Because your sofa serves as the central gathering spot in your home, our team set out to find the best couches by extensively testing 20 ultra-popular options and identifying the cream of the crop. Thanks to its durable design and flexible modular structure, Sundays' Get Together Modular Sofa emerged as the clear winner after a cumulative 18 months of testing. For those on a budget, we recommend Article's Sven Tufted Leather Sofa, a comfortable, well-constructed piece with removable covers for easy maintenance.
When testing and evaluating the best couches for different spaces and lifestyles, Nomi Dale Kleinman, associate professor in the Textile/Surface Design Department at The Fashion Institute of Technology in New York, suggests asking yourself the following: 'Is it meant for entertaining? Do you have kids? In that case, you'll want to prioritize cleanability and choose something washable or labeled as stain resistant. If aesthetics are your priority, focus on the design that appeals to you and worry less about high-performance standards.' Ultimately, we made sure our final contenders are designed to withstand the rigors of daily life and offer great value for the upfront investment. Read on for an in-depth look at our top eight sofas, along with tips from experts on how to choose the best couch for your home.
What our testers say: Deputy editor Rebekah Lowin tested the Sundays Get Together 3-Piece Modular Sofa, and declares it a highly customizable and durable couch that's ideal for most apartment dwellers and homeowners. 'The depth here is remarkable; once you remove the back cushions, it's almost like a sofa bed,' she says. 'Both my husband and I were surprised and thrilled when we first sat down. It's such a treat to grab your laptop or a bowl of popcorn and curl up here every day of the week.'
What our testers say: 'This is a very, very comfortable sofa'I spend a lot of time reading, lounging and occasionally napping on it,' offers Spencer Dukoff, Forbes Vetted's audience development director, who has been using the couch for over a year and a half. 'It's as good as new, just like when we first brought it into our home. It's held up remarkably well.'
What our testers say: 'It's very comfortable. The seats are extra deep, so it's a couch you can really sink into,' says Forbes Vetted executive strategy editor Lindsay Boyers, who has been testing the couch for nearly two years and swears by its luxurious level of comfort. 'The only real downside: This is definitely not a pet-friendly couch. The dogs jumping on it have caused the roughness of their paw pads to wear down the material, and while it hides cat claw marks better than others I've had, they're still visible. Considering the price, I'd recommend skipping this couch if you have pets'unless they're very well trained and don't go on the furniture.'
What our testers say: The Castlery Jonathan Leather Extended Sofa is an excellent choice for homes with pets, says Kim Peiffer, director of features and special projects at Forbes Vetted. Peiffer adds, 'This couch is very durable'even with two cats that have claws, there aren't nearly as many scratch marks as I had anticipated.'
What our testers say: 'I'd recommend this option for design-minded folks only, as it's not exactly cushy and comfortable,' says Lowin, 'But if that's you'and you have an appreciation for traditional design'this is the couch you'll want to add to your space. It's a phenomenal option that exudes femininity, with English roll arms, beautiful pleating details and the most stunning wooden legs, it's truly a statement piece.'
What our testers say: Emily Jackson, SVP of eCommerce at Forbes Vetted, found the West Elm Shelter Sleeper Sofa to be an excellent napping couch, particularly because of the pullout element, which has held up well over a year and a half of use. 'Overall, the couch has performed really nicely,' she shares. 'I've spot-cleaned it and used an upholstery vacuum for larger areas that needed cleaning. The material is thick and durable, and the cushions have maintained their shape without sagging or drooping over time.'
What our testers say: 'This is such a great couch for napping'several people in my family have used it that way,' says Forbes Vetted deputy editor Jane Sung.'Even after a year and a half, it feels exactly the same and truly stands the test of time.'
What our testers say: 'Our Nugget couch is one of the most used items in our playroom and is lovingly rough-handled on a daily basis,' says home and kitchen editor Sholeen Damarwala. 'Yet it still looks brand-new.'
We also rigorously tested 12 other sofas. While almost all of them are more than serviceable, they didn't make our final list of the best couches.
We prepared for couch testing by collecting a group of panelists from the Forbes Vetted team, most of whom have young kids and pets. In the end, 15 total panelists tested 20 different couches for a year and a half, taking detailed notes and snapping photos of the entire process.
Our testers carefully evaluated the ordering process, noting customization options, the availability of customer photos and reviews, and any issues encountered. They also assessed the shipping time, ease of delivery and whether the couch was difficult to move or assemble.
Our primary objective was to carefully observe how each couch held up to everyday use. Each tester napped, worked from home and hosted movie nights on their couch. They reported on any joint discomfort from prolonged lounging, whether they had to readjust frequently to stay comfortable, and how many people could realistically fit on the couch. They also paid close attention to how easy it was to get in and out of the couch, how much they sank into the cushions, and whether the couch provided a sense of ease or made them feel perched on the edge.
