We decided to review the Simpli Home furniture brand because they occupy a unique spot in the online market. They promise "handcrafted" quality and solid wood frames at big-box retail prices. This claim of high-end materials for budget-conscious buyers intrigued my team. We wanted to see if the reality matched the marketing. We ordered their six most popular sofa models to our testing studio. We did not just look at the boxes. We unpacked, assembled, and lived with them.
My testing team consists of six diverse individuals with very different needs. I am Chris Miller, the lead reviewer. I worked alongside Marcus, Carlos, Mia, Jenna, Jamal, and Ethan. We also consulted Dr. Adrian Walker. He provided expert insights on the ergonomic support of these specific frames. We assembled every single piece ourselves to gauge the difficulty. We stripped the cushions where possible. We sat for hours. We napped. We watched movies. We analyzed the leather quality and fabric weaves.
Our workflow was strictly hands-on and practical. We simulated a real apartment setup for each sofa. We tested assembly time first, as these are flat-pack items. We noted if tools were included. We checked the clarity of the instructions. We then rotated through specific usage scenarios. These included long gaming sessions, remote work shifts, and overnight guest sleeping. We paid attention to foam density. We tracked how the cushions behaved after two weeks of heavy use. This review details our unfiltered, honest findings.
Product Overview
| Sofa Model | Pros | Cons | Ideal For | Price (Approx) | Overall Score |
| Morrison Sofa | Classic tufted look, sturdy legs | Seat is quite firm initially | Formal living rooms | $600 - $750 | 4.3 |
| Draper Sofa | Sharp mid-century lines, durable | Very stiff back cushion | Office or reception | $650 - $800 | 4.1 |
| Sawyer Sofa | Industrial leather look, wide | Leather can feel slippery | Modern apartments | $900 - $1,100 | 4.4 |
| Hunter Sofa | Compact footprint, lightweight | Shallow seat depth | Small studios | $550 - $700 | 4.0 |
| Harrison Sofa | Traditional rolled arms, high back | Bulky visual weight | Traditional homes | $700 - $850 | 4.2 |
| Kitchener Sofa | Tall back support, simple design | Cushions are fixed | Taller users | $600 - $750 | 4.3 |
Simpli Home Couches Comparison Chart
| Feature | Morrison | Draper | Sawyer | Hunter | Harrison | Kitchener |
| Dimensions (W x D x H) | 72" x 32" x 34" | 73" x 32" x 33" | 84" x 34" x 34" | 70" x 31" x 33" | 76" x 33" x 35" | 74" x 33" x 36" |
| Upholstery Material | Polyester/Linen | Faux Leather/Fabric | Top Grain Leather | Fabric | Polyester Blend | Polyester/Fabric |
| Seat Firmness | Firm | Very Firm | Medium-Firm | Medium | Medium-Firm | Firm |
| Back Style | Tufted Fixed | Tufted Fixed | Loose Cushions | Button Tufted | High Fixed | High Fixed |
| Frame Material | Solid Wood/Plywood | Solid Rubberwood | Metal/Wood | Solid Wood | Solid Wood | Solid Wood |
| Leg Material | Solid Wood | Solid Wood | Metal | Wood | Wood | Wood |
| Assembly Required | Legs Only | Moderate | Legs Only | Moderate | Legs Only | Legs Only |
What We Tested and How We Tested It
We established a specific testing protocol for these Simpli Home couches. The primary focus was the "handcrafted" claim versus the reality of ready-to-assemble furniture. We timed how long it took to unbox and build each model. We noted if the wood legs felt solid or hollow. We checked the alignment of the pre-drilled holes. We inspected the stitching on the tufted buttons. We evaluated the frame stability immediately after building. We shook the arms to test for lateral wobble.
Comfort testing involved distinct user scenarios. We sat upright for two hours to mimic reading or working. We watched full-length movies to test seat foam resilience. We checked for "bottoming out," where you feel the frame through the foam. We assessed the break-in period. We noted if the stiffness relaxed after a week. We checked the armrest padding. We leaned heavily on them to see if elbows hit hard wood.
Durability and daily use were also critical factors. We rubbed the fabrics with rough denim to check for pilling. We cleaned simulated spills like coffee and soda on the leather models. We let our office dog jump on the surfaces. We checked for scratch resistance on the wood legs. We invited testers of different weights to sit simultaneously. This helped us gauge the weight capacity limits realistically.
