The 14 Best Sectional Sofas — Expert Reviews, Ratings & Top Picks

No matter what kind of couch you plan to buy, comfort is always the first thing that needs to be considered, so we spent a lot of time figuring out how to test the comfort level of a couch. We finally summed up four steps for testing couch comfort.

First sitting

After we finish setting up the couch, we place it in a modern-style living room to simulate a normal home environment. We select five to ten testers for a “first impression” review, including people of different ages, genders, heights, and body types. They give their first scores, and after all the scores are collected, we come up with a final number that works for everyone. Then each tester takes turns to sit down, lean back, curl into the corner, roll around, stretch out flat on the cushions, and do some light bouncing on the couch. We give testers three choices: too firm, too soft, or just right. We use the option that gets the most votes.

Different positions

We test how people really use couches in daily life by recreating realistic scenes. We let testers do whatever feels natural—put their feet up, nap, lie down scrolling on their phones, use laptops on their laps, lean in the corner reading, watch a movie lying down, take a short rest, hug their pets, or squeeze in together with another person. If a couch only feels comfortable in one “perfect” spot, that’s not enough. We also give testers three choices: comfortable, average, or uncomfortable. We use the option with the most votes.

Long sitting

During our real-life simulation tests, each tester stays on the couch for at least an hour—working, watching TV, reading, or doing whatever they like. After the time is up, we collect feedback and ask them questions like: Did you feel any pressure points or discomfort? Did your lower back get sore? Did the cushions move around? Did you enjoy lying on it or wish you were in a chair instead?

Over time

The comfort of a couch changes after long use, which makes this the hardest part of our comfort evaluation. We randomly invite some couch buyers at physical furniture stores in the U.S. to join our testing activity. We record which couch model they bought and select some of the target products for tracking. One month after their purchase, we reach out to them and ask questions like: Have the cushions started to sink? Has the support gotten weaker? Does the couch still feel comfortable after long-term use? We record their answers and combine them with online reviews of the same couch brand, and finally we give a score for durability.

Couch style testing may sound a bit subjective, and to some extent it really is, but we think it is not only about how the couch looks. We evaluate the style of a couch more from a practical angle, checking how well its design fits with different types of living rooms, what the first impression feels like, whether the design is functional, whether the design style might go out of trend soon, whether the color choice makes sense, whether it feels more trendy or more classic, whether the material and texture combinations look consistent, and whether the overall proportions and design feel connected. We ask different testers to rate the style of each couch, and they vote among three options: outdated, classic, or trendy, and we use the option that gets the most votes.

Ease of use means how a couch feels to use in daily life. It is used to see whether we feel comfortable and convenient when we use the couch every day. A couch with poor ease of use usually makes you feel it is not convenient to use, for example when it has designs that serve no purpose, complicated assembly steps, extra functions that are not needed, or rough details that make you feel “not convenient” or “not comfortable.”

Assembly and setup

Our testers record the total time from unboxing to finishing the full assembly of the couch. Then, the testers read the instruction manual provided by the manufacturer and check if the manual is complete, clear, and easy to follow. During installation, we also check if the manufacturer provides all the necessary tools, how many steps are included, and whether the assembly is simple. We evaluate the amount of work required and whether someone needs help to finish it. A couch that is easy to assemble should be simple to set up and can be done easily by one person.

Daily use

After the couch is assembled, our testers push it gently from different sides to see if it stays stable and does not move easily. The testers also lie on the couch and do common daily movements such as turning over, jumping, and rolling to see if the seat cushions slide or move, if the back cushions fall easily, if the couch shifts, and how much it shakes. A couch with strong ease of use can handle these movements and positions easily. Then, we test if sitting down and standing up feel easy. We check if the couch is too soft or sinks too deep, since this affects how it feels when standing up. A couch that is too soft or too hard will both affect the ease-of-use score.

