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Loveseats, sectionals, sleepers, and more.
Photo:Real Simple
The arms arent very well padded.
This two-cushion sofa scored fives across the board in testing.
Its the Goldilocks of couchesnot too firm, not too soft, but just right.
PHOTO: Room & Board
Just note that the armrests arent very well padded.
Plus, the cushions maintained their buoyancy and support.
Thats why this is also our top choice forkid- and pet-friendly couches.
The Room & Board Metro Sofa is the Goldilocks of couches—not to firm or fluffy, but just right.PHOTO: Real Simple
The variety of upholstery options makes this couch especially versatile too.
The only aspect thats not customizable is the fill; theres only one option (down).
The couch cover doesnt sit flush against the couch.
Just because a sofa is an investment doesnt mean it has to be an expensive one.
In our testing, this couch proved to be both comfortable and high quality.
The springy cushions are plush and supportive, but we do recommend letting them inflate before use.
With a machine-washable and removable slipcover, this pick isideal for households with kids or pets.
Despite its inexpensive price, this couch proved to be surprisingly durable.
Weve noticed no changes in sturdiness or comfort over time, a testament to this picks longevity.
If youre seeking a long-lasting couch that wont break the bank, this IKEA one checks all the boxes.
The low-profile, deep seats require some effort to get up from.
Sectionals are greatfor large groupsthey comfortably fit friends and family without anyone needing to squeeze.
PHOTO: IKEA
If an airmattressjust isnt doing it for you, kick it to the curb for thissleeper sofa.
Its one of the comfiest sleepers weve ever slept on.
Its still very comfortable to sit on, but it wouldnt be our go-to for serious lounging.
PHOTO: Real Simple
For that, we recommend this one for a finished basement, study, or guest room.
The firm cushions take time to break in, and the armrest is too hard to lie on.
After one year of use, we can attest that this couch ages like fine wine.
One of our favorite aspects of this sofa is the variation.
The back cushions, on the other hand, were much more plush from the start.
You wont necessarily sink into these sofa cushions, but they do offer support.
It doesnt offer as much customization as other couches on our list.
With a simple, minimalist design, the Article Abisko reigns as the best contemporary couch on our list.
It has a simple yet chic look, and the thin legs give it a lightweight feel.
Its available in some neutral colors and either velvet or fabric upholstery, so you have options.
Considering its relatively inexpensive price, were amazed by this couchs high quality.
Thanks to the 25-inch-deep seats, its great for lying down or even sitting with your feet tucked in.
Quite frankly, this couch looks and feels as good as it did when we first put it together.
Its also proven to be cozy enough for reading, lounging, and napping.
If youre seeking a good value and stylish sofa, the Article Abisko is the way to go.
The firm velvet has a break-in period.
We love this pick from Maiden Home, which exudes an elegant, luxurious appearance.
With no risk of loose threads, the velvet material offers an essentially snag-proof option.
Crumbs brushed off the material easily, so feel free to snack away.
After one year of use, this couch still looks exactly as it did on day one.
While the cushions initially felt too firm, we were pleased to find that they softened over time.
It cant fit the whole family, and its pretty expensive given its small size.
It also includes fill packets, which allow you to adjust the cushions to your ideal firmness.
This model comes with two piecesa left corner and a right cornerwhich arent interchangeable.
This loveseat is upholstered with performance fabrics, which are water repellent, spill resistant, and OEKO-TEX certified.
The removable cover is machine washable, so you’re able to spruce it up easily when needed.
After six months of use, the fabric has maintained its high quality.
Considering its size, its also fairly expensive.
The assembly process is pretty time consuming.
Measuring just under 83 inches in width, this sectional fit my living room perfectly.
PHOTO: Sixpenny
Plus, it comes in five colors, so you have plenty of options.
Honestly, the couch is just as comfortable now as it was the day I got it.
And finally, I cant forget about the seamless delivery process.
PHOTO: Real Simple
This couch arrived just 20 hours after I pressed orderfaster than most Amazon Prime deliveries.
Just keep in mind that youll have to assemble it yourself, as the pieces come in labeled bags.
The storage ottoman may be uncomfortable, and the fill is slightly stiff.
And, by simply lifting the handle on the ottoman, you have a storage solution, too.
We loved the feel of the fabric, though the fill was a bit stiffer than we expected.
Still, we think thats a small price to pay given the extra storage.
We especially love the sofas customizability, as its available in seven sizes and 225 upholstery options.
First, we assessed the delivery and assembly process.
We regularly vacuumed the couch and the surrounding areas, noting the ease of cleaning.
Using this data, we compiled our list of the best couches.
According to McNeil, performance upholstery is almost always the way to go.
However, for those who are less concerned with everyday messes, leather and traditional fabrics are adequate.
PHOTO: Crate & Barrel
Solid hardwoods or kiln-dried hardwoods are longer lasting and more durable than manufactured wood or plywood frames.
Higher-quality sofas have down or foam covered in batting enclosed in a softer, muslin-like material, she explains.
I also look for reversible cushions, which will extend the longevity of the sofa.
PHOTO: Real Simple
Standard three-seater couches are the most common.
We recommend the7th Avenue 2-Seat Modular Loveseat, which proved comfortable and durable during testing.
Style
Like size,couch style is a personal choice.
Questions You Might Ask
How can you tell if a sofa is high quality?
Solid, heavy hardwood frames are higher quality than lighter frames made of particleboard or plastic, she says.
How many years should a good couch last?
According to Scheck, couches tend to max out around the 15-year mark.
However, most of her clients begin to look for a new couch after around seven years.
How much should you expect to spend on a good couch?
Take Our Word for It
This article was written byJamie Fischer, a writer forReal Simple.
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