Testing Team Takeaways
I found the aesthetic value of Simpli Home couches to be their strongest asset. They photograph beautifully. The mid-century vibes are spot on. However, the comfort is polarized. Most models lean towards "firm" or "very firm." I felt supported but never hugged. The assembly was generally easier than I expected. Most just required screwing on legs.
Marcus Reed focused on the frame rigidity. “The solid wood legs aren't a joke,” he noted. He felt secure sitting on the Morrison. He did not hear creaks. He found the seat depth on the Hunter too shallow for his long legs. He felt like he was perching. He preferred the Sawyer for its wider stance. He liked the industrial metal legs on that one.
Carlos Alvarez analyzed the posture support. He praised the Draper. “It forces me to sit straight,” he stated. He found the firm back excellent for working on a laptop. He disliked the Harrison. He felt the rolled arms pushed his shoulders up. He appreciated the high back of the Kitchener. It actually supported his upper thoracic spine.
Mia Chen loved the scale of these sofas. The Hunter fit her apartment-sized expectations. “It doesn't overwhelm the room,” she said. She could move it herself. She found the tufting on the Morrison buttons uncomfortable when lying down. They dug into her back. She preferred the smooth cushions of the Kitchener for napping.
Jenna Brooks and Ethan Cole tested the couple suitability. They found the 72-inch width on the Morrison tight. “We are shoulder to shoulder,” Jenna observed. They liked the Sawyer for movie nights. It gave them a few extra inches. Ethan noted the leather on the Sawyer was slippery. He slid down during the movie. They agreed these are better for sitting and talking than for cuddling.
Jamal Davis had issues with the seat height. The Draper felt low to him. “I have to push hard to stand up,” he complained. He liked the Kitchener better. The higher seat angle worked for his knees. He found the padding on the arms of the Hunter nonexistent. He hit his elbow on the wood frame. Dr. Adrian Walker noted the firm foam helps maintain pelvic alignment but lacks pressure relief for long durations.
Simpli Home Couches: Our Testing Experience
Morrison Sofa
Our Testing Experience:
I started with the Morrison because it is their signature look. The grey color is versatile. I screwed the legs in within ten minutes. I sat down. It is firm. The foam does not sink much. I sat upright to read. The back tufting looks great but feels lumpy. I felt the buttons against my spine.
Marcus Reed sat heavily on it. The frame didn't budge. “This feels like a dentist waiting room couch,” he joked about the firmness. He liked the sturdy feel. He did not feel like he would break it. He noted the fabric felt durable. It is a tight weave.
Mia Chen tried to curl up. The seat depth is moderate. She fit okay. She put a pillow behind her back. “The buttons are annoying without a pillow,” she said. She liked the leg height. She could vacuum underneath easily. Dr. Adrian Walker observed the upright posture. He noted it is good for conversation areas but bad for lounging.
Pros & Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
| Classic mid-century design | Seat foam is very firm |
| Sturdy solid wood legs | Tufted buttons can be felt |
| Easy assembly (legs only) | Not comfortable for napping |
| Durable fabric weave | Seat depth is average |
Details:
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Price: $600 - $750
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Dimensions: 72" W x 32" D x 34" H
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Seat Depth: 21.5"
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Seat Height: 18.5"
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Cushion Firmness: Firm
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Frame Material: Solid Wood/Plywood
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Fabric: Polyester Linen Look
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Assembly: Legs
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Warranty: 1 Year
Review Score:
| Metric | Score | Remarks |
| Comfort | 4.0 | Firm support; not for sinking in. |
| Support | 4.5 | Excellent upright posture maintenance. |
| Durability | 4.4 | Fabric and frame feel solid. |
| Design | 4.6 | Looks more expensive than it is. |
| Value | 4.4 | Good style for the price. |
| Overall | 4.3 | Best for style-conscious formal rooms. |
Draper Sofa
Our Testing Experience:
The Draper is sharper than the Morrison. It has square lines. I assembled it alone. The rubberwood frame feels heavy. I sat down. It is even firmer than the Morrison. It felt like a bench with padding. I worked from here for three hours. My back did not ache. The support is consistent.
Carlos Alvarez claimed this spot. He liked the rigid back. “My shoulders don't round forward here,” he noted. He placed his laptop on his knees. The seat is flat. It provided a stable base. He did not slide. He appreciated the clean look.
