My team and I spent the last six weeks living with five of MadeRight’s most popular custom sofa configurations. We wanted to see if this California-based brand truly delivers on its promise of "solidly built" furniture. We didn't just look at swatches. We hauled these heavy pieces into our testing space. We lived on them. I gathered my usual crew, including Marcus, Carlos, Mia, Jenna, Jamal, and Ethan. We covered every demographic from petite sitters to tall athletes.

We focused heavily on the structural integrity and the "custom" feel. MadeRight allows for specific depth and length adjustments. We needed to know if those inches actually mattered in daily use. We rotated through movie nights, work-from-home sessions, and weekend naps. Dr. Adrian Walker joined our process to evaluate the ergonomic impact of their different cushion fills, though he did not perform the physical testing himself.

Our goal was to push the frames and fabrics past the showroom phase. We spilled water. We let pets jump up. We tested the bounce-back of the cushions after hours of heavy use. This review breaks down exactly how these sofas perform in a real home, stripped of marketing language. We want you to know exactly what you are getting before you wait for a custom order.

Product Overview

Sofa Model	Pros	Cons	Ideal For	Price	Overall Score
Mr. Big	Huge customization range; solid frame feel; deep seating options	Can look bulky in small rooms; standard fill is firm	Large living rooms; tall families	High	4.8
Lils	Clean lines; supportive back; great for posture	Shallow seat options feel tight for lounging	Formal sitting; apartments; back pain sufferers	Mid-High	4.6
Jones	Modern aesthetic; thin arms save space; firm seat	Low back profile offers less neck support	Modern decor; working from sofa	Mid-High	4.5
Balsam	Soft, relaxed vibe; slipcover option is practical	Cushions require frequent fluffing; messy look	Casual lounging; homes with pets	High	4.4
Gough	Wide track arms; excellent corner support; durable feel	Boxy visual weight; armrests are hard	Sectional layouts; open concept rooms	High	4.7

MadeRight Sofas Comparison Chart

Feature	Mr. Big	Lils	Jones	Balsam	Gough
Style	Transitional / Track Arm	Traditional / Soft Edge	Modern / Thin Arm	Relaxed / Slipcover	Modern / Wide Arm
Base Depth	35" - 45" (Custom)	33" - 40" (Custom)	34" - 40" (Custom)	38" - 42" (Custom)	36" - 42" (Custom)
Seat Height	18"	19"	18"	17.5"	18"
Cushion Fill	Standard or Soft Foam	Standard Foam	High-Resiliency Foam	Down-Wrap	Multi-layer Foam
Back Style	Loose Box Edge	Loose Knife Edge	Tight or Loose	Loose Pillow	Loose Box Edge
Frame Material	USA Hardwood Plywood	USA Hardwood Plywood	USA Hardwood Plywood	USA Hardwood Plywood	USA Hardwood Plywood
Legs	Block Wood	Tapered or Skirt	Metal or Wood	Hidden / Skirt	Low Block

What We Tested and How We Tested It

We developed a strict protocol to evaluate these MadeRight sofas objectively. We ignored the spec sheets initially. We simply sat down. I had every tester spend at least two hours continuously on each model. We wanted to find the "hot spots" where comfort fades. We monitored how the foam reacted to body heat. We checked for sagging after a 230-pound user sat in the same spot for an hour.

We evaluated the customization accuracy. We measured the actual seat depths against the ordered specs. We checked the frame stiffness by lifting one corner to see if the other leg followed immediately. We tested the fabric durability by rubbing denim swatches against the armrests. We also simulated "life" scenarios. Jenna and Ethan tested the "cuddle factor" on sectionals. Mia checked if she could curl up in the corners without feeling the wood frame. We paid close attention to the assembly and delivery experience since these are custom pieces.

Testing Team Takeaways

I found the construction quality to be the standout feature of this brand. The frames are heavy. You feel the plywood density when you try to scoot them. My lower back appreciated the "Standard" fill option on the Mr. Big. It held my spine in a neutral curve. I did notice the "Soft" fill on the Balsam lacked the lumbar resistance I need for a full workday. The fabrics felt thick and substantial across the board.

Marcus spent a lot of time testing the structural limits. This doesn't creak at all, he said while bouncing on the Gough. He usually hears a frame groan under his weight. He found the deep version of the Mr. Big to be a dream for gaming. He mentioned that the velvet fabric option ran a bit warm after an hour of intense play. He preferred the performance weaves for breathability.

Carlos focused on the ergonomics for working. He favored the Lils model. My shoulders stay back against the cushion, he noted. He disliked the Balsam for laptop work. He felt it pitched his torso too far back. He noted the transition from seat to back on the Jones was a bit sharp for his taste. He preferred the softer roll of the Lils cushions.

