We decided to review the Albany Park furniture brand because they promise to solve a major pain point: moving large furniture into tight spaces. Their "sofa-in-a-box" concept claims easy delivery and assembly without sacrificing style. My team and I wanted to see if the convenience factor compromises comfort or durability. We ordered their most popular collections to our testing studio. We dragged the boxes up stairs. We built them ourselves. We lived with them for weeks to see if they hold up.
My testing team consists of six diverse individuals with unique physical needs. I am Chris Miller, the lead reviewer. I worked alongside Marcus, Carlos, Mia, Jenna, Jamal, and Ethan. We also consulted Dr. Adrian Walker. He provided expert insights on the ergonomic support of these modular frames. We stripped the covers off. We inspected the joint mechanisms. We sat for hours. We napped. We analyzed the fabric performance against spills and claws.
Our workflow was practical and rigorous. We simulated real apartment living conditions. We timed the unboxing and assembly process for each model. We noted how much packaging waste was generated. We then rotated through specific usage scenarios. These included binge-watching sessions, remote work shifts, and hosting friends. We paid attention to seat depth and cushion resilience. We tracked how the back pillows maintained their loft. This review details our unfiltered, honest findings.
Product Overview
| Sofa Model | Pros | Cons | Ideal For | Price (Approx) | Overall Score |
| Kova Sofa | Incredible deep lounging, cloud-like | Cushions require constant fluffing | Media rooms, deep relaxation | $1,900+ | 4.6 |
| Albany Sofa | Classic design, balanced comfort | Seat depth is average | General living, apartments | $1,200+ | 4.4 |
| Park Sofa | Chic mid-century look, firm | Not great for napping | Formal sitting, offices | $1,300+ | 4.2 |
| Lido Sofa | Compact, unique fabric texture | Back is relatively low | Small studios, boho style | $1,400+ | 4.3 |
| Barton Sofa | Robust frame, wide arms | Feels bulky in small rooms | Large family rooms | $1,600+ | 4.5 |
| Eoka Sofa | Plush velvet, soft curves | Velvet traps heat | Glam styling, cozy nooks | $1,500+ | 4.4 |
Albany Park Couches Comparison Chart
| Feature | Kova | Albany | Park | Lido | Barton | Eoka |
| Width | 84" - 120"+ | 87" | 82" | 80" | 90" | 86" |
| Depth | 42" (Deep) | 36" | 35" | 35" | 40" | 38" |
| Seat Depth | 30" | 24" | 22" | 23" | 25" | 24" |
| Seat Height | 18" | 18" | 19" | 18" | 18" | 17" |
| Cushion Fill | Feather Blend | Foam/Fiber | Foam | Foam/Fiber | Foam/Feather | Foam/Poly |
| Fabric Type | Velvet / Boucle | Polyester | Distressed Vegan Leather | Woven Texture | Performance | Plush Velvet |
| Assembly | Modular Brackets | Tool-free | Bolt-on Legs | Tool-free | Modular | Tool-free |
| Design Style | Modern Cloud | Transitional | Mid-Century | Boho/Modern | Contemporary | Soft Glam |
What We Tested and How We Tested It
We established a strict testing protocol for these Albany Park couches. The primary focus was the "box-to-living-room" experience. We timed how long it took to carry the boxes inside and assemble the frames. We evaluated the quality of the connection hardware. We checked if the pieces locked together securely or wobbled. We assessed the ease of disassembly for moving. We inspected the packaging for protection against shipping damage.
Comfort testing involved distinct user scenarios. We sat upright to mimic conversation. We reclined to simulate movie watching. We lay flat to test napping potential. We assessed the "sink" factor versus support. We checked if the feathers poked through the fabric. We noted the seat height for standing up. We invited testers of different weights to sit simultaneously. This helped us gauge the frame rigidity.
Durability and material quality were also critical. We rubbed the fabrics with denim to check for dye transfer. We cleaned simulated spills like coffee and wine on the performance fabrics. We let our office dog walk on the surfaces. We checked for scratch resistance on the vegan leather. We measured cushion compression after two weeks of daily use. This data formed the basis of our scores.
Testing Team Takeaways
I found the assembly system to be genuinely impressive. The brackets slide together easily. It is much faster than IKEA. However, the comfort varies wildly between models. The Kova is a sink-in pit, while the Park is a stiff board. I felt supported on the Albany, but lost in the Kova. The fabrics generally felt high-quality, especially the velvet options.
