The 16 Best Places to Buy a Couch of 2023

Dotdash Meredith and Yahoo Inc. may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below.

Our picks include made-to-order sellers, affordable retailers, and everything in between.

<p>Real Simple / David Hattan</p>

Real Simple / David Hattan

The couch is the heart of the home—it’s where all the action happens, from binge-watching your favorite series to playing board games with your family. Having a comfortable, durable, and stylish couch to sit on will make all those experiences much more enjoyable.

“Don’t just look at the pretty pictures,” says interior designer Amy Vroom. “Look for high-resiliency foam in the cushions and frames made from kiln-dried hardwood over particle board, both of which increase the lifespan of your sofa and ultimately protect your investment for years to come.”

We surveyed our staff on couches they ordered from a range of retailers, from luxury made-to-order brands to affordable big-box stores, and spent hours researching and considering factors like product variety, price range, shipping options, and return policy. We also tapped Vroom, who has sourced countless sofas for decoration projects in the Seattle area and beyond, and Noz Nozawa, founder of Noz Design, for expert tips on sofa shopping.

West Elm

Buy at Westelm.com

What Stands Out

  • West Elm has a great selection of mid-century modern pieces that stand up to years of wear.

What Could Be Improved

  • Delivery can take a while if you purchase a made-to-order couch.

West Elm is known for its vast array of modern furniture at reasonable price points. The brand has a great assortment of sofas in different styles, sizes, and fabrics, but not so many that it's overwhelming when browsing online. Many of West Elm's couches are made-to-order, so it can take weeks to months before they are ready to be delivered. However, West Elm offers a white glove delivery service that is seamless and convenient.

In our survey, nine respondents reported having a West Elm couch—the most out of any other retailer. Out of those nine, three owned a Harmony sofa or sectional. A few respondents reported mishaps while ordering from West Elm—one sofa arrived damaged, and another sectional arrived with mismatched upholstery. In both cases, West Elm's customer service was helpful and resolved the situation, though it did take several months for a replacement to arrive. Additionally, the brand won't honor a price cut if your couch goes on sale after you purchase it. Overall though, we like West Elm couches for their durable, comfortable, and stylish designs that offer plenty of room for lounging.

Price Range: $649-$13,393 | Shipping Cost: $159 to $429 | Return Policy: 30 days; made-to-order items not returnable

Room & Board

Buy at Roomandboard.com

What Stands Out

  • Our sofas were delivered in perfect condition earlier than we anticipated, and we were impressed by their quality.

What Could Be Improved

  • Styles skew more traditional and mid-century, so it's not a good place to find contemporary furniture.

We don't have enough good things to say about our couch-shopping experience with Room & Board. The website lets you explore several sofa categories, like sectionals, sleepers, and chaises, and refine your search based on factors like width, cushion type, and fabric to help you find the ideal sofa for your space. We were also impressed at the quality of the product listings—they were thorough enough that we felt confident purchasing after reading them.

The delivery process was smooth and flawless, with one respondent reporting that their couch arrived early. Room & Board sofas have impressive quality: The fabric is thick and plush, and they are remarkably comfortable to sit on. The two sofas mentioned in our survey were the brand's best-selling Metro Sofa and the André Sofa with Chaise.

Plus, the brand's return policy is remarkable—it accepts returns with no time period, so long as your couch isn't damaged or worn. Noz Nozawa of Noz Design mentions that she “only ever returns client purchases for them occasionally,” but has noticed that “Room & Board is understanding.”

Price Range: $1,299-$33,600 | Shipping Cost: $99 | Return Policy: No time period

Pottery Barn

Buy at Potterybarn.com

What Stands Out

  • The sofas are reliably comfortable, durable, and beautiful.

What Could Be Improved

  • The selection doesn’t cater to any styles outside of transitional or traditional decor.

Pottery Barn doesn’t compromise on quality, even though its products are manufactured on a massive scale. And its style is definitively transitional, which can suit a wide range of decor preferences and spaces. Pottery Barn sofas have streamlined yet old-world details, like rolled arms and skirted bases for an updated version of traditional looks.

