Where is the best place to buy a couch? As with anything, the answer to that depends. But there are a handful of retailers I'd recommend no matter what; good for different things, yes, but all solid places at which to start your search. We all know that where you buy your new sofa can be just as important as the exact model you buy.
Well, as Livingetc's resident sofa expert, with 45+ hours of sofa researching, testing, and expert interviewing (including those at brands like Article, Carl Hansen & Søn, and Raymour & Flanigan), I've compiled insights on those trusted and beloved brands into one handy article, so you can find the best sofa for you without the headache you've come to expect. The list is alphabetical and each retailer includes a blurb detailing what I like about it and what makes it unique. You'll find a product recommendation below, as well. These pieces were selected because I tried them myself or because a trusted friend, family member, or expert recommended them. In instances where I wasn't able to try a piece or get a recommendation, I made that clear in the copy.
The TLDR? Buying a couch has never been easier.
The Best Places to Buy a Couch
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To help you navigate the list, I've summarized each of the brands featured in this article in a handy, purpose-based list below. Simply click on what it is you're looking for to jump to an expanded write-up of my recommended retailer.
I'm looking for ...
- ... An Actually Comfortable Sleeper Sofa — American Leather. Known for its sleeper sofas, but has plenty of charm and style to offer. Sold through third-party retailers. Pricier, but built to last (trust me, I toured their factory).
- ... Furniture for the Vintage-Inspired Home — Anthropologie. Sofas for the bohemian or whimsical home. Vintage charm, but accessible.
- ... Something Mid-Century Modern — Article. Fairly-priced mid-century modern sofas. Excellent middle-of-the-road option.
- ... A Couch That Will Actually Fit My Room — Benchmade Modern. Custom-sized, configured, and upholstered sofas in as little as two weeks.
- ... A Piece That Every Customer Loves — Castlery. Durable, simple furniture that's easy to clean, versatile, and boasts some of the most consistently positive reviews I've ever seen.
- ... All My Seating — Crate & Barrel. Legacy retailer with a strong customer base and reputation. You can furnish your entire living room, no question.
- ... Something Instantly Recognizable — Design Within Reach. High-design classics for the interior design junkie.
- ... Simple, Sub-$1200 Sofas — IKEA. Scandinavian feel with an emphasis on practicality. Affordable pieces, just be sure to read all the reviews.
- ... Lots, and I mean lots, of modern options — Living Spaces. Lots and lots of SKUs with contemporary style and mid-tier pricing.
- ... Scandi-inspired luxury — Maiden Home. Minimalism meets high-brow.
- ... Traditional Designs — Pottery Barn. A true American classic.
- ... An Investment Piece — Room & Board. Extra money upfront for a really durable piece.
- ... Coastal-inspired Pieces — Serena & Lily. For fans of coastal interior design.
- ... A Recommendation From Joanna Gaines — Target. Big-box retailer with affordable collabs with big-name designers.
- ... Something on Sale — Wayfair. Budget marketplace with an impossible amount of SKUs, but some great gems and even better sales.
- ... A Little Bit of Everything — West Elm. Modern, traditional, mid-century, plus plenty of celebrity collaborations ... they've got it all.
- ... Luxury Elegance — RH. Instantly covetable, industrial chic. Legacy manufacturer known for its Cloud sofa (and other gorgeous, iconic designs).
American Leather
American Leather might be one of the best sofa brands you've never heard of. And I only say that because they don't sell directly to consumers; rather, you need to visit your local furniture showroom (something like a Raymour & Flanigan or a PerLora) to snag one. But if my visit to the company's Dallas, Texas, factory was any indication (spoiler alert: it was), this is a brand with pieces that are built to last and are beloved by those who buy them. Their biggest draw and reputation maker is their sleeper sofa, but they offer plenty of other options as well, like the Athlea, a stunning round chaise sofa, and the Blake, one of the more stylish and genuinely relaxing recliners I've ever sat in.
Best for: Sleeper sofas that are actually comfortable
Price: Approx. $3699 (retailer dependent)
I know I mentioned American Leather is good for more than just sleeper sofas — but the Comfort Sleeper is too solid to pass up. I gave this beauty a whirl back in September, when I visited American Leather HQ in Dallas, Texas, and while I'm not sure that it was the Clara silhouette I experienced, I know it was the Comfort, the "best" of AL's good/better/best sleeper systems. Aside from the strong frame construction, seat fill, and cushion sit, the mattress itself unfurled simply and easily, and was a true dream to lay on. If every hotel replaced their creaky sofa beds with one of these, I might even prefer it to the mattress.
