The 16 Most Comfortable Couches 2023, Tested by Interior Designers and Editors

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Sit back and relax.

Besides your bed, the most comfortable couch is another piece of furniture worth investing in. Between binge-watching Netflix, lounging, or even hosting out-of-town guests, it’s an essential centerpiece to any home. Feeling the pressure to make the right purchase? With the help of expert interior designers, we’re here to make your couch shopping experience a breeze. Scroll on to see exactly what you should look for in a comfortable couch. We’ve laid out all the details below along with a variety of picks to choose from.

Proper measurements are always a must. There’s nothing worse than your must-have couch arriving only to find that it’s too small or big. The other key factor to consider is the optimal depth which can vary depending on your height or the way you sit.

"Dimensions are very important, make sure the couch you’re buying will fit in the space and will clear all the entrances and hallways of your house or building," Williams Martinez, founder and principal designer of Casa Martinez, tells Men’s Health. "I also recommend paying close attention to the seat depth and height. You want to make sure it sits comfortably, and you can get in and out easily. The back height and back pitch angle will reinforce the support and comfort of the couch. Look out for arm height and width, too. Having the right armrest will give you the feeling of relaxation you’re looking for."

"When it comes to couch depth, the sweet spot is between 28 to 36 inches," celebrity interior designer and Netflix star Mikel Welch adds. "But here's the deal, it's not just numbers. Think cushion density, backrest angle, and armrest awesomeness. You might be all about that deep dive for max lounging or leaning towards a slightly shallower setup for a posture that's got your back."

What’s a couch without its cushions? Similar to choosing pillows for your bed, think about how soft you want the couch to feel or if you’re after more support. "Look at the use of the couch and select the cushion fill that's right for the space," according to Erin Coren, cofounder and principal designer of the Curated Nest. "If you want a deep couch for lounging that looks like a cloud, then an all-down seat cushion is for you. For those interested in a tighter seat with a more tailored look to entertain and talk with guests, we suggest a down-wrapped foam insert for the cushions so it maintains structure, but is still soft to sit on."

"Cushion fillings will play a tremendous part in how comfortable your new couch will be," Martinez says. "Again, it all depends on your comfort level and the look you’re trying to achieve. For example, high-density foam is very standard, comfortable, durable, and maintains its shape. Down-feather fillings are very popular as well and I recommend them if you want a more relaxed feel or look. However, with down and feathers, the filling will move, and the cushions will have to be fluffed often to keep shape."

Opting for a dual-purpose couch is also a reliable hack. "If this is a couch that will be getting tons of use, an indoor/outdoor fabric that’s easy to clean will increase the life of the piece,” Martinez explains. "On the other hand, if it’s a couch that will be in a low-traffic area, you have more flexibility with the fabric."

Now that you have valuable advice under your belt, the designers also paired their handy tips with some stellar couch options that deliver comfort in every way. Get ready to sit back and relax!

The signs of a comfortable couch are in the details. For Castlery's Jonathan sofa, you'll immediately see that it doesn't have legs. Customers rave about this low-to-the-ground silhouette saying it's actually much easier to get up from.

Moreover, the couch's arms are wider than average allowing you to have things you're using on hand like a remote or bowl of popcorn when you're watching a movie. And on the site, you'll see that the Jonathan is deemed on the softer end of the brand's couches so you can count on it to exceed your comfort expectations.

What do buyers say? "I’m about a month in and couldn't be happier with this sofa," says one reviewer. "The couch is incredibly comfortable, matches the tone and warmth of my space and is the perfect place to relax after working or a day out. The armrests provide a perfect space for my phone or the remote and comfortably fit myself and other guests when they come over."

​Next up is a piece that appears expensive, in case you're hoping to stay within a lower budget range. The classic Chesterfield design of the sofa—in which the large arms are at the same height as the back—is sure to turn heads. It's also wider than it seems and it's able to seat up to four people.

When you're ready to check out, know that White Glove Delivery (a service that includes assembly, package removal, and more) is an additional $149.99. If you want to let the savings continue, you can opt out of that and assemble it yourself. Not only does each purchase come with the necessary tools for assembly, but past reviewers also confirm how easy it is to put the couch together. A crucial thing to keep in mind is that you'll need a clearance of at least 30 inches to get the couch through.

