King Hickory builds premium, customizable upholstered sofas with a tailored, supportive sit—comfortable for everyday posture, but still inviting for long lounge sessions. We tested four popular options—Bentley Large, Henson Fabric, Loft Large, and Soho Large—paying close attention to posture support, lounging depth, heat buildup, and day-to-day upkeep. The biggest strengths are stable cushioning and configuration flexibility. The trade-offs are size (especially on the deeper, wider frames) and the routine pillow-and-cushion reset that comes with loose backs.
Table of Contents
Product Overview
| Sofa | Overall Score | Pros | Cons | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bentley Large Sofa | 4.3 | Upright-friendly depth, quick cushion rebound, plenty of configuration choices | More structured than a sink-in lounge; loose pillows need squaring | Posture-minded sitters, mixed-use living rooms, frequent hosting |
| Henson Fabric Sofa | 4.0 | Deep lounging comfort, plush seat feel, Custom Comfort options | Runs warmer; can feel too deep for shorter legs; more fluffing | Taller loungers, stretch-out nappers, relaxed TV rooms |
| Loft Large Sofa | 4.3 | Balanced depth, steady support, clean profile that works in many rooms | Not as cloud-soft as down-style seating; loose pillows need light upkeep | Everyday households, premium seating in tighter layouts, posture + lounge blend |
| Soho Large Sofa | 4.1 | Extra-wide and lounge-ready, easy to share, great track-arm setup | Big footprint; regular cushion resets; warm-leaning for long sits | Couples who sprawl, movie-night households, larger living rooms |
Testing Team Takeaways
If you want a sofa that stays easy to sit in—upright, semi-reclined, or somewhere in between—Loft and Bentley were the simplest day-to-day picks. Their seats kept support consistent through long movies without feeling like you had to “work” to stay comfortable.
Henson delivered the most lounge-first comfort, but it also asked for more fluffing and ran warmer during longer sessions. Soho was the crowd-pleaser: big enough for couples and groups, deep enough for naps, and best when you accept that loose cushions will need routine straightening. If you’re prone to lower-back tightness, start with Bentley or Loft and treat deeper seating as a deliberate, lifestyle choice.
King Hickory Sofa Comparison Chart
| Spec / Test Result | Bentley Large Sofa | Henson Fabric Sofa | Loft Large Sofa | Soho Large Sofa |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall dimensions (H × W × D) | 37" × 91" × 38" | 38" × 97" × 42" | 36" × 88" × 37" | 36" × 102" × 40" |
| Inside seating dimensions (H × W × D) | 17" × 73" × 21" | 18" × 78" × 26" | 17" × 78" × 23" | 17" × 90" × 24" |
| Seat height / arm height | 20" / 26" | 20" / 25" | 19" / 25" | 19" / 25" |
| Seat cushion type | High Resiliency | Comfort Down | High Resiliency | Comfort Down |
| Back pillows | Loose | Loose | Loose | Loose |
| Configuration options | Options program + sectional pieces | Custom Comfort program + sectional pieces | Sofa + sectional pieces | Sofa + sectional pieces |
| Perceived firmness (seat) | Medium-firm, buoyant pushback | Medium, plush sink with soft-top feel | Medium, supportive and even | Medium-soft, lounge-forward |
| Back support feel | Best when pillows are squared and lightly tucked | Best with stacked pillows to prevent slouch | Consistent and easy to maintain | Comfortable, but improves with a small lumbar pillow for long sits |
| Cooling / breathability (test notes) | Neutral; less heat buildup over long sessions | Warmer; plush build holds more heat | Neutral-to-cool; easier airflow than deeper seats | Warmer; wide lounging encourages heat buildup |
| Best use case | Everyday sitting, hosting, posture-focused TV time | Deep lounging, stretching, long relaxed viewing | All-purpose living rooms with mixed postures | Couples, families, big movie nights, nap-friendly sprawl |
| Maintenance profile | Light: straighten pillows, quick vacuuming | Higher: more fluffing, deeper crevice cleanup | Moderate: loose pillows, straightforward cleaning | Moderate-to-high: reset pillows often, larger surface area |
How We Tested It
We ran each sofa through the same real living-room routine—nightly TV, laptop work blocks, quick naps, and a weekend of hosting—logging notes as we went. We scored Assembly, Cooling, Comfort, Durability, Layout Practicality, Cleaning, and Value. Marcus focused on edge support and heat buildup, Carlos tracked mid-back and neck comfort, and Jenna plus Ethan ran couple and motion-transfer checks. After two weeks, we repeated the same sessions to see whether cushions and pillows changed.