Cleaning and maintenance

Our testers remove the seat cushions and covers (if they exist) and check how easy it is to take them off and put them back. After removing the cushions, the testers observe if the gaps and corners of the couch collect dust easily. We measure the depth and width of the gaps because this affects cleaning and maintenance later. A couch that is easy to clean usually has special treatment in the connecting areas to prevent dust from building up. We also check the manufacturer’s care guide and test whether the fabric behaves as described. We make the couch dirty on purpose with things like water, juice, or dust to test if it is easy to clean.

Sofa beds

For sofa beds, we mainly test the mechanical parts. Because sofa beds are special in structure, users often switch between “sofa mode” and “bed mode,” so we test if it performs well in that function. Our testers change it from sofa to bed and back again at least five times. We record how many steps one conversion takes, how long it takes to put on sheets and make it usable, and whether there are any stuck parts, squeaky sounds, or signs of damage during the process. The testers also lie on it in bed mode to test its stability and comfort.

Each of these tests affects the ease-of-use score of the couch. If a couch is hard to clean, needs constant adjustment, repair, or has a complicated operation, even if it is comfortable, it will still lose points in this part.

The quality of a couch is closely related to its fabric, components, and frame structure. Our testers check every part of the couch in detail and combine those inspections with the testing steps mentioned earlier to evaluate its quality. We carefully look at the frame materials, the mechanical parts, and the type of filling used in the cushions. After these inspections, together with the results from the previous tests, we give each couch a final quality rating on a scale of one to five.

The following are the inspection points we use when checking the details of a couch.

• Testers press the armrests, backrests, and seats to see if they can easily feel any hard edges or bars.
• They check the inside seams and stitching to see if the lines are straight, the threads are tight, and the fabric edges are neatly finished.
• We look at the couch legs and metal fittings to see what kind of materials are used, how they are attached, and whether they feel solid, and if the mechanical parts move smoothly without catching.
• We also observe the overall alignment of the couch to see if the cushions sit evenly, the fabric is pulled neatly, the stitching is even, and the entire couch looks well built rather than quickly put together.

Durability refers to how well a couch holds up during everyday use, including how resistant the fabric is to wear and tear, how long the seat cushions keep their bounce, how safe the materials are, and how stable the frame and structure stay. It is not only about how new it looks. Because the durability of a couch takes a long time to show, it cannot be fully recreated in a lab setting. Couch fabric and frame materials age over time, which can take years, and these conditions cannot be simulated. So we test long-term durability mainly through in-person consumer surveys and collecting online customer feedback. For durability, we mainly focus on three parts.

Cushion performance

We talk to consumers about whether their couch cushions have changed shape, gone flat, or developed noticeable dents in spots they sit on the most, and how long they had used the couch before those problems appeared.

Frame and structure

We ask consumers if their couch frame makes squeaky sounds, if the mechanical parts still move smoothly, check if the couch wobbles, and whether the armrests or backrests have become loose. We also specifically ask if they can feel the frame under the cushions, especially for sofa beds. We record all these issues and note how long after purchase they started happening.

Fabric wear

We ask consumers about problems like pilling, snagging, fading, cracking, or worn or damaged areas on the fabric, especially on the parts they use the most. We gather this information and record how long after buying the couch those problems started to appear.

Finally, let’s take a look at the value of this couch. It is not just about the money, it is more about whether the couch you bought feels worth the price or even goes beyond what you paid, or whether it turns out to be a good investment.

We can now connect the price with all the other things we have learned about this couch.

• Whether the couch feels comfortable during everyday use.
• Whether the couch is easy to handle and keep up.
• How well the couch holds up after months of use.
• Which type of buyers it fits the best.

After taking all these things into account, we ask every tester one simple question. Based on everything we have learned, do you still think this price makes sense, and would you recommend this couch to buyers? If most testers vote yes, we give this couch a high value-for-money rating, even if it is not the cheapest option.

Our crew of certified furniture testers pick the top sofas. Our full process also digs into how a sofa performs in other ways, like how supportive it feels, how well it holds its shape, and more. We measure these details using hands-on testing tools along with honest feedback from testers of all sizes and sitting styles.