Each tester conducted a series of tests on a swatch of their couch fabric. The swatches were stained with Nutella, dark juice, and wet coffee grounds to simulate common household stains. These stains were then treated with OxiClean stain remover and either blotted clean or run through a cycle in the washing machine. Testers also took detailed notes on whether the stains were removed, if any residue remained, and whether the fabric's composition stayed intact.
Ideally, each couch on our final list should be able to withstand years of use from kids, pets and adults alike. To test this, panelists lightly jumped on their couches, listening for any springs, creaks, or snaps. Additionally, any cushion covers that could be removed and laundered were run through a standard wash cycle, with panelists checking for shrinkage, misshapenness or frayed edges.
Here are some of the most important variables to consider when looking for the right couch for your home:
It's crucial to select a couch fabric that can withstand years of lounging, spills and cleaning, while remaining soft and comfortable to the touch. 'Comfort is subjective,' says Sundaresan Jayaraman, professor of Materials Science and Engineering at Georgia Institute of Technology. He recommends considering the following factors: the level and type of traffic the couch will experience, the balance between aesthetics and utility, and the lighting conditions of the room (fabrics in sunny areas may fade with prolonged exposure). Also consider environmental factors like temperature, humidity, and dust, as well as ease of maintenance (if you have pets) and potential allergies caused by the couch materials.
Most sofas are filled with a combination of foam, down, synthetic fiber or spring coils. The choice of fill depends on two main factors: the level of support and comfort you want and how much maintenance you're willing to commit to. Sofas filled primarily with solid or shredded foam offer strong support but are typically dense and firm. On the other hand, fiber- or down-filled sofas tend to be fluffy and plush, offering a softer feel but generally lacking the support needed for extended sitting.
When it comes to style trends, two distinct designs dominate the market: traditional (like the English roll arm or Chesterfield sofa) and modern, contemporary styles (such as those with curved, soft shapes). To choose a sofa that will stand the test of time, opt for clean lines and a tailored look. Look for square cushions rather than T-shaped ones, straight or sloped arms that are about 6 inches wide, and a low back that complements the overall aesthetic without dominating the space.
The depth of the seat is particularly important if comfort is one of your top considerations. Interior designer Katie Lee Jacobs of Katie Lee Interiors says, 'You want to feel comfortable without feeling like the couch swallowed you whole.' Deeper couches like Sundays' aptly named Movie Night 5-Piece Modular Sectional (26 inches deep) and the Arhaus Owen Five-Piece Sectional (28 inches) are ideal for lounging with a book or settling in for movie marathons, but you might have to compromise with a smaller depth (such as the 24 inches of the Article Sven Sofa and Interior Define's Rose Fabric Sofa) if you have a smaller space to work with.
As the home and kitchen editor at Forbes Vetted, I'm deeply immersed in the world of furniture and kitchen appliances. I've been a journalist for over a decade, covering a variety of lifestyle topics and testing a wide range of products, from skincare to mattress toppers. Further, I, along with the Forbes Vetted home and kitchen team, have a vast amount of experience researching and testing living room seating in particular, including the most comfortable couches, the best sleeper sofas and futons, and the top recliners.
I'm also a homebody who takes great pleasure in curating my home with thoughtful furniture and décor. Since moving out of my parents' home, I've owned nearly every style of couch at almost every price point'starting as a single New Yorker and now, as a mother to a rambunctious 2-year-old who puts our current couch to the test every day with his nonstop jumping.
As part of my research for this story, my team and I interviewed three experts about couches, including:
Shopping for a sofa is a pretty big deal. Not only are they quite an investment, but they're the commanding centerpiece to your living room or snug, and most importantly: they need to be super comfy.
There's a growing desire for homes to feel more curated and characterful, and sofas are a key part of that narrative. Whether it's through luxury fabrics, bold prints, or bespoke upholstery, people are looking to make their living spaces feel uniquely their own in . Which up until recently, sofa furniture trends just didn't allow.
So, if you are in the market for one of the best couches, our thorough research of the top sofa trends of might just help with your decision process. Here, we've spoken to top designers and sofa makers to get you all the low-down.
A sofa is one of the most important pieces of furniture that you will purchase for your living room. As a general rule of thumb, your chosen design should be comfortable and supportive to sit in, crafted from durable, long-lasting materials, and ultimately look beautiful and embody your sense of style ' this is a purchase that needs much thought and consideration.
We know that interior design trends can come and go, but many of these designer-approved sofa trends will last way beyond , and we hope they leave you feeling inspired.
'Rich colors are always a go-to for us as well when we're designing living rooms,' says Jenna Kincaid, creative director at Lulu & Georgia. 'Velvets in chocolate, terracotta, or sage always add a luxe feel and are especially big news in .'
