“I would say the most important thing to consider is how you’ll use your couch and how durable it is,” says interior designer Emily Del Bello of Emily Del Bello Interiors. “You should always start by considering where the sofa is going and what type of durability level will be needed in this specific area. Measuring the area in which the sofa is meant to go is an absolute must!” Once you’ve measured, it’s time to move on to the fun part—shopping for the best couch for your space. The options are endless, which is both exciting and overwhelming. To help get you started, we rounded up our top picks in multiple categories, including budget-friendly, kid-friendly, and sleeper style. Our best overall pick suits most spaces and interior styles with its sleek, simple design and customization options. Crate & Barrel’s Lounge Deep Bench Sofa comes in two depths and four sizes with 199 fabric choices. At less than $2,000 for a standard 83- or 93-inch bench, it’s relatively affordable. Keep reading to see all of our picks for the best couches. Keep in Mind: The down blend fill may be too soft for those looking for firm support. Made from kiln-dried hardwood, the sturdy frame supports up to three polyfoam seat cushions that are wrapped in a down blend for ultimate comfort. Keep in mind that the low-profile frame only comes up mid-way, and the back cushions alone may not offer enough head support for all family members. The deep-set seats allow enough space for everyone to sink in comfortably and snuggle up for a game night, movie night, or girls’ night. With four sizes and almost 200 fabrics to choose from, we think this streamlined, customizable couch has broad appeal. While there is no sleeper feature or option for leather, for the price, this versatile couch will meet the needs of most renters and homeowners. Price at time of publish: $1,899 Dimensions: 93 x 46 x 36 inches | Number of Seats: Two | Material: Polypropylene/polyester textured weave | Care: Vacuum and spot-cleaning Keep in Mind: There are only four color options and one fabric choice. Ultimately, if you’re on a tight budget and place a high value on aesthetics, the Hana sofa is a solid pick. With its simple design and timeless color options, this couch will play well with other colors and furniture in your living space. Price at time of publish: $470 Dimensions: 73.50 x 29 x 31.89 inches | Number of Seats: Three | Material: Linen blend | Care: Spot-clean with a mild detergent and damp cloth Keep in Mind: This sofa is very large, measuring 13 feet long and up to 3.5-feet deep. With adjustable arms and deep, pillowy cushions, this modular sofa is well-suited for lounging, napping, or binge-watching sessions. Its low-profile and tightly woven textured fabric imparts a casual look and feel, despite the high price tag. The backrests and cushions are made from foam surrounded by down and feathers, providing plush but supportive seating. Available in two sizes—43-inch or 38-inch—and six earthy tones, this splurge pick doesn’t have as many customization options as others on our list, but it is compatible with the rest of the Bergen collection if you want to expand on this three-piece model in the future. If you have the space and the budget to splurge on this modular sofa, we think it’s a smart investment. Price at the time of publish: $12,000 Dimensions: 161 x 43 x 32 inches | Number of Seats: Three | Material: Textured weave fabric | Care: Spot-clean using water-free cleaning solvents only Keep in Mind: Cushions may shift around as there is no velcro or latch to keep them attached to the frame. The Nomad sofa is made for modern life with a built-in USB charger and an adaptable design that can grow and change with you. Three-layer foam cushions gently sink in and cradle you, the longer you sit. While this particular style only comes in one length, you can add an ottoman or chaise for extra seating and legroom. Burrow also offers a bigger King sofa that is 111-inches long. Burrow uses top-grain Italian leather, which won’t patina or hold up as long as full-grain leather but does have a uniform appearance from sanding, unlike full-grain, which shows natural markings and variations. Top-grain is still a more durable option than fabric or bonded leather, and it’s more affordable than full-grain leather. It’s worth noting that the cushions aren’t attached to the sofa in any way, and may shift around. All in all, though, when it comes to price, customization, easy assembly, and comfort, the Nomad leather sofa is a solid pick for the best couch in this category. Price at the time of publish: From $2,495 + free shipping Dimensions: 85 x 35 x 33 inches | Number of Seats: Three | Material: Top-grain leather | Care: Dab spills with a damp cloth Keep in Mind: There are minimal customizations. Crafted from kiln-dried hardwood, this sofa’s durable frame holds two foam cushions wrapped in a down-feather blend. The soft pile cotton velvet is fairly durable—it will show bruising and marks over time, but consider them charming enhancements rather than blemishes. Professional cleaning is recommended, although occasional vacuuming and spot cleaning are acceptable. Nailhead trim and English rolled arms give this classic sofa its famed stately appearance. This couch doesn’t have as many options for customization, but you can select the emerald green velvet in one of two lengths—82-inches or 90-inches—and one of two caster leg finishes—honey brown or hickory. Two other fabric colors are available as well in pink or turquoise linen. Price at the time of publish: $2,198 Dimensions: 82 x 41 