The Best Places to Buy a Sofa Online

13 May.,2024

 

The Best Places to Buy a Sofa Online

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Sofas are one of the most important pieces of furniture in your home — second only to your mattress. The best sofas might become a coffee-drinking perch in the morning, a reading or TV-watching spot in the evening, and even an extra place for guests to sleep.

Plus, your sofa dictates the look of your living room (for better or worse). If you’re in need of a new couch — or you’re decorating your first place — we’re here to help make sure your sofa is the hero of your living room. Below are some of the best places to buy a couch online, including options for all decor styles and budgets.

The Best Places to Buy a Sofa Online

Budget-Friendly: Amazon

Personalized Mid-Century Modern: Eternity Modern

Authentic Modern Pieces: Design Within Reach

Large Selection: William Sonoma Home

Trendy & Affordable: Urban Outfitters

Customizable: ​​Allform

Sophisticated & Modern: West Elm

One-of-a-Kind Resale: 1stDibs

Affordable Mid-Century: Article

Fast Shipping: Walmart

Easy Assembly: Burrow

Farmhouse Style: Pottery Barn

Uber-Affordable: Wayfair

Fast Made-to-Order: Apt2B

Sustainable: Floyd

Budget-Friendly

Yes, Amazon is a great place to buy a couch — especially if you’re shopping on a tight budget. The Everything store has a massive selection of sofas, and many are much cheaper than the stuff you’ll find in local stores. Plus, as with everything else on Amazon, you get plenty of customer reviews to help guide your purchase.

Personalized Mid-Century Modern

Eternity Modern

Love the mid-century modern aesthetic but don’t want to shop vintage? Check out Eternity Modern. Their high-quality sofas are all mid-century classics, and each one comes in a variety of colors.

Editor’s picks

Authentic Modern Pieces

Design Within Reach

$4,616.50

$6,595

30% off

Buy Quilton Modular Sofa at dwr

Design Within Reach has a huge selection of modern sofas, and they’re priced very well considering what you’re getting. Of course, they also offer higher-end picks from well-known designers if you want something more special.

Large Selection

Williams Sonoma

If you’re looking for something well-made, reasonably priced, and on the tamer design-wise, check out Williams Sonoma Home’s sofa selection. Most of their sofas, like this Laguna sofa, come with a range of fabric options to match (or overhaul) your living room’s vibe.

Related

Trendy & Affordable

Urban Outfitters

$1,039.20

$1,299

20% off

Buy roma sofa at urban outfitters

Just like their clothing selection, Urban Outfitters’ home pieces are on-trend and affordable. Floor sofas are very in right now, so you’ll see several laid-back options on UO, like this Roma sofa.

Customizable

Cole Slutzky/Allform

If you want to make your couch your own — whether to match your current living room or just for fun — check out Allform. The DTC brand lets you choose everything from the fabric to the leg finish to the pillow layout of their sofas, and they don’t charge too much for all that customizability.

Sophisticated & Modern

West Elm

West Elm has long been a go-to for relatively affordable modern furniture, and it’s still one of our favorite places to shop. This leather Zander sofa is a great example of what they do best, boasting a high-quality build with plenty of fabric color options to choose from.

One-of-a-Kind Resale

1stDibs

If you’re looking for a truly unique sofa — maybe a vintage piece from a specific designer — 1stDibs is a great place to start your search. You should be able to find just about any piece from any major designer; if not, just check back in a week or so as 1stDibs’ offerings change constantly.

Affordable Mid-Century

Article

Mid-century pieces can get pricey, which is why we recommend Article to anyone shopping on a budget. The website has a great sofa selection, like this Timber couch, and all of them are relatively inexpensive (this one is just $1,299).

Fast Shipping

Walmart

$120

$155

23% off

Buy Mainstays futon at walmart

Like Amazon, Walmart has a surprising amount of solid sofas — including some great options if you’re shopping on a budget. This foam futon, for example, features a modern shape, a comfortable suede fabric, and a price tag under $200. Plus, many sofas at Walmart ship fast.