Once all the scores are in, we crunch the numbers using a weighted formula to get the sofa’s total score. That overall rating is a solid clue about its general quality and always lands somewhere out of five. As we narrow down which sofas make our final list, we only keep ones that earn at least a 3.5 out of 5 overall. Even if a sofa shines in one area, we won’t recommend it if it doesn’t hit that minimum bar.

• 500+ sofas tested in person
• 10+ data points collected for each bed
• Expert input from our Chief Medical Advisor Dr. Raj Dasgupta (MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM).
• 5,000+ readers who bought a new sofa based on our recommendations

An L-shaped sectional is the most classic layout. It fits practically anywhere and is a total space-saver, tucking neatly into a corner and making the most out of every inch. It also forms a setup that can frame a few accent chairs or a statement armchair.

A U-shaped sectional works great for big families who need lots of seating, or for hosts who love throwing get-togethers and want a cozy spot for guests to relax.

A curved sectional is like a sibling to the L-shape and U-shape styles but isn’t limited to straight lines. Sometimes it’s a real “U” shape, other times it flows in more of an “S” curve. Curved couches and sectionals stand out because they don’t look awkward in the middle of a room, while sharper-edged ones might throw off the flow.

Modular sectionals are the all-rounders of the seating world. With a modular setup, you can switch an L-shape into a U-shape for more seating or rearrange the pieces into single chairs or loveseats.

If you’re not sold on a full sectional, a sofa with a chaise gives you the perfect middle ground. With this pick, you don’t have to worry about whether a left- or right-facing chaise fits your space—the detachable chaise lets you swap it around whenever you want.

Sectional Sofas

Unlike a standard couch, a sectional has a flexible setup made up of several separate parts that you can move and arrange in different ways to fit various living room layouts. Sectionals are usually made in “L” or “U” shapes, creating a cozy area for lounging, talking, or relaxing with others. This kind of sofa works great for homes where people love to have guests over or families that have more members. If you care more about comfort, you can also go for a reclining sectional that lets you stretch out and rest more easily.

Modular Sofas

A modular sofa is a newer sofa style that lets you choose a base design and then add or remove sections to build the size and shape you want. These sofa pieces can be rearranged or reattached to create a layout that fits your room better. For growing families or people who move often, this setup works really well since the pieces come apart easily and can be transported without much effort.

Sleeper Sofas

A sleeper sofa is a smart pick for small spaces or for anyone who often has overnight visitors. These sofas include a built-in bed that folds out, usually with a soft top that’s about as wide as a regular mattress. Older versions were not that great to sleep on, but newer sleeper sofas now offer a surprisingly decent sleep experience that most people find comfortable enough for short stays.

Reclining Sofas

Some sofas include built-in recliner seats, usually placed at each end of the couch. These models give you the same comfort and reclining function as a recliner chair but in a wider format. They’re made for people who like to unwind after a busy day and save the extra space that a separate footrest would take. Reclining sofas also work perfectly in home theater setups or for anyone who feels better resting with their legs raised for more comfort.

Outdoor Sofas

Buying a couch that can be used both indoors and outdoors is a practical choice for homes with busy spaces or areas that blend inside and outside. Modern outdoor fabrics have come a long way — they now feel soft and stylish like indoor materials, while staying easy to clean and strong enough to last through daily use.

Futon Sofas

Technically a type of sofa, a futon is a budget-friendly option for anyone who wants something practical and simple. Futons usually cost around three hundred dollars. You can buy the frame and the cushion separately to personalize how it looks and feels. A futon comes with a foldable frame and cushion that can lie flat to act as a bed or stay upright as a sofa. This two-in-one design makes small spaces more efficient and functional. Most futons have sturdy wooden frames, and while many don’t have armrests, some versions do. Cheaper futons are often made of metal or steel, which makes them lightweight and easier to move around.

The most durable couch frames are made of solid hardwood, which is strong and least likely to bend or warp under weight. Kiln-dried hardwood frames are even tougher, but they usually cost more. This is because kiln drying is a specialized process that helps the wood resist warping, shrinking, or swelling over time.

