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The 19 Best Places to Buy a Couch of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Online and IRL options, vetted by our testers

Gray couch collaged onto colorful pink and blue background

Chloe Jeong

Out of all of the furniture purchases you make, buying a couch might be one of the most important. Not only does this staple piece provide a comfortable spot for you and your loved ones to relax, watch TV, and socialize, but some options can also double as a bed for guests or storage space for essentials.

Because of how often you'll (likely) be using it, when shopping for a couch, quality should be top of mind. “Look for kiln-dried hardwood frames with eight-way hand-tied spring construction, and be sure to select a high-quality fabric,” recommends Lorele Lesoing, Founder and Lead Designer of Lee Douglas Interiors. “These elements are an investment in quality and will make the investment worth the money.”

We researched a variety of retailers that sell couches, evaluating each on factors such as their selection, product quality, customization options, return policies, shipping, and more. When making our selections, we also considered insight from our testers, who have tried couches from many of these retailers in their own homes.

In the end, some of our top picks include Amazon and Wayfair for the variety of styles and price points. If you have more room in your budget and are looking for a piece built to last, we're partial to Pottery Barn and Room+Board, both of which make couches that wowed us during testing.

West Elm

West Elm Harmony Sofa

West Elm

What We Like
  • Great customer service

  • Lots of choices (too many, for some)

  • High-quality, contemporary designs

What We Don't Like
  • Long shipping times for custom items

After trying out numerous couches from West Elm, we had an overwhelmingly positive experience: easy returns, a helpful in-house design service, and, perhaps most importantly, high-quality, made-to-last couches. 

The highlights? The Drake 2-Piece Reversible Sectional and Eddy Sofa, both of which impressed us with their chic appearance and versatility. “The wear over the years is fantastic,” said the owner of the Drake Sectional, who opted for olive green velvet upholstery. “The couch is in a rather sunny room—years later and there's no sign of fading.”

Of course, we do have some qualms. Unlike some of its competitors, the brand won’t honor a lower price if the product you purchased happens to go on sale. Delivery times still can be long, especially during certain parts of the year (if you’re in a time crunch, we recommend opting for a couch that is guaranteed to come within a shorter window). And in one case, we found the measurements to be off by less than 1/4 inch, which might matter more to some than others. 

All in all, though, West Elm is a solid bet—especially if you’re after a more midcentury modern look. Pro tip: If there’s an outlet in your area, we recommend checking that out, too. You can call in the morning and see which pieces it has in stock, and the retailer can hold an item for you for up to two hours. 

Return Policy: 30-day return window for eligible items; made-to-order items non-refundable | Delivery Options: Full-service delivery | Average Wait Time for Bespoke Items: 8-10 weeks

When should you see a couch in person versus ordering online?

Many of today’s popular furniture brands operate solely online, which means you may end up purchasing a couch without ever seeing or sitting on it. This may work for you if you know what you like in terms of seat depth and cushion filling, and many retailers will send free or low-cost fabric swatches to let you see the upholstery before you buy. However, if you’re not sure what size and style of couch you want, it’s best to try out different models in person, and if you do decide to buy online, check the brand’s return policy in case you ultimately don’t like it. 

Wayfair

Brittany Faux Leather Sleeper Sofa

Wayfair

What We Like
  • Wide selection

  • Free shipping

  • Frequent sales and promotions

What We Don't Like
  • Quality is hit or miss

  • Items often go out of stock

Most people have heard of Wayfair, as this large online-only retailer is known for its extensive selection. A quick glance at its sofa and couch section shows that there are more than 50,000 products to choose from, so it’s safe to say there’s truly something for everyone. You can find small, inexpensive options like the uber-popular Serta Convertible Sofa or more luxe models like the leather Foundstone Vasso Sofa, and there are often hundreds of user reviews that let you know what to expect from each product. 