No matter which model you choose, it’s likely available in multiple sizes, types of cushions, over 95 fabrics, and 30 kinds of leather. We had four survey respondents recommend Pottery Barn sofas: the PB Comfort Roll Arm Upholstered Sofa, Canyon Roll Arm Upholstered Sofa, Turner Roll Arm Leather Sofa Chaise Sectional, and Buchanan Roll Arm Leather Sofa.

While Pottery Barn is expensive, we think its couches are worth it. Four respondents reported that the upholstery looks luxurious, the deep seats are incredibly comfortable, and the stain-resistant fabrics are a breeze to keep clean. The white glove delivery went smoothly for each respondent, and it only took a few minutes for each couch to be set up. While it may be overwhelming to sift through the brand's range of fabrics, you can take advantage of free swatches and interior design services to help you land on a decision.

Price Range: $799-$21,995 | Shipping Cost: $279-$429 | Return Policy: 30 days; made-to-order items not eligible for return

Crate & Barrel

Buy at Crateandbarrel.com

What Stands Out

  • Crate & Barrel couches have dozens of upholstery options.

What Could Be Improved

  • Starting prices are high.

Crate & Barrel's furniture selection proves that modern decor doesn't have to be uninviting or dull. The brand offers plush, comfy couches that bring mid-century style and personality to your home. Options range from cozy boucle couches to modern leather sectionals, and while the selection is pricier, you can also stop by one of Crate & Barrel's retail locations or outlet stores to ensure your couch is what you have in mind.

Our respondents' experiences with Crate & Barrel was seamless. When shopping online, the product descriptions had all the information they needed, and they didn't experience any major hiccups or delays when using white glove delivery. In addition to their attractive designs, these couches to be well-made—both respondents said the fabric is easy to clean and looks great after years of use. (The couches mentioned were the Axis 2-Seat Sofa and the Axis 2-Piece Sectional Sofa.)

Price Range: $1,299-$15,295 | Shipping Cost: 10% of total cost | Return Policy: 30 days

Article

Buy at Article.com

What Stands Out

  • There's a curated selection of stylish mid-century couches, which eliminates decision fatigue.

What Could Be Improved

  • The customization options aren’t as robust as other retailers'.

Since 2013, Article has focused on creating long-lasting, fairly-priced furniture with a mid-century flair. These couches are versatile, well-made, and give a hint of retro-inspired design. While customization isn’t available, each design comes in a few different fabrics and configurations. For example, if you like the Timber sofa, you can get it in a three-seat sofa, a sofa with a chaise, or a corner sectional.

Article has a smaller, curated selection of furniture, which simplifies the couch shopping experience and brings a cohesive look to your space, especially if you're purchasing multiple items. Six respondents purchased their couch from Article, and they didn’t run into any issues while using the white glove delivery service, plus they were quite impressed with how comfortable their sofas were. Among the respondents, three owned the Sven sofa (two in leather, one in velvet) and two owned the Timber sofa (one in fabric, one in leather).

Price Range: $999-$4,099 | Shipping Cost: Free for front door delivery; $119 for in-room delivery; $199 for assembly | Return Policy: 30 days

Albany Park

Buy at Albanypark.com

What Stands Out

  • While the couch collection is smaller, each sofa has a thoughtful design.

What Could Be Improved

  • There is no white glove delivery service.

Sofa shopping can be an overwhelming experience, so much so that Darryl and Jessica Sharpton founded Albany Park to address their couch-purchasing woes. As such, Albany Park does a few things differently from other furniture retailers. Firstly, it doesn't offer as many options—the collection includes just five sofas in standard, sectional, and loveseat styles, which is ideal for indecisive buyers. The couches also arrive in compact, apartment-friendly boxes, and delivery is free.