Other common materials used for couch frames include:

• Particle board, which you should avoid because it tends to bend and break easily.
• Plastic, which can also crack and split over time.
• Pine wood, which is a budget-friendly option, but not as durable as hardwood.
• Metal, which offers strength similar to hardwood but usually comes at a lower price.

Advice from the Dweva Review Team: When checking a couch frame, lift one of its corners about six inches off the ground — the other leg should rise with it. If it does not, the frame might be too soft or flexible, which can lead to bending or breaking later on.

Next, you need to think about the cushion filling. Even though cushions can be replaced (and I really suggest doing that after about five years), the type of material you choose will directly affect how long they hold up. Firmer, denser fillings usually last longer and break down more slowly, while softer ones tend to flatten faster and lose shape over time.

Here are the most common cushion filling materials.

• High-resilience foam, which is pricey but also the most long-lasting type of filling.
• Polyurethane foam, which is more affordable and still holds up pretty well, though it has a lower density than high-resilience foam.
• Polyester fiber, which is another budget-friendly option that feels like down alternative fibers, giving you a fluffy, pillow-like feel.
• Goose down filling, which is extremely comfortable but expensive and requires extra care to maintain.

The filling also changes how your couch feels overall and how comfortable it is to sit or lie on. It all comes down to what kind of feel you personally like.

From what we’ve seen, no matter which filling you pick, you should expect a bit of a break-in period when your couch first arrives. All fillings feel somewhat firm at the beginning, but as you use your couch more, it softens up, gets springier, and gradually shapes itself for a more comfortable feel. If your cushions start feeling too soft or sagging after a few years, that’s usually a clear sign that it’s time to replace them.

Besides the frame and cushion materials, you also need to think about the upholstery fabric and make sure it balances both the look and the function. No matter what kind of household you have, a couch gets a lot of use, so you need a strong and durable fabric that can hold up for years without wearing out too quickly.

From a personal point of view, I’d say you should look for performance fabrics since they’re usually the most long-lasting. These materials are made specifically to handle heavier wear and tear and are often labeled as “family-friendly,” “kid-friendly,” or “pet-friendly,” depending on what they’re designed to handle.

Another option that can deal well with wear is a slipcovered sofa, which comes with removable covers that you can easily throw into the washer and dryer for cleaning and upkeep.

Here are some of the most popular fabric choices and their key benefits.

• Genuine leather: Durable and easy to clean, but expensive, and it can fade or lose color over time with heavy use.
• Faux leather: Durable and easy to wipe down, but not as long-lasting as real leather.
• Cotton: Soft and fairly sturdy, but it tends to absorb stains easily and may shrink if used as cushion covers.
• Linen: Has a classy, elegant look, but it’s harder to maintain and can get stained easily.
• Microfiber/Polyester: Soft, durable, easy to clean, and usually very affordable.
• Chenille: Feels soft and plush but can be difficult to keep clean.
• Velvet: Feels smooth and stylish but can fall out of trend pretty quickly.

As the sofa market keeps growing and becoming more diverse, there are now hundreds of couch styles you can choose from, and here’s a quick look at some of the most popular ones you might want to keep in mind. When you’re picking a couch, you should think about which features matter most to you and which styles will blend best with the furniture and layout you already have in your living room.

• Mid-Century Modern: Has clean, straight lines, tapered legs, and a low, sleek profile.
• Chesterfield: Features rolled arms, tufted button cushions, and is usually made of leather.
• Lawson: Has a boxy look with separate seat cushions and is designed mainly for comfort.
• Bridgewater (also called English Roll Arm): Has low, slightly slanted arms and thick, cozy seat cushions.
• Tuxedo: Has a box-shaped frame with arms that are the same height as the back.
• Contemporary: Looks modern and bold, often with unique or unconventional designs.
• Camelback: Has a curved back with a raised center “hump” and higher arms.
• Scandinavian: Popularized by IKEA, known for clean lines and minimalist design.
• Settee: A small two-seater with a high back and shallow depth.
• Chaise: An asymmetrical design with only one armrest.