In addition to its superior selection, Wayfair is also popular thanks to its quick shipping. In-stock items will often arrive within a matter of days, though there are some made-to-order sofas that can take 10 weeks or more to ship. The brand offers free shipping on all its sofas, and the site has regular sales and promotions for those looking to score a deal. The one major downside of shopping at Wayfair? Due to some of the lower price points, the quality can be hit or miss, so be sure to read plenty of reviews to get a sense of the construction and durability of each sofa. 

Return Policy: 30 days | Delivery Options: Ground or freight shipping | Average Wait Time for Bespoke Items: 8-10 weeks

Room & Board

Room & Board Andre Sofa

Room & Board

What We Like
  • Flexible return policy

  • Flat rate full-service delivery

  • Free design services

What We Don't Like
  • Limited sales and promotions

Room & Board focuses on modern yet timeless furnishings that can be used and loved for years to come. The brand has a number of stores around the country where you can see its furniture in person, but you can also shop their selection of sofas online. We’ve tried out a number of their products, including the top-rated Metro Sofa, which has a basic, high-quality design that can be styled to fit any aesthetic. The brand also has a variety of sleeper sofa options, like the Deco Convertible Sofa, which can be purchased with a mattress topper for additional comfort.

If you need help designing your living room, Room & Board offers free design services, either in-person or virtually, and your furniture will be assembled and placed in a room of your choice with the brand’s flat rate full-service delivery. Another feature that makes the brand stand out from others is its flexible return policy—you simply have to “make a return or exchange in a timely manner,” and there aren’t any return fees.

Return Policy: Flexible | Delivery Options: Full-service delivery | Average Wait Time for Bespoke Items: Not applicable

Woman using tablet on Room&Board Bruno Convertible Sleeper Sofa next to cat on carpet

The Spruce / Donna Freydkin

Article

Article Sven Sofa

Article

What We Like
  • Sleek midcentury styles

  • Free upholstery swatches

  • Free shipping on orders over $999

What We Don't Link
  • Limited color selections

Article is an online-only retailer known for its host of midcentury style offerings, including the popular Sven Sofa, which we found to be stylish, comfortable, and well-priced given the high quality. While you won’t be able to check any of the furniture out in person, you have the option to try out free fabric swatches for every couch style on the site. What’s more, each purchase comes with a 30-day satisfaction guarantee, though you’ll have to pay a $49 shipping fee for returns. Orders over $999 qualify for free shipping to most of the U.S. and Canada.

While Article does offer a good combination of neutral and bold upholstery options, it doesn’t offer the same variety as some other retailers like Wayfair or Pottery Barn. Most sofas are available in four or five colors, and there’s no way to have a couch made in a custom fabric. However, if you’re buying multiple pieces—whether or not they’re from the same line—this can be quite convenient, as it makes it easier to design a cohesive space. It also makes the website a lot easier to navigate, as you won’t be overwhelmed with hundreds of options.

Return Policy: 30 days | Delivery Options: Contactless or in-room delivery | Average Wait Time for Bespoke Items: Not applicable

Closeup of the Article Sven Sofa on a rug

The Spruce / Deanna McCormack

Apt2B

Brentwood 2pc Sectional Sofa

Apt2B

What We Like
  • Short wait time for made-to-order pieces

  • Select couches made in the USA

  • Extended warranty available

  • Free fabric swatches

What We Don't Like
  • Only ships to the contiguous 48 U.S. states

Apt2B was founded with the hopes of bridging the gap between cheap and high-end furniture. The brand’s goal is to offer well-made, stylish products at reasonable prices, and its sofas are designed for everyday use, standing up to (mostly) anything your household throws at them. After months of testing, we found these claims to hold up. The Brentwood Sectional was a particular standout, as its material held up beautifully despite frequent messes from both a 5-month-old and a cat prone to clawing.

A lot of Apt2B’s sofas are on the trendier side, but there are options like the Harper Sofa that have a more classic style. There’s even a sizable collection of couches made in America, allowing you to purchase a high-quality item that supports the local economy. Most products can be customized in dozens of upholstery options, and despite being made-to-order, many will ship in as little as four weeks. You can opt for either free entryway delivery or white glove delivery for a flat rate of $129, which we'd argue is worth the price for heftier pieces like a sectional. The brand also offers extended warranties that cover things like stains, pet damage, chipped or dented surfaces, accidental rips, and more.