Mia was thrilled with the depth options. She usually swims in American sofas. We ordered a shallower Lils for her to test. My knees actually hit the edge perfectly, she said. She loved that she could reach the floor. She found the arm height on the Jones a bit too high for her shoulders when she leaned sideways. She preferred the lower profile of the Balsam for reading.

Jenna and Ethan tested the shared comfort. They found the Gough sectional gave them distinct zones. I don't roll toward him, Jenna said. She liked the individual seat definition. Ethan noted that the wide arm on the Gough was basically a side table. He put his phone there securely. They both felt the Lils was a bit too formal for their movie nights.

Jamal tested the legroom on the deep configurations. He sat on the 45-inch depth Mr. Big. I can finally stretch my legs, he said with a smile. He usually needs an ottoman. He found the seat height on the Balsam a little low. It made standing up harder for him after a workout. He appreciated the firmness of the foam on the Jones.

MadeRight Sofas: Our Testing Experience

Mr. Big Sofa

Our Testing Experience

I viewed the Mr. Big as the anchor of their collection. I ordered the standard foam fill with a 40-inch depth. I sat down and felt a distinct lack of "sink." This is a supportive couch. My hips stayed level with my knees. I worked on my laptop for three hours without back fatigue. The armrests are wide enough to balance a coffee mug. It feels substantial.

Marcus approached this sofa with his usual skepticism about frame flex. He sat heavily on the middle cushion. It feels solid underneath, he noted. He slid his hips forward to lounge. He liked that the front rail didn't dig into his calves. He mentioned the fabric felt tight and well-upholstered. He did not feel any loose fabric pooling after he stood up.

Mia climbed into the corner. She tucked her legs under her. There is so much room here, she said. She felt the back cushion was thick enough to support her small frame without needing extra throw pillows. She liked the height of the back. It supported her head when she leaned back fully.

Dr. Walker's Note: Deep seating options like this allow for varied postures. However, shorter users must ensure their popliteal (knee) angle is not compromised. Using the shallower custom option is vital for users under 5'6".

Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
Incredible frame solidity	Visual profile is blocky
Custom depth is a game changer	Heavy to move around
Cushions hold their shape	Long lead time for custom
Wide arms are functional	Standard fill is quite firm

Details

• Price: High range

• Width: Custom (tested 90")

• Depth: Custom (tested 40")

• Seat Height: 18 inches

• Cushion Fill: High-density foam core

• Frame: 7/8" hardwood plywood

• Suspension: Sinuous spring

• Warranty: Lifetime on frame

Review Score

Metric	Score	Remarks
Seat Comfort	4.8	Firm but forgiving.
Back Support	4.9	Excellent vertical structure.
Durability	4.9	Feels built like a tank.
Fabric Quality	4.8	Thick performance weave.
Value	4.6	High price, high quality.
Overall	4.8	The gold standard for durability.

Lils Sofa

Our Testing Experience

I appreciated the slightly softer aesthetic of the Lils. It has a more traditional vibe. I sat down and the back cushions felt different than the Mr. Big. They are knife-edge, so they are floppier. I liked the initial softness on my back. However, I found myself fluffing them more often. The seat felt slightly higher, which made my posture more upright.

Carlos loved this model for his reading sessions. The back angle is perfect, he said. He sat with a straight spine. He noted the armrests were lower. This allowed his shoulders to relax. He didn't feel like he was hunching. He felt the seat foam was consistent from edge to center.

Jenna tested the "nap-ability" of the Lils. She laid her head on the armrest. It's a bit bony, she noted. She needed a throw pillow. She liked that the sofa didn't look messy after she got up. The fabric stayed taut. She felt it was a great conversation sofa but maybe not a "lounging" sofa.

Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
Elegant, refined look	Knife-edge pillows need fluffing
Good upright posture support	Armrests are thin/hard
Versatile for smaller rooms	Less lounge-friendly
Easy to enter and exit	Seat feels shallower

Details

• Price: Mid-High range

• Style: Soft traditional

• Cushions: Knife-edge back

• Legs: Tapered wood

• Fill: Standard foam

• Width: Custom (tested 84")

• Depth: Tested 36"

Review Score

Metric	Score	Remarks
Seat Comfort	4.5	Good for sitting, less for lounging.
Back Support	4.7	Supports upright posture well.
Durability	4.6	Frame is solid, pillows soft.
Fabric Quality	4.7	Excellent tailoring.
Value	4.5	Good for specific styles.
Overall	4.6	Best for formal living areas.

Jones Sofa

Our Testing Experience

I noticed the modern lines of the Jones immediately. It sits on metal legs. I sat down and felt a firm landing. The seat is tight. There is very little bounce. This is a serious sofa. I liked it for a morning coffee. I did not enjoy it for a two-hour movie. My lower back wanted more give.

