A sofa is more than a centerpiece—in many homes, it serves as the main gathering spot to watch movies or spend time with loved ones. To determine the best couches of 2026, our team tested 21 popular models in our homes for over a year, grading each contender on its ordering process, comfort, stain resistance and durability. The sturdy design and modularity of the make it our top pick for the best couch overall. For those looking for value, we recommend the —it’s a comfortable, well-constructed piece with removable covers for easy maintenance.
Sundays’ Get Together Modular Sofa is a stylish, durable and—most importantly—ultra-comfortable choice that fits effortlessly into almost any space. “My husband and I were surprised and thrilled when we first sat down,” our tester reports. “It’s such a treat to grab your laptop or a bowl of popcorn and curl up here every day of the week.”
Deep Seats Worth Sinking Into
Our panel tester was especially impressed by the Sundays Get Together’s “unbelievable” level of comfort. She deemed it “sink-into-able,” mostly thanks to its deep seats. “The depth here is remarkable; once you remove the back cushions, it’s almost like a sofa bed,”she says. However, while it shares the cozy appeal of the brand’s , the Get Together offers a more refined and polished design.
Versatile Aesthetic And Construction
Also as noted by our tester, while this is a modern sofa, it’s traditional-looking and versatile enough to work in her antiques-filled home. For that reason—and due to its modular design that lets you easily add or remove sections—we think this is an excellent option for almost any space.
In addition to the two-piece configuration, which is available in a Standard and Large, you can get this Sundays sofa in three-, four- and five-piece versions and in various U-shape and L-shape setups. “Once you make a choice, you’re not stuck with that choice. This is great for indecisive shoppers like myself,” says our tester, who opted for the .
Durable, Easy Care Materials
The performance fabric options are water- and stain-resistant, making it a practical choice for busy households with kids. Plus, the machine-washable cushion covers ensure easy upkeep without compromising quality (as evidenced by our tester, who has experienced her fair share of spills and smudges; the couch has withstood each mishap).
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The Article Sven Tufted Leather Sofa is a clear winner for those on a budget: It stands out with its impressive performance and superior construction, featuring a kiln-dried wood frame and premium cushion fill at a price much lower than similar sofas with comparable quality and design.
Compact But Comfortable And Supportive
Our tester notes that the Sven (he tested the ) is on the smaller side, fitting two people “very comfortably” and three people “somewhat comfortably.” The cushions, which are crafted with a well-balanced blend of foam, fiber and feathers, offer a blend of comfort and support. “This is a very, very comfortable sofa—I spend a lot of time reading, lounging and occasionally napping on it,” says our tester, who’s been using the couch for almost three years.
A Timeless Design That’s Easy To Maintain
During stain tests, small milk and red wine spills on the leather upholstery wiped clean with ease. Plus, if you choose velvet or woven options, they can be dry-cleaned and zipped back on. It also serves as a focal point in our tester’s space, thanks to its clean lines and timeless mid-century modern aesthetic. “It totally elevated the living room, and we’ve added different accents to the room to complement it,” he says.
While it’s not modular or as highly customizable as our top pick, the Sven offers a variety of customization options, including fabric choices and leg finishes, making it an excellent value for the money. “It’s as good as new, just like when we first brought it into our home. It’s held up remarkably well,” our tester reports after several months of use. And while he says he took “a level of risk” opting for a more scratch-prone leather couch as opposed to the fabric or performance velvet options, “after a quick breaking-in period, this has leveled out, and any scuffs add to the character of the couch, in my opinion.”
The Arhaus Owen Sectional is an ideal choice for larger homes, expansive basements and families with taller individuals who often feel cramped on standard sofas. “The sectional is huge. So many people fit on it,” our tester says.
Nap-Friendly Dimensions And A Classic-Contemporary Design
With oversized cushions and 28-inch-deep seats, this sectional can comfortably host three to five people for a movie marathon, offering more space than a typical three-seater sofa. Its depth also makes it easy to curl up your legs instead of having to sit upright, which our tester says is a big plus. It’s also “a great couch for napping—several people in my family have used it that way,” she adds.