Jenna Brooks tried to relax here. She struggled. The arms are high and hard. “I can’t lay my head on this armrest,” she said. She needed a thick pillow. She felt it was too formal for a family room. Dr. Adrian Walker agreed. He suggested this sofa for offices or reception areas where alertness is required.
Pros & Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
| Sharp professional aesthetic | Extremely firm cushions |
| High quality rubberwood frame | High hard arms |
| Durable upholstery | Not for lounging or TV |
| Excellent back support | Difficult to nap on |
Details:
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Price: $650 - $800
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Dimensions: 73" W x 32" D x 33" H
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Seat Depth: 22"
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Seat Height: 18"
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Cushion Firmness: Very Firm
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Frame Material: Rubberwood
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Fabric: Faux Leather or Fabric
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Assembly: Moderate
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Warranty: 1 Year
Review Score:
| Metric | Score | Remarks |
| Comfort | 3.8 | Very stiff; specific taste required. |
| Support | 4.7 | Keeps spine perfectly vertical. |
| Durability | 4.5 | Wood frame is robust. |
| Design | 4.5 | Iconic mid-century silhouette. |
| Value | 4.2 | Good if you want firmness. |
| Overall | 4.1 | Ideal for home offices or studios. |
Sawyer Sofa
Our Testing Experience:
The Sawyer brings an industrial vibe. It was the heaviest box. The leather smelled real. It is top grain, but thin. I liked the look. I sat down. The cushions are loose. They are softer than the Draper. I sank in a little. The metal legs look cool. They felt stable.
Jamal Davis sat down. He liked the width. “I have room to spread out,” he said. He liked the leather feel. It was cool to the touch. He noticed the back cushions were a bit low. He could not lean his head back. He sat forward to play games.
Ethan Cole slid around. The leather is slick. “I keep sliding forward,” he laughed. He liked the look of the distressed leather. It hides scratches. He noted the cushions are not reversible. The back is black fabric. Dr. Adrian Walker noted the lack of head support. He advised taller users to use this for short durations.
Pros & Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
| Real top grain leather | Leather is slippery |
| Wider seating area | Cushions not reversible |
| Stylish industrial metal legs | Low back support |
| Softer than other models | Leather is somewhat thin |
Details:
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Price: $900 - $1,100
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Dimensions: 84" W x 34" D x 34" H
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Seat Depth: 22"
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Seat Height: 18.5"
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Cushion Firmness: Medium-Firm
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Frame Material: Metal/Wood
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Fabric: Distressed Top Grain Leather
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Assembly: Legs
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Warranty: 1 Year
Review Score:
| Metric | Score | Remarks |
| Comfort | 4.5 | Leather softens the feel significantly. |
| Support | 4.0 | Low back limits upper support. |
| Durability | 4.3 | Leather is tough; scratches blend in. |
| Design | 4.8 | Very trendy industrial look. |
| Value | 4.4 | Real leather at this price is rare. |
| Overall | 4.4 | Best for modern industrial spaces. |
Hunter Sofa
Our Testing Experience:
The Hunter is the baby of the group. It is small. I carried the box with Marcus easily. Assembly was fast. I sat down. It felt narrow. My shoulders took up a lot of space. The green fabric looked vibrant. It felt soft. The seat is shallow. I felt like I was perched on a ledge.
Mia Chen fit perfectly. “This is my size,” she said. She liked the button details. She felt the back was supportive enough. She could move it to vacuum. She noted the fabric attracted pet hair. She had to use a roller.
Marcus Reed looked giant on it. “This is a loveseat, not a sofa,” he argued. His knees stuck out far. He felt the arm padding was too thin. He hit the wood frame. Dr. Adrian Walker noted the compact scale. He said it prevents slouching for petite users but forces poor posture for tall ones.
Pros & Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
| Perfect scale for small rooms | Too small for average users |
| vibrant color options | Thin arm padding |
| Lightweight and mobile | Shallow seat depth |
| Affordable price | Fabric attracts lint/hair |
Details:
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Price: $550 - $700
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Dimensions: 70" W x 31" D x 33" H
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Seat Depth: 20.5"
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Seat Height: 18"
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Cushion Firmness: Medium
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Frame Material: Solid Wood
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Fabric: Polyester Fabric
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Assembly: Moderate
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Warranty: 1 Year
Review Score:
| Metric | Score | Remarks |
| Comfort | 3.8 | Good for petite users only. |
| Support | 3.9 | Decent for short sitting periods. |
| Durability | 4.0 | Lightweight frame; fabric is standard. |
| Design | 4.2 | Cute and colorful. |
| Value | 4.1 | Cheap but small. |
| Overall | 4.0 | Strictly for small apartments. |
Harrison Sofa
Our Testing Experience:
The Harrison goes traditional. It has rolled arms. I unpacked it. It looked bigger than the others. I sat down. The seat cushions are thick. They felt medium-firm. I liked the arm height. I rested my arm comfortably. It felt more "homey" than the mid-century ones.