Marcus Reed focused on the structural integrity. “The brackets hold tight, no wiggle,” he noted. He liked the Barton for its substantial feel. He felt secure. He found the Park too narrow for his shoulders when lying down. He preferred the Kova for gaming. He could sprawl out completely. He noted the legs on the Lido felt a bit lighter than the others.
Carlos Alvarez analyzed the posture support. He praised the Park. “My back stays straight here,” he stated. He found the firm seat excellent for laptop work. He disliked the Kova for working. He sank in too deep. It curved his spine. He appreciated the standard depth of the Albany. It allowed his feet to touch the floor properly.
Mia Chen loved the Kova. She curled up in the corner. “It’s like a giant nest,” she said. She liked the feather fill. She found the Park too hard. It hurt her hips after an hour. She enjoyed the texture of the Lido fabric. It felt cozy. She noted the Eoka seat height was low, which was perfect for her legs.
Jenna Brooks and Ethan Cole tested the couple suitability. They found the Kova amazing for movie nights. “We can both lay down fully,” Jenna noted. They liked the shared space. Ethan noted the Albany cushions slid forward slightly. He had to push them back. They agreed the Park was strictly for sitting, not cuddling.
Jamal Davis had issues with the seat depth on the Park. “My knees are way past the edge,” he complained. He loved the Kova depth. It supported his long thighs. He found the backrests on the Lido too low. He could not lean his head back. He advised tall users to stick to the Kova or Barton.
Albany Park Couches: Our Testing Experience
Kova Sofa
Our Testing Experience:
I started with the Kova because it is their viral hit. It is a "cloud couch" dupe. I unpacked the boxes. The cushions were vacuum-sealed. They puffed up huge. I sat down and sank. It is incredibly soft. I watched a three-hour movie. I did not move. It wraps around you.
Jenna Brooks joined me. She loved the feather blend. “It feels expensive,” she said. She curled up. She noted the cushions needed fluffing when we stood up. They hold the shape of your body. It looked messy after use.
Jamal Davis sat in the corner. He stretched his legs out. “Finally, a deep seat,” he said. He liked the 30-inch seat depth. He felt relaxed. He tried to work on his laptop but gave up. It is too soft for typing. Dr. Adrian Walker noted the lack of structure. He warned it offers minimal spinal support for upright tasks.
Pros & Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
| Incredible cloud-like comfort | Cushions need daily fluffing |
| Deep seats perfect for lounging | Too soft for back support |
| Modular design grows with you | Fabric can look rumply |
| Feather blend feels luxurious | Hard to stand up from deep seat |
Details:
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Price: $1,900+
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Dimensions: 84" W x 42" D x 34" H
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Seat Depth: 30"
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Seat Height: 18"
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Cushion Firmness: Soft
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Frame Material: Kiln-Dried Hardwood
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Fabric: Velvet / Boucle
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Assembly: Easy (Brackets)
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Warranty: Lifetime on Frame
Review Score:
| Metric | Score | Remarks |
| Seat Comfort | 4.8 | Pure relaxation bliss. |
| Back Support | 3.5 | Minimal structure; all pillowy. |
| Seat Depth Fit | 4.9 | Deepest seat in the lineup. |
| Cooling | 4.0 | You sink in, trapping heat. |
| Durability | 4.4 | Fabric is tough; fill needs care. |
| Overall | 4.6 | The ultimate choice for comfort seekers. |
Albany Sofa
Our Testing Experience:
The Albany is the brand namesake. It is a transitional style. I assembled it in 15 minutes. No tools needed. I sat down. It is medium-firm. It feels balanced. I sat upright to read. The back cushions offered good support. I did not sink in like the Kova.
Carlos Alvarez preferred this one. “It’s a real sofa,” he said. He sat with his feet flat. He liked the posture. He worked on his laptop for two hours. He felt productive. He noted the armrests were a good height for elbows.
Ethan Cole tested the nap potential. He lay down. The armrests are slightly tapered. “I need a pillow here,” he said. He found the length good. He did not hit the ends. Dr. Adrian Walker praised the seat height. He said it allows for easy ingress and egress for most adults.