Albany Park is online only, so you can't shop in person, but we felt that the listing descriptions were thorough and informative. Additionally, it doesn't offer a white glove service, but our survey respondent reported that the extra assembly effort was worth it—their sofa (the Kova L-Shape + Ottoman) looks beautiful and brings in lots of compliments.

Price Range: $910-$4,200 | Shipping Cost: Free | Return Policy: 30 days

Ashley Furniture

Buy at Ashleyfurniture.com

What Stands Out

  • Ashley Furniture has over 600 retail locations, making it convenient to browse its sofa selection in person before purchasing online.

What Could Be Improved

  • Some shoppers may get overwhelmed by the number of options available.

Ashley Furniture favors traditional design styles, and it has an assortment of over 200 couches to peruse, including sectionals, recliners, and sleepers. While the selection may be a little overwhelming while shopping online, Ashley Furniture also has over 600 stores around the country, so you can visit your nearest store to view the offerings in person to narrow your search.

Most couches are eligible for white glove delivery, but if you opt to have your sofa ground shipped, you need to bring it in and assemble it. Our two survey respondents opted for white glove delivery, and the process was impressively efficient in both cases, taking less than half an hour. (The couches mentioned were the Darcy Sofa and the Gamaliel 2-Piece Sectional with Chaise.) All in all, we think you'll love the comfort and quality of Ashley Furniture sofas, especially given their price points.

Price Range: $340-$6,150 | Shipping Cost: Varies depending on size and weight | Return Policy: 30 days

Castlery

Buy at Castlery.com

What Stands Out

  • Castlery’s sofa selection is on the minimal side, making it easy to shop without getting overwhelmed.

What Could Be Improved

  • The return window is very short.

Castlery specializes in sofas that are both simple and chic. Its selection caters to a modern design style, and it carries a range of sofa types ranging from two-seaters to sectionals. The brand doesn't have any retail locations, but the website is easy to shop based on your ideal couch dimensions, material, and cushiness. Castlery also offers free swatches to give you a sense of what your sofa will look like before purchasing.

Castlery offers several delivery options, including a white glove service, though one of our survey respondents did run into some issues with scheduling a delivery. And while the style and color of the couches mentioned look great, both respondents felt that the cushions could be more plush, as they lost some shape within six months of use. (Our respondents own the Owen Chaise Sectional Sofa and the Pebble Sofa.) Additionally, Castlery's return window is 14 days, which is smaller than some other retailers.

Price Range: $999-$6,199 | Shipping Cost: Free in select cities; otherwise starts at $149 | Return Policy: 14 days

Walmart

Buy at Walmart.com

What Stands Out

  • The Walmart website is easy to search and offers a great selection of sofas at an affordable price point.

What Could Be Improved

  • Shipping varies by retailer, so be sure to read the fine print.

It should be no surprise that this mega-retailer has a vast assortment of couches at unbeatable prices. While only select Walmart locations carry furniture, the online store has thousands of sofas to riff through. If that seems overwhelming, you can refine your selection based on sofa style, material, seating capacity, type, and other characteristics to hone in on your search.

Walmart couches are made from cheaper materials, so they may not be as long-lasting as furniture from a higher-quality retailer. However, our survey respondent was pleasantly surprised with how luxe and comfy their couch looks, and that it still looks high-quality after several years of wear. While Walmart doesn't offer white glove delivery, our respondent's sofa (the DHP Cooper Modern Sectional Sofa) was easy to assemble, and its comfort and style stood out, especially considering the affordable price tag.

Price Range: $114-$1,650 | Shipping Cost: Varies by location and seller | Return Policy: 90 days; marketplace sellers vary

Joybird

Buy at Joybird.com

What Stands Out

  • Joybird’s fully customizable couches have lots of personality and are built to last.

What Could Be Improved

  • The selection is limited compared to other retailers, and there aren't many traditional or contemporary design styles.

If you want to go all-out on mid-century decor, Joybird is the retro-inspired furniture retailer for you. Its designs are informed by iconic designers from that era, from Frank Lloyd Wright to Eero Saarinen. These deco styles are evident throughout its sofa collection with geometric lines, angled legs, and tufted upholstery.

