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These days, our world revolves around our sofa. It’s where we take Zoom calls during the workweek and spend our Friday nights (likely binge-watching The Queen’s Gambit). If this spot isn’t the center of your universe, it might be time to invest in a new couch.
There are infinite factors to consider before you make your purchase: Do you prefer linen or velvet? How do you feel about a modern sleeper? Is it easy to carry up the stairs? And, most important, can you get one for cheap? Sometimes you just need a solid place to start, which is why our style editors pulled together some of their favorite options and asked a few interior designers for the picks they swear by. Sit back and read on, because we did all the hard work for you (and even organized them by price range).
The One That Reinvents the Bolster
You haven’t seen arms quite like the ones on Egg Collective’s Howard sofa. The NYC-based female design trio accentuated the geometry of the sides with an extra layer of cushioning and two perfectly curved pillows. “It feels very now,” says Keren Richter of White Arrow.
The Cotton Candy One
The last sofa designer Merve Kahraman bought happens to be her own design. The three-seater is made to mimic the feeling of sitting on a cotton candy cloud, hence the soothing pink and arc-shaped backrests. The walnut-wood base with round legs sets it apart even more.
The Collector’s Item
Jessie Schuster recently took the leap and bought a Mario Bellini Camaleonda sofa and re-covered it in an almond-colored alpaca textile from Fishman’s Fabric. It isn’t your average modular sofa—this one has wheels. “It was perfect for me, as it is vintage and classic yet super-practical for my entertaining needs,” says the designer.
The One Your Dog Can Enjoy, Too
This one might look super-polished, but it’s kid- and puppy-proof. Simply toss the linen slipcover in the wash when there’s a spill or muddy paw prints, notes Johanna Vente Anderson, one part of the duo behind Saffron and Poe. The deep seats and single-bench cushion also make it easy for four-legged friends to spread out.
The One You Can Get Creative With
You may not be the leather sofa type. We weren’t either until we saw this Parisian-style piece—Shea McGee’s favorite pick from her shop. Think of it as a blank canvas. “While the curves are reminiscent of traditional silhouettes, it’s a lot more streamlined and looks amazing with throw pillows,” says McGee.
The Easy-to-Keep-Clean One
Old-world spindle legs meet modern performance fabric. The textile is woven so thick that it will resist staining, mold, and damage from sunlight.
The Surprisingly Small Space–Friendly One
Armless couches can squeeze into tight corners and up against walls without looking totally out of place. This one’s silhouette might be simple, but its shaggy, ’70s-worthy sheepskin cover is showstopping.
The Grandma-Chic One
Our style editor, Julia Stevens, is loving the patterned sofa trend. The Inside utilizes digital printing to make its prints, including this coral and green floral design that’s giving us British farmhouse circa 1980 vibes.
The One That’s Like a Hug
Armrests packed with extra foam batting provide a pillow-like surface to lay your head. In true Scandinavian fashion, Hem’s two-seater sofa comes in a range of cool grays, but there’s also a yellow option if you’re feeling adventurous.
The One That’ll Make You Smile
Add some sunshine to your home, and while you’re at it, comfort. This sofa’s down-filled, single-bench cushion is super-deep and made for napping. The piece comes from a family-owned company in North Carolina and all the materials are sourced locally, so that’s one more thing you can feel good about.
The Movie-Night One
Fall asleep in front of the TV again? With this plush sofa at your disposal, you won’t wake up with aches and pains. Dee Murphy of Murphy Deesign swears by this super-sleek number. If you’re unsure about the height of the arms or the thickness of the cushions, you can tweak them to your liking before you put in your order.
The Parisian-Inspired One
This velvet find, inspired by the French flea market scene, is Nicole White’s top choice. The color is very of-the-moment, but you’ll love it forever, she swears. “It will never, ever go down in flames as the ‘sofa you used to own,’” says White.
The Classic Gray One
Pining for the Billie sofa but don’t want to shell out $5,700? Casey Keasler suggests going for this affordable alternative. It features a similar silhouette (note the deep seat and low arms) but comes with cast-metal legs for a more industrial vibe.
The One With No Sharp Corners
Upholstery isn’t just for cushions. Here, even the legs are wrapped in the same fabric that covers the rest of the couch and the trio of coin pillows.
The Affordable Mid-Century One
Get that coveted ’50s look without breaking the bank (this teal find rings in just under $1,000). The warm wood legs would play nicely with a Noguchi-inspired coffee table.
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