Pros & Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
| Balanced medium-firm comfort | Cushions slide forward slightly |
| versatile design fits any room | Standard depth feels average |
| Easy tool-free assembly | Armrests are not padded heavily |
| Durable fabric options | Legs are basic plastic/wood |
Details:
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Price: $1,200+
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Dimensions: 87" W x 36" D x 32" H
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Seat Depth: 24"
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Seat Height: 18"
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Cushion Firmness: Medium
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Frame Material: Hardwood
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Fabric: Polyester / Velvet
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Assembly: Very Easy
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Warranty: Lifetime on Frame
Review Score:
| Metric | Score | Remarks |
| Seat Comfort | 4.5 | A crowd-pleaser; Goldilocks feel. |
| Back Support | 4.4 | Good upright support. |
| Seat Depth Fit | 4.5 | Standard depth fits everyone. |
| Cooling | 4.4 | Foam breathes adequately. |
| Durability | 4.5 | Fabric and foam hold up well. |
| Overall | 4.4 | Best all-rounder for general use. |
Park Sofa
Our Testing Experience:
The Park brings mid-century vibes. It has distressed vegan leather. I liked the look. It looks vintage. I sat down. It is firm. Very firm. The seat is a single foam block. I sat upright. It felt like a reception sofa. I drank coffee here. It kept me alert.
Marcus Reed sat heavily. “This is solid,” he noted. He liked the stability. He did not bounce. He ran his hand over the leather. It felt smooth but synthetic. He noted it would be easy to wipe clean. He tried to lie down but felt it was too narrow.
Mia Chen found it slippery. She sat with her legs up. “I keep sliding down,” she laughed. She liked the bolster pillows. They added style. She felt it was too hard for a movie marathon. Dr. Adrian Walker noted the firm seat. He suggested this for offices or formal sitting rooms where posture is priority.
Pros & Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
| Stylish mid-century aesthetic | Very firm seating |
| Easy to clean vegan leather | Slippery surface |
| Excellent back support | Narrow seating area |
| Compact footprint | Not cozy for lounging |
Details:
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Price: $1,300+
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Dimensions: 82" W x 35" D x 32" H
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Seat Depth: 22"
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Seat Height: 19"
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Cushion Firmness: Firm
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Frame Material: Hardwood
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Fabric: Distressed Vegan Leather
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Assembly: Legs Only
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Warranty: Lifetime on Frame
Review Score:
| Metric | Score | Remarks |
| Seat Comfort | 3.8 | Stiff; style over softness. |
| Back Support | 4.6 | Excellent vertical support. |
| Seat Depth Fit | 4.1 | Shallow depth suits sitting up. |
| Cooling | 4.0 | Leather can feel warm/sticky. |
| Durability | 4.7 | Leather is tough; foam is dense. |
| Overall | 4.2 | Best for style and formal spaces. |
Lido Sofa
Our Testing Experience:
The Lido is cute. It has a boho texture. I assembled it alone. It was light. I sat down. The cushions are softer than the Albany. I liked the weave of the fabric. It felt high-quality. I sat in the corner. The arm is low. I rested my arm comfortably.
Jenna Brooks liked the size. “It fits small walls perfectly,” she said. She sat with Ethan. It was tight for two people. They touched shoulders. She liked the cozy feel. She noted the back cushions were shorter than she expected.
Jamal Davis sat down. He looked giant on it. “This is small,” he said. His shoulders were above the backrest. He felt the seat depth was okay, but the visual scale was off for him. Dr. Adrian Walker noted the low back. He advised against this for tall people needing upper back support.
Pros & Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
| Unique textured fabric options | Low backrest |
| Compact size for apartments | Tight for two people |
| Comfortable medium-soft feel | Legs feel lightweight |
| Easy to move | Not for tall users |
Details:
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Price: $1,400+
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Dimensions: 80" W x 35" D x 32" H
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Seat Depth: 23"
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Seat Height: 18"
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Cushion Firmness: Medium
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Frame Material: Hardwood
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Fabric: Woven Texture
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Assembly: Tool-free
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Warranty: Lifetime on Frame
Review Score:
| Metric | Score | Remarks |
| Seat Comfort | 4.3 | Cozy and textured. |
| Back Support | 3.9 | Low back limits support. |
| Seat Depth Fit | 4.2 | Good for petite/average users. |
| Cooling | 4.5 | Weave breathes very well. |
| Durability | 4.2 | Fabric feels premium. |
| Overall | 4.3 | Perfect for small, stylish apartments. |
Barton Sofa
Our Testing Experience:
The Barton is the big brother. It feels substantial. I assembled the modules. It took two of us. The arms are wide and square. I sat down. It is deep and supportive. It feels like a luxury hotel sofa. I put a tray on the armrest. It stayed flat.