The couch combines classic contemporary design elements like sculpted back pillows, piping around the edges and a versatile ottoman with wheels that can be easily moved around and used as a makeshift coffee table. “It feels modern yet classic and looks great overall. It elevates the space it’s in,” notes our tester, who’s had the couch for almost three years and uses it in her guest house.
Artisan-Built To Last
While this couch is on the higher end price-wise, it features a hand-built frame crafted from cross-directional hardwood laminate and a recycled-steel suspension system beneath seat cushions, ensuring its durability for many years of use. Our panelist’s testing confirms this. “It has gone through many jump tests by our little 6-year-old and myself when he ropes me in, and it’s been very cushiony and durable for that,” she says. “Even after over two years of use, it feels exactly the same and truly stands the test of time.” In terms of cleaning, our tester has fared well with occasional vacuuming of the upholstery. When it comes to treating stains, Arhaus recommends a water-free solvent like for any spills.
The Interior Define Rose Fabric Sofa is a beautifully designed piece that delivers on both style and durability. This piece is best suited for anyone who appreciates sophisticated furniture for a small or medium-sized living space and prefers a firmer seat. “If you have an appreciation for traditional design, this is the couch you’ll want to add to your space. The seats are quite dense—but that’s not the appeal here,” our tester says, who’s been using the couch for almost two years.
Highly Customizable
With an impressive range of upholstery options—including performance fabrics, bouclés, vintage velvets and chenille—you can easily tailor it to your personal style. Customizable leg designs, featuring various wood finishes and casters, add another layer of personalization.
The sofa is available in two lengths (83 and 91 inches), with your choice of a two-cushion layout or a single bench cushion (the latter for an extra fee). For , you can opt for a standard 105-inch size or a larger 113-inch or 121-inch configuration. And the Rose also comes in a 67-inch or a 75-inch if you want to spruce up an even smaller space.
Surprisingly Easy To Maintain
In terms of maintenance, our tester admits to being nervous about spills, especially considering the couch’s elevated look. But the performance fabric easily resisted stains during testing. “Upon dabbing repeatedly with a soft bristle brush and water plus mild detergent, off the stains went,” she reports. The Rose stood up to smushed toddler snacks and spilled cups of coffee with no traces of the original spills left behind.
Ideal For The Design-Minded—Not So Much For Nappers
However, our tester says she would recommend the Rose Sofa for “design-minded folks only, as it’s not exactly cushy and comfortable.” Its firm, dense seating may not be ideal for napping or movie nights, for instance. If you want the traditional sophistication of this sofa but want a deeper, plusher seat, we recommend another Interior Define couch: The , which has a 26- or 30-inch deep seat and has a more even balance of plushness and support, according to our tester. (It earned a spot on our list of the most comfortable couches of 2026 for this reason.)
Still, the Rose’s aesthetic is unmatched. “It’s a phenomenal option that exudes femininity, with English roll arms, beautiful pleating details and the most stunning wooden legs,” notes our tester. We think this sofa also works well as an elegant, across-the-way complement to a larger sofa in a spacious family room—or as a centerpiece in an apartment, which is how our tester enjoys this piece. “It changes the look of the entire room, elevating our apartment into a far more sophisticated and elegant space.”
The Sundays Movie Night Modular Sectional, the top pick in our most comfortable couches story, exudes comfort, making it perfect for hosting multiple people during a movie marathon or just kicking back after a long day. “This couch has a lived-in look,” our tester notes. “If you like that style, it fits the bill. It’s not structured with clean lines, so it just depends on what you’re looking for.”
Extra-Deep Seating That Translates To Luxurious Comfort
“The seats are extra deep, so it’s a couch you can really sink into,” says our tester, who has been using the couch for over two years and swears by its luxurious level of comfort. Wrapped in multi-density foam, the frame of this sofa offers extra support, with the arms and back conforming to your body.
