Poly & Bark Sofa Reviews (2026)

Across all four sofas, the leather is a big part of the appeal. The full-grain options are meant to look and feel more “alive” over time—especially in pure-aniline shades—so small marks, scuffs, and patina are normal, not defects.

Comfort is where these models separate. Napa is the softest and most lounge-forward; Essex feels more structured and supportive; Capa prioritizes a low, minimalist profile; and Sorrento lands in the middle with the most day-to-day flexibility. Our team—Marcus (6’1”, 210 lbs), Jenna (5’4”, 130 lbs), and Ethan (5’9”, 175 lbs)—generally preferred Napa for sprawling, Essex for upright sitting, and Sorrento as the easiest “one-sofa” pick. Capa impressed on design, but its low back and ultra-low clearance make it a more specific fit.

This chart summarizes the key differences that mattered most in our tests, including sizing, seat depth, cushioning style, and everyday practicality.

We didn’t stop at a quick sit—this followed our broader sofa testing process. For each sofa, we did repeated sit sessions (lounging, upright sitting, and getting in and out), plus simple real-home checks like vacuum reach, wipe-downs, and how the cushions looked after longer use. We tracked assembly/setup, cooling and breathability, overall comfort and back support, durability and shape retention, layout practicality, cleaning, and value. We also took note of seat depth fit for different heights and how stable each sofa felt when two people shifted positions at the same time.

Price: $2,123 (Poly & Bark)
Return Period: 100 days

• Dimensions: 88.5"W x 38"D x 34"H
• Seat Height: 19"
• Seat Depth: 24" (with seat back cushions in place)
• Clearance: 8"H
• Upholstery: Full-grain pure-aniline (select colors) or semi-aniline dyed leather
• Cushions: High-density foam with feather topper
• Assembly: legs only

Our Testing Experience

Napa is the most lounge-forward of the four. The wide bench seat and soft bolsters make it easy to settle in without being pushed into an upright posture. Once you get the cushions positioned the way you like, it gives that “sink-in” comfort that works especially well for long TV sessions. The trade-off is upkeep: the long bench cushion can show body impressions, and it feels more consistent when you fluff it regularly. Cooling landed in the middle—leather doesn’t trap heat the way some fabrics do, but Napa’s deeper, softer build means you sit more “in” the cushion than “on” it.

What we liked:

• Deep, soft seating once dialed in
• Bolsters give flexible back and arm support
• High clearance makes under-sofa cleaning easier

Who it is best for:

• Loungers who want a relaxed, sink-in leather sofa
• Taller users who benefit from a roomier seat
• Rooms that can comfortably fit an 88.5" wide sofa

Where it falls short:

• Bench cushion needs fluffing to stay even
• Big footprint isn’t ideal for tight layouts
• Pure-aniline shades can scuff and patina quickly

Price: $2,248 (Poly & Bark)
Return Period: 100 days

• Dimensions: 89"W x 32.28"D x 30.31"H
• Seat Height: 19"
• Seat Depth: 24.4"
• Clearance: 6.88"
• Upholstery: Full-grain pure-aniline (some colors) or semi-aniline dyed leather
• Cushions: High-density foam with feather topper
• Assembly: legs only

Our Testing Experience

Essex feels more structured than Napa, with a tufted back that gives you clearer upper-back support. The seat is still roomy, but it’s less of a “sprawl” sofa and more of a sit-and-stay-a-while sofa—good for conversation, working on a laptop, or anyone who prefers a slightly more upright position. In our durability checks, Essex held its shape the best overall. The leather can still show light impressions after extended sitting, but the cushion didn’t feel as prone to unevenness as Napa’s long bench.

What we liked:

• Upright support from the tufted back
• Sturdy feel and strong shape retention
• Still comfortable for casual lounging

Who it is best for:

• People who sit upright more often than they sprawl
• Smaller rooms that benefit from a slimmer depth
• Anyone who likes a classic tufted leather look

Where it falls short:

• Not as sink-in soft as Napa
• Leather can show cushion impressions
• Lower clearance than Napa

Price: $2,490 (Poly & Bark)
Return Period: 100 days

• Dimensions: 96.5"W x 37"D x 28"H
• Seat Height: 17.5"
• Seat Depth: 26"
• Clearance: 1"
• Upholstery: Full-grain pure-aniline dyed leather (select colors) or semi-aniline dyed leather
• Cushions: Tight, non-removable seat + back cushion
• Assembly: arrives fully assembled

Our Testing Experience

Capa is the most design-forward option here—and the one with the clearest comfort trade-offs. The low back and tight cushions create a clean, modern look, but they also offer less “pillow” support behind your shoulders. The seat is deep, and the tight cushion construction stays put, which some people will prefer for a neater look. The limitations are practical: you can’t flip or rotate the cushions, and the 1" clearance makes it tough to clean underneath. Capa made the most sense when we treated it as a low, loungey sofa rather than a supportive, upright sitter.