Joybird couches are also fully customizable, with multiple sizes and up to 18 fabric choices for most models. Olive green velvet, turquoise chenille, and rust mohair are among the covetable vintage options.

Our survey respondent had a great experience ordering with Joybird. The white glove delivery service carried their sofa up three flights of narrow stairs and assembled it without damaging the building or the furniture. After three years of use, their couch (the Briar Sleeper Sectional) still looks great, and they would order from Joybird again.

Price Range: $1,943-$7,141 | Shipping Cost: $49 for curbside delivery; in-home delivery cost dependent on location | Return Policy: 90 days

Burrow

Buy at Burrow.com

What Stands Out

  • Burrow’s couches can be assembled and disassembled without tools, and their compact style makes them great for apartment living.

What Could Be Improved

  • The sofa cushions aren’t the most comfortable.

Burrow has funneled its resources into creating modular furniture that can move and grow with you. Its couches are easily assembled and disassembled without tools, and you can add seats and switch configurations when your needs (or space) change. Each sofa is designed with convenience and longevity in mind, ideal for apartment-dwellers who are frequently on the move.

Style-wise, Burrow focuses on the basic principles of American mid-century modernism and contemporary Scandinavian minimalism. The sofas are structured and simple, though our two respondents found them to be on the stiffer side (both respondents own different sofas from the Nomad collection). We do like that you can customize the fabric, leg material, and arm shape so your couch suits you, and we think they’re a good choice for people who live in compact spaces.

Price Range: $1,499-$5,499 | Shipping Cost: Free | Return Policy: 30 days

Apt2B

Buy at Apt2b.com

What Stands Out

  • Apt2B offers impressive customization options, including fabric, leg finish, and seating configuration.

What Could Be Improved

  • Prices start high.

Apt2B was established in 2010 and has made a name for itself by producing reasonably priced, made-to-order sofas, sectionals, and sleepers. With over 60 fabrics and tons of styles to choose from, the customization options are endless. While these made-to-order sofas are crafted relatively quickly (typically between two and seven weeks), Apt2B also offers ready-to-ship seating for shoppers who are in more of a rush.

The two Apt2B couches mentioned in our survey are remarkably comfortable (especially the Delilah L-Sectional) and durable. Messes from kids and pets clean up easily, and the couches still look like new after months of use. That said, the owner of the Brentwood Sectional found the cushions lost some firmness over time. On the plus side, the online ordering and customization process was a piece of cake for both respondents, and we think it's worth the splurge to have a sofa that’s made exactly for your home.

Price Range: $1,278-$9,358 | Shipping Cost: Free; $149 for white glove delivery | Return Policy: 100 days

Arhaus

Buy at Arhaus.com

What Stands Out

  • Its couches are made with sustainability in mind and are easy to keep clean.

What Could Be Improved

  • There aren't as many fabric types and colors compared to other retailers.

Founded with the mission to craft long-lasting, heirloom-quality furniture, Arhaus is a leader for its sustainability-minded practices. The brand uses reclaimed, sustainably-sourced, and recycled materials as much as possible.

When it comes to style, Arhaus leans contemporary but still offers lots of traditional designs. Each design has at least one customizable feature, like fabric, width, and depth. If you want to tailor your couch to existing decor, you can opt for one of many neutral upholsteries, from white bouclé to camel leather. (Our two respondents both own sectionals from the Kipton collection.)

The two Arhaus sofas mentioned in our survey stood out for two reasons: They’re extremely comfortable and easy to clean. Both respondents went with stain-resistant fabrics that live up to their promise, and they both feel that their couches will last for a long time thanks to the craftsman-built solid wood frames. While expensive, Arhaus has many retail locations across the country so you can ensure your purchase is right for your space—just keep in mind that custom orders are non-refundable.