x 36 inches | Number of Seats: Two | Material: Velvet | Care: Professional cleaning is recommended, vacuum occasionally, and blot or spot-clean stains Keep in Mind: The price will change, depending on your fabric and size choices. Whether you need to furnish a family room or a laid-back living space, the Axis is almost infinitely customizable so that you can create the best couch for your style. With deep seats and mid-height back cushions, this sectional is made for lounging. Foam seat cushions wrapped in a fiber-down blend provide supple seating that you’ll sink into and never want to leave. The fabric shown here is a textured chenille that is family-friendly, durable, and stain-resistant. If you want something different, though, you can choose from 198 other sturdy fabrics in various textures and tones. Even the legs are customizable, coming in 14 shades. Depending on your design choices, the Axis comes in at more than $3,000 for most styles. While it’s certainly an investment, we don’t think the price is unreasonable for the quality and size of this sofa. After all, you can’t put a price on family couch cuddles, can you? Price at the time of publish: $3,098 Dimensions: 106 x 67 x 32 inches | Number of Seats: Three | Material: Performance slub chenille | Care: Spot-clean with a damp cloth and mild detergent Keep in Mind: Tumble-drying the cover is not recommended, so removing wrinkles could be cumbersome. Foam and polyester-filled cushions give this couch its plush look and feel. Traditional-style rolled arms elevate this couch’s casualness while also being a kid-friendly feature, as hard edges aren’t ideal for homes with curious, active toddlers. At 88-inches long and 36-inches deep, the Uppland sofa’s size is suitable for families who like to pile in together for movie or game nights. Should you need to treat the inevitable stain, just toss the removable cover in the wash, and air dry. Finish with a hot iron for the crispest, like-new appearance. While there aren’t nearly as many customization options as other couches on our list, for families who just want something simple, affordable, and durable, we think the Uppland couch fits the bill. Price at time of publish: $799 Dimensions: 88 x 36 x 36 inches | Number of Seats: Three | Material: Cotton and polyester | Care: Machine wash cover; don’t tumble dry Keep in Mind: Sleeper sofa seat cushions are typically firmer. It’s not all about the guests, though; a wide range of fabric and color options allow you to design a sofa that perfectly fits your style. Note that this sofa only comes in one length and takes up considerably more floor space when the mattress is extended. Make sure to measure your space, and account for the extra room you’ll need when the sleeper is in use. Although this gray sofa is soft and padded, it feels firmer than other styles due to the built-in mattress sitting under the cushions; if you don’t plan on using it as your primary couch, though, then that might not be a concern. Overall, we think the Shelter sleeper sofa is a great value with its streamlined, modern silhouette, moderate price, and versatility. Price at time of publish: From $2,499 Dimensions: 84.5 x 38 x 30 inches | Number of Seats: One cushion comfortably seats three | Material: Linen weave | Care: Vacuum occasionally, blot spills, and spot-clean Keep in Mind: Back cushions are not included. While we love the natural look of rattan, it’s not very comfortable to sit on for long periods of time. This sofa comes with a bench cushion but no back cushions. For the ultimate outdoor lounge setup, we recommend adding a couple of throw pillows to rest against. Serena & Lily’s outdoor cushions use all-weather foam so you don’t have to worry about mildew. Cushion covers don’t need to be machine-washed but can be spot-cleaned as needed. Price at e time of publish: $3,298 Dimensions: 76.5 x 35 x 32 inches | Number of Seats: One cushion seats two or three people | Material: Rattan and waterproof acrylic fabric | Care: Blot with mild soapy water; moisten rattan with a soft rag every month to prevent cracking Keep in Mind: There are no removable back cushions. In the standard monochromatic black wool, this angular sofa will stand out against neutral decor or serve as a neutral anchor piece in a colorful, eclectic room. For a less severe look, choose from 26 other neutral fabric colors in various weaves. More of an art piece than a snuggle-up-and-binge-watch-your-favorite-show piece, this streamlined, angular sofa has minimal padding and a low back. However, if the design is most important, then this throwback style offers character in spades. Price at the time of publish: $3,299 Dimensions: 86 x 33.25 x 32 inches | Number of Seats: Two | Material: Wool and acrylic | Care: Spot-clean and blot spills immediately with water-free stain remover; vacuum as needed Keep in Mind: The cost adds up quickly for these individually sold pieces. No matter what you settle on, though, the Pearce collection features deep seats for comfort and steel springs for support. The back cushions contain a polyester fill while the seat cushions are filled with a down blend. Caring for your fully customized couch only requires regular vacuuming and cushion rotation. For a truly versatile style that can grow and change as you and your family do, this buildable collection is a smart choice. Price at the time of publish: From $764 Dimensions: Vary by component | Number of Seats: Vary by component | Material: Basketweave, boucle, suede, linen, velvet, twill, chenille, plain weave | Care: Blot spills and vacuum regularly