Marcus Reed loved this one. “This feels sturdy,” he noted. He bounced on it. No creaks. He liked the depth. It is deeper than the Albany but firmer than the Kova. He felt it was the perfect hybrid.
Mia Chen found it bulky. She sat in the middle. “It takes up a lot of room,” she said. She liked the comfort but felt overwhelmed by the size. She noted the cushions stayed in place well. Dr. Adrian Walker praised the balance. He said it offers the depth for relaxation with enough firmness for standing ease.
Pros & Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
| Substantial, sturdy frame | Bulky visual footprint |
| Wide functional armrests | Heavy to move |
| Great balance of soft and firm | Assembly takes two people |
| Deep seat for relaxing | Price is higher |
Details:
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Price: $1,600+
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Dimensions: 90" W x 40" D x 32" H
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Seat Depth: 25"
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Seat Height: 18"
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Cushion Firmness: Medium-Firm
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Frame Material: Hardwood
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Fabric: Performance Fabric
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Assembly: Modular
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Warranty: Lifetime on Frame
Review Score:
| Metric | Score | Remarks |
| Seat Comfort | 4.6 | High-end comfort feel. |
| Back Support | 4.4 | Supportive and structured. |
| Seat Depth Fit | 4.7 | Generous depth fits everyone. |
| Cooling | 4.4 | Standard performance. |
| Durability | 4.8 | Feels robust and heavy. |
| Overall | 4.5 | A solid choice for large family rooms. |
Eoka Sofa
Our Testing Experience:
The Eoka is the glam option. It has curves and velvet. I unpacked it. The rust velvet color was stunning. I sat down. It is soft but has a springy resistance. I liked the curved arms. They hugged me. I read a book here. It felt cozy and enclosed.
Ethan Cole sat on it. He liked the look. “It’s very retro,” he said. He rubbed the velvet. It felt plush. He noted it felt warmer than the other sofas. He got hot after 30 minutes. He liked the low profile.
Jenna Brooks found the seat height a bit low. She is tall. “I have to bend down to sit,” she noted. She liked the aesthetics for a formal room. She worried about spills on the velvet. Dr. Adrian Walker noted the soft edges. He said it removes hard pressure points on the legs.
Pros & Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
| Beautiful curved glam design | Velvet traps heat |
| Plush comfortable seating | Low seat height |
| Soft edges everywhere | Hard to clean spills |
| Statement piece aesthetics | Not for tall users |
Details:
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Price: $1,500+
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Dimensions: 86" W x 38" D x 30" H
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Seat Depth: 24"
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Seat Height: 17"
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Cushion Firmness: Medium
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Frame Material: Hardwood
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Fabric: Plush Velvet
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Assembly: Tool-free
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Warranty: Lifetime on Frame
Review Score:
| Metric | Score | Remarks |
| Seat Comfort | 4.5 | Soft and plush. |
| Back Support | 4.2 | Curved back offers nice wrap. |
| Seat Depth Fit | 4.4 | Good depth for lounging. |
| Cooling | 3.8 | Velvet gets warm. |
| Durability | 4.3 | Velvet is durable but needs care. |
| Overall | 4.4 | Best for style-conscious cozy rooms. |
Compare Performance Scores of These Sofas
| Sofa | Overall Score | Seat Comfort | Back Support | Seat Depth Fit | Cooling / Breathability | Durability | Ease of Movement |
| Kova | 4.6 | 4.8 | 3.5 | 4.9 | 4.0 | 4.4 | 3.5 |
| Albany | 4.4 | 4.5 | 4.4 | 4.5 | 4.4 | 4.5 | 4.2 |
| Park | 4.2 | 3.8 | 4.6 | 4.1 | 4.0 | 4.7 | 4.0 |
| Lido | 4.3 | 4.3 | 3.9 | 4.2 | 4.5 | 4.2 | 4.5 |
| Barton | 4.5 | 4.6 | 4.4 | 4.7 | 4.4 | 4.8 | 4.0 |
| Eoka | 4.4 | 4.5 | 4.2 | 4.4 | 3.8 | 4.3 | 4.0 |
The Kova wins on pure comfort for lounging. It is a specific experience. The Albany and Barton are the most balanced. They offer support and comfort equally. The Park is the durability and support king but fails on softness. The Lido is the airy apartment choice. The Eoka is for style lovers who still want comfort.