If you’re comparing a few different couch styles, we’ve put together a helpful guide that breaks down the most common types and offers practical advice on which ones work best for different needs.

The number of couch cushions you choose really comes down to personal preference. When you’re thinking about how many cushions you need, the first thing to look at is the size of your living room and how you plan to set up your furniture, then decide on the number of cushions based on the space you’ve set aside for your sofa.

The number of cushions doesn’t always match the number of people who can sit comfortably on the couch, but it’s usually a good general guide. Two- and three-cushion layouts are usually the most practical options.

Another option is a long, single bench cushion. This style feels more modern and offers more seating space without the divisions between individual cushions.

You should also think about the shape of the cushions. Shorter cushions are usually firmer and tend to hold their form longer over time. Also, think about whether you prefer a sofa with removable back cushions or a tight-back design.

Make sure the size of the couch doesn’t look too bulky or get in the way of the flow of movement in the room. Before shopping, measure the entire area, especially the wall where the couch will sit. Also measure the height, width, and diagonal clearance of every doorway in your home, and keep those numbers handy while you shop.

Many couches have legs that can be unscrewed and removed to make delivery easier, and in some cases, you can even take the door off its hinges to widen the opening and fit a larger couch through.

Choose a sofa size that actually fits how you plan to use it, and make sure to think ahead about what that use will be—whether it’s for entertaining, relaxing, reading, or something else. The seats should feel comfortable for everyone in the family, and you should pick a sofa large enough to seat all household members at once. A general rule for room proportion is that the sofa should be about two-thirds the length of the wall it sits against.

Another thing to consider when it comes to size is the seat depth. Choose a deeper or shallower seat depending on your height. If you’re buying a reclining sofa, make sure it feels comfortable in every position. The backrest should fully support your back, your feet should rest flat on the floor, and the back of your knees should sit slightly forward from the lower cushion.

With the progress of technology, modern couches now come with all kinds of user-friendly features. These days, a couch can support whatever you want to do on it.

Couches today can come with cup holders, reclining seats, built-in sleepers, removable cushion covers, hidden storage compartments, and other add-ons designed to fit different buyers’ needs. Knowing which features matter most to you will help you narrow down the choices and find the one that fits your lifestyle best.

The price of a basic sofa usually ranges from around seven hundred to twenty-five hundred dollars. If you’re working with a tight budget, check out clearance outlets or ask if there are any floor models available. You can also get a sleeper sofa for about half the cost of a traditional one.

Online compressed sofas can be even more affordable, with many priced under seven hundred dollars, but the quality can vary. When you’re buying a couch online, make sure to look into the delivery and return policies and see if the sofa includes any kind of trial period.

High-end sofas made with premium materials and trendy designs can cost several thousand dollars, depending on the designer or retailer. Buy the best quality you can reasonably afford, since you’ll be using it for years. Depending on how often it’s used and the quality of its construction, a sofa can last anywhere between seven and fifteen years.

The overall cost usually connects directly to the size: smaller couches are cheaper than larger ones. Extra features will also increase the price — sleeper sofas or reclining models generally cost more than standard couches of the same size and style.

After going through all the points we covered earlier, I’d say you’ve probably found what feels like your own “best sofa.” Once you’ve made your choice, you’ll usually have the option between standard delivery and white-glove delivery.

Depending on the retailer, standard delivery might come with a flat-rate fee. You can expect the sofa to be dropped off at your doorstep, but it won’t be unboxed, so you’ll need to bring it inside yourself.

If you’d rather not deal with the heavy lifting, white-glove delivery is a premium service that most furniture sellers offer. Choosing white-glove delivery means a crew will bring the sofa into the room you want, unwrap and set it up, and then remove all the leftover packaging materials.

Wondering if assembling the sofa yourself is worth it? That really depends on the specific product since the level of work can vary quite a bit.