Midcentury modern: This type of sofa is marked by clean, simple, and sleek lines, functionality, and a minimalist aesthetic.Contemporary: Usually featuring metals and velvets, this more modern style adds a touch of glam to your space.Modular: Extremely versatile, modular sofas are made up of several movable pieces that can be rearranged to create a number of configurations.Sectional: Composed of multiple upholstered pieces joined together (for instance, a recliner, a three-seater, and a chaise), sectionals can be arranged in a variety of ways—from a single long seating unit to the traditional L-shaped layout.Chesterfield: This style of sofa features rolled arms and a tufted back and is often made of leather.Maximalist: This type of style is usually wildly patterned, or features mixes of textures and colors for a more eclectic look.

“One other thing to consider in terms of style is skirted versus non-skirted,” says interior designer Leah Atkins. “Both are timeless, and both have benefits other than aesthetics. A skirt can easily get dusty, but it also keeps things from going under the couch and keeps people from being able to see under the couch. Non-skirted allows you to clean under the sofa more easily, but also allows dust bunnies and loose items to get trapped under there.”

Size

Of course, you’ll need to measure your space in order to make sure that your sofa fits comfortably, but you should also consider other factors like depth and width, according to Atkins. “Consider the depth of the sofa when thinking about comfort. Most times, this also goes along with your height. So, for example, if you’re usually curled up watching TV, you want more depth, but if you like sitting with your feet on the ground, you want less,” says Atkins. “In terms of the width, make sure you have enough space for a walkway and take side tables into consideration if you plan on using them.” You also want to make sure your shoulders are completely rested against the back cushion, which is where height is important.

Number of Seats

Most couches come with two or three seat cushions, but larger sectionals could have more. Depending on how many people you have in your home (and, of course, how much space you have), you could even want multiple. Not all manufacturers list the number of people who will fit, but, in general, the length of the couch will determine the amount of seating available rather than the number of cushions. For instance, a 90-inch couch may only have two cushions but can comfortably seat three people.

Material

When it comes to materials for your sofa, the fabric isn’t the only thing you should look for, although that is a very important element. Two other materials to consider are the frame and cushioning. “Durability is the name of the game,” says Del Bello. For the frame, consider hardwood such as oak, ash, or beech, and avoid pine, which costs less but is not as durable. Avoid more lightweight materials, like plastic and particleboard, too, because it can break easily. In terms of cushion materials, the most durable is high-resilient foam, according to interior designer Jen Dallas. “The inners play a huge part of what makes the cushions comfortable,” she adds, recommending high-density polyurethane foam as a cheaper option or goose-down fill if you don’t mind spending a bit more. Ideally, avoid polyester fiber, however, as it flattens very quickly and therefore does not last as long.

Care

Care is incredibly important when it comes to sofas—after all, you want to make sure that your couch lasts for years to come. “Most sofas require spot-cleaning and aren’t machine-washable, but you really want to consider lower-maintenance fabrics if you have kids or pets at home,” says Del Bello. Consider leather, faux leather, or polyester options if you’re looking for a sofa that won’t require much upkeep and can resist stains more easily. Linens, velvet, and boucle, on the other hand, tend to need more upkeep.

Your Questions, Answered

What kind of upholstery material is the most durable?

“Generally, microfiber is considered the most durable,” says Del Bello. This is because it contains tightly woven fibers that bind together in order to last longer. However, other durable materials include linen, cotton, and leather.

How long should a couch last?

“A sofa should last between seven and 15 years,” says Dallas. “But there is maintenance involved when it comes to proper care of a sofa.” When the seats start sagging or the cushions begin to lose their fill, it’s time to replace the couch.

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

“One of the most important considerations when making a big-ticket purchase like a sofa is scale and proportion,” says interior designer Sarah Weichel of Swike Design. “Scale is harder to understand with the naked eye, but anyone can measure out a sofa: All you need is a measuring tape and some painters’ tape—no fancy software needed!” To measure, Weichel says to tape out the shape of your sofa on the floor. Make sure you have plenty of walking room around the piece, too; Weichel generally aims for 14- to 18- inches between the sofa and coffee table. “I know it sounds like a nuisance, but I promise taping out the dimensions is easier and cheaper than returning a sofa,” she adds.

Who We Are

Molly Miller has been a commerce editor in the home and lifestyle space for over three years and has a passion for interior design and online shopping. She specializes in home and garden product curation and reviews. For this story, she spent several hours researching couches by comparing materials, style, cleaning instructions, and durability. She also spoke to experts in the field and looked at customer reviews. She consulted interior designers Emily Del Bello, Leah Atkins, Sarah Weichel, and Jen Dallas to get their expertise on the best couches for every space.