Price Range: $2,149-$25,799 | Shipping Cost: $299-$599 | Return Policy: 14 days for stock orders; custom orders are not refundable

Rooms To Go

Buy at Roomstogo.com

What Stands Out

  • There is a huge number of quality couches at affordable price points.

What Could Be Improved

  • The return policy is only two days.

If you want high-quality furniture at budget-friendly prices, you can't go wrong with Rooms To Go. As one of the largest furniture retailers in the U.S., it has a great selection of sofa styles, though it only has retail stores in the South. Keep in mind though that the design style is more traditional, which may not be for everyone.

Despite its affordability and selection, Rooms To Go does have a few drawbacks. Firstly, the return policy is two days after delivery, which doesn't give you much time to decide if your purchase suits your space. Additionally, our respondent's order had a mix-up, and it was difficult to reschedule another delivery. Still, their couch is quite comfortable, and they recommend Rooms To Go for its price point.

Price Range: $495-$4,988 | Shipping Cost: Varies based on location | Return Policy: 2 days

Rove Concepts

Buy at Roveconcepts.com

What Stands Out

  • It has a wide range of unique, contemporary styles.

What Could Be Improved

  • The selection is expensive, and while its membership program offers a lot of savings, it may not be worth it if you’re looking for just one piece of furniture.

Rove Concepts runs a perks-filled membership program that can be worth it if you want to furnish an entire room or house. For $250 per year, members receive 30 percent off sitewide, 10 percent back in a voucher, a dedicated concierge service to manage orders, and early access to sales and new product releases.

Members save a lot on couches—so even high-end styles quickly become more affordable. But even if you don’t opt into a membership (remember, it might only make sense if you’re shopping for multiple items), the contemporary, customizable sofas are worth the splurge.

Based on our survey, the delivery process is first-rate: Rove Concepts texted our two respondents to set up delivery, arrived on time, and placed their sofa exactly where they wanted it. Both couches mentioned (the Finley Sectional and the Arya Loveseat) strike the right balance between comfort and firmness, so you don’t feel like you’re sinking into the cushion.

Price Range: $2,141-$9,999 | Shipping Cost: $329-$719; orders over $5,000 are charged $170 plus 11% of order value | Return Policy: 30 days; custom orders are not refundable

Macy’s

Buy at Macys.com

What Stands Out

  • Macy’s has great customer service to help guide your purchasing decision and answer questions about your order.

What Could Be Improved

  • There aren't as many stylish options.

This famed department store has a selection of over 500 pieces to browse online and in person, covering different price ranges, design styles, and sofa types. Among other retailers, Macy's really stands out for its customer service. Our survey respondent purchased their couch at one of the stores, and appreciated how helpful and knowledgeable the sales associates were.

The white glove delivery was also smooth; they especially liked how Macy's provided real-time updates of their delivery status, and that their couch (the Jollene 2-Piece Fabric Sectional) arrived in flawless condition. However, Macy's doesn't give you a lot of time to initiate a return, so make sure you're confident in your purchase before ordering.

Price Range: $216-$15,975 | Shipping Cost: $75-$299 | Return Policy: 30 days

Our Testing Process

To come up with these recommendations, we surveyed our staff about couches they’ve used from various retailers. Out of the 46 responses we received, we got in-depth insights on 16 different retailers. We took note of things like selection of styles, product information, shopping assistance, delivery window, delivery services, customization, and return policy. Overall, each retailer on our list was evaluated on attributes such as quality, value, and ease of use. 

How to Shop for Couches Like a Pro

Product Variety

Product variety is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a couch retailer, according to Amy Vroom of The Residency Bureau. “A couch is a big investment in your home, so make sure the style you select will stand the test of time,” she says. “Before jumping on the latest trend bandwagon, ask yourself if you’ll still like the style in 10 years. The design doesn’t have to be boring—but it should be timeless.”

Big-box retailers tend to have the widest variety, but if you know your style, a curated selection at a smaller direct-to-consumer retailer might provide an easier shopping experience, since you can quickly find what you’re looking for. If you have a very specific vision for your couch, consider shopping at a retailer that offers customization.