Return Policy: 100 days | Delivery Options: Standard or white glove delivery | Average Wait Time for Bespoke Items: 2-4 weeks

Burrow

Burrow Arch Nomad Loveseat

Burrow

What We Like
  • No tools required for assembly

  • Ability to customize designs

  • Free shipping

  • Made in the USA

What We Don't Like
  • Several return caveats

  • Only one-year warranty

Founded in 2016, Burrow is a relatively new furniture brand that's known for its sleek midcentury-style sofas, which have a convenient modular design. The Nomad Sofa is one of its most popular products, not only thanks to its easy, tool-free setup (yes, really) but also its variety of customization options. We tried it out in three different homes and reported mostly positive results, though it might not be the best option for those who really want to cozy up into a sofa. It's also pretty compact, making it ideal for apartment dwellers and college students—but not necessarily so great for those who have more space to fill, or want a more refined look.

A big perk of this retailer is that all of its furniture pieces are made in the USA, many from upcycled and sustainable materials. This explains the higher price point (at the time of publication, the Nomad Sofa sells for a little more than $1,700), but so does the quality. All of Burrow's pieces arrive via free ground shipping, but returns will incur a shipping fee equal to 10 percent of what you paid (if you don’t have the original packaging, it jumps up to 20 percent). Additionally, Burrow sofas are only backed by a one-year warranty, which is quite short considering the higher price point of the furniture.

Return Policy: 30 days, minus 10% of your purchase price | Delivery Options: Ground shipping | Average Wait Time for Bespoke Items: N/A

Closeup of the Burrow Nomad Sofa and side table

The Spruce / Katie Begley

Pottery Barn

PB Comfort Roll Arm Upholstered Sofa

Pottery Barn

What We Like
  • High-quality construction

  • Wide range of fabric options

  • White glove delivery

  • Free design services

What We Don't Like
  • Long wait time for select items

For high-quality traditional and farmhouse-style couches, you can’t go wrong with Pottery Barn. After trying out a number of options in our very own homes, our favorite picks include the PB Comfort Roll Arm Upholstered Sofa and the Cameron Roll Arm Slipcovered Sleeper Sofa, both of which we found to be surprisingly comfortable and attractive. Like many of Pottery Barn's other offerings, both the PB Comfort and the Cameron sofas are available in dozens of fabric and color options—just note that the wait time for custom items is commonly 10 weeks or more.

Pottery Barn is known for its high-quality construction, which typically includes hardwood frames, classic construction techniques, and durable materials—but of course, its prices are equally high-end. The brand offers free design services if you need help envisioning a room, and most furniture comes with white glove delivery, which proved to be an easy process that got our new couches assembled and placed just where we’d like them.

Return Policy: 30 days | Delivery Options: White glove or doorstep delivery | Average Wait Time for Bespoke Items: Up to 10+ weeks

Pottery Barn Sofa displayed in room on carpet in front of painting

The Spruce / Dwyer Frame

Joybird

Joybird Briar Sectional with Storage

Joybird

What We Like
  • Wide variety of colors and fabrics

  • Order-tracking system

  • “Decide Later” option for promotions

  • Free design services

What We Don't Like
  • Only ships to contiguous 48 U.S. states

Joybird is known for its modern couch designs, which can be customized with hundreds of upholstery options. Whether you want a bold hue or something more neutral, this brand has dozens of options to choose from, including velvets, performance upholstery, and even sustainable materials. During testing, we were seriously impressed with the Preston Sofa, a splurge-worthy piece that's sleek and comfortable. And if you're in the market for a sleeper, the Briar Sleeper Sectional is an easily convertible option that has maintained its quality for over three years.

Joybird offers a variety of features to make your shopping experience easier. You can take advantage of free, no-obligation design services, and there’s a “Decide Later” option that lets you lock in sale pricing, even if you’re not totally sure what fabric or design you want yet. Joybird has a unique order tracking system that lets you monitor the progress of your custom design, and there’s even a marketplace for returned items called FloorFound, where you can score deep discounts on gently used items.