King Hickory Sofa: Our Testing Experience
Bentley Large Sofa
Our Testing Experience
The Bentley matched my weeknight routine: laptop work first, then long TV sessions where I switch between upright and semi-reclined. The 21" inside depth kept my hips from drifting forward, and the high-resiliency cushions stayed buoyant instead of turning mushy. Carlos (5'11", about 175 lbs) stayed comfortable in a straighter posture and said his neck felt less pushed forward than on deeper seats. Jenna and Ethan ran a full movie-night test; when Ethan popped up for snacks and dropped back down, the seat recovered quickly and didn’t feel cratered.
What we liked
- Supportive for upright sitting without feeling stiff
- Fast cushion recovery after long sessions
- Stable feel when two people share the sofa
Who it is best for
- Posture-minded sitters and laptop users
- Rooms that can’t spare extra depth
- Hosts who want reliable, guest-ready comfort
Where it falls short
- Less cozy for side-lying sprawl
- Loose back pillows need regular squaring
- Not the plushest option in this lineup
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
Details
- Overall dimensions (H × W × D): 37" × 91" × 38"
- Inside seating dimensions (H × W × D): 17" × 73" × 21"
- Seat height / arm height: 20" / 26"
- Seat cushions: High Resiliency
- Back pillows: Loose
- Throw pillows: 4
- Customization: arm, back pillow style, base, and upholstery options
- Material options: fabric, leather, or a leather/fabric combination
- Perceived firmness: medium-firm, buoyant
- Cooling / breathability (experience): neutral
- Ease of cleaning (experience): moderate; loose pillows add upkeep
Review Score
| Metric | Score | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Assembly | 4.3 | Easy to place and get sit-ready. |
| Cooling | 4.0 | Less heat buildup than deeper, plusher seats. |
| Comfort | 4.2 | Strong for upright and semi-reclined sitting; less ideal for side-lying sprawl. |
| Durability | 4.6 | Cushions rebounded consistently; frame feel stayed rigid in daily use. |
| Layout Practicality | 4.4 | Depth fits more rooms; customization helps you match the layout. |
| Cleaning | 4.1 | Routine cleaning is manageable; pillows add a small reset job. |
| Value | 4.2 | Everyday performance plus flexibility that reduces compromise. |
| Overall | 4.3 | Most balanced pick for posture-focused daily use. |
Henson Fabric Sofa
Our Testing Experience
Henson was the sofa I reached for when I wanted a true lounge-first sit. The 26" inside depth made it easy to slide into a relaxed, legs-up posture, and the Comfort Down seat had a soft-top feel without collapsing right away. Marcus (6'1", about 230 lbs) tested edge sitting and quick stand-ups; the seat stayed supportive, but he noticed the plusher build felt warmer during long gaming sessions. Mia (5'4", about 125 lbs) liked curling up with a book, yet the deeper seat made it harder for her to plant her feet unless she used an ottoman or pulled a firm pillow behind her lower back.
What we liked
- Big, indulgent lounge feel for TV and naps
- Depth that favors long legs and stretch-out postures
- Plush top layer without an immediate “bottoming out” feel
Who it is best for
- Taller loungers and nap-on-the-sofa types
- People who prefer a softer, deeper sit
- Rooms that can handle a deeper footprint
Where it falls short
- Shorter legs may feel “too deep” without an ottoman
- Warmer than the firmer seats in this group
- Needs more pillow and cushion resetting to stay crisp
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
Details
- Overall dimensions (H × W × D): 38" × 97" × 42"
- Inside seating dimensions (H × W × D): 18" × 78" × 26"
- Seat height / arm height: 20" / 25"
- Seat cushions: Comfort Down
- Back pillows: Loose
- Throw pillows: 4
- Customization: choose arm, back, base, and upholstery options
- Perceived firmness: medium with a plush top
- Cooling / breathability (experience): warm-leaning
- Ease of cleaning (experience): more time spent resetting pillows and cleaning deeper creases
Review Score
| Metric | Score | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Assembly | 4.1 | Large piece to maneuver; straightforward once positioned. |
| Cooling | 3.7 | Plush build held more heat during long sessions. |
| Comfort | 4.4 | Excellent for lounging; upright comfort improves with pillow support. |
| Durability | 4.4 | Stayed supportive with routine resetting; looks lived-in faster. |
| Layout Practicality | 3.8 | Deeper footprint changes room flow; best when you can give it space. |
| Cleaning | 3.7 | More creases and pillows to manage; needs a consistent maintenance rhythm. |
| Value | 4.1 | Worth it if deep-seat lounging matches your daily routine. |
| Overall | 4.0 | A lounge-first sofa that favors taller bodies and relaxed use. |
Loft Large Sofa
Our Testing Experience
Loft was the easiest to live with across different postures. I could sit upright for email, lean back for a game, then stretch out without feeling swallowed by the seat. The 23" inside depth hit the middle zone: my legs felt supported, and standing up didn’t feel like a climb. Carlos focused on mid-back comfort and liked how quickly the cushion returned after shifting positions. Jamal (6'3", about 210 lbs) tested long-leg lounging; he had enough room to relax without the “knees stuck, hips sag” feeling he gets on overly soft deep seats. Dr. Walker noted that balanced depth like this often helps reduce the slow slide into a slouch during multi-hour sitting.