Price Range

Some luxurious, made-to-order couches can be expensive, but considering the long-term value, use, and quality, they may be worth the investment. If you are shopping on a tight budget, there are still plenty of places to buy sofas—we recommend starting your search with affordable retailers to avoid getting your heart set on a couch that is above your price range.

According to Vroom, a higher price tag does not necessarily indicate better quality. “Look at how the couch is made to see if it warrants the price,” she says. “Sometimes you also pay for the brand’s prestige. Do a little research to see if [its] construction is on par with other manufacturers or if you’re just paying for a name. I would expect to pay $2,000–$4,000 from a big box retailer. If it falls below that, I question the construction and where corners have been cut. I wouldn’t expect it to last.”

Shipping and Delivery

Shipping and delivery costs vary widely among retailers, so read the fine print before deciding where you want to shop. Free shipping is preferable, especially if you’re working with a tight budget. For those willing to spend a bit more, white glove delivery and included assembly are sometimes available and take the stress out of setting up your couch.

Vroom, for one, always springs for white glove delivery. “If you don’t, it’s such a hassle getting rid of all the packing materials—especially if you live in an apartment or condo,” she says.

Unfortunately, shipping delays for furniture are pretty common. If you’re working on a tight timeframe, check how long it will take for your sofa to arrive. Backorders can cause months-long delays, potentially leaving you without a place to sit. On the other hand, you may not want to settle for a ready-to-ship design.

Return Policy and Warranty

Read the return policy before you select a retailer, as the time frame, shipping costs, and restocking fees can vary widely. Retailers usually set a finite window after delivery during which they will accept returns. Outside this window, they may not accept your return or will tack on additional fees.

Warranty is also another important factor to consider. If the couch doesn’t arrive damaged or defective but breaks easily or doesn’t live up to its promises, a warranty can provide you with return or refund options.

Materials

Across retailers, you can find couches made in various durable and easy-to-care-for materials. For example, polyester and nylon are two sturdy fabrics that are affordable and easy to clean. However, if your couch is made with cheaper materials, it won't look as luxe as a high-end piece.

Higher-quality couch retailers often use natural fabrics with a high thread count, like cotton or linen, in their upholstery. These materials are resistant to pilling, albeit harder to clean. Some manufacturers use a fabric blend of natural and man-made fabrics to make your sofa easier to care for while increasing durability. If you want a leather couch, it's worth it to splurge on the real thing. Genuine leather can last for decades and stand up to years of use, while faux leather doesn't hold up for nearly as long.

While shopping for couches, Nozawa recommends “rubbing upholstery material against the back of your wrist or lower arm to make sure it doesn't feel too scritchy on your skin, rather than just feeling it with your fingers. This is a better proxy for whether, in shorts, your legs will feel scritchy too.”

Another thing to consider when looking at couch upholstery options is whether or not you have pets—Nozawa has observed that “velvet fabrics are least popular with cats,” while woven materials “have often tempted even the best-behaved cats to scratch.” She also notes that patterned fabrics are better at hiding pet hair and stains, though “leathers are easier to clean up if you catch a spill quickly.” You can even opt for a performance fabric or fabric treatment with “coatings that help resist stains and spills.”

The fabric component of your couch isn’t the only material to consider. It’s also important to look at what each retailer uses in the sofa frame, as that informs how long your sofa will last and hold its shape. Kiln-dried and solid wood are the best options for lasting furniture, though stores that use this material will be on the more expensive side. When shopping at cheaper vendors, frames made from Medium Density Fibreboard (MDF) and plastic are common, which aren't very strong. Metal is a sleek, modern option that is both affordable and durable.

Questions You Might Ask

What’s the best time of year to buy a couch?

If you come across your dream couch, don’t feel the pressure to wait for it to go on sale—you never know if it will sell out or be discontinued before then.