What do buyers say? "Product is as marketed, in love with it," says one reviewer. "Perfect handoff, no issues with shipping, and it suits my space well. It’s worth the purchase and I’m looking forward to it being used in my podcast studio."

We're not highlighting this comfortable couch simply because it's on sale for only around $200. That may be a major bonus, but it's a great deal since it åwas designed by esteemed husband and wife interior design duo Cortney and Robert Novogratz. It has top-notch quality and the linen upholstery makes it easy to clean.

The style-forward design details like the slanted back and curved arms also leave you with a bold statement couch. All in all, it's an affordable way to elevate and completely transform a space. There's a sectional option, too, if you prefer a bit more room.

What do buyers say? "It's absolutely beautiful and adds a touch of elegance to my living room," says one reviewer. "The sofa offers excellent value for money, providing both style and comfort at an affordable price point. However, I must mention that installing the sofa alone was quite challenging ... I highly recommend having two people for the installation process to make it easier and quicker."

​A sleek, modern couch that suits any living room aesthetic? That's exactly what you'll get with Interior Define's Sloan sofa. Spend just a few minutes on the site or at one of the brand's many store locations across the country and you'll see that the designs truly appeal to everyone. From the legs down to the type of cushion fill, shoppers are able to choose every single component of the custom couch order.

While it doesn't have a low price tag, the selections you're getting make it worth it. (Just make sure you budget an extra $249 for the delivery.) Of course, on the flip side, creating what could be your forever couch does take up to 14 weeks for it to get to your doorstep. One thing's for sure, this certainly isn't the move for you if you want something fast.

What do buyers say? "I was hesitant to buy furniture online," says one reviewer. "But with all the resources I had from Interior Define, and I used all, their website, the consultations, the fabric samples, their chat I made a throughout the process for my decision and I love my two sofas."

This highly-rated two-seater couch may be small, but it has big style, we just wish it came in more colors. However, it's the ideal couch for any tight space and the plush velvet will feel so soft every time you sit down. It apparently only takes 10 minutes to set up, and all the necessary tools and instructions are included in the box.

For extra comfort and support, Vesgantti provides two bolster pillows for each side of the couch. Overall, it has a timeless midcentury modern shape with retro details that make it stand out. The bottom legs are also kiln-dried making them more durable.

What do buyers say? "Relieved it actually looks like the picture, it's super cute," says one reviewer. "The fabric is soft and velvety feels like good quality and the green is vibrant yet subtle. I love it."

Our senior editor, Keith Nelson, tested Sabai's IG-famous sofa in 2022, and he can safely say that it lives up the hype. He loves the sectional's soft-but-not-sinking cushions that he can spend all day relaxing or working in. While the Essential Sofa is available in velvet or polyester fabric, he prefers the former for its luxe (but still cozy) finish. If you're into sustainable furniture, Sabai's fabric and pillows are made with recycled bottles, and its fabrics are free from chemical treatments.

Plus, assembling the sectional was incredibly easy. Nelson says it took him less than 30 minutes to put it together, plus Sabai's modular build made it easy to stuff through apartment elevators, making it ideal for smaller spaces. "It's a couch designed to take into consideration the customer's entire lived experience—relaxation, moral footprint, and convenience.

Read more: Sabai Essential Sectional Review

It's unrealistic to think your pet isn't going to lounge on your couch and though slipcovers are a solid solution, we understand not wanting to do that extra step. Thanks to Anthropologie, your furry friends can feel at home in the brand's ultra-durable, easy-to-maintain performance linen which as the site confirms, is "ideal for families and pet lovers." On top of that, you'll love the couch's laid-back vibe and extra cozy double seat cushions.

What do buyers say? "I am OBSESSED with this couch," says one reviewer. "Worth every penny. It’s so soft and fluffy, it blew my blinds up when I flopped on it. Exactly what I wanted. I chose the Belgian Linen version because I have pets and it will be easier to vacuum/clean. I am delighted! The animals have already moved in..."