What we liked
- Balanced sit that works for upright and lounge modes
- Support stays steady as you change positions
- Clean profile that doesn’t dominate a room
Who it is best for
- Households with different sitting styles
- People who bounce between work, TV, and quick naps
- Rooms that need premium comfort without extra depth
Where it falls short
- Less plush than down-style seats for deep lounging
- Loose pillows still need minor resetting
- Not as wide as Soho for big-group sprawl
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
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Details
- Overall dimensions (H × W × D): 36" × 88" × 37"
- Inside seating dimensions (H × W × D): 17" × 78" × 23"
- Seat height / arm height: 19" / 25"
- Seat cushions: High Resiliency
- Back pillows: Loose
- Throw pillows: 2
- Material options: fabric or leather
- Support foundation note: signature eight-way hand tied foundation (as described for this model line)
- Perceived firmness: medium, supportive
- Cooling / breathability (experience): neutral-to-cool
- Ease of cleaning (experience): moderate; fewer throw pillows reduce upkeep
Review Score
| Metric | Score | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Assembly | 4.3 | Simple setup; size is manageable for most living-room paths. |
| Cooling | 4.1 | Less heat buildup than down-style seats in extended use. |
| Comfort | 4.3 | Balanced across upright and lounge postures. |
| Durability | 4.6 | Support stayed consistent without soft spots in our routine. |
| Layout Practicality | 4.2 | Depth and width are easier to place than the largest frames. |
| Cleaning | 4.0 | Loose pillows add minor upkeep; otherwise straightforward. |
| Value | 4.3 | Strong all-round performance for mixed-use households. |
| Overall | 4.3 | Best middle-path option: supportive, comfortable, and easy to live with. |
Soho Large Sofa
Our Testing Experience
Soho was the “everyone pile on” sofa in this group. The 102" width made it easy to stretch out without negotiating space, and the track arms gave a clean surface for side-leaning. Jenna and Ethan ran the full couple test—switching seats, leaning into the arm, then spreading out—while I focused on whether I could keep a comfortable lumbar curve through a full movie. It’s a plush sit, and I got the best results when I used a small lumbar pillow during longer sessions. Marcus pushed it with edge sitting and quick posture changes; the seat stayed supportive, but this is still a lounge-forward sofa that encourages you to settle in.
