8 Best Sofas, Tested and Reviewed By AD’s Editors (2026)

The Best Sofas We’ve Ever TestedFrom structured seating to sink-in comfortMario Bellini for B&B Italia sofas, Isamu Noguchi ceiling lights, and a Charlotte Perriand dining table make up the living room of celebrity stylist Kate Young's upstate New York home.Photo: William GeddesIs there any piece of furniture more critical to the layout of a living area than a couch? The best sofas can reinvent and reorient a space by introducing new texture and seating arrangements,not to mention comfort.To help ensure you never, ever end up with something you loathe, I’ve curated a list of our editors’ most beloved sofas across silhouettes to support your search for something with star quality. I, along with my fellow editors and other AD contributors, have personally embarked on a sit test across modern sofas of all shapes and sizes—from love seats to three-seaters, sleeper sofas and modular formations.As a devoted napper and movie watcher, I also ensured these couches spanned all comfort ranges, from structured options best suited to long nights spent catching up with friends, to lounge-ready picks for a weekend of binge-watching Widow’s Bay. I also examined a wide variety of styles from midcentury modern to more contemporary finds to best suit shoppers of all aesthetic persuasions. Keep scrolling to find out which models and retailers made the cut.P.S.: If a sectional sofa is more your style (and you actually have the space for one), check out our dedicated guide here.Featured in this articleThe Classic Scandi DesignArticle Sanders Velvet SofaRead moreThe Go-With-Anything SilhouetteLulu and Georgia Cleary SofaRead moreThe Nap-Friendly NumberJoybird Sebastian SofaRead moreOur Top PicksMore Sofas We LoveWhat We Looked ForMore Seating StoriesThe Classic Scandi DesignArticle Sanders Velvet SofaDimensions: 85.5”W x 38.5”D x 32.5”HColor options: Pacific brown velvet , Pacific green velvet, Hestia ginger, Hestia gray, Ivory wool, Sandstone woolMaterial options: Fabric, velvetLeg finishes: Natural oakDelivery fees: $49 for ground shippingRead the full review here.With clean lines, smoked oak legs, and a luxurious-looking velvet finish, Article’s Sanders sofa “makes an impact without feeling massive,” according to contributor Zoë Sessums. A detectably Scandi-inspired design, its rounded edges and plush cushions fulfill the desire for a softer-looking silhouette that’s still statement-making—especially in one of the expensive-looking jewel-toned hues. Sessums chose Pacific green velvet upholstery, telling us “the color sets a bold, yet versatile mood in my living room without overwhelming the space, and I love that Article manages to keep its designs stylish without being fussy or overpriced.”The Go-With-Anything SilhouetteLulu and Georgia Cleary SofaDimensions: 76”W or 86”W or 96”W x 40”D x 30”HColor options: 23 fabric and color optionsMaterial options: Velvet, bouclé, linenLeg finishes: Laminated hardwoodDelivery fees: $369 for white-glove deliveryRead the full review here.A true chameleon, Lulu & Georgia’s Cleary sofa brings a streamlined look to a space, no matter where you land on the design spectrum. Its style-agnostic appeal is exactly what you’d want if your aesthetic is constantly in flux, with clean lines and bench-style cushion seating that gives an elevated look. The sofa was exactly what commerce senior vice president Lisa Aiken had in mind for her Connecticut home, “something that would not only be cozy and inviting but would aesthetically stand out as a modern anchor for our living space.” Aiken went on to tell us the sculptural piece is “as comfortable as it is beautiful,” and was especially impressed by how it pulled together her space. “In terms of durability, the Cleary sofa feels like a piece that will last,” she says. While Aiken opted for a cinnamon-hued velvet, it’s also available in various linen, bouclé, and velvet upholsteries (as well as three different widths) to fine-tune your textural preferences.The Nap-Friendly NumberJoybird Sebastian SofaDimensions: 92.5”W x 41”D x 32.5”HColor options: 71 fabric and color optionsMaterial options: Velvet, chenille, boucle, performance fabricLeg finishes: N/ADelivery fees: $179 for ground shippingRead the full review here.The low-profile Sebastian sofa from Joybird is another contemporary silhouette we like for giving your living room a polished feel that’s not too formal. “I looked all over the internet for couches and, ultimately, was drawn to Joybird’s Sebastian model because of its rounded silhouette and the brand’s expansive variety of color and fabric options,” senior entertainment editor Rachel Wallace says. A sister brand to La-Z-Boy (so you know the comfort will be top-notch), Joybird’s designs cater to more youthful homeowners and apartment dwellers, with its Sebastian sofa scoring major points in the lounging department