However, due to its fluffy cushions and deep seat, getting on and off the sofa may require a bit of “scooting.” You’ll also need to regularly fluff and flip the cushions to maintain their shape—otherwise, our tester says, “it’ll look more messy than inviting.”
Sturdy, And The Fabric Cleans Up Well In The Wash
Despite its casual vibe and sink-in feel, the Movie Night Sofa has maintained its shape. “The couch is still sturdy and there are no deep impressions or sags. I’ve been putting the covers in the washing machine, and they’ve held up fine overall,” our tester says, though she adds that they look decidedly more worn than she would have liked, and that the company recommends dry-cleaning instead. (If machine-washing, making sure to use the cold, gentle cycle, then air-dry.) The fabric fared less well during spot cleaning, however. “The covers show dirt, and they’re not easy to clean,” she says of the performance fabric.
Pet Owners Should Look Elsewhere
The biggest downside, according to our tester, who owns both cats and dogs, is that the Movie Night sofa is definitely not a pet-friendly couch. “The dogs jump on it, and the roughness of their paw pads has rubbed the material making it look prematurely worn out.” That said, the upholstery stood up better to cat claws: “It does hide cat claw marks better than other couches I’ve had, but you can still see them.” Considering its price, our tester recommends skipping this couch if you have pets—unless they’re very well trained and don’t go on the furniture.
If you’re in the market for a leather couch that ages beautifully and holds up to pets, the Castlery Jonathan Leather Extended Sofa is a strong contender. During testing, the leather showed minimal signs of damage, even with two cats frequently lounging on it.
Durable But Comfortable Enough For Medium-Use Rooms
The low-to-the-ground design might pose a challenge for individuals with mobility concerns, but the 24-inch-deep cushions offset this aspect—they aren’t as deep as some of the other couches on our list. Its low profile also isn’t ideal for a frequent-use living room or movie room, says our tester, “but for a den, library or a room that gets less use, it is great.”
The cushioning is more on the supportive side with a touch of plushness, which might be appealing to those who prefer a firmer seat. And the leather itself is very durable, our tester reports. “Even with two cats that have claws, there aren’t nearly as many scratch marks as I had anticipated. It has also retained the richness in the color of the leather, which I was not expecting as it gets a lot of wear,” our tester adds.
Rich-Hued And Modular
One of the sofa’s standout features is its modular design, allowing you to add or remove sections or ottomans to fit your space and needs. If you can’t decide on the couch configuration or none of the pre-set options do it for you, Castlery also has a that lets you tweak the pieces virtually and create your own ideal setup. Do keep in mind that the cushion covers are not removable—though this isn’t a major issue with leather. Ultimately, “it’s stylish, modern, and the Caramel leather looks great in my space,” says our tester.
Lovesac has long exceeded its reputation for excellent , particularly with this unique sectional that’s ideal for any home with pets and kids. You can tailor it down to the minute details during checkout, and then you can rearrange or add to the Sactional as your family’s needs change throughout the years.
Endless Customizations From The Start
For starters, you can customize virtually every aspect of the couch, from the configuration and upholstery material to its arm style and cushion fill, choosing between a standard polyester fiber blend or an extra-comfy fiber-topped foam. The Sactional’s modular design means you can expand or re-arrange it easily depending on your household’s needs.
Our tester, who uses a three-seat Lovesac Sactional plus an ottoman with her family of four and a dog, reports, “After a week or so, we ended up moving one of the ‘chaise’ pieces to the middle to extend the sprawling space, and it’s so comfortable for lounging.” She adds that despite the heft of the foundational pieces, they’re easy to slide around on a rug or carpet and clip into place.
Stands Up To The Needs Of Family (And Pet-Owning) Life
The Sactional’s pieces all have removable covers that can be put in the washing machine, helping to keep the couch clean and smelling fresh even if your pets sit on it daily. “It has held up wonderfully to jumping, climbing, snacks, spills (mostly water or light-colored juice) and, of course, lots of sprawling,” notes our tester.