Return Policy: 90 days, 10% restocking fee | Delivery Options: Curbside or in-home delivery | Average Wait Time for Bespoke Items: 4-8 weeks

Joybird Preston Sofa displayed in room in front of fireplace between lamps
The Spruce / Angelica Leicht

Floyd

Two-Piece Form Sectional

Floyd

What We Like
  • Focus on sustainability

  • Easy to assemble

  • Customization options

  • Made in the USA

What We Don't Like
  • Lots of packing materials

  • Expensive shipping

Floyd is an American-made furniture brand that offers easy-to-assemble modular sofas (among other furniture). When you purchase a sofa or sectional from the brand, like The Floyd Sofa, you’ll be able to adjust the seating configuration, upholstery, and base color to suit your space. Your furniture will be delivered via standard ground shipping, and we found it to be incredibly easy to assemble, taking a little more than an hour to set up.

Floyd only has a few couches to choose from, so if you don’t like the style, this brand might not be for you. However, it does prioritize sustainability, with the goal of becoming one of the first carbon-neutral furniture brands. You can return Floyd furniture for up to 30 days (though you’ll be charged a 10 percent restocking fee), and the frame of its sofas is backed by a 10-year warranty. The cushions are only covered for three years, though.

Return Policy: 30 days, 10% restocking fee | Delivery Options: Ground shipping | Average Wait Time for Bespoke Items: 6-9 weeks

Floyd The Sofa Three-Seater Sofa and Chaise displayed in living room next to chair, side table, and coffee table

 The Spruce / Karen Tietjen

Sixpenny

Sixpenny Elias Sofa

Sixpenny

What We Like
  • Wide fabric selection

  • High-end materials

  • Free threshold delivery

  • Limited lifetime warranty

What We Don't Like
  • Limited design options

If your aesthetic is comfy and casual, Sixpenny will be right up your alley. This brand is the epitome of casual chic, selling couches with relaxed silhouettes, cozy deep seats, and premium fabrics. We tried out the Amelia Chaise Sectional and were immediately impressed with the sleek design and how easy it is to clean. Most of the designs—despite the sofa selection being limited—are available in a variety of upholstery materials, including cotton canvas, cotton linen, velvet, and light- or medium-weight linen, and you can also select between feather down or polyfill for the cushions. 

The Devyn Sofa is one of the brand’s signature designs—it has lush, deep seats and a contemporary shape, and it’s covered with a modern version of a slipcover. The brand offers free threshold delivery and a limited lifetime warranty on its products, and it even offers free returns within a 30-day period. There are select sofas in stock and ready to ship, but custom-made designs may not be available for 14 to 16 weeks. In our experience, though, it's worth the wait!

Return Policy: 30 days | Delivery Options: Threshold or white glove delivery | Average Wait Time for Bespoke Items: 14-16 weeks

Crate & Barrel

Crate & Barrel

Crate & Barrel

What We Like
  • Classic styles

  • Free fabric swatches

  • Great outlet deals

What We Don't Like
  • Delivery costs can be high

Crate & Barrel is known for its high-quality craftsmanship and contemporary furniture styles, and in addition to shopping through its online store, you can also visit one of its retail locations across the country. The brand has hundreds of sofas, loveseats, and sectional sofas to choose from, and many are available in dozens of upholstery fabrics. Many products come in multiple sizes and layouts, giving you more flexibility with your design. That includes the Axis Two-Piece Sectional Sofa, which impressed us with its comfort and easy-to-clean design.

To help you design your ideal couch, Crate & Barrel will send up to five free fabric swatches, and the brand also offers free design services. Furniture is delivered via “Premier In-Home Delivery,” which includes product inspection and assembly in your home, and the cost of delivery will vary depending on the purchase amount and delivery distance.