Jenna Brooks liked the vibe. “It feels like a normal living room couch,” she said. She curled into the corner. The rolled arm supported her back. She read a book for an hour. She found the seat depth comfortable. She did not slide forward.
Carlos Alvarez found it too soft. He sank in a bit. “My posture is slumping,” he noted. He checked the back cushions. They are fixed. He could not fluff them. He worried they would sag over time. Dr. Adrian Walker noted the rolled arms allow for better arm support during relaxation.
Pros & Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
| Traditional comfortable look | Visual bulk is high |
| Good arm support | Fixed back cushions may sag |
| Softer feel than mid-century models | Fabric can wrinkle |
| Deeper seating feel | Heavy to move |
Details:
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Price: $700 - $850
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Dimensions: 76" W x 33" D x 35" H
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Seat Depth: 22"
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Seat Height: 19"
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Cushion Firmness: Medium-Firm
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Frame Material: Solid Wood
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Fabric: Polyester Blend
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Assembly: Legs
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Warranty: 1 Year
Review Score:
| Metric | Score | Remarks |
| Comfort | 4.4 | More inviting than the rigid models. |
| Support | 4.0 | Softer back offers less structure. |
| Durability | 4.2 | Fabric seems prone to stretching. |
| Design | 4.1 | Safe, traditional choice. |
| Value | 4.3 | Solid family sofa. |
| Overall | 4.2 | Best for traditional comfort lovers. |
Kitchener Sofa
Our Testing Experience:
The Kitchener is tall. The backrest goes higher than the others. I assembled it easily. I sat down. The back supported my shoulders. This was a nice change. The design is simple. No tufting. Just clean lines. The seat is firm. It felt durable.
Jamal Davis appreciated the height. “Finally, some shoulder support,” he said. He sat back fully. He felt secure. He liked the seat height. His knees were at a good angle. He found the fabric a bit rough. It felt like a heavy linen.
Ethan Cole tried to nap. The armrests are high and square. “I need a pillow here,” he said. He found the seat long enough to lay down. He liked that it didn't have buttons to dig into him. Dr. Adrian Walker praised the back height. He said it reduces neck strain for taller individuals.
Pros & Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
| High back offers shoulder support | Fabric is slightly rough |
| clean simple design | Armrests are hard |
| Good for taller users | Cushion covers are not removable |
| Sturdy feel | Very firm seating |
Details:
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Price: $600 - $750
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Dimensions: 74" W x 33" D x 36" H
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Seat Depth: 21.5"
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Seat Height: 19"
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Cushion Firmness: Firm
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Frame Material: Solid Wood
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Fabric: Polyester Fabric
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Assembly: Legs
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Warranty: 1 Year
Review Score:
| Metric | Score | Remarks |
| Comfort | 4.2 | Firm but supportive for tall people. |
| Support | 4.6 | Best back support in the group. |
| Durability | 4.4 | Simple design has fewer failure points. |
| Design | 4.3 | minimalist and functional. |
| Value | 4.4 | Good price for the size. |
| Overall | 4.3 | Best for taller users needing support. |
Compare Performance Scores of These Sofas
| Sofa | Overall Score | Seat Comfort | Back Support | Seat Depth Fit | Cooling / Breathability | Durability | Ease of Movement |
| Morrison | 4.3 | 4.0 | 4.5 | 4.2 | 4.4 | 4.4 | 4.2 |
| Draper | 4.1 | 3.8 | 4.7 | 4.3 | 4.2 | 4.5 | 4.0 |
| Sawyer | 4.4 | 4.5 | 4.0 | 4.5 | 4.0 | 4.3 | 4.0 |
| Hunter | 4.0 | 3.8 | 3.9 | 3.5 | 4.5 | 4.0 | 4.8 |
| Harrison | 4.2 | 4.4 | 4.0 | 4.3 | 4.3 | 4.2 | 3.8 |
| Kitchener | 4.3 | 4.2 | 4.6 | 4.4 | 4.5 | 4.4 | 4.2 |
The Sawyer leads in comfort due to the leather and softer fill. It is the best "chill" couch. The Kitchener and Morrison are tied for support and all-around utility. The Draper is the specialist for firmness. The Hunter lags due to its size constraints. The Harrison is the comfort choice for non-modern homes.
