The Best Couches for Any Style, According to Industry Pros

The perfect couch completes just about any living room. It enhances the space, offering a comfy spot to relax, curl up with a good book, or entertain friends and family. Let’s be real with each other: Other than your bed, it’s where you spend the most time in your home. But with so many options—leather, slipcovered, modular, sleeper sofas—the search can quickly become overwhelming.

To help you navigate the plush world of couches, we consulted Patricia Bowling, Vice President of the American Home Furnishings Alliance (AHFA); Darrell Gardner, Director of Product Development for Cort; Tessa Kluetz Pernell, Seattle-based interior designer of TKP Design; and Kendra Nash, principal designer at Nash Design Group. They talked about the latest trends, the timeless classics, and the perfect pick for your unique needs. So, whether you like the buttery softness of leather or the cozy comfort of a slipcovered iteration, we've got you covered (literally) in our guide to the best couches for every style and situation.

The best couches for any style in every space

How to choose a couch style

Kluetz Pernell says that when choosing the right type of sofa for your space, first consider the functionality. How many people does it need to seat comfortably on a regular basis? Is it the only sofa in the home? Does it need to function as a bed for guests?

“In a smaller, flex space like an office/ guest room a sleeper sofa/ futon works great,” she says. “This can be something as simple as a foldable mattress-style futon that stacks into a sofa or lays flat as a bed to a sofa that looks and functions as a standard or sectional sofa but has a hidden sleeper component.”

Kluetz Pernell also loves incorporating murphy/wall beds in flexible spaces. There are affordable pre-made options or if budget allows, custom will get you the perfect size and the most storage possible, she notes.

In media and family rooms, Kluetz Pernell generally sources sectionals to allow plenty of room for movie nights and lounging together. “They provide a cozy vibe and can help create zones within a larger space,” she says.

She likes to use loveseats and settees in larger primary bedrooms at the end of the bed or in a living space within the primary.

“A standard sofa is best in a smaller or formal living space if there is another living or family room that has a sectional or additional seating such as armchairs or a lounger. If space allows, I recommend two sofas facing each other with a coffee table in between—framing a fireplace or other focal point,” Kluetz Pernell notes.

Next you want to choose the right size. The length as well as the height and depth are important to measure out in your space before heading out to purchase a sofa. “If possible, allow space on either side of the sofa for a side table or floor lamp. If a sofa takes up an entire wall (especially in a main living room) it tends to feel cramped and the space lacks visual interest, balance and functionality,” she says.

Deep seats are great for media/family rooms as they are perfect for lounging. In a sitting room or formal living, standard depth is best, she adds. “Choosing the sofa material and color depend on the space. In high-traffic areas, easy-to-clean, performance materials are a must. Patterns can be especially forgiving,” Kluetz Pernell advises.

“In multi-media and theater rooms, vibrant colors and soft textures set the tone for a cozy, comfortable vibe,” she says. “In a formal living space, choose from high end velvet, linen, leather or silk for a luxe look and feel. I often opt for light, neutral colored sofas in a formal living space.”

How I selected the best couches

Durability

A couch is a significant investment, so you want it to last. I looked for high-quality materials like:

• Solid hardwood frame: Avoid particle board or plywood frames, as these are more prone to warping and breaking down over time.
• Durable upholstery: Leather is a classic choice for durability, but high-quality fabric options are also available. Consider stain resistance if you have kids or pets.

Features

Depending on your needs, some features you might consider include:

• Reclining: Perfect for relaxing and watching movies.
• Sleeping: Great for guest rooms or small apartments.
• Storage: Ottomans with built-in storage or couches with hidden compartments can be helpful for organization.
• Cup holders and USB ports: These can be convenient additions, but may not be essential for everyone.

Budget

Couches range considerably in price depending on factors like material, brand, and features.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

When do couches go on sale?

It’s tempting to look for the best bargain, but quality sofas don’t come cheap, Gardner says. “That doesn’t mean you can’t try to find one on sale, but two similar sofas that vary dramatically in price probably aren’t the same quality. The market is filled with bargain-priced replicas of superior furniture. You can look for sales during major holidays such as Memorial Day, Labor Day, Black Friday, and Presidents' Day, as well as during seasonal clearance sales,” he says. Furniture stores may also have promotions during specific times of the year or to make room for new inventory.

What kind of upholstery material is the most durable?

Tightly woven fabrics with durable fibers, like nylon and polyester, are among the most durable upholstery material for couches. Leather is also a popular choice. Says Nash, “We use indoor/outdoor fabric that has a soft hand. It is perfect for kids, pets, and day-to-day wear and tear. Plus, it can be cleaned and won’t change due to sunlight,” she says.

How long should a couch last?

A sofa should last forever if it is made well, Nash says. “Look beyond the glam, and you can see differences that determine whether a sofa is good for the long term or won’t last longer than a few years,” Gardner says. It pays — literally — to know how to identify the best quality furniture that is worth your investment. The lifespan of a couch can vary depending on the quality of construction, materials used, and how well it is maintained. “On average, a well-made couch can last anywhere from seven to 15 years or even longer with proper care,” Gardner explains. “Maintaining your couch’s cosmetic appeal isn’t difficult, but supporting its structural integrity can be a little more complicated, especially if you purchased it from a thrift store or online marketplace.”

How do you determine the best size couch for your space?

Here are a few things to consider when determining the best size couch for your space.

Measure your space. Start with the room dimensions where the couch will be placed. Measure the length, width, and height of the space. This will give you a general idea of how much space you have to work with.

Consider traffic flow, and how people will move around the room with the couch in place. Leave enough space for comfortable walking paths between the couch and other furniture, coffee tables, and walls. It’s good to leave at least 30-36 inches of clearance for walkways.

A massive couch in a small living room will overwhelm the space, while a tiny loveseat in a large room might look out of place. Aim for a balance between the size of the couch and the size of the room.

Think about how many people you typically need to seat and choose a couch that can comfortably accommodate your needs. If you entertain often, you might prioritize a larger size. How do you plan to use the couch? If you want to sprawl out and relax, consider the depth and cushion comfort of the couch.