Easy Assembly

Burrow

Burrow is a newer furniture brand whose claim-to-fame is the excellent Nomad sofa. It comes with a variety of customization options and doesn’t require any tools to set up once delivered. Plus, all Burrow pieces are made in the USA using upcycled and sustainable materials.

Farmhouse Style

Pottery Barn

If you’re a fan of the farmhouse decor style, chances are you’re also a fan of Pottery Barn. But we think the retailer’s high-quality sofas are worth checking out no matter your style of choice. Pieces like this best-selling square arm sofa will look great just about anywhere, and they’ll stand the test of time.

Uber-Affordable

Wayfair

Wayfair is similar in scale to Amazon but might have more good options at the extremely affordable price point. This Novogratz sleeper sofa, for example, is listed for just $222.57 (as of this writing) and boasts great reviews from thousands of buyers. No matter which product you go for on Wayfair, just be sure to comb through reviews as quality can be hit or miss on the massive site.

$222.57

$745

70% off

Buy novogratz sofa at wayfair

Fast Made-to-Order

Apt2B

If you’re looking for a made-to-order couch but don’t want to deal with the long wait times at many big retailers, check out Apt2B. Many of their sofas — like this Melrose sofa — are made to order in 30 days or less, and the results are good quality.

Sustainable

Floyd

Looking for a sofa source that’s easy on the planet? Check out Floyd. They offer several great minimalist modern sofas — such as this Three-Piece Form sectional — and the brand recently committed to becoming one of the first carbon-neutral furniture brands.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of lecture folding auditorium chair with tablet. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

The 16 Best Places to Buy a Couch in 2024

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.

“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.”

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. That said, not all couches are made equal.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Rove Concepts runs a perks-filled membership program that can be worth it if you want to furnish an entire room or house. For $200 per year, members receive 30% off sitewide, 10% back in a voucher, a dedicated concierge service to manage orders, and early access to sales and new product releases.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 .)

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

The two Apt2B couches mentioned in our survey are durable and remarkably comfortable (especially the Delilah L-Sectional ). 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.

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.

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 .

Burrow makes 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 .

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.

Joybird couches are also fully customizable, with multiple sizes and up to 74 fabric choices for most models. Olive green velvet, turquoise chenille, and rust mohair are among the covetable vintage options.

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.

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.

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.

The brand has 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.

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.

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 .) We think you'll love the comfort and quality of Ashley Furniture sofas, especially given their price points.

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.

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.

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, loveseat, and sleeper styles, which is ideal for indecisive buyers. The couches also arrive in compact, apartment-friendly boxes, and delivery is free.

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).

Since 2013, Article has focused on creating long-lasting, fairly-priced furniture with a . 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.

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 .)

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.

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.

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.

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

The delivery process was smooth and flawless, with one respondent reporting that their couch arrived early. Room & Board sofas have impressive quality, too: 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 .

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.

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

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 a 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.

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.

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. “A couch is a big investment in your home, so make sure the style you select will stand the test of time,” Vroom 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.

Vroom says 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 to $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.”

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 scratchy on your skin, rather than just feeling it with your fingers. By doing this, you'll know if it will feel the same way on your legs.

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.

Fill

Fill is just as important as upholstery, as this is often the first part of the couch that will get damaged or need replacing. Many inexpensive couches use lightweight, low-density foam, which could feel firm and uncomfortable to sit on. More comfortable and supportive fill materials designed to hold up better over time include memory foam, high-density foam, latex, down, and synthetic fibers. Thankfully, if your cushions dip over time, you can refill them and, in turn, extend the lifetime of your couch. If you sit down on your couch and it sags, that's a good sign it may not last as long as you'd like it to.

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 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. 

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,” Nozawa says. “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 says she has seen client sofas that were still in great condition at 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,” she says.

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. 

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