Return Policy: 30 days | Delivery Options: In-home delivery | Average Wait Time for Bespoke Items: Varies

Amazon

Amazon

Amazon

What We Like
  • Lots of reviews

  • Extremely large selection

  • Fast delivery with Prime

What We Don't Like
  • Quality varies

Amazon, the well-known online mega-retailer, sells virtually anything you can think of, and that includes couches. There are thousands of furniture options to choose from on this online marketplace, including a large selection of couches under $1,000. There are even leather options like the Rivet Revolve Upholstered Sofa, which is sold by one of Amazon’s in-house brands.

One of the biggest benefits of shopping for a couch on Amazon is that many products qualify for two-day shipping with a Prime membership, and many products have a sizable selection of reviews, giving you an idea of the item’s quality. The retailer accepts returns within 30 days for a full refund—beneficial since you won’t be able to see it before you buy—but the quality of furniture can vary quite significantly since many items come from third-party sellers.

Return Policy: 30 days | Delivery Options: Ground or freight shipping | Average Wait Time for Bespoke Items: Not applicable

Macy’s

Jollene 113" 2-Piece Fabric Sectional, Created for Macy's

Macy's

What We Like
  • Nice selection

  • In-person and online shopping

What We Don't Like
  • Limited selection

  • Short return window

While Macy’s may not be your first pick when it comes to buying furniture, the retailer actually offers a variety of design-forward options, including the Jollen 2-Piece Fabric Sectional, which we found to be exceptionally comfortable. We were also impressed with the in-person customer service, though you can also make your purchases online.

Despite the brand’s collection of products, its prices are still fairly reasonable, and most products ship quickly, arriving in just a few weeks. The brand offers flat-rate shipping—though it only ships to the contiguous 48 U.S. states—and you'll only be able to initiate a return within 3 days of delivery.

Return Policy: Contact customer service within 3 days of delivery | Delivery Options: Scheduled delivery, White Glove delivery ($125 base fee, $60 for each additional piece) | Average Wait Time for Bespoke Items: Not applicable

Ashley Furniture

Ashley Furniture Gamaliel 2-Piece Sectional with Chaise

Ashley Furniture

What We Like
  • Large selection

  • Retail locations around the country

  • Many ready-to-ship products

  • Price matching available

What We Don't Like
  • Not the most stylish

  • Shipping times vary

If you like to keep things traditional, Ashley Furniture has a large selection of classic sofas, couches, and sectionals. Plus, the brand has close to 700 stores located all around the U.S., so you’ll likely be able to find a location nearby where you can see some of the products in person. There are even outlet stores that feature lower-priced merchandise, like the Darcy Sofa, which has a comfortable, slightly firm feel that has held up well over the past year and a half.

Of course, you can also buy from Ashley online, which allows you to read customer reviews on products like the Next-Gen DuraPella Dual Power Reclining Sofa. Most couches only come in one or two color options, so you won’t be able to customize your design, but the good news is that the brand has a large number of ready-to-ship products that will be delivered quickly. Ashley even offers price-matching on its furniture—if you find the same model for a lower price at Amazon or another big-name retailer, the company will match the price for you.

Return Policy: 30 days | Delivery Options: Doorstep or no-hassle delivery | Average Wait Time for Bespoke Items: Not applicable

Lulu and Georgia

Lulu and Georgia Kaila Media Lounger

Lulu and Georgia

What We Like
  • Unique, trendy designs

  • White glove delivery

  • Rewards program

What We Don't Like
  • Long lead times

You’ll find a large selection of trendy, exclusive designs at Lulu & Georgia, an online home decor brand. Couches like the Estee Linen Sofa and Vivi Tête-à-Tête Chaise have unique silhouettes that you won’t find anywhere else, though you will need to wait longer to get them—typically between 10 to 16 weeks—as the pieces are made to order. Most couches from Lulu & Georgia only come in a few sizes and color options, but you can rest assured the upholstery selections are perfectly stylish. 

If you love Lulu & Georgia furniture, the brand has a reward program that lets you earn cash rewards for any money you spend. It also offers white glove delivery for a flat rate, and if you decide to return your purchase, you have 60 days to do so and will be charged a 10 percent shipping fee. However, keep in mind that anything made-to-order (which includes many of their couches) cannot be returned.