But if you’re looking to save, the summer and winter often have the best deals around holidays like Labor Day, the 4th of July, and Christmas. Memorial Day is an ideal time to shop, according to Nozawa, especially if you’re shopping for outdoor furniture: “Retailers will have sales and are already starting to liquidate their summer merchandise, so you have a chance to secure your outdoor seating with all of the summer to enjoy it."

Additionally, pay attention to when retailers launch new products—this typically occurs in early spring and fall, so they often have sales in late summer and winter to make room for more inventory.

How long should a couch last?

“In a perfect world, I'd love any sofa to last at least 10 years,” says Noz Nozawa of Noz Design. “But the longevity of a sofa, at any price, really depends on how frequently it's used and how well it's cared for.” If you have pets or rambunctious kids, chances are that your sofa will wear down faster.

The quality of materials can also impact your couch’s longevity—if its frame is made from MDF for example, it’s more prone to warping and damage. On the flip side, even a luxury sofa will wear down quickly if it’s used frequently enough. Nozawa tells us she has seen “client sofas that were still in great condition and 15 years old,” and has also been “shocked at the condition of a client's sofa after only two years, even though it was a very nice Italian sofa.”

How can you tell if a sofa is good quality?

The materials and construction of your couch can tell you all you need to know about its quality. Top-tier couches typically use natural fibers, like cotton, linen, for upholstery, or sometimes blend them with man-made fabrics like polyester or nylon, which are easier to keep clean. Additionally, pay attention to the frame of your couch: kiln-dried wood is the best option, but solid hardwoods or metal are also solid picks.

Next, examine how the sofa is assembled. Quality pieces will have joints that are glued, screwed, or stapled with corner-blocking for extra stability. For seating support, eight-way hand-tied spring systems offer the best quality and durability. While labor-intensive and pricy, this design provides years of support when done by a skilled craftsman. Sinuous springs are also a solid option that’s more affordable, albeit not as long-lasting. Avoid web suspension, which is the least durable option.

Lastly, consider the filling type used in your couch cushions. High-quality sofas usually have high-resiliency foam for a firmer seat that won’t deflate over time. If you prefer a softer seat, you may want to consider down cushions. However, down isn’t hypoallergenic and is more challenging to keep clean.

Beyond furniture construction, Nozawa has some great tips to help you choose a quality couch when shopping online. “You can identify lower quality in the details of a company's product photography," she says. "For example, there's an affordable online furniture brand whose sofas were photographed with crooked sewing and wonky welting! To me, that is a signal: if even the model unit has sewing issues, I can only imagine what the shipped units look like.”

She adds that “sofas made in the 1970s and earlier are better-made on the whole than pieces mass-manufactured today. Lower quality sofas are also often very lightweight, owing to the type of framing being used.”

Take Our Word for It

This article was written by Morgan Goldberg, a contributing writer for Real Simple with seven years of editorial experience in interior design, food, and travel spaces, and updated by Jen Woo, a freelance design, lifestyle, and culture writer and content strategist with over 10 years of experience. To write this article, we spent hours scouring the internet for the best places to buy a couch and had our testers rate their online and in-person shopping experience. They shared detailed insights as to the pros and cons of each retailer's couch selection, delivery process, and furniture quality, which we compiled to create this list. We also consulted interior designers Amy Vroom of The Residency Bureau and Noz Nozawa of Noz Design for their expert recommendations and shopping tips. 

What Is Real Simple Selects?

Next to each product on this list, you may have noticed a Real Simple Selects seal of approval. Any product appearing alongside that seal has been vetted by our team—put through tests and graded on its performance to earn a spot on our list. Although we buy most of the products we test, sometimes we do get samples from companies if purchasing a product ourselves isn’t an option. All products go through the same rigorous process, whether they are purchased or sent by the company.

Love our recommendations? Check out more products that have earned the Real Simple Selects, from humidifiers to cordless vacuums.

Related: The 14 Best Couches of 2023 for Every Style and Budget

For more Real Simple news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on Real Simple.