Anthropologie
Despite its humble beginnings, Anthropologie has since taken over the world of home design. It's instantly-recognizable pieces, curated by an in-house team, are exactly what you'd want for a Boho living room — or at least one that looks right out of a catalog. Look out for collaborations with some of your favorite designers too — Matilda Goad and Mark D. Sikes are just two big names who have helped the brand establish its style. All Anthropologie sofas are designed in-house, and have a vintage, one-off feel to them. Still, you're likely to find just about every style, from couches to loveseats, daybeds to sectionals.
Best for: The Bohemian and vintage lover's home
Price: $4298
I found the Jacquard Saguro sectional equal parts comfortable and shocking when I first tried it. The blue and red upholstery grabbed my attention immediately, the colors working together surprisingly well, and the tactile, raised weave didn't bother me like I thought it would. Instead, it was a perfectly plush, comfortable sit with a chic wooden base and cozy frame.
Article
If you haven't yet heard of Article, I'm happy and even honored to lead you down this path of enlightenment. The Canadian furniture brand is one of my all-time favorites; I lived with one of their gorgeous green velvet sofas for 3+ years and it's still going strong to this day (I moved out of the apartment, but my old roommates still have it). Price-wise, you'll be spending more than you would at, say, IKEA, but you're getting a thoughtfully designed, thoughtfully made sofa that ticks all my quality boxes. Most pieces boast a distinctly mid-century modern bent; great for matching with what you already have.
Best for: Mid-century modern-loving homeowners looking for a fairly priced but well-made sofa
Price: $1299
The Sven is Article's best-selling sofa, according to Rebecca Andrews, the brand's vice president of category management. I haven't had the chance to sit on the couch myself, but the reviews are consistently positive, and a quick look at the specs reveals a truly well-made product: a hardwood frame (you want either solid hardwood or engineered wood/plywood; high-density foam (not the highest grade foam, but certainly quite common); and a fabric upholstery that withstands up to 50,000 rubs (20,000 rubs is the industry standard).
Benchmade Modern
The premise behind Benchmade Modern is pretty, if not entirely, unique: custom-made sofas delivered to your home in two weeks. Indeed, every piece can be reconfigured or adjusted in 5" width increments to better fit your space. After that, you choose your upholstery and wait for delivery. If you don't like the final piece, the return policy is quite generous, too: a full refund less the shipping fee if the return is initiated within 14 days. Or, a full refund less the shipping fee, and a 10% return fee if the return is initiated after 14 days but before 100 days.
Best for: Quick-ship custom furniture
Price: From $4443
While I have not tried the Skinny Fat Sofa Bed myself, it has earned itself positive reviews at publications across the internet and is one of the brand's best-sellers. It's definitely an investment piece, but it's well-made, beloved, and comes with a limited lifetime warranty n the frame — I wouldn't suggest something so expensive if it didn't offer a massive payoff. Benchmade is also really open about its specs and processes (check out its FAQs page), another reason I feel confident recommending the brand here.
Castlery
Castlery is online furniture done right — strong reviews, strong construction, and excellent customer service (I just ordered a dining table from them — the Seb Extendable — and have zero qualms about the process). Every piece boasts a calming, simplistic feel. No crazy designs or weird shapes; just well-made furniture and some of the best customer reviews I've ever read, consistently, on every piece. I haven't tried a sofa from their line, but my colleague, Nicole Abbondandolo, has, and you'll hear a bit more from her in a second.
Best for: Simple pieces and wooden accents
Price: $1599
"Love it," says Nicole, my coworker, when asked about the Tana Chaise Sectional, adding that Castlery boasts "great customer service." The brand is known for "being durable and easy cleaning for pets," and the product "was reasonably priced and trendy in comparison to a West Elm. I’ve had the couch for about 2 years and really happy with the price, delivery, and [ease of assembly]."
Crate & Barrel
It's not just sofas you can find at Crate & Barrel — realistically you could furnish your entire home with homeware from the brand — but their couches really are the talking point. Founded by Gordon and Carole Segal in the 1960s, the brand has been going strong for a while, with simple, beautiful, and practical furnishings. Probably one of the best mid-price tier, mass-market options out there. And better yet, there are stores everywhere, so you can visit a showroom, or even speak to a complimentary design consultant, before buying.
Best for: Modern and timeless homes, or those of us who want to sit on a couch before buying
Price: $1869
My colleague Emily Stento described the Lounge Deep Sofa in the 83" depth as her "pride and joy." She has the white version, but I've linked a lovely soft gray above — I felt like the color had a nice dimension. She mentioned that a few seams have snagged over the years, plus a few other aesthetic issues, but that she has gotten more than her fair share of use out of it already. A bit of damage is to be expected.
Design Within Reach
The concept behind the much-loved company, Design Within Reach is simple: Elegant design made accessible. If you want a sofa other design junkies will covet or one featured in the pages of the best interior magazines (Livingetc included, of course), this is the place for you.