Valyou Furniture​ had us at the word feathers. During a study done in December 2019, the brand tested the sofa against 13 other companies and found that it was "118% softer than a regular sofa." The HD memory foam and fiber blend combination is what makes it better than the rest.

Things don't just stop there as acclaimed Italian designer Mario Capasa created the timeless, welcoming look of the couch. Another check box the couch hits is convenience because you can easily remove and machine wash all the covers. Though the fabric is already stain and water-resistant, being able to actually throw the outer layers in the wash proves it's a must-buy.

What do buyers say? "Great sofa, even little pillows are comfortable," says one reviewer. "I only wish the company provided swatches, since you order without truly knowing what that material would feel like."

As a premier destination for furniture, this Arhaus sectional is an investment piece ready to bring understated elegance or some might say, quiet luxury, to your home. Plus, it's equally functional, courtesy of the Crypton Nomad Snow Home Performance Fabrics you're able to choose from—which come complete with stain, odor, and moisture-resistant technology. You can even tap a member of the brand's design team to learn more and have a complimentary consultation to figure out the fabric that suits your needs.

"You will love the Arhaus Kimpton 2-Piece Sectional," Welch says. "It's not just a couch, it's your throne of relaxation. With a depth that's on point—not too deep, not too shallow—it's the Goldilocks of seating. And they have a ton of fabrics to customize your sectional."

​A hypoallergenic couch that's as soft as a cloud? Say less. You'll sink and nap into the Kova sofa and not want to get up. To make things more enticing, Albany Park gives buyers the option to add an ottoman with additional storage. This is a major must for apartments with limited space.

Additionally, there's a range of color and fabric options, but two materials to keep an eye out for are the brand's stain-resistant bouclé or the easier-to-maintain performance fabric. And yes, shipping is free, but you'll have to assemble the couch yourself. Not to worry, we've done it and can attest that it's easier than it sounds, especially with the assembly instructions and video readily available on the site.

What do buyers say? "My boy and I get lost in this sofa," says one reviewer. "Most comfortable piece of furniture I’ve bought in a long time. So easy to assemble as well. The color is just gorgeous. So very happy."

Don't make the sleeper part of your sofa an afterthought. Since you're basically getting two for the price of one, why not snag a comfortable convertible couch that pulls out to an equally cozy mattress? After testing it, the mattress underneath was firm and there was no creaking noise either. So whether you have a studio apartment or you're just looking for a couch that can easily sleep guests, this is a worthwhile highly versatile purchase. Once you're ready for it to go back to normal, you'll have a contemporary piece of furniture that won't even come close to looking like a tacky futon.

Ready to kick your feet up and chill? With Floyd's recently released Sink Down Sectional, you can relax like never before. The customization options for fabric all the way to configurations are endless and for an additional fee, you have the chance to include an equally comfortable ottoman to your setup.

If you're getting the deep couch for your kids and family members, rest easy knowing that it's equipped with stain-repellent fabric. There are also strong metal clips, so you can enjoy flexibility and rearrange the couch however you want. We're also loving that it's made out of recycled materials and as if that's not enough, new customers are eligible to receive 30% off their order by signing up for Floyd's e-mail list.

Whether it's a mini home office or a tiny one-bedroom, turn to Castlery's chaise sofa. Its low-profile design is stylish, but more importantly, offers the illusion of height allowing your place to feel bigger. This scenario is exactly what you want when designing a small space.

You'll also love the couch's wide armrests that can even fit a coffee mug. On top of that, the one-arm silhouette is unique and allows for versatility in terms of where you can put it. And in case you're transforming a room altogether, the brand offers a free Room Designer Tool that allows you to see how the couch would pair with other pieces as the site has a vast collection of home goods.

What do buyers say? "Was looking for a sofa which fit my small living and need the right dimensions," says one reviewer. "Saw this modular sofa & fell in love instantly. I love how this is low and won't have fear of my toddlers falling off the seat."

"Custom cloud-like comfort" is how Inside Weather's Bondi collection is described. It has the ultimate plush blend that's the perfect balance between softness and support with a side of bounce. Inside, the cushions are made with a temperature-regulating memory that offers a sink-in feel while still being able to maintain its shape.