Return Policy: 60 days, 10% fee | Delivery Options: White glove delivery | Average Wait Time for Bespoke Items: Up to 24 weeks

Interior Define

Interior Define

Interior Define

What We Like
  • Physical stores around the country

  • Extended warranty available

  • Several discount programs

  • Free design services

What We Don't Like
  • Large fee on returns

  • Long lead time

If you’ve ever wanted to build your own sofa from the ground up, Interior Define lets you do just that. All of its products are custom-made, and the brand allows you to choose from more than 15 silhouettes, 125 fabrics, 20 leg styles, multiple seat depths, and more. You might think that this would result in an extremely expensive product, but the prices are surprisingly reasonable given the level of customization available. 

For those who are intimidated by all the options available, Interior Define has retail locations around the country where you can work with design professionals. The brand also offers a number of discount programs, including ones for military members, healthcare workers, and even people who are moving. Interior Define has a flat-rate shipping fee and a 60-day return period on custom items, but because everything is made to order, the brand charges a 50 percent processing fee on returns.

Return Policy: 60 days, 50% processing fee | Delivery Options: Threshold or white glove delivery | Average Wait Time for Bespoke Items: 18-22 weeks

Maiden Home

Maiden Home The Lenox Sofa

Maiden Home

What We Like
  • Top-tier materials and construction

  • Free fabric swatches

  • White glove delivery

  • Made in the USA

What We Don't Like
  • Potential size tolerances

  • No seasonal sales or promotions

A favorite of many interior designers, Maiden Home sofas are top-notch quality and they’re made right here in America. The brand’s furniture is designed to offer both a luxurious appearance and unbeatable comfort, and most pieces offer multiple customization options, allowing you to select the size, configuration, finish, and upholstery that will work best for you. The brand will send you up to five free fabric swatches to help you find the perfect fit for your home, and most made-to-order pieces take around eight to 10 weeks to be made. 

The Dune is one of the brand’s popular sofas, offering a modern twist on a classic slipcover. It’s available in eight sizes and 11 fabric options, and it has a casual, beachy aesthetic that’s elevated by details like flange seams along the armrests. Maiden Home furniture arrives via white glove delivery, and you can return furniture for up to 30 days, though you’ll be charged a 10 percent return fee.

Return Policy: 30 days, 10% fee | Delivery Options: White glove delivery or ground shipping | Average Wait Time for Bespoke Items: 8-10 weeks

Albany Park

Albany Park Kova L-Shape + Ottoman

Albany Park

What We Like
  • Fast and free shipping

  • 30-day home trial

  • Easy to assemble

What We Don't Like
  • Somewhat limited options

With just three furniture collections, Albany Park is ideal for shoppers who don’t have the time to trove through hundreds of options. The limited number of styles also makes these couches more affordable on both the manufacturing and the buying side.

This retailer is online only, so you won’t be able to check out your potential couch-to-be in person. However, based on our experience with the Kova L-Shape Sectional, the risk is worth taking. We loved the size, quality, and level of customization options, including seven fabric choices and multiple sizes. All purchases come with free delivery and a 30-day trial, and the company is transparent about when you can expect your delivery (usually no longer than a month).

Return Policy: 30-day window with 10% shipping fee (20% if no original packaging) | Delivery Options: Ground shipping | Average Wait Time for Bespoke Items: N/A

Birch Lane

Birch Lane
Courtesy of Birch Lane.
What We Like
  • Farmhouse-style furniture

  • Multiple delivery options

  • Free shipping

  • Free fabric samples

What We Don't Like
  • Higher prices than Wayfair

For those with farmhouse-style decor, Birch Lane has a decent selection of rustic and casual sofas. This brand is a subsidiary of Wayfair, so it has a lot of the same policies and practices, including free shipping, free fabric samples, and a 30-day return window. It has a significantly more limited product range than Wayfair, however, with just a few hundred sofas to choose from, and the prices are higher, as well. 