Best Picks
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Best Overall Simpli Home Sofa: Sawyer Sofa
The Sawyer wins for its blend of style and comfort. Jamal loved the space it offered, and the real leather provides a premium feel that beats the fabric models. It is the most "living room ready" piece.
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Best Support Simpli Home Sofa: Kitchener Sofa
The Kitchener takes the support award. Jamal and Carlos appreciated the high backrest. If you need to sit upright and save your neck, this is the one to buy.
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Best Style Simpli Home Sofa: Morrison Sofa
The Morrison earns the style title. It is the quintessential mid-century look. Mia loved how it elevated the room's aesthetic instantly. It is perfect for formal sitting areas.
How to Choose the Simpli Home Couches?
Choosing the right Simpli Home couch depends on your tolerance for firmness and your room size.
First, check your firmness preference. If you like to sink into a couch, Simpli Home might be too hard for you. The Sawyer is your only real soft option. If you like support, the Draper or Morrison are perfect.
Next, measure your space. These are generally compact sofas. The Hunter (70") fits anywhere. The Sawyer (84") needs a full wall. Do not buy the Hunter if you are over 6 feet tall. You will be miserable.
Think about usage. If this is for a formal living room where you drink tea, get the Morrison. It looks great and promotes posture. If this is for a TV room, get the Harrison or Sawyer. The rolled arms and softer seats are better for movies.
Finally, consider materials. The Sawyer leather is great for spills but slippery. The Morrison fabric is durable but the buttons can snag. The Draper faux leather is easy to clean but feels stiff.
Limitations
Simpli Home couches have clear limitations. They are "Ready to Assemble" furniture. While they use solid wood, the frames are lighter than traditional factory-built sofas. The foam is high density but often feels stiff initially. It takes time to break in. The "handcrafted" claim is true, but mass production variances exist. We noticed some stitching was not perfectly straight on the tufted models. Also, they are generally smaller in scale. They are not deep, sprawling American sectionals.
Is the Simpli Home Couch worth it?
The Simpli Home couch lineup is worth it for specific buyers.
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Style Seekers: You get the mid-century look for $700, not $2000.
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Apartment Dwellers: The compact sizes fit elevators and small rooms perfectly.
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Support Lovers: If you hate sagging couches, these firm frames are for you.
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Trade-off: You sacrifice plush, sink-in comfort. If you want a cloud couch, look elsewhere.
If you want a stylish, firm, wood-framed sofa for a reasonable price, Simpli Home delivers.
FAQs
1. Is the leather on the Sawyer real?
Yes, it is top-grain leather. It is distressed, so it has character marks. It is thinner than luxury leather but real.
2. Are these sofas hard to assemble?
No. Most models like the Morrison and Kitchener only require attaching the legs. The Draper required bolting the back on, which took about 20 minutes.
3. Are the cushions reversible?
Generally, no. The tufted models (Morrison, Draper, Hunter) have fixed cushions. The Sawyer has loose cushions, but the back is black fabric, so you can't flip them.
4. Do they come in one box?
Yes, usually one large heavy box. We recommend two people to move it inside.
5. Is the seat foam durable?
In our testing, the high-density foam held its shape well. It is very firm, so it resists sagging better than soft cloud foam.
6. Can I remove the covers to wash them?
No. The covers are upholstered to the frame or foam. Spot cleaning is your only option.
7. Does the wood scratch easily?
The wood legs are finished, but they can scratch. We recommend felt pads if you have hardwood floors.
8. Is the color accurate to the photos?
The fabric colors are generally accurate. The distressed leather on the Sawyer can vary in shade because it is a natural material.
9. What is the weight limit?
Most are rated for 500-600 lbs. The solid wood legs make them feel sturdier than plastic-leg competitors.
10. Do they smell like chemicals?
The leather Sawyer had a leather smell. The fabric models had a slight "new car" smell that dissipated after 24 hours of airing out.