Depending on what you want, the couch can be on the larger end going up to a six-seater block, which can be reconfigured into a pit sofa or u-sectional providing even more seating. The best part? Every single cushion cover is machine washable and can easily be zipped on and off. Now that's a thoughtful design!

What do buyers say? "We absolutely LOVE our couch. It’s so incredibly dog friendly—you can tell a dog owner was heavily involved in the design," says one reviewer. "The cushions don’t lose any shape, it’s so easy to clean, and you can’t lose all the tennis balls under this couch! It’s so incredibly comfortable and we are thrilled to have a modular couch that will grow with us over time."

Being able to lounge all the way back is a game-changer and instead of annoying handles, West Elm makes the process hassle-free by hooking you up with a reclining button. Considering it'll mainly be used for napping and relaxing, you should be pleased to know that it includes extra firm cushions guaranteed to provide plenty of support. The headrest up top can be adjusted into the position most comfortable for you, too.

In case you were wondering, the arms are abnormally large for a reason. They open up and have wide storage underneath, and that's not all. Look closer and you'll find a USB port allowing you to keep your devices fully charged. There are also tons of fabric and color choices basically giving you the luxury of a customized piece. We just recommend you take note of West Elm's measuring guide for seamless delivery.

Burrow takes the stress out of online furniture shopping. Beyond free shipping, we're fans of the brand's simple and easy-to-follow assembly process. Our only note is that if you order this giant outdoor sectional, expect it to arrive in several boxes and be prepared to make a few tips from your front door.

There was a downpour of rain during the first week we had the couch outside and we were impressed with the quick-drying foam. The frame is also made with heavy-duty steel that will never rust, though, we still suggest you get a cover to extend the life of the sectional. Then again, if you want to take the sofa apart and put it away once the warm weather season is over, the cushions are stackable, and disassembling it takes no time at all. And we love how plush and thick the cushions are which isn't always the case with patio furniture.

"For plant lovers with spaces prone to soil and water spills, I highly recommend Burrow," Hilton Carter, a plant and interior stylist, says in agreement. "Their style is really cool, and the best part is that their materials are liquid and stain-repellent."

Read more: Burrow Couch Review

Seat depth is commonly found in the product descriptions of couches, so make sure to do your research because it makes a difference. "Don't be misled by the overall depth, the seat depth is from the edge of the seat and the back cushion," Coren says. "We love having 24 to 25 inches of seat depth for comfort. It's easy to be misled just by looking at the overall couch depth as many couches have chunky backs and arms."

Height is the other component that will determine how comfy a seat will be. "If you are a taller family, then we suggest a deeper couch and back height for more comfort if you want to use the sofa for lounging," Coren says. "If you want an in-between size, we love using 37 to 38-inch deep couches because it fits right in the middle of the road for most people. We always have our clients sit on a couch even if we're doing custom one. Going to retail stores is a great opportunity to sit on a variety of couches and determine comfortable arm height, back height, and seat depths which can then be transferred over into custom couch dimensions."

The short answer is, absolutely. A couch can feel flat and uninviting without cozy accessories. "Grab a mix of bold throw pillows—different sizes, textures, it's your call," Welch says. "Toss on a textured blanket or a rugged knitted one for those chill vibes. Need mood lighting? Drop a slick floor lamp nearby for that low-key, cool ambiance. Your couch is now the ultimate hangout zone."

Isis Briones is a seasoned shopping editor with more than a decade of experience testing the best home products worth your hard-earned cash. For this story, she did her own reviews and consulted several interior designers, who have years of experience trying and testing countless couches. Our intrepid three-person shopping team also contributed with testing and reviews to determine the most comfortable couches on the market.

Isis Briones is House Beautiful’s Senior Shopping Editor, she’ll find the best items for your home at every price point. She also loves to travel, so don’t be surprised if she hooks you up with some travel deals. Find more of her work published in Complex, Architectural Digest, Teen Vogue, and more.

Christian Gollayan oversees e-commerce content for Men's Health and Women's Health. Previously, he was the Associate Managing Editor at TheManual.com. Christian's work has also been featured in Food & Wine, InStyle, the New York Post, and Tatler Asia.

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