HAY has a strong reputation for clean lines, deep seats, and modular layouts that look sharp in modern spaces. We tested four popular options—the Mags 2.5-Seat, Mags Soft Low One Arm, Quilton 2.5-Seat, and Amanta—to see how they actually feel in daily use. The Mags was the most balanced if you want steady support and a predictable sit. Quilton leaned hardest into sink-in lounging. Amanta made the biggest design statement, but it’s also the most particular about posture and setup.
Table of Contents
Which HAY sofas did we test?
| Model | Pros | Cons | Ideal For | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mags 2.5-Seat | Supportive back feel; stable, medium-firm seat; deep enough to lounge without feeling sloppy | Assembly required; not plush if you want a “cloud” sit | Daily living rooms where people sit upright, sprawl, and host | $2,817–$8,156 |
| Mags Soft Low One Arm | Softer, down-wrapped feel; deeper lounge posture; one-arm layout keeps the silhouette open | Warmer over long sits; one-arm footprint can be tricky in some rooms | Small-to-mid spaces where lounging is the priority | $2,268–$8,530 |
| Quilton 2.5-Seat | Deepest, most lounge-friendly feel; padded “platform” seat; relaxed, rounded shape | Visually bulky; too soft if you want posture support | Napping, movie nights, and long weekend lounging | $2,096–$7,867 |
| Amanta (Two Seater) | Sculptural design; modular format; open, armless look that reads light in a room | Limited back support; square footprint uses space differently than a typical sofa | Design-forward rooms and flexible modular setups | $3,053–$5,832 |
Testing Team Takeaways
Across the board, HAY sofas skew modern, low, and deeper than the average upright couch. The Mags stayed the most consistent over long sessions—good for TV, reading, and laptop time without constantly readjusting. Quilton was the easiest to melt into, but its softness can invite slouching if you’re sensitive to posture. Amanta impressed as an object in the room and works well when you want a modular statement piece, yet it doesn’t cradle your back the way a traditional sofa does. Mags Soft Low landed in the middle: noticeably softer than Mags, more structured than Quilton, and very easy to lounge on.
HAY Comparison Chart
| Feature | Mags 2.5-Seat | Mags Soft Low One Arm | Quilton 2.5-Seat | Amanta (Two Seater) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions (in) | 90 W × 37.75 D × 26.5 H | 100.5 W × 41.5 D × 28 H | 97.63 W × 43 D × 28.5 H | 62 W × 62.5 D × 27 H |
| Seat height | 15.75" | 16.25" | 16.25" | 16.75" |
| Seat depth | 28.25" | 28.5" | 30.5" | 29.5" |
| Frame / structure | Solid wood frame, wood legs | Wood frame and legs | Plywood + wood internal frame | Recycled ABS, fiberglass, fabric |
| Cushion fill | Polyurethane foam | Polyurethane foam + feather wrap | Polyurethane foam cushions | Foam seat (no down wrap) |
| Suspension | Spring suspension | Spring suspension | Spring suspension | None listed |
| Comfort feel | Supportive and structured | Soft, lounge-friendly | Deep, plush lounge feel | Firm with limited back support |
| Cooling / breathability (test) | Breathes best in long sits | Warmer due to feather wrap | Warmest overall | Neutral; open sides help |
| Assembly | Required | Comes fully assembled | Comes fully assembled | Comes fully assembled |
How We Tested It
We tested these sofas the way most people do: long TV sessions, short naps, working from a laptop, and hosting. Each model was scored across eight categories—comfort, support, cooling, cleaning, durability, assembly, layout practicality, and value—then compared across different room sizes and sitting styles. The goal wasn’t to pick a single “best” sofa for everyone, but to make the trade-offs clear before you commit to a specific feel and footprint.
HAY: Our Testing Experience
Mags 2.5-Seat Sofa
Our Testing Experience
The Mags 2.5-Seat is the one we kept coming back to for everyday living. It has a stable, medium-firm sit that stays predictable, and the back cushions do a good job of keeping your posture from collapsing over long sessions. The seat is deep enough to stretch out, but the structure keeps it from feeling like you’re slowly sliding forward. If you want a plush, sink-in seat, this won’t be the most indulgent choice—but it’s the easiest to live with if you use your sofa for more than just lounging.