' is shaping up to be a year of bold, tactile interiors where layering patterns and textures take center stage,' agrees Andrew Cussins, CEO and design director at Sofas & Stuff. Materials such as velvet, linen, and boucle are particularly favored for their ability to add depth and dimension to living spaces.
'We're seeing a growing desire for fabrics that bring richness and depth to spaces, with velvets ' particularly patterned velvet ' becoming a defining feature across upholstery and other soft furnishings,' he adds. 'This shift towards touchable textures and vibrant design is allowing people to express their individuality in every corner of their homes'.
For those looking for a lesson formal alternative to a structured couch, a loose linen upholstered piece ' or one covered with a slipcover ' can really change the look of your living room and create a more relaxed atmosphere in the space.
We have to give thanks here to the Nancy Meyers aesthetic, which was huge news in , for bringing the slip-covered sofa back on trend. Because this is a style that feels comfortable and lived-in, it works particularly well for the rom-com-inspired home.
modenfili are exported all over the world and different industries with quality first. Our belief is to provide our customers with more and better high value-added products. Let's create a better future together.
'Sofas are getting a more expressive and layered look this year, with a resurgence of fringe bottoms and skirted bases,' says Kailee Blalock from House of Hive Design. 'Skirts (whether tailored or loose) help create a grounded, refined silhouette. These elements help conceal dust and dirt, making them as practical as they are stylish.'
Perfect for a coastal living room, like the one seen above by Serena & Lily, the brand's chief design officer, Kirsty Williams says: 'Skirted sofas have always had an enduring appeal as people seek to incorporate softness and layers into their living environments in a tailored way,' she explains. 'Both dressmaker's skirts and box pleated skirts strike a balance of subtle and thoughtful details that add depth and character without overpowering the silhouette of the piece.'
'We're loving seeing the return of more relaxed sofa trends like skirted sofas or roll-arm styles,' adds Jenna Kincaid from Lulu & Georgia. With homes taking a softer, more laid-back approach to design, we want our sofas to feel approachable and inviting, rather than rigid and structured.
These styles are designed for sinking into after a long day. Taking loose covers one step further, there's something inherently comforting about a roll-arm sofa or one plumped with pillows instead of a more traditional silhouette. Gaining attention for its casual design, a pillow-back sofa features many loose, oversized cushions that provide an inviting seat to sink into.
These low-profile couch styles offer flexibility as you can arrange the cushions to suit individuals' comfort preferences. However, it's important to note that the loose cushions may require regular fluffing and adjustment to maintain their appearance.
Fluid, sculptural sofa designs featuring elegant curves have been popular sofa trends over the last few years, and are still proving popular in . Helping to create a more relaxing and calming atmosphere, these softer silhouettes come in all shapes and sizes, from grand three-seaters to compact and cozy loveseats, and create a cozy, cocoon of comfort.
Vermont-based interior designer Joshua Smith says, 'We are seeing more sectionals become curved instead of square. Curves reemerged in the past few years but are coming to a climax in the coming year, from sectional sofas to dining tables to coffee tables. The curves lean more biophilic and biomorphic as we crave more nature. Mother Nature does organic shapes best, so it makes sense we'd want to pull that inspiration into our homes.'
We explore in our dedicated piece, are curved couches still on trend? Spoiler: it's a resounding yes.
For a fun way to elevate a traditional sofa, adding contrast trim like piping, fringe, or box pleating is a great way to give it a new lease of life and feel super on-trend for .
'Fringe adds a sense of movement, softness, and a touch of vintage glamour, but beyond fringe, we're seeing a rise in contrast welting and piping,' Kailee continues. 'Instead of relying solely on accent pillows to bring personality, designers are integrating color and contrast directly into the upholstery. This allows for a more customized and higher-end feel where even a neutral sofa can have an interesting edge with a complementary or unexpected piping detail.'
'Contrast piping is another trend we're seeing as people look to create statement pieces that feel personal to them ' it's an effective way of creating a striking look by emphasizing the lines of the sofa silhouette,' adds Andrew from Sofas & Stuff.
Adding a subtle pop of color or texture to your sofa with a trim, like piping, helps to highlight and accentuate the overall look of the sofa. This subtle yet impactful detail allows you to introduce additional color and dimension into the living room without overwhelming the existing decor.
This year, the color palette for sofas is without doubt one derived from a palette of warm, rich, earth tones and we've got this on pretty good authority. Taking our cues from the color of the year from most leading brands, including the infamous Pantone's Mocha Mousse, warm neutrals and decorating with brown are set to endure into .
'I'm noticing a shift towards deeper, earthier tones like terracotta and umber ' hues that instantly evoke a sense of warmth and grounding,' says Lucy Uren, founder & creative director at Rowen & Wren. 'When paired with tactile fabrics such as brushed linen, these tones add a beautiful depth and richness to a room.'