Price: $9,995
Ready to impress all your friends? You need the TOGO. A high-design mainstay from icons Ligne Roset, the TOGO's crinkled and creased material + folded silhouette is instantly recognizable (and covetable). Yes, it's pricey, but consider it an investment in owning a genuine piece of design history. Excellent for spicing up more casual spaces or subtly dressing down fancier rooms, this is truly a piece of timeless furniture.
IKEA
Who among us hasn't sat on an IKEA sofa? At this point, you couldn't avoid the Swedish house and home behemoth if you tried. Although, why would you? If budget-friendly, Scandi-inspired and quick-delivery sofas are what you're after, IKEA is the place to go. This is a retailer that is definitely more elevated than some of its budget counterparts, but I would still be sure to read the reviews as you shop.
Best for: Simple, quick-delivery sofas at a budget price
Price: $999
The Finnala is both an IKEA sleeper sofa and a normal IKEA sofa bed, one I wasn't able to sit on during a recent store visit. So in this case, we're relying on customer feedback (4.3/5 stars) to bolster the case for this $1000 beauty, which I love in this unexpected red upholstery.
Living Spaces
If you don't have a store nearby, you might never know the magic of Living Spaces. But allow me — this is a fairly priced, simplistic retailer with lots of options. Almost too many; if you saw the stores you'd know what I mean. This is a retailer that offers West Elm-like quality at a Walmart-like scale. Sort of the best of both worlds if you're tired of exorbitant shipping fees or out-of-stock pieces. You could shop for everything here!
Best for: When you want lots of options for the whole home
Price: $1595
Surprise! I own this couch. We've had it for about 3 months now and I'm super pleased so far. Delivery and assembly were both a breeze; the delivery men brought two pieces inside and all we had to do was secure the bits together using the notches sewn onto each. Once we figured out our plan, it took 5 minutes, tops. I love the soft blue/gray color — it disguises spills well (and seems pretty resistant to them), and goes with everything. My one note: The seat cushion in the corner sinks a bit into the frame when you sit on it. Easily remedied, but if I had to change anything, that would be it.
Maiden Home
There is definitely a very clear look when it comes to Maiden Home. It is all about delivering handcrafted, minimalist luxury for modern interiors, with a strong color palette, too. Think, a bevy of browns, creams, warm greys, mushroom tones, and earthy hues. It's warming and calming all at once, and each of its couches is designed to never go out of style.
Best for: Scandi-inspired luxury
Price: From $3175
The Varick, one of Maiden Home's most popular and well-known sofas, boasts a distinctly contemporary feel thanks to its exaggerated silhouette and low-profile frame — modern homes only. And still, the seat is quite deep, meaning you can curl up with a good book with no problem. There are plenty of upholstery options available, but something about this midnight blue velvet called my name.
Pottery Barn
Simply put, Pottery Barn is a classic. You really cannot go wrong. Its sofas are well-made (hardwood or engineered wood frames; performance, Martindale-tested upholstery; no-sag steel springs; and mortise-and-tenon joinery are all quality benchmarks that grab my attention — for more on this, my best sofas guide should prove quite informative), its prices are fair, and its legacy truly precedes it.
Best for: Traditional homes
Price: From $1599
The PB Comfort Modern Arm sofa was one of my favorites during a recent bout of Pottery Barn sofa testing, and the sales clerk said it is a PB best-seller. You can buy it with or without a removable/washable slipcover (great if you're drawn to a white upholstery), and can choose between a memory foam or down blend cushion (I liked the down blend). For something a bit more contemporary, opt for the bench seat cushion; for something perhaps slightly more practical, try the multi-cushion (they are loose, and probably reversible).
Room & Board
In the same way that Chappell Roan is your favorite artist's favorite artist, I've discovered that Room & Board is your favorite designer's favorite sofa brand. I have learned more about Room & Board sofas in the last few months than I had known my whole life, and what I've gathered is that this is a top-of-the-line furniture brand that does sofas particularly well. Plenty of room for customization, and enough options that you won't get bored. See what I did there?
Best for: Long-lasting, clean-cut investment pieces
Price: $2,099
My colleague Louis Ramirez, the deal's editor at Tom's Guide, purchased a Room & Board sofa 15 years ago and it's still going strong. "Delivery/setup was great (they handle everything for you)," he tells me, "and in general I'm a huge Room & Board fan. Expensive stuff, but it holds up really well." I don't believe the brand carries the same sofa Louis purchased all those years ago, so I opted for the Ada curved sofa to showcase here. There are plenty of positive reviews (average rating of 4.7/5 stars across 111 reviews), and the make is exactly what I'd expect at this price: a benchmade (read: handmade) hardwood frame, a sinuous coil suspension (very common), and a high-resiliency foam (top of the line) core. Chef's kiss.