And yes, it’s comfortable enough to sleep on, too. “Since I have the Standard Foam cushions (as opposed to the upgraded LoveSoft), it has a comfortable balance of firmness and support. The roomy seat cushions and double chaise are suitable for stretching out,” she says, adding that that sizable width and depth of the seats add to its welcoming vibe.
A Few Factors To Consider
One thing to note is that the Sactional pieces come in multiple boxes (our tester received 13) that you’ll need to assemble yourself. While this process can take hours, depending on how many people are involved, our tester found the included instructions easy to understand and follow.
She also adds that while she loves the couch for sleeping, the support in the seat cushions can be inconsistent—some are firmer, while others you allow you to sink right into them. Additionally, the gaps between the couch cushions are a bit large—something to note if you tend to lose remotes, phones or the kids’ toy cars.
These days, it’s no longer difficult to find sofas made from eco-friendly materials, but few brands prioritize sustainability to the same degree as Sabai. All of the brand’s couches are made to order in North Carolina using responsibly sourced materials—and of its offerings, we especially like the Elevate. “Beyond the brand’s commitment to sustainability, I just love the Elevate’s cool, sleek look. Picking out which upholstery and color you want is genuinely difficult, since there are so many beautiful hues,” says our tester.
Eye-Catching And Eco-Friendly From Top To Bottom
Featuring a low-profile design with rolled arms and a deep seat, this sofa—which comes in a version, as well as a larger version—is centerpiece-worthy. The frame is made from Sustainable Forestry Initiative-certified wood and there are four upholstery options: cactus leather, recycled velvet, upcycled polyester or hemp, which come in more than 20 colors. (Our tester reviewed the recycled velvet couch in Moss.)
Like all the brand’s pieces, it arrives in multiple 100% recycled corrugated boxes with no plastic, as well as directions for assembly. It took our tester about an hour to put together the pieces without any help.
Comfortably Firm Cushions That Won’t Sag
While the cushions—which are filled with CertiPUR-US-certified, high-resiliency foam—are on the firmer side, our tester has heard no complaints from the many people she’s invited to spend time on the couch. Instead, she’s been surprised by the level of support the back provides, considering it’s relatively low. And in the time they’ve been testing the sofa, the cushions haven’t lost their shape or sagged.
Easy To Clean, With The Option To Resell
Our tester also reports that the covers are easy to clean (and she has a cat who’s prone to make messes). You can also purchase new removable in another fabric or color if your décor style changes over time. And one more perk: If you ever need to mend your sofa or you decide you no longer want it, you can take advantage of the brand’s program or its buyback program, .
The top pick in our best sleeper sofas story, the West Elm Shelter Sleeper has a midcentury modern aesthetic. It comes in seven upholstery and over 100 color options, including everything from textured neutrals to cozy bouclés. Our tester vouches for both its clean lines and its versatility, noting that she felt comfortable napping on it both in its original and pull-out configuration. “The depth is wide enough where you can sleep on your back or on your side,” she says.
Durable, With Cushions That Maintain Their Shape
Its design features a bench cushion and side cushions filled with a blend of polyester fiber, duck feathers and down, which means you’ll need to regularly fluff and rotate cushions as needed. But, the material is thick and durable, and the cushions have maintained their shape without sagging or drooping over time, according to our tester. Just note that the cushions don’t “break in” and stay quite firm. “The fact that this is a sleeper couch also takes away from the overall comfort as a standalone couch, but adds value because of its dual purpose,” she says, adding that she still recommends it for its sturdiness and style.
She also highlights the pullout element, which has held up well after almost two years of use. Some creaking occurred during jump tests, but this was due to the metal pull-out mattress frame, not the sofa wood frame itself. “Overall, the couch has performed really nicely. The material is thick and hardwearing and the cushions have not sagged or drooped over time.” she adds.
Easy Cleaning
In our stain tests, the polyester-linen weave of the Shelter Sofa responded well to stain remover and blotting, coming almost completely clean. “I’ve also used an upholstery vacuum for larger areas that needed cleaning,” she adds. Though the manufacturer recommends dry cleaning, our tester washed the removable cushion cover on a cold cycle and air-dried it, finding no fading, fraying or loss of shape.