What we liked:

• Clean, minimalist profile with a deep seat
• Arrives fully assembled
• Tight cushions stay in place

Who it is best for:

• Minimalist interiors and modern spaces
• People who prefer lounging low
• Anyone who wants to skip assembly completely

Where it falls short:

• Very low clearance makes cleaning underneath difficult
• Low back may not suit taller users
• Cushions aren’t reversible or removable

Price: from $2,248 (Poly & Bark)
Return Period: 100 days

• Dimensions: 86"W x 37"D x 31.5"H
• Seat Height: 19"
• Seat Depth: 23.5" (until back cushion)
• Clearance: 6"
• Upholstery: Full-grain pure-aniline (select colors) or semi-aniline dyed leather
• Cushions: Loose cushions with zip-off covers
• Assembly: legs only

Our Testing Experience

Sorrento was the most balanced sofa we tested. It lands between Napa’s plush, sink-in vibe and Essex’s more structured support. The seat depth is a bit shallower than Napa, but the loose cushions give you more flexibility in how you set it up day to day. The standout practical feature is that the cushion covers zip off, which makes basic upkeep feel less stressful. In our motion checks—two people shifting at once—Sorrento felt the most stable, with the least noticeable bounce.

What we liked:

• Balanced comfort for lounging and upright sitting
• Removable cushion covers for easier cleaning
• Most stable feel for shared seating

Who it is best for:

• Households that mix lounging and hosting
• People who prioritize easier cleaning options
• Couples who want less motion transfer

Where it falls short:

• Not as deep as Napa for full sprawl
• Back cushions are softer than Essex
• Leather tone can vary between hides

These scores reflect what we noticed in use—how each sofa felt over longer sit sessions, how supportive it was, how well it stayed comfortable in warm conditions, and how practical it was to live with day to day.

If you want maximum lounge comfort, Napa scored the highest once adjusted. For a more supportive sit and stronger shape retention, Essex came out ahead. Capa scored well on depth and cooling but lost points on back support and practicality. Sorrento was the most even performer and felt the most stable for two-person use.

All four models share a similar material philosophy, but they’re built for different living styles. Use these quick comparisons to narrow it down.

• Choose Napa if you want the most relaxed, lounge-forward feel and you have room for a deeper sofa.
• Choose Essex if you like a more upright seat with a classic tufted back that still feels comfortable for everyday use.
• Choose Capa if you want a minimalist statement piece, prefer a low sit, and don’t mind tight, non-removable cushions.
• Choose Sorrento if you want the most balanced option, with removable cushion covers and the steadiest feel for shared seating.

If you like the idea of a leather sofa in this general price bracket, a few commonly compared options may also be worth a look.

• Article Sven (leather)
  • A popular cross-shop if you want a tufted, mid-century-leaning leather look.
• Burrow Nomad (leather)
  • Often considered for a modular setup that’s easier to move and reconfigure over time.
• West Elm Andes (leather)
  • A deeper, lounge-first feel with a broad range of sizes and configurations.

A few practical points we’d keep in mind before ordering—especially with leather and larger truck-delivery furniture.

• Measure doorways, hall turns, and stairwells before checkout; the delivered boxes can be large.
• If you want the most “lounge” feel, prioritize seat depth and back softness (Napa and Sorrento).
• If you sit upright more often, don’t assume “deep” is better—Essex tends to feel more supportive.
• Plan on occasional cushion maintenance with feather-topped seats; fluffing helps the fill stay even.
• For homes with pets or kids, expect natural scuffs and patina; that’s part of full-grain leather’s look over time.
• Low-clearance sofas (especially Capa) make under-sofa cleaning harder, even with slim vacuums.
• Use felt pads under the legs to protect floors and reduce sliding.

This review reflects hands-on use over repeated sit sessions and practical at-home checks, not multi-year ownership. Leather softens, marks, and develops patina with time; cushions can also break in differently depending on use. We focused on comfort, support, cooling, and day-to-day practicality, but long-term wear will depend on household habits and maintenance.

Napa is the most lounge-friendly overall thanks to its softer, deeper build. If you want a similar relaxed feel with more adjustability and removable covers, Sorrento is a close second.

Essex had the most consistent upright support in our tests. Its tufted back and slightly firmer seat made it easier to sit up for longer stretches.

They can be, but depth matters. Essex’s slimmer depth makes it easier to fit into tighter layouts, while Napa and Capa take up more visual and physical space.

It can be comfortable if you like a low, modern sit and don’t need much shoulder support. If you prefer a taller back or a more cushioned feel, Napa, Essex, or Sorrento will usually work better.

Leather is generally wipeable on all four, but Sorrento stands out because the cushion covers zip off, making it easier to deal with deeper cleaning.