What we liked
- Generous width for couples and groups
- Lounge-ready comfort without extreme depth
- Track arms work well for side-leaning
Who it is best for
- Couples who sprawl and change positions often
- Movie-night households and frequent hosts
- Larger rooms that can handle a wider sofa
Where it falls short
- Size can dominate smaller rooms
- Plush cushions run warmer in long sessions
- Loose pillows need frequent resetting for a tidy look
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
Details
- Overall dimensions (H × W × D): 36" × 102" × 40"
- Inside seating dimensions (H × W × D): 17" × 90" × 24"
- Seat height / arm height: 19" / 25"
- Seat cushions: Comfort Down
- Back pillows: Loose
- Throw pillows: 4
- Configuration options: sectional pieces available within the Soho collection
- Support foundation note: signature eight-way hand tied foundation (as described for this collection)
- Perceived firmness: medium-soft, lounge-forward
- Cooling / breathability (experience): warm-leaning
- Ease of cleaning (experience): moderate-to-high; more surface area and pillow resetting
Review Score
| Metric | Score | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Assembly | 4.2 | Larger footprint makes placement the main challenge; otherwise simple. |
| Cooling | 3.8 | Plush lounging encouraged heat buildup over long sessions. |
| Comfort | 4.5 | Excellent for lounging; best posture comfort with a lumbar pillow. |
| Durability | 4.5 | Held up well to heavy daily use and frequent repositioning. |
| Layout Practicality | 3.9 | Width is the trade-off: great with space, limiting without it. |
| Cleaning | 3.8 | More surface area and pillows to manage; creases need regular attention. |
| Value | 4.2 | Best when your household treats the sofa as a lounge hub. |
| Overall | 4.1 | A big, comfortable crowd-pleaser with space and upkeep requirements. |
Compare Performance Scores of These Sofas
| Sofa | Overall Score | Seat Comfort | Back Support | Seat Depth Fit | Cooling / Breathability | Durability | Ease of Movement / Repositioning |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bentley Large Sofa | 4.3 | 4.2 | 4.2 | 4.3 | 4.0 | 4.6 | 4.2 |
| Henson Fabric Sofa | 4.0 | 4.4 | 4.4 | 4.1 | 3.7 | 4.4 | 4.0 |
| Loft Large Sofa | 4.3 | 4.3 | 4.3 | 4.3 | 4.1 | 4.6 | 4.2 |
| Soho Large Sofa | 4.1 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.2 | 3.8 | 4.5 | 4.1 |
On our scorecard, Loft was the most even performer, and Bentley was the clearest fit for posture-first daily use. Henson earned its score through deep, plush comfort, but gave some of that back through warmth and upkeep. Soho was the most lifestyle-driven option—big comfort with a big presence—so it shines for shared lounging as long as you have the space and don’t mind routine resetting.
How to Choose a King Hickory Sofa
Start with depth and how you naturally sit. If you’re upright most of the day (work, reading, conversation), Bentley or Loft is easier to settle into and easier to get out of. If you sprawl, nap, or stretch out daily, Henson’s deeper seat is the better match. For couples and groups, width matters—Soho made it simplest to spread out without fighting for space. Shorter users who want feet-on-floor comfort should lean Bentley or Loft; deeper seats usually feel better with an ottoman or a firm lumbar pillow. Finally, treat depth and width as layout constraints—measure your room flow before you buy a sofa.
Limitations
All four models use loose back pillows, so a little daily straightening is part of ownership. The deeper, wider frames (especially Henson and Soho) can overwhelm narrow rooms and may leave shorter legs feeling unsupported without an ottoman. Bentley’s more structured sit won’t satisfy people who want a very soft, sink-in feel. Loft’s balanced support can read as “less plush” if you’re chasing a cloud-like seat above all else.
King Hickory Sofa Vs. Alternatives
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Why choose these models
- Customization programs that let you choose arms, backs, bases, and upholstery
- A stable, tailored sit that holds up well to daily use
- Collections that extend into sectional configurations for layout flexibility
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- Smith Brothers of Berne 5000 Series (custom line with multiple sofa sizes)
- Sherrill 6 Series 6133-06 Sofa (design-your-own upholstery program)
- Hancock & Moore Henry Sofa (leather-forward alternative with many sofa options)
Pro Tips for King Hickory Sofa
- Measure width and depth, then check walkways—deep sofas change traffic flow more than most people expect.
- If you’re split between “upright” and “lounge,” try a small lumbar pillow before defaulting to a deeper seat.
- With loose back pillows, a quick nightly “pat and square” keeps support consistent.
- Rotate and swap seat cushions (when possible) so one favorite spot doesn’t soften faster.
- If your household runs warm, avoid upholstery and fills that encourage full-body sink for everyday use.
- Keep an ottoman nearby for deeper seats—it’s the fastest fix for shorter legs and long laptop sessions.
- Vacuum seams and under cushions routinely; deep seats collect crumbs in places you don’t notice right away.
- Use armrest trays or coasters to protect upholstery from oils and drink rings during long movie nights.
- Keep upholstered seating out of prolonged direct sunlight to reduce uneven fading and fabric stress.
FAQs
Which King Hickory sofa felt best for lower-back sensitive sitting?
Bentley and Loft were the easiest to keep comfortable for long sessions because their depths made it harder to drift into a slow forward slide.
Is Henson too deep for shorter users?
It can be. The deeper seat is easier when you add an ottoman or place a firm pillow behind your lower back to bring you forward.
Which model worked best for couples who shift positions a lot?
Soho. The extra width gave more “move around” space without constantly bumping into each other.
How much maintenance do loose back pillows require?
A quick daily straighten keeps the sit consistent. A more thorough weekly fluff helps the sofa look tidier and feel more supportive.