Best Picks
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Best Overall Albany Park Sofa: Kova Sofa
The Kova takes the top spot for its unmatched comfort. Mia and Jamal loved the deep, cloud-like seating. It transforms any room into a relaxation zone and justifies the hype.
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Best Family Albany Park Sofa: Barton Sofa
The Barton earns the family award. Marcus praised its sturdy frame and substantial feel. It bridges the gap between the soft Kova and the firm Albany, handling kids and pets with ease.
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Best Value Albany Park Sofa: Albany Sofa
The Albany is the value winner. It offers a timeless look and balanced comfort for a great price. Carlos found it perfect for everyday use, from working to watching TV.
How to Choose the Albany Park Couches?
Choosing the right Albany Park sofa depends on your "lounge factor."
First, decide how you sit. If you want to lay down and disappear, buy the Kova. It is a pit. If you want to sit upright and drink tea, buy the Park or Albany. They keep you vertical.
Next, measure your doorways. The boxes fit through tight spaces, but the assembled sofas vary. The Kova has deep modules (42"). Ensure your room can handle that depth. The Lido and Albany are slimmer (35-36") and fit smaller footprints.
Think about maintenance. If you hate fluffing pillows, avoid the Kova. It needs daily attention. The Albany and Park keep their shape with zero effort.
Finally, consider fabric. The Velvet options are durable and cleanable. The Vegan Leather on the Park is wipeable but sticky in heat. The Boucle on the Kova adds texture but can trap crumbs.
Limitations
Albany Park sofas have limitations. They are "sofa-in-a-box" products. While high quality, they rely on brackets and clips. They may not feel as rock-solid as a one-piece kiln-dried frame from a luxury store. The feather fill in the Kova requires maintenance. If you don't fluff it, it looks flat. The vegan leather is not real leather. It lacks the patina of age. Also, return shipping can be a hassle if you unpacked everything. You have to re-box it.
Is the Albany Park Sofa worth it?
The Albany Park sofa lineup is worth it for specific buyers.
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Movers: If you move apartments often, the box system is a lifesaver.
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Tight Spaces: You can get a huge sectional into a room with a narrow door.
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Comfort Seekers: The Kova rivals sofas that cost double.
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Trade-off: You do the assembly work.
If you want stylish, comfortable furniture that you can actually get into your house, Albany Park is a fantastic choice.
FAQs
1. Is the Kova really that soft?
Yes. It uses a feather blend. It feels like a duvet. You will sink in. If you have bad knees, it might be hard to get out of.
2. Is assembly hard?
No. Most models use a slide-and-click bracket system. We assembled the Albany in 15 minutes. The Kova took longer because of the multiple boxes.
3. Are the covers removable?
On the Kova and Barton, yes. The seat and back cushion covers zip off. The frame covers are usually fixed.
4. Does the vegan leather peel?
In our short test, no. It felt thick. However, like all synthetic leather, it may show wear over years of heavy friction.
5. How fast is shipping?
They are known for speed. Our boxes arrived within a week. This is much faster than custom furniture.
6. Can I add more pieces to the Kova later?
Yes. It is fully modular. You can turn a sofa into a sectional by buying another ottoman or armless piece.
7. Does the velvet attract pet hair?
Yes, static can attract hair. However, the velvet weave is tight, so claws don't snag easily. A lint roller cleans it fast.
8. Is the Park comfortable for sleeping?
Not really. It is narrow and firm. It is fine for a quick nap, but not for a guest bed.
9. Do the boxes fit in an elevator?
Yes. That is the main selling point. The boxes are designed to fit in standard elevators and stairwells.
10. What is the return policy?
They offer a 30-day trial. However, you often have to pay return shipping or a restocking fee. Keep the boxes just in case.