Some popular designs from Birch Lane include the Lucia Slipcovered Sofa, which has the casual, lived-in look that’s key in farmhouse decor, and the Wendell Sofa, with its classic silhouette and more than 50 upholstery options. While select furniture is in stock and may ship fairly quickly, other sofas are made to order and may take several weeks for delivery.

Return Policy: 30 days | Delivery Options: Standard, indoor, room of choice, or full service | Average Wait Time for Bespoke Items: 8-10 weeks

Final Verdict

There are dozens of places to buy a couch, no matter your style, budget, or preferred upholstery material. If you're looking for a store that offers both online and in-person shopping, consider Ashley Furniture, Crate & Barrel, or Pottery Barn. For retailers that offer frequent sales or promotions, Amazon and Wayfair are both great options and they have a wide variety of couch styles and fast shipping.

How We Tested the Couches

To help determine the best retailers worth your time and money, we collected insights from team members who own couches from West Elm, Pottery Barn, Walmart, Wayfair, and others. We asked them to detail their experiences, not only with the specific couch but also with the retailer itself, including delivery and how easy it was to make a return or exchange. We combined their insights with our own independent research to bring you this list.

What to Look for When Buying a Couch

Range of Offerings

A few retailers, including Amazon, Wayfair, and Pottery Barn, offer a wide range of styles and items. Others specialize in certain design eras, such as mid-century modern, and offer just a few carefully curated options. If you get overwhelmed easily with too many options, you might want to narrow down the selection to retailers that offer the style of couch that fits with your home decor. 

Customization Options

Some retailers offer a range of upholstery options for each couch design, and you might even be able to request sample swatches. Others will allow you to configure sectional couches to be larger or smaller or to add a chaise to either end. However, some furniture brands offer couches with fewer choices to make. You’ll want to decide how important these different factors are in your room’s design. It’s also good to keep in mind that custom options can take longer to manufacture and deliver.

Delivery and Assembly

Make sure the delivery and assembly services offered by whatever retailer you choose meets your expectations. Some retailers, like Apt2B, offer a full white-glove delivery, where the company will assemble furniture and place it in your desired location, sometimes for an extra fee. Other companies might ship your couch in several sections, and you’ll need to assemble it yourself. Similarly, some companies allow you to schedule your delivery at a very specific time, while others don’t. Check which services you’ll be getting so there aren't any unpleasant surprises when your sofa arrives. 

FAQ
  • When is the best time to buy a couch?

    If you're trying to snag a good deal on a couch, the best time to shop is on or around national holidays, like Presidents Day, Memorial Day, or Labor Day—but this comes with a catch. “Retailers bring inventory in all year, and the items left behind are the ones reduced," says Lorele Lesoing, Founder and Lead Designer of Lee Douglas Interiors. "[You] may have to sacrifice some of your needs and wants when waiting for a sale."

  • Which types of couches are worth the splurge?

    Good quality couches can cost anywhere from several hundred dollars to $5,000 or more. When looking at the price of sofas, consider your lifestyle, how much use you expect to get out of the couch, and whether you’re looking for a transitional piece or something long-lasting.

    Couches that are made with high-quality materials and construction techniques will last longer, making them worth the higher price. “Look for kiln-dried hardwood frames with eight-way hand-tied spring construction, and be sure to select a high-quality fabric,” says Lesoing. “These elements are an investment in quality and will make the investment worth the money.”

  • How often should you change your couch?

    You can expect to replace your sofa due to normal wear and tear every seven to 15 years. However, if you start to notice flat or sagging cushions, stains and odors that can’t be removed, or squeaking and creaking noises when you sit down, it may be time to replace your couch.  

Why Trust The Spruce?

This article was written by Camryn Rabideau, a freelance writer and product tester for The Spruce. As a design enthusiast, she has firsthand experience with couches from many of the brands on this list, including Pottery Barn, West Elm, IKEA, Article, and Wayfair. While evaluating different retailers for this list, Rabideau considered factors such as their selection, style range, materials and construction techniques, customization options, and return policies. She aimed to include retailers that offer couches at a variety of price points, including brands that offer both ready-made and custom-designed sofas.

Our Experts:

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