• Liu, Y.; Hu, W.; Kasal, A.; Erdil, Y.Z. The State of the Art of Biomechanics Applied in Ergonomic Furniture Design. Applied Sciences, 2023, 13(22): 12120. https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/13/22/12120
• Matwiej, Ł.; Wiaderek, K.; Jarecki, W.; Orlikowski, D.; Wieruszewski, M. Modelling Upholstered Furniture Frames Using the Finite Element Method. Applied Sciences, 2025, 15(2): 926. https://doi.org/10.3390/app15020926
• Tu, Z.; Wang, W. Perceptual Imagery of Soft Sofa Fabrics Based on Visual-Tactile Evaluation. BioResources, 2023, 19(4): 8427-8442. https://bioresources.cnr.ncsu.edu/resources/perceptual-imagery-of-soft-sofa-fabrics-based-on-visual-tactile-evaluation/
• GÜZEL, T.A.; Consumer Attitudes and Preferences about Upholstered Furniture. GU J Sci, Part A: Engineering & Innovation, 2020, 7(3): 69-82. https://dergipark.org.tr/tr/download/article-file/1058591
• Warfield, C.L. Upholstered Furniture: Results of a Consumer Wear Study. Journal of Cotton Science (SAGE), 1987, 57(4):402-? https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/004051758705700402
• Zhou, C. Recognition and Analysis of an Age-Friendly Intelligent Sofa Design. (PMC/MDPI) 2022. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9517309/
• Buhu, A.; Buhu, L.; Negru, D. Study on the Breakage Behavior of Upholstery Fabrics. 18th Romanian Textiles and Leather Conference, Feb 2023. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/369071157_Study_on_the_Breakage_Behavior_of_Upholstery_Fabrics
• Maffei, S. Unveiling the Complexity of Circular Transition for Upholstered Furniture. Agathon, 2024. https://doi.org/10.19229/2464-9309/16252024
• Yang, D.; Vezzoli, C.; Su, H. Comprehensive Life Cycle Assessment of 25 Furniture Pieces Across Categories for Sustainable Design. Scientific Reports, 2025, 15:13968. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-84025-8
• Davis, A. Chemical Exposures from Upholstered Furniture with Flame Retardants. PMC, 2021. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8451937/
• Fialho, P.B.; de Souza, A.P.; Minette, L.J.; de Castro Silva, J.; Oliveira, L.A. Ergonomic evaluation of processes and products in the manufacture of upholstery. Work, 2012;41 Suppl 1:1739-42. https://doi.org/10.3233/WOR-2012-0378-1739
• Pinkos, J.; Puszkarz, A.K.; Rutkowski, J.; Borowińska, M. The Influence of the Upholstery Textiles Structure on Their Functional Properties. Materials, 2025, 18(22):5143. https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18225143
• Abbott, C.C. A Study to Determine Quality Factors in Upholstered Furniture. (1977) Texas Tech Univ. [PDF link] https://ttu-ir.tdl.org/bitstreams/b4be68b1-0af3-48ce-b59e-01382b87358d/download
• Abdul Nasir, A.H.B.; Ismail, R.; Mat Daud, K.A.; Ismail, S.; Deros, B.M. Design Specifications of Ergonomic Sofa Through Sofa Makers Perception: A Case Study in Malaysia. Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine, 2016, Vol 16 (Suppl 2):27-35. https://www.academia.edu/108361926/Design_specifications_of_ergonomic_sofa_through_sofa_makers_perception_a_case_study_in_Malaysia
• Niemi, E.; Zarabadi, P. Development of an ergonomic couch with a Cradle to Cradle design approach (for an activity based office environment). Chalmers University of Technology, 2011. https://publications.lib.chalmers.se/records/fulltext/202116/202116.pdf
• Leimer, K.; Winkler, A.; Ohrhallinger, S.; Musialski, P. Pose to Seat: Automated Design of Body-Supporting Surfaces. arXiv preprint, 2020. https://arxiv.org/abs/2003.10435
• Evaluation of Quality of Life and Ergonomic Conditions in Furniture Industry Making Sofa Structures. (Authors unspecified) 2019. https://file.sdiarticle3.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Revised-ms_JSRR_49052_v1.pdf