sofas
This wiki has been updated 18 times since it was first published in January of 2020. There's no one-size-comforts-all when it comes to buying a sofa. But since it is often the preferred spot for show-bingeing, entertaining, and taking naps, it pays to get a quality piece that is worth your hard-earned money, particularly if you have rambunctious kids or pets in the house. From budget-friendly couches to upscale settees, these models are built to last. When users buy our independently chosen editorial picks, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Jack Tuxedo by Jennifer Taylor Home
2. Stone and Beam Lauren
3. Modway Engage
Editor's Notes
February 11, 2020:
Depending on how often it is used, and the purpose it serves, a sofa can last between five and ten years. The models on this list offer a mix of support, comfort, durability, and style.
If you like the look and feel of leather, the Stone and Beam Lauren introduces form and function. You may also want to consider models made of faux leather like the Ashley Larkinhurst.
As a rule of thumb, options made with polyester fabric like the Rivet Revolve and the Zinus Jackie are easy to clean. Plus, you can apply Scotchguard to increase their longevity.
The stuffing inside the seat and back cushions can mean the difference between lounging and sitting. For a soft landing, consider models with down filling like the Stone and Beam Lauren, or that have plush foam stuffing similar to the Modway Engage.
If you plan to use the couch as a guest bed, it should be the same size as a twin mattress. In other words, it should measure at least 75 to 84 inches from inner arm to inner arm. The Serta Dream Convertible Seville provides comfortable daytime seating and a place for guests to lay their heads at night.
A word of caution: As with any new piece of furniture, there is a potential for off-gassing. That "new-car smell" is a sign that VOCs are being released into the air. Make sure to remove any plastic, and let the sofa sit in a well-ventilated room before sitting or laying on it. If possible, open a window or use an air purifier to limit exposure. Also, some foam-filled couches may contain chemicals that could accelerate in a fire. Check the label to confirm your sofa is free of flame retardants.
Special Honors
Article Ceni If you're not too picky about upholstery choices, Article's Ceni has five quick-ship options. Its mid-century styling features a eucalyptus and rubberwood base, along with rubber webbing and sinuous springs. The company offers a 30-day return policy and ships the sofa at a flat rate. article.com
Benchmade Modern Skinny Fat Sofa The Skinny Fat Sofa by Benchmade Modern is crafted by hand and comes with a lifetime warrantied frame. Clean lines offer a minimalist aesthetic, and Trillium wrapped cushions contribute to a pleasant lounging experience. Unidirectional webbing and a seven-layer plywood frame lend dependable support. benchmademodern.com
4. Rivet Revolve
5. Edloe Finch Lexington
6. Honbay Reversible L-Shaped Sectional
7. Ashley Larkinhurst
8. Ashley Mitchiner Recliner
9. Serta Dream Convertible Seville
10. Zinus Jackie
Building PCs, remodeling, and cooking since he was young, quasi-renowned trumpeter Christopher Thomas traveled the USA performing at and organizing shows from an early age. His work experiences led him to open a catering company, eventually becoming a sous chef in several fine LA restaurants. He enjoys all sorts of barely necessary gadgets, specialty computing, cutting-edge video games, and modern social policy. He has given talks on debunking pseudoscience, the Dunning-Kruger effect, culinary technique, and traveling. After two decades of product and market research, Chris has a keen sense of what people want to know and how to explain it clearly. He delights in parsing complex subjects for anyone who will listen -- because teaching is the best way to ensure that you understand things yourself.