Jamal sat down and spread his legs. The thin arms give me more seat width, he observed. He liked maximizing the seating area in a smaller footprint. He found the back height a bit low. His shoulders were above the cushion. He couldn't lean his head back at all.

Mia tried to curl up in the corner. It's a bit boxy, she said. She hit her knee on the hard armrest. She found the fabric felt very tight against the foam. She liked the clean look. She said it would be perfect for a reception area or a modern apartment.

Dr. Walker's Note: Low-back sofas often lack adequate scapular support for taller individuals. Prolonged sitting in a "perched" position without upper back support can lead to trapezius strain.

Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
Sleek modern design	Very firm seat
Maximizes seating width	Low back offers no head support
Easy to clean under	Hard edges
Holds shape perfectly	Not cozy for napping

Details

• Price: Mid-High range

• Legs: Metal cylinder

• Arm Width: 3 inches

• Back: Tight back option tested

• Suspension: Sinuous spring

• Depth: Tested 38"

Review Score

Metric	Score	Remarks
Seat Comfort	4.3	Firm and austere.
Back Support	4.0	Too low for relaxation.
Durability	4.8	Tight fabric holds up.
Fabric Quality	4.7	Crisp application.
Value	4.4	Style over comfort.
Overall	4.5	Ideal for modern aesthetics.

Balsam Sofa

Our Testing Experience

I sank into the Balsam and felt the difference immediately. We ordered this with the "Soft" fill and slipcover. It felt like a nest. I relaxed instantly. However, after an hour of typing, my lower back started to ache. I had lost my lumbar curve. I had to move to the floor to stretch. This is a pure relaxation piece.

Ethan threw himself onto the couch. Now this is comfortable, he laughed. He loved the squish factor. He lay down and fell asleep within ten minutes. He mentioned the fabric felt softer, likely due to the slipcover fit. He noted that the cushions looked messy when he woke up.

Jenna adjusted the back pillows. They need a lot of karate chopping, she said. She didn't mind the maintenance. She loved the casual look. She felt this was the most "homey" sofa of the bunch. She tested the slipcover zipper and found it sturdy.

Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
Ultimate sink-in comfort	Poor ergonomic support for work
Washable slipcover option	Looks messy constantly
Great for napping	Hard to stand up from
relaxed aesthetic	Cushions require daily fluffing

Details

• Price: High range

• Style: Slipcovered / Relaxed

• Fill: Down-wrap over foam

• Depth: Tested 42"

• Maintenance: Dry clean or wash covers

• Back: Loose pillow back

Review Score

Metric	Score	Remarks
Seat Comfort	4.8	Plush and enveloping.
Back Support	3.8	Lacks structure.
Durability	4.3	Fabric is good, foam softens.
Fabric Quality	4.6	Soft, heavy linen blend.
Value	4.4	High maintenance but cozy.
Overall	4.4	The choice for casual lounging.

Gough Sectional

Our Testing Experience

I walked around the Gough and admired the proportions. It is substantial. I sat in the corner piece. It felt solid. The arm is wide and flat. I put my laptop right on the armrest. It was stable. The seat firmness was a perfect middle ground between the Mr. Big and the Balsam. I felt supported but not perched.

Marcus tested the connection points. These clips are heavy duty, he noted. He jumped from one section to the other. The pieces did not drift apart. He liked the block legs. He felt they anchored the sofa well. He noted the fabric weave was dense and seemed resistant to snagging.

Jamal stretched out on the chaise section. I have room to spare, he noted. He liked that the cushion on the chaise didn't slide forward. That is a common annoyance for him. He found the back cushions supportive enough to watch a whole game without shifting.

Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
excellent modular stability	Very large footprint
Functional wide arms	Armrests have hard corners
balanced cushion comfort	Heavy visual weight
Durable connection hardware	Expensive in large layouts

Details

• Price: High range

• Type: Modular Sectional

• Arm: Wide Track (7")

• Fill: Standard foam

• Legs: Low block wood

• Depth: Tested 40"

Review Score

Metric	Score	Remarks
Seat Comfort	4.7	Great balance of firm/soft.
Back Support	4.6	Good vertical support.
Durability	4.9	Feels indestructible.
Fabric Quality	4.8	Tough and tight.
Value	4.5	An investment for families.
Overall	4.7	Best for open family rooms.

Compare Performance Scores of These Sofas

Sofa	Overall Score	Seat Comfort	Back Support	Seat Depth Fit	Cooling	Durability	Ease of Movement
Mr. Big	4.8	4.8	4.9	4.9	4.5	4.9	4.2
Lils	4.6	4.5	4.7	4.4	4.6	4.6	4.7
Jones	4.5	4.3	4.0	4.3	4.7	4.8	4.8
Balsam	4.4	4.8	3.8	4.5	4.2	4.3	3.5
Gough	4.7	4.7	4.6	4.8	4.5	4.9	4.1

The data reveals a consistent trend: MadeRight prioritizes durability. Every model scored highly on durability due to the plywood frames. The Mr. Big is the most balanced performer, scoring high in comfort and support. The Jones sacrifices comfort for style and cooling. The Balsam is the outlier, favoring pure softness over the structural support found in the other models.