What we liked
- Stable, medium-firm sit that stays consistent in long sessions
- Back support that helps you stay upright without feeling rigid
- Deep seat that works for lounging without turning “hammocky”
Who it is best for
- Anyone who wants support more than sink
- Mixed households (upright sitting and sprawling)
- People who dislike slow “slide-forward” seating
Where it falls short
- Not as plush as the softer HAY models
- Assembly takes time compared with fully assembled sofas
- Less ideal if your top priority is napping comfort
Review Scores
| Category | Score | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | 8.7 | Comfortable without feeling plush; best for sitting and long hangs |
| Support | 9.0 | Strongest posture support in this group |
| Cooling | 8.5 | Runs cooler than the softer models during long sits |
| Cleaning | 8.3 | Simple lines make it easy to vacuum and spot clean |
| Durability | 8.8 | Holds shape well with daily use and maintains structure |
| Assembly | 7.8 | Some setup required, but manageable |
| Layout Practicality | 8.6 | Fits most rooms; deep seat still needs breathing space |
| Value & Warranty | 8.4 | High price, but the balance of support and comfort delivers |
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Supportive enough for long daily use | Requires assembly |
| Firm structure helps it hold its shape | Less plush than the softer HAY options |
| Deep seat is still controlled for upright sitting | Not the coziest choice for frequent napping |
Details
- Price: $2,817–$8,156
- Dimensions: 90" W × 37.75" D × 26.5" H
- Seat height: 15.75"
- Seat depth: 28.25"
- Frame: Solid wood frame and legs
- Cushion fill: Polyurethane foam
- Suspension: Spring suspension
- Assembly: Required
Mags Soft Low One Arm Sofa
Our Testing Experience
The Mags Soft Low One Arm is the more lounge-first take on the Mags idea. The seat is deeper, the arms sit lower, and the down-wrapped cushions give you a softer landing—it’s easier to sprawl on from the start. The one-arm design also changes how it lives in a room: it can feel more open because you have one side that stays visually (and physically) lighter. The trade-off is that the softer build can feel warmer in long sessions, and the asymmetry works best when your layout already supports that open-side placement.
What we liked
- Down-wrapped cushion feel that’s noticeably softer than standard Mags
- Deep seat that works well for sprawling or curling up
- One-arm silhouette that can make a tight space feel less blocked
Who it is best for
- Loungers who want a softer sit and a deeper seat
- Small spaces that benefit from an open-side layout
- Anyone who disliked how firm standard Mags feels
Where it falls short
- Warmer during long sits than the firmer models
- One-arm layout can be awkward in certain room plans
- Back support is slightly less structured than standard Mags
Review Scores
| Category | Score | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | 8.9 | Soft and lounge-friendly with a noticeable down-wrapped feel |
| Support | 8.5 | More relaxed than standard Mags, with slightly less structure |
| Cooling | 7.8 | Runs warmer, especially in feather-wrapped upholstery |
| Cleaning | 8.0 | Fabric can trap debris, but seams are accessible for vacuuming |
| Durability | 8.6 | Strong build; softer cushions may need more regular fluffing |
| Assembly | 8.5 | Arrives fully assembled |
| Layout Practicality | 8.0 | One-arm format can be great—or limiting—depending on layout |
| Value & Warranty | 8.2 | High cost, but the comfort upgrade can be worth it for loungers |
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Softer and deeper than standard Mags | Runs warmer than other HAY models |
| One-arm layout can feel open and modern | Not ideal if you need full symmetry |
| No assembly required | Feather wrap may need occasional fluffing |
Details
- Price: $2,268–$8,530
- Dimensions: 100.5" W × 41.5" D × 28" H
- Seat height: 16.25"
- Seat depth: 28.5"
- Frame: Wood frame and legs
- Cushion fill: Polyurethane foam + feathers
- Suspension: Spring suspension
- Assembly: Comes fully assembled
Quilton 2.5-Seat Sofa
Our Testing Experience
The Quilton 2.5-Seat is the most lounge-forward sofa in this group. The seat depth is generous, the cushions are plush, and the whole piece feels more like a padded platform than a structured couch. It’s easy to sit cross-legged, curl up, or nap without fighting the sofa for space. The downside is posture: if you want a sofa that naturally keeps you supported and upright, Quilton will feel too relaxed. It’s also visually big, so it tends to dominate smaller rooms even when the footprint technically fits.