from our tester. “This is by far the most supreme nap sofa I have ever experienced,” Wallace says. “It is so easy to remove the back cushions, and when you do, it turns the sofa into a sort of velvet daybed with plenty of room to stretch out.”The Movie-Night StarCastlery Jonathan SofaDimensions: 89.8"W 39.4"D 27.6"HColor options: Creamy white, zenith blue, dark granite, carbon grayMaterial options: 100% PolyesterLeg finishes: N/ADelivery fees: Depending on your locationRead the full review here.Contributor Rachel Fletcher tried out Castlery’s Jonathan sectional in 2022 and graded the spacious seating with As all across the board. When it came time to select sofas for last year’s Seat Week, we jumped to put the brand’s new and equally popular sofa version of this boxy piece of furniture to the test. The Jonathan sofa mirrors the same streamlined and ultra-cushioned silhouette as the sectional—its legless look almost makes it resemble a seat you might find at one of those dine-in theaters. It’s overstuffed and inviting, but still supportive. Contributor Sarah Madaus said it was so comfortable (she also rated it an A), she asked her partner to cook dinner so she could keep sitting in it.Best for Small SpacesWest Elm Bogart LoveseatDimensions: 60"W x 32"D x 25.2"HColor options: 77 color and material options from West Elm’s fabric catalogMaterial options: Linen, velvet, chenille, twill, basketweave, canvas, and boucleLeg finishes: N/ADelivery fees: Subject to change pending location, but a flat rate is available for curbside and in-home delivery as well as white glove.Read the full reviewAt only 60 inches wide, West Elm’s Bogart sofa packs a lot of style into a small-space-friendly frame. We’ll start with the tailored arms, which curve inward to create a kind of bolster pillow that wraps around the back of the sofa as well, propping up your mid-back for extra support. The structured silhouette wooed shopping director Lori Keong and fulfilled her long list of must-haves—sleek shape, exactly five feet long, speedy shipping.“It caught my eye because of its elegant bolstered back with rounded arms and a sculptural cutout base that conceals the legs,” she says. “No blocky, chubby legs or ugly hairpin appendages to stare at while I vacuum.” Wear and tear throughout the year has been minimal, with the first stain appearing during Keong’s recent move. White upholstery isn’t for all, but color choice is something to keep in mind if you anticipate a rambunctious toddler and their favorite snacks, or your grubby pet settling in for a nap.The back is quite low, so not ideal for those who prefer a lean-back lounge or a sprawl-out situation. Despite being a more sculptural couch, the Bogart easily racks up comfort points as well. And throughout the year it’s been in her possession, Keong insists that she falls asleep atop the bench cushion more often than she does in her bed, to the protest of her spine, she’s sure. “It’s definitely firm and supportive but also not rock-hard, with just enough give (and no sag) to sleep or sit on comfortably,” she notes. “I’m genuinely worried it’s going to give me a blood clot from how often I try to sleep there in fetal position.” Think of this sofa as your conversation starter for nights spent with a cocktail and close friends rather than your movie night recliner.Best Sleeper SofaPottery Barn York Slipcovered Side Sleeper SofaDimensions: 94.5"W x 44"D x 36"H closed, 94.5"W x 61.5"D x 19"H when the sleeper is openColor options: 134 upholstery options across Pottery Barn’s fabric catalogMaterial options: Velvet, linen, performance weaves, and textured weavesLeg finishes: Espresso, seadrift, antique umber, warm blackDelivery fees: Prices vary depending on shipping locationRead the full reviewWith an ultra-deep seat, sloped arms, and slipcovered upholstery, Pottery Barn’s York side sleeper sofa has become shopping market editor Kate McGregor’s favorite nap spot. “It’s genuinely the most comfortable couch I’ve ever owned,” she says. “My boyfriend protests whenever I give any inclination of replacing it (not that I ever will).” This couch is a true lounge couch. An elongated bench seat and three overstuffed back cushions cocoon you in a plush comfort. “It’s become a bit of a problem actually,” McGregor says. “I have to actively work on not dozing off if I’m working from it.” The back cushions, filled with a down feather blend, definitely tend to bunch and hold an indent wherever you’ve been sitting, but McGregor has found that an aggressive fluffing puts them right back into shape.Sleeper sofa mattresses tend to get a bad rap, especially for those who prefer a cloud-like bed mattress. The York features a five-inch thick, memory foam base that’s more comfortable than you’d think despite its thin stature. “Friends who have spent multiple nights on the sofa bed remark that it’s the most comfortable pull-out couch they’ve