Designer Kathy Kuo agrees, suggesting this can also be introduced with smaller items like cushions and blankets. 'Try adding warm earth tones like terracotta, sienna, and mahogany and mixing different woven textures together,' she suggests. 'I love the idea of adorning your sofa with a mix of throw pillows with different cozy tones in chunky knits, distressed leather, and even hair-on-hide.'
Leigh Harmer, founder & designer at Love Your Home agrees. 'There's a growing preference for earthy tones and softer, muddier pinks and browns, which reflect a desire for grounding and comfort in our interiors.'
'This year, we'll see a shift towards bolder, statement fabrics on sofas that draw inspiration from the art world, with designs that feel like a canvas brought to life,' continues Leigh Harmer. 'These pieces allow homeowners to express individuality and bring personality into their spaces.'
The great thing about adding a patterned sofa to your space is that it allows you to be more expressive and show your personality ' think of it as a more subtle alternative to patterned wallpaper ideas, and depending on your chosen style, the effect can be both bold and understated.
Additionally, David from Andrew Martin is seeing a resurgence of more folk-inspired prints and patterns. 'Trends for are showcasing a vibrant blend of cultural influences and artistic expressions, with a notable emphasis on folk-inspired embroidery and South American textiles,' he adds. 'Embroidery techniques such as chain stitch and crewelwork are used to add texture and dimension to fabrics, creating a handcrafted look that stands out in any space.'
One of the biggest trends this year, across the board, sees interior designers embracing a movement towards custom pieces, allowing for more unique pieces that perfectly fit, pattern match, or align with their creative vision.
The reason this is gaining popularity is due to our shared desire to make our homes sing with personality in , a far cry from the rather soul-less minimalist designs of later years. This means you can really look to show off your personality with a print or color that resonates with you ' moving us away from mass-produced, matchy-matchy sofas.
'I am officially shouting from the rooftops that everyone needs to invest in a custom-upholstered sofa,' says designer Kathy Kuo. 'Spending a little more upfront for a sofa that is fully customized for your lifestyle and needs, and that has the exact color, texture, and size that you want is the best investment in your home decor that you can make,' she suggests.
'A high-quality custom-upholstered sofa goes beyond 'trend' ' this is a timeless purchase that is going to save you money in the long run since you will be able to have it for years and years, and it's also more sustainable.'
Of course, many trends are influenced by designs and styles of the past, and one nostalgic trend that is back in a big way is an 80s influence on interior design. A fabric trend that has seen a resurgence across upholstery in homes both classic and contemporary, and that is synonymous with an 80s style, is charming chintz.
Chintz is often defined by beautiful patterns of lively, colorful florals, and can be a wonderful style to use for both your curtain ideas and living room seating ideas ' especially for an English country decor look.
Designer and co-founder of Andrew Martin, Martin Waller says, 'in fabrics, we are seeing a trend for vintage florals, which are relaxed and colorful, being punctuated with rich velvets for casual and comfortable living.'
For many of us, the key thing we look for when purchasing a new sofa is how comfortable and cozy the design is.
Of course, these factors are not so much sofa trends, but more crucial requirements, however, this year we will see sofas that exaggerate these important features, with big, oversized designs with deep, plump cushions taking center stage. Gone are the uptight cocktail sofas that offer a stiff perch, replaced by deep, slouchy seating that's designed to make you kick up your feet and sprawl out.
Martin Waller suggests 'The importance of curating a space to re-connect with friends and loved ones has been brought into focus in . Whether it's indoors or out, comfortable seating requires pieces big enough to lounge on however many guests you are entertaining. A mix of both sofas and chairs is key to making sure everyone gets a seat, extra depth means these remain relaxing even with lots of people.'
From earth tones to warming, bright color palettes, there are many sofa colors to look out for in sofa trends ' as well as what couch colors to avoid.
It seems we are stepping away from classic neutrals such as gray and beige, and making way for a new era of neutrals with roots in the natural world, from deep sea blue to moss green and rich rust reds and oranges.
Dani Burroughs from Snug says, 'we are definitely seeing a rise in blues ' a deep blue with a gray undertone is the new hottest hue in town. Matching up with dark and dramatic or a calming and chic vibe, what's not to love?
Contrastingly, we are taking more risk when it comes to using color in our homes, with many of us using furniture pieces such as sofas to make a real statement with color. and pattern'
Charlie Marshall, founder of Loaf supports this and says, 'light, pastel tones always work well in interiors but we're seeing homeowners become more adventurous with color by using brighter shades. We've noticed that customers are looking to come away from the gray and similar neutral shades and instead are opting to inject more color into their homes.'
The company is the world’s best Living Room Sofa For Sale supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.