The Nugget is one of the most popular couches for kids for its open-ended opportunities for your little one to engage in imaginative play, rough-and-tumble fun or their favorite book.
Accessible For 1-Year-Olds And Up—But Takes Up Space
The small “couch” features a two-part base that’s firmer and thicker than the rest, a thinner foldable cushion, and two triangular-shaped firm pillows. The entire couch sits low to the ground, making it easily accessible for new walkers to get on and off with ease. Keep in mind, though, that the couch is not intended for sleeping or napping and does take up significant floor space.
Highly Customizable And Easy To Maintain
As your child grows, the highly customizable design offers endless opportunities for imaginative play, transforming into everything from a slide to a tent. The removable covers are also machine washable for easy cleaning. “Our Nugget couch is one of the most used items in our playroom and is lovingly rough-handled on a daily basis—yet it still looks brand-new,” says our tester.
Other Couches We Tested
We rigorously tested 11 other sofas: While several of them are more than serviceable (save for four we don’t recommend, below), these couches ultimately didn’t make our final list—but they’re worth considering, depending on your needs.
Other Couches Worth Considering
- Best For Pet-Free Households: : This sofa was quite comfortable during testing, but it did not hold up well to cat claws. That said, the cushions are reversible and the down-filled cushions are quite comfortable.
- Best For Kids And Pets: : We liked this pick’s durability when it comes to rowdy kids and pets, and it’s a reasonable price point for families not looking to invest in a forever piece. But we docked points since the covers aren’t removable and there are only two configurations available.
- Best For Easy Maintenance: : This pick was enjoyable to sit in and its removable cushion covers were easy to wash. However, its cushions became misshapen too quickly, resulting in a more rumpled look. The velvet was also not as luxe as we’d like.
- Runner-Up For Best Value: : A contender for best value, this couch was originally soft and enveloping, but its cushions became misshapen and pilled after just a few months of use. The textured poly-blend fabric also tended to trap dog hair and fray when run through the wash.
- Best For Guest Rooms: : We considered this crowd-favorite for small spaces—but the slim couch was a bit too shallow to get and firm to truly sink into (though those who prefer firm support will like it). We’d recommend this for an office or guest room rather than as a primary sofa, but we really appreciate its modularity and clean lines.
- Best Style: : Visually appealing out of the box, we unfortunately found this couch cumbersome to assemble and shallow to sit on, and the back cushions became lumpy over time. However, the brand recently upgraded the Floyd to the 2.0 version based on customer feedback—deepening the seats, increasing its modularity, and adding several fabric and hardware options.
- Best For Home Offices: : We recommend this pick for an office or spare room. The cushions are on the firmer side, but the softer back cushions and plush fabric offer a cozier feel. “I’ve had this couch for over two years and it looks brand new. The sheer range of fabrics means I could get the perfect look for my back office, and it does sit as the back-drop to all my work video calls and meetings,” our tester says. Dog hair does show up on the fabric, however.
Couches We Don’t Recommend
- : Our big and tall tester noticed a slight creak when getting in and out of this couch. One cushion arrived with a broken zipper, but the brand quickly sent a replacement. Overall, they found it a tad too firm to truly relax or work in for an entire day.
- : The leather on this sofa aged beautifully, but unfortunately, the cushions started becoming lumpy and misshapen a few months in. The final straw was when the zipper on one of the back cushions ripped, leaving the couch looking consistently worn.
- (Discontinued): This Prime pick was delivered in as little as two days, but it was not the most comfortable nor the best long-term investment. Our tester had to switch positions often when napping to avoid stiffness, and there’s only one upholstery option available.
- Wayfair Brewington 82-Inch (Discontinued): This affordable sofa unfortunately scored low marks for comfort. The leather remained too cold to the touch to be inviting, and it doesn’t have any customization options.