ever tried,” she says. Even having slept on it herself, McGregor notes that it’s a cozy spot to spend a few nights.The slipcover is machine washable, although McGregor notes that while she’s never attempted to wash it in a standard-size machine, stains are easily taken care of with a baking soda solution or spot treatment. “While white upholstery is not ideal for sticky hands and post-walk paws, the performance upholstery and tight linen weave have so far provided me with confidence in its longevity,” she says.More Sofas We LoveArhaus Kipton SofaDimensions: Four width options (64", 84", 94", 106") and two depths (40" and 44"), 35" highColor options: 80 fabric and color optionsMaterial options: performance, velvet, washable, textured, seaqual (made of recycled plastic), crypton (Arhaus' proprietary performance fabric)Leg finishes: N/ADelivery fees: $299 for ground shippingRead the full review here.The Kipton is all about clean lines and maximum comfort. With its classic, square-arm design and all-American ease, it’ll be at home in any kind of space. Go minimalist with a neutral shade or be your own interior designer with one of the brand’s textured patterns—there are 80 styles to choose from, and their selection of Badlands performance fabrics is moisture- and stain-resistant. But this piece of furniture is not just about looks. Contributor Lila Allen had this to say about her Kipton’s coziness: “I find this sofa to be really cushy and enveloping—but let’s be clear, this is not an upright, formal sit. It’s lazy and low, but still supportive.”Ellison Studios Muse SofaDimensions: Two-seater: 27.2" H 81.9" W 40.6" D | Three-seater: 27.2" H 111" W 40.6" DColor options: La crème, Caramel, Dune, AgaveMaterial options: Bouclé or velvetLeg finishes: N/ADelivery fees: White-glove delivery is $349; white-glove within a specified time frame is $449Read the full review here.With a sculptural form that commands the room, the Muse by Australian designer Sarah Ellison is the definition of laid-back in luxury, without all the fuss. Sold exclusively at Design Within Reach, this sumptuous design is supported by a hardwood frame and can be wrapped in three shades of velvet as well as white bouclé. It’s a new classic with a low profile, but an unmistakable presence. Our honored sit tester, contributor Sydney Gore, has declared that “the Muse is the It girl of sofas, and she’s about to have a moment.”What did we look for in our sit tests?Much like our criteria for selecting the best sectional sofa, many factors went into each of our reviews to give you the insight you need to pick the perfect couch for your home.Ordering and customization process: Shallow seats or deep seats, armrests or armless, down seat cushions or foam cushioning, upholstery or leather (or leather-like), comfy or formal—each of the sectionals we tested has possibilities. No matter the style of your living room, basement, guest room, or home office, we aimed to find an aesthetic for all, and we also documented the lead times and expected delivery timelines for each model.Couch delivery and assembly: Curbside or white-glove, fully assembled or DIY. And, if DIY, how many pieces did the sofa arrive in, and how difficult was the assembly? Could you get the sofa up stairs or into an elevator on your own?After installation: Here we asked some tough functionality questions of each sectional: Is it practical for a modern home? Is the couch kid- and/or pet-friendly? What are the care and cleaning instructions? Are some fabric options better than others? And did it look better IRL than in the photos?Looking for more seating stories?You’ve come to the right place! Check out the rest of our Seat Week stories for everything you need to know.The Very Best Sectional Sofas, as Tested by Our Editors: We decided that we couldn’t sit on this one any longer—we shipped sectional sofas into the homes of AD contributors to test them firsthand. No matter what sofa style you’re looking for, we’ve got it and reviewed pieces from Maiden Home, Pottery Barn, Benchmade Modern, Castlery, Allmodern, West Elm, Interior Define and more.The Best Dining Chairs Eat Up the Competition: Sit in style with these tried-and-tested seats.Sleeper Sofas Are Stylish and Supported, but Never Saggy: From reclining futons to pullout beds, these double-duty sofa beds often get a bad rep.Affordable Couches That Don’t Skimp on Style: We scoured the internet for beautifully designed couches, all under $2,000.We’re Suddenly Feeling Leather Sofas: And we’re breaking them out of the bachelor pad starter kit.Kate McGregor is the Shopping Market Editor at Architectural Digest, doing what she loves best, curating the new and noteworthy across all categories. Previously, a design editor and market assistant for the likes of Domino and ELLE Decor, Kate has nearly seven years of shelter magazine experience. When not obsessing ... Read More