What we liked
- Deepest seat and most generous lounging space
- Plush, “sink-in” feel that works well for napping
- Rounded, oversized look that feels relaxed and casual
Who it is best for
- Anyone who prioritizes softness and lounging comfort
- People who sit cross-legged or curl up on the sofa
- Large rooms where the bigger profile won’t overwhelm the space
Where it falls short
- Less supportive for posture than Mags or Amanta
- Runs warm during long sits due to the plush build
- Not ideal if you want a more compact, visually light sofa
Review Scores
| Category | Score | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | 9.2 | Plush and spacious; the easiest to lounge and nap on |
| Support | 8.2 | Comfort-first; posture support is softer and less structured |
| Cooling | 7.6 | Warmest during long sessions |
| Cleaning | 7.9 | Textured upholstery can hold onto lint and pet hair |
| Durability | 8.4 | Solid build; deeper cushions can show wear faster depending on use |
| Assembly | 8.6 | Arrives fully assembled |
| Layout Practicality | 7.9 | Takes up visual space; best when you have room to spare |
| Value & Warranty | 8.1 | Price is high, but comfort is top-tier if that’s your priority |
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Deep, cushioned lounge comfort | Too soft for some posture needs |
| Works well for naps and sprawling | Bulky look in compact rooms |
| No assembly required | Runs warm and can attract pet hair |
Details
- Price: $2,096–$7,867
- Dimensions: 97.63" W × 43" D × 28.5" H
- Seat height: 16.25"
- Seat depth: 30.5"
- Frame: Internal plywood and wood frame
- Cushion fill: Polyurethane foam cushions
- Suspension: Spring suspension
- Assembly: Comes fully assembled
Amanta Sofa
Our Testing Experience
Amanta is the most design-led option we tested. It’s modular, sculptural, and armless, with a square footprint that reads more like a lounge landscape than a traditional couch. In day-to-day use, it works best when you treat it as a flexible, statement setup rather than the sofa you sink into every night. The seat is deep, but back support is limited, so we found ourselves adding pillows or shifting positions more often than on the other models.
What we liked
- Sculptural, iconic look that stands out immediately
- Modular pieces make it easy to reconfigure the setup
- Open sides keep it from feeling heavy in a room
Who it is best for
- Design-first spaces and statement living rooms
- People who want modular flexibility and an armless feel
- Occasional lounging rather than all-day sitting support
Where it falls short
- Less supportive for posture over long sessions
- Square footprint can be awkward in narrow rooms
- Not as universally comfortable as Mags or Quilton
Review Scores
| Category | Score | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | 8.0 | Comfortable in short sessions; less supportive for long lounging |
| Support | 7.8 | Limited back structure; benefits from added pillows |
| Cooling | 8.0 | Neutral; no down wrap and open sides help |
| Cleaning | 7.8 | Material seams require care; modular gaps can collect debris |
| Durability | 8.3 | Sturdy shell construction; cushion comfort depends on use |
| Assembly | 8.5 | Arrives fully assembled in its modules |
| Layout Practicality | 7.2 | Square footprint limits placement in narrow rooms |
| Value & Warranty | 7.9 | Worth it for design impact more than everyday support |
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Unique, sculptural design | Not ideal for long posture-heavy sitting |
| Modular layout possibilities | Square footprint can be hard to place |
| Light, open look thanks to armless form | Less comfortable for everyday lounging than other options |
Details
- Price: $3,053–$5,832
- Dimensions: 62" W × 62.5" D × 27" H
- Seat height: 16.75"
- Seat depth: 29.5"
- Shell material note: 99% post-consumer recycled ABS
- Structure: Recycled ABS + fiberglass + fabric
- Assembly: Comes fully assembled
Compare Performance Scores of These Sofas
| Model | Comfort | Support | Cooling | Cleaning | Durability | Assembly | Layout | Value | Total Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mags 2.5-Seat | 8.7 | 9.0 | 8.5 | 8.3 | 8.8 | 7.8 | 8.6 | 8.4 | 8.6 |
| Mags Soft Low One Arm | 8.9 | 8.5 | 7.8 | 8.0 | 8.6 | 8.5 | 8.0 | 8.2 | 8.3 |
| Quilton 2.5-Seat | 9.2 | 8.2 | 7.6 | 7.9 | 8.4 | 8.6 | 7.9 | 8.1 | 8.2 |
| Amanta | 8.0 | 7.8 | 8.0 | 7.8 | 8.3 | 8.5 | 7.2 | 7.9 | 7.9 |
Overall scores reflect how each sofa behaved over repeated, everyday use. Mags ranked highest because it balances comfort and posture support without major drawbacks. Quilton scored best on comfort, but gave points back on support and heat retention. Mags Soft Low stayed close behind Mags, mainly losing ground on cooling. Amanta scored lowest in this group because it’s built around design and modularity more than full-time back support.
