Sofas are a major investment--in terms of both money AND style, since they can last for decades and often set the tone for the rest of the room. But with so many models out there, how do you know which one is right for you? We've combed the market and come up with ten classic couches (shown in descending order of cost) that represent a good cross-section of styles and prices. Most are available in a vast array of fabrics, so choose your favorite based on design and budget rather than upholstery.
The epitome of class, this elegant sofa from Baker features two square seat cushions topped with bolsters and a tight upholstered back that crests in the middle and wraps around the sides to form the arms. Tapered maple legs contribute to the sense of refinement. Part of Baker's Archetype Collection, sofa
no. 6386-80 starts at a suggested retail price of $5,334.
Le Corbusier's
LC2 Grand Confort Petite Model Sofa was designed in 1928 and remains an invigorating icon of International Style design. A tubular metal frame cradles thick, resiliant cushions, combining comfort with striking good looks. (This is one sofa you won't want to push against a wall.) Design Within Reach sells their licensed version for $5,865.
George Smith is considered the Cadillac of sofas. Each one is built by hand and stuffed with boar bristles layered with cotton and feathers, then topped with cushions filled with duck down and duck feathers. These heirloom-quality pieces, like the stately
Standard Short Scroll Arm Sofa, are available through designers at showrooms around the U.S., and retail for around $10,000.
Snuggle up in this downy-soft
Grand-Scale Upholstered Roll-Arm Sofa from Restoration Hardware. A generous 93 inches long, it features a kiln-dried, double-doweled hardwood frame and eight-way hand-tied springs. The roll arms and skirting give this sofa a traditional feeling, but its simple detailing would make it work in almost any setting. Available in a variety of sizes and as a sleeper, at prices ranging from $1,960 to $3,450.
This casual roll-arm couch from The Sofa Collection is dressy enough for the living room, but comes with a tight-fitting slipcover, making it a great choice for a family room or vacation home. When the upholstery gets dirty you just slip it off and send it to the cleaners. (Some fabric options can even go in your washer!) The
Cottage Sofa
features loose seat and back cushions, a generous 7-foot-4-inch length, and sells for $800-$900--with delivery promised in just two weeks.
If you're not looking for a statement piece, but just something classic and tailored, you might consider the
York Sofa from Room & Board. Crisp geometric styling and self-welted detailing make it ideal for nearly any setting. It comes in a stain-resistant suedelike fabric, and is available in a variety of sizes and as a sleeper at prices ranging from $1,199 to $1,749.
Norwalk Furniture's
Copley Square sofa offers traditional, tailored lines and loose back pillows at an appealing price, starting at just $1,279.
For cosmopolitan looks at an commonplace price ($1,299), consider the
Velvet Sofa from Neiman Marcus. Taupe rayon/cotton/polyester upoholstery floats atop an antiqued cherry frame and is finished with nailhead trim along the back, producing a pleasing blend of contemporary lines and traditional detailing.
This affordably priced three-seater sofa from Rowe features traditional flourishes such as low rolled arms and a scalloped back. Part of the New Traditions Collection, the
Ryan Sofa has a starting price of $999.
Martha Stewart's Everyday Rooms collection for Kmart includes this sensationally inexpensive (dare we say "cheap"?)
Everyday Sofa that retails for just $299. Only 68 inches long, it comes with a solid wood frame and your choice of brown tweed or ... brown tweed. Assembly required. Not an heirloom to hand down to the kids, but a chic choice for the dorm or first apartment.