How We Tested The Best Couches
Our list of the best couches is a culmination of in-depth research, rigorous panel testing and evaluation against a specific set of criteria.
Initial Selection
As home and kitchen experts, we researched top-rated couches from reputable and popular furniture brands (including some of our tried-and-true favorites), selecting 21 models that they deemed worthy for testing.
Testing Parameters
We prepared for couch testing by collecting a group of panelists from the Forbes Vetted team, most of whom have young kids and pets. In the end, 15 total panelists tested 21 different couches for a year and a half, taking detailed notes and snapping photos of the entire process.
Evaluation Criteria
Throughout the testing period, we conducted specific tests and evaluated each model based on the following criteria:
- Ordering and delivery: Our testers carefully evaluated the ordering process, noting customization options, the availability of customer photos and reviews and any issues encountered. They also assessed the shipping time, ease of delivery and whether the couch was difficult to move or assemble.
- Comfort: Each tester napped, worked from home and hosted movie nights on their couch. They reported on any joint discomfort from prolonged lounging, whether they had to readjust frequently to stay comfortable, and how many people could realistically fit on the couch. They also paid close attention to how easy it was to get in and out of the couch, how much they sank into the cushions, and whether the couch provided a sense of ease or made them feel perched on the edge.
- Stain resistance: Each tester conducted a series of tests on a swatch of their couch fabric. The swatches were stained with Nutella, dark juice, and wet coffee grounds to simulate common household stains. These stains were then treated with OxiClean stain remover and either blotted clean or run through a cycle in the washing machine. Testers also took detailed notes on whether the stains were removed, if any residue remained, and whether the fabric’s composition stayed intact.
- Durability: To test durability, panelists lightly jumped on their couches, listening for any springs, creaks or snaps. Additionally, any cushion covers that could be removed and laundered were run through a standard wash cycle, with panelists checking for shrinkage, misshapenness or frayed edges.
What To Look For When Buying A Couch
Here are some of the most important variables to consider when looking for the right couch for your home:
Upholstery
It’s crucial to select a couch fabric that can withstand years of lounging, spills and cleaning, while remaining soft and comfortable to the touch. Polyester and leather are two popular options for their durability; just keep in mind that polyester fabric can stain more easily (if not treated with a water-resistant coating) and leather takes some time to break in.
Additionally, Sundaresan Jayaraman, professor of Materials Science and Engineering at Georgia Institute of Technology, recommends considering the level of traffic the couch will experience, the lighting conditions of the room (fabrics in sunny areas may fade with prolonged exposure) and ease of maintenance—especially if you have pets or young kids.
Cushion Fill
Most sofas are filled with a combination of foam, down, synthetic fiber or spring coils. Sofas filled primarily with solid or shredded foam offer strong support but are typically dense and firm. On the other hand, fiber- or down-filled sofas tend to be fluffy and plush, offering a softer feel but generally lacking the support needed for extended sitting.
Seat Depth
Deeper couches like Sundays’ aptly named (26 inches deep) and the (28 inches) are ideal for lounging with a book or settling in for movie marathons, but you might have to compromise with a smaller depth (such as the 24 inches of the Article ) if you have a smaller space to work with. Interior designer Katie Lee Jacobs of Katie Lee Interiors says, “You want to feel comfortable without feeling like the couch swallowed you whole.”
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
The Forbes Vetted home and kitchen vertical includes dozens of thoroughly researched, tested and expert-backed roundups on products designed to enhance your daily life.
- This story was written by former home and kitchen editor Sholeen Damarwala. She has over a decade of experience covering lifestyle topics and testing home furniture, including the most comfortable couches, sleeper sofas, futons and recliners.
- We regularly review this story to reevaluate our choices and ensure top picks are in stock and our advice remains up to date. It was last refreshed in April 2026 by home writer Fran Sales, who has contributed heavily to this story’s updates.
Our Experts
- , professor of Materials Science and Engineering at Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta.
- , an interior designer with Katie Lee Interiors, based in Westchester, New York.