Best Picks

• Best Overall MadeRight Sofa: Mr. Big Sofa. This model earns the top spot for its versatility and incredible build quality. It balances a supportive seat with enough give for relaxation, making it the ultimate daily driver for most homes.

• Best MadeRight Sofa for Families: Gough Sectional. The solid connection hardware and durable fabric options make this the winner for heavy traffic. Its wide arms and stable chaise offer practical zones for kids and adults alike.

• Best MadeRight Sofa for Posture: Lils Sofa. With its supportive back angle and moderate seat depth options, the Lils provides the best ergonomic experience. It keeps the spine aligned better than the deeper, softer models.

How to Choose the MadeRight Sofa?

Choosing the right MadeRight sofa requires understanding your specific space and body type.

• Body Height and Leg Length: If you are tall like Jamal, order the Mr. Big or Gough in the 40-inch or deeper configuration. You need that depth to support your thighs. If you are petite like Mia, the Lils or Jones in standard depth (approx 36") allows your feet to reach the floor.

• Posture Preferences: If you sit upright to chat or work, the Lils is your best bet. It supports a vertical spine. If you lounge, nap, or sprawl, the Balsam or the deep version of the Mr. Big offers the relaxation space you need.

• Room Size: The Gough and Mr. Big are visually heavy. They need big rooms. For apartments or visual lightness, the Jones on metal legs keeps the space looking open.

• Household Type: Families and pet owners should lean toward the Balsam (slipcovers are washable) or the Mr. Big in a performance fabric. Couples who want their own space will love the Gough sectional.

• Budget: These are investment pieces. If you need to save slightly, the Jones often comes in at a lower entry price point than the massive sectionals.

Limitations

MadeRight sofas have specific drawbacks inherent to their business model.

• Wait Times: These are custom. You will wait 6 to 10 weeks. This is not for emergency furniture needs.

• Firmness: The "Standard" fill is firmer than mass-market brands. Users expecting a "cloud" feel from the base models will be disappointed.

• Weight: The solid plywood frames are heavy. Moving these sofas up narrow stairwells is difficult.

• Return Policy: Custom furniture is hard to return. You often face restocking fees or shipping costs if you change your mind.

• Assembly: Legs often need to be attached. On large sectionals, connecting the heavy pieces requires two strong people.

Is the MadeRight Sofa worth it?

Yes, the MadeRight sofa lineup is worth the high price tag for specific buyers.

• Build Quality: The hardwood plywood frames are superior to the particle board found in cheaper brands.

• Longevity: These sofas will last 10+ years. You are paying for a decade of use.

• Customization: The ability to dial in the exact length to the inch is invaluable for odd-shaped rooms.

• Who benefits: Homeowners who want a "forever" couch and have specific sizing needs.

• Trade-off: You pay with time (waiting for delivery) and upfront cash. You lose the instant gratification of big-box stores.

FAQs

1. How accurate are the custom measurements?

In our testing, the measurements were precise within half an inch. If you order a 90-inch sofa, you get a 90-inch sofa. Be sure to account for the depth including the back cushion overhang when measuring your room.

2. Is the "Soft" fill too soft?

For the Balsam, the soft fill is very plush and requires fluffing. For the Mr. Big, the soft fill option just takes the edge off the firmness. It does not turn it into a beanbag. We recommend "Standard" for back support.

3. Do the cushions sag over time?

During our testing period, the high-density foam held its shape well. Marcus (230 lbs) did not leave a permanent indentation. However, all fabric relaxes slightly. You should rotate cushions regularly to ensure even wear.

4. Can I wash the slipcovers?

On the Balsam model, yes, if you choose a washable fabric code. Always check the specific fabric care instructions. We recommend professional cleaning for the tighter upholstered models like the Jones.

5. Are MadeRight sofas good for tall people?

Yes, absolutely. The ability to order a 40-inch or even 45-inch overall depth makes them excellent for tall users. Jamal found the deep configurations significantly more comfortable than standard retail sofas.

6. How hard is the assembly?

The sofas arrive mostly assembled. You usually just screw in the legs. However, the boxes are huge and heavy. You need a friend to help flip the sofa over after attaching the legs.

7. Does the velvet fabric sleep hot?

Marcus noticed slight heat retention on the velvet options during long gaming sessions. If you run hot, stick to the linen weaves or cotton blends which breathe better.