Serena & Lily
If you're ready to transport yourself to a coastal New England home, you are ready to shop at Serena & Lily. Known for its traditionally American colors, shapes, and patterns, plus a strong emphasis on quality, this is the premiere destination for Cape Cod chic. Yes, you can shop Amalficore at Serena & Lily, as well — but in my opinion, the gingham and seashell motifs are more Provincetown than Procida.
Best for: A coastal, classic feel
Price: From $6698
I have never tried a Serena & Lily sofa — I have only shopped the Serena & Lily sale — but I couldn't pass up the chance to feature this distinctly coastal grandmother-coded pleated couch, which has all the charm of your nana's loveseat but 10,000x cooler. And the pinstripe fabric is the icing on the cake. As for construction, things look just as good. An engineered hardwood frame, mortise-and-tenon joinery, and 8-way hand-tied spring suspension, which makes for "one of the best seats," per Meagan Endres, category manager of upholstery at Raymour & Flanigan.
Target
Believe it or not, Target is one of my favorite places to shop for bedding, home decor, and even furniture, thanks in no small part to its collaborations with beloved designers like Shea McGee and Joanna Gaines. Joanna's Hearth & Hand offers a lovely rustic, cottage-core look, while McGee contributes her down-home edginess to Target's in-house Threshold line (my personal fave). Couches for each might not have the best construction, but they'll probably look good at a great price. And buyers are typically pleased.
Best for: Big-box convenience, but make it stylish
Price: $650
The customer reviews for this $600 tuxedo sofa from Targe's Threshold line are quite strong — so in the case of budget shopping, this is where I will hang my hat (plus, I actually just included this exact piece in a forthcoming update to Livingetc's affordable sofas round-up). Now, I know this upholstery looks velvet, but it's actually polyester ... and for $600, that might be better. While it's not as luxurious as actual velvet, polyester is quite durable and easy to clean, which you might value more if you're looking for an under-$1000 couch. This couch exemplifies everything Target does well: well-designed budget furniture that gets the job done at the right price point.
Wayfair
Wayfair does a pretty good job taking high-end couch designs and sofa trends and replicating them on a budget. And while there are thousands of SKUS, you can absolutely find an affordable and well-made sofa among the listings; it just takes some digging. I find that customer ratings are very helpful here, so be sure to check those out as you shop.
Best for: Sofa shopping on a budget
Price: $669.86
I'll be honest — I found this beauty purely through Google. But the mustard yellow velvet, the channel tufting, the price, and the brand (Modway Furniture is a solid option available at other affordable outlets like Walmart, Amazon, and Home Depot) stood out to me immediately. It's the exact sort of gem you can find at Wayfair with just a bit of elbow grease. The piece looks great in customer-provided photos, and the ratings look wonderful to boot. To flag: this might be less for lounging and more for looks (buyers say it's firm), so perhaps use it in a sitting room rather than a family room.
West Elm
If you've never been inside a West Elm store, you have to go. It's pure magic; almost like Anthropologie, Crate and Barrel, and Pottery Barn had a really cool kid. You could shop for your whole house there, but we'll focus on the sofa selection now, which is particularly strong. It's a great spot to find modern pieces with a traditional spin, and vice-versa. It's also a great spot if you love a celebrity home line; past partners include Christina Ricci, Marcus Samuelsson, and Billy Cotton. My only note? Try to sit on your sofa before buying, or find a trusted review. I've had a few people tell me they thought their sofa cushions were a bit too firm for their liking.
Best for: Modern design at a Pottery Barn price point
Price: From $1759
As I mentioned, West Elm is a pretty safe place to shop, but I went with the Harmony Modular Sofa off the back of a recommendation from my coworker Dabee Kaye. She owned the sleeper sofa version, but I'd assume the mattress-less version is just as strong if not stronger than the one with a pull-out bed inside. "We loved our couch and it lasted for a long time. Only downfall is that the cushions sunk in after sitting on it for so long," she tells me. "The ordering and delivery process was very easy."
RH
Restoration Hardware is recognized as a high-end luxury brand that specializes in minimalist and elegant pieces of furniture. The brand's founder, Stephan Gordon, began RH when he discovered a fascination for revitalizing antiques during a home renovation of his own. Buyers can also sign up for a membership, adding to the exclusivity of the brand.
Best for: High-end industrial chic
Price: $6250
When you think RH, you think of the Cloud Sofa. There is no denying it. So of course, I'm recommending it to you now. It's pricey, yes, but it's a design staple, well-made, modular (so you can reconfigure it for years to come), and filled with feather and down for that sink-in comfort. Not to mention it just looks ... great. Is it possible to have a crush on a couch? Asking for a friend.
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