How to Choose the HAY Sofa
If you want a sofa that can handle upright sitting and lounging, start with the Mags. It’s the most supportive option here without feeling stiff.
If you’re buying mainly for deep lounging and naps, look at Quilton or Mags Soft Low. Quilton is the softest and deepest; Mags Soft Low still feels relaxed but keeps a bit more structure.
Choose Amanta if you want a sculptural, modular layout and you care as much about the silhouette as the sit. It can be comfortable, but most people will want extra pillows for back support.
Finally, measure for depth and footprint. Quilton and Amanta take up space quickly, so confirm your walkway clearance before you commit.
Limitations
We tested these specific sizes and configurations, and comfort is always personal. HAY’s modular systems can change the feel depending on what modules and upholstery you choose, so use these notes as guidance rather than a guarantee.
HAY Vs. Alternatives
- Why choose these HAY models: Mags is the most structured for daily use; Quilton is best if you want a deep, plush lounge feel; Amanta stands out for modular design impact.
- Alternatives to consider:
- West Elm Harmony: softer and more casual, similar to Quilton in comfort focus.
- Room & Board Metro: more upright and supportive, similar in intent to Mags.
- Article Sven: a smaller-budget modern option with a tighter sit.
Pro Tips for HAY
- If you run hot, consider firmer fabrics and avoid the softest cushion builds when possible.
- Plan for extra pillows if you’re choosing Quilton or Amanta and want more back support.
- Vacuum along seams regularly—deep, textured upholstery can hold lint and pet hair.
- Rotate cushions when the configuration allows to help even out wear.
- Measure doorways, elevators, and tight corners before ordering, especially for deep-seat models.
- For low sofas, a supportive lumbar pillow can make long sitting feel less slouched.
- Use furniture pads under legs to protect floors and reduce shifting.
- Spot clean quickly and avoid over-wetting upholstery to prevent water rings.
- Consider professional cleaning for heavy-use fabrics rather than aggressive at-home scrubbing.
FAQs
Is the Amanta sofa comfortable for everyday lounging?
It’s comfortable in short bursts, but it’s not the most supportive option for long lounging. It works best as a statement, modular setup—especially if you’re willing to add pillows for back support.
Is the Mags 2.5-Seat Sofa worth it if you want a softer seat?
If you mainly want a plush sink-in feel, you may prefer Mags Soft Low or Quilton. But if you want a more supportive sofa that stays comfortable for long sessions, Mags is still the better choice.
How does the Quilton handle pets or daily spills?
The upholstery can attract hair and lint, so regular vacuuming helps. For spills, prompt blotting and fabric-safe cleaning are important. The deeper cushions can also show wear sooner in high-traffic homes.
What kind of room is best for the Amanta’s shape?
Amanta works best in open rooms where the square footprint won’t crowd walkways. It’s harder to place in narrow spaces, but it can look great in larger, design-forward layouts.
How hard is it to maintain HAY upholstery over time?
Maintenance depends on the fabric, but routine vacuuming and quick spot cleaning go a long way. Softer, more textured upholstery generally needs more upkeep than smoother, tighter weaves.
