The most comfortable couches will make your living room the ultimate relaxation space for your family and friends. With plush, sink-in cushions, deep seats and lots of throw pillows, these sofas are perfect for kicking back and watching TV or sneaking in a quick mid-afternoon nap. Our top recommendations for comfortable couches include the Arhaus Owen Modular Sofa and West Elm Harmony Sofa, both of which feature soft down seats and stylish contemporary forms.
The Koza Pit Couch from Albany Park resembles a U-shaped sectional with an ottoman in the middle, ... [+] and each seat is covered in a plush cushion, making it the perfect spot to curl up and watch a movie.
ILLUSTRATION: FORBES / PHOTO: RETAILERSShopping for furniture online has become increasingly popular, but determining the comfort of the items can be challenging without an in-person experience. Interior designer Lauren Williams, founder of Lauren Jayne Design, recommends looking at the seat height and depth, which play a crucial role in defining the overall comfort of the couch. The seat fill, upholstery material, number of pillows and cushioning on the frame also impact a sofa’s comfort, so keep an eye on these factors as you shop.
To help make your home as cozy and relaxing as possible, the following are the most comfortable couches that you can buy in 2024.
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Arhaus
Dimensions: 126 x 32 x 46 inches | Fabric: Boucle | Seat fill: Down, feathers and poly-fiber padding | Color options: Burbank pepper
When we recently tested the best couches, one of the most comfortable options was the Arhaus Owen Modular Sofa. The oversized piece has low, deep seats that are filled with a combination of down, feathers and poly-fiber padding for a plush feel that’s will still stand the test of time. It’s definitely an investment piece for your living room, but it’s worth it for anyone with a large home, as well as tall individuals who want plenty of space to sprawl out on their days off.
West Elm
Dimensions: 76 x 41 x 35 inches | Fabric: Basketweave, velvet, chenille, linen, twill, canvas or boucle | Seat fill: 50% polyester fiber, 45% duck feather, 5% duck down | Color options: 100+
The Harmony Sofa is another modern design that offers a wide variety of customization options, and its spacious seat offer sink-in comfort that’s perfect for napping, lounging or watching TV. In addition to its loose back and seat cushions, it comes with two lumbar and two throw pillows, and all the cushions are filled with a super-soft blend of polyester fill and duck down that’s comfortable yet easy to fluff back up if the pillows get flat. Plus, the piece has a kiln-dried frame and sinuous springs for cushion support, preventing it from wearing down too quickly.
Floyd Home
Dimensions: 92 x 32 x 45 inches | Fabric: Polyester | Seat fill: Memory foam with blown fiber | Color options: 14
For busy households, the Sink Down Sectional is both incredibly spacious and durable. The extra-deep sofa has a modular design, allowing you to connect its pieces in a variety of configurations to suit your space, and its cushions are all filled with a combination of memory foam and blown fiber, offering both comfort and durability. The brand calls it the “largest, comfiest, coziest” sofa in its lineup, and you can even opt for a matching ottoman if you want to be able to kick up your feet while you relax.
Albany Park
Dimensions: 120 x 39 x 78 inches | Fabric: Polyester | Seat Fill: Microfiber | Color Options: 14
The whole family will be able to sprawl out on the Koza Pit Couch, an oversized modular design that’s a whopping 65 inches deep—you could even use it as a bed, if you wanted! The couch resembles a U-shaped sectional with an ottoman in the middle, and each seat is covered in a plush cushion, making it the perfect spot to curl up and watch a movie. It can also be rearranged in other orientations for day-to-day use, and there are 14 upholstery options to choose from, including several stain-resistant options.
Sundays Company
Dimensions: 135 x 90 x 32 inches | Fabric: Polyester | Seat fill: Feather-fiber blend | Color options: 9
Our tested and vetted pick for the best sectional couch, the Movie Night Sectional is a top choice if you want plenty of space to spread out with your family. The high-end couch includes four pieces that are topped with soft fiber-feather cushions, and it comes in a range of elegant neutral upholstery fabrics. The material resists staining and moisture—so you don’t have to feel bad having a drink while you relax—and all the cushions have removable covers for easier maintenance. Plus, this sofa also comes in standard and large sizes, so you can decide if you want even more lounge space.
Crate & Barrel
Dimensions: 120 x 64 x 25 inches | Fabric: Boucle, canvas, chenille, linen, microfiber and more | Seat fill: Foam with fiber-down blend | Color options: 200+
Does your family always fight over who gets to stretch out on the chaise portion of the sectional? If so, this oversized sofa will solve the problem. It’s essentially two huge chaise lounges attached together, forming a big, comfy area where everyone can lay back and relax—perfect for movie nights! The design has super-soft back cushions and deep, low-profile seats, and you can have it customized in more than 200 different upholstery fabrics to perfectly match your decor.
Wayfair
Dimensions: 30 x 90 x 41 inches | Fabric: Acrylic, cotton, polyester or Sunbrella | Seat fill: Foam | Color options: 39
The Emilio Sofa is surprisingly affordable, especially considering it’s 90 inches long and custom made with your upholstery of choice. The design has a classic appearance with deep 40-inch seats, and and its cushions are filled with a squishy foam that’s soft to sit on yet still plenty supportive. The sofa comes with four matching throw pillows for added comfort, and all the cushion covers are removable, making maintenance a breeze if you have children or pets.
Amazon
Dimensions: 42.13 x 88.98 x 31.5 inches | Fabric: Polyester | Seat fill: Down | Color options: Cream or gray
No one will believe that this gorgeous sofa is actually a budget-friendly pick from Amazon. The Westview Couch has a contemporary, low-profile design with extra-deep seats for unbeatable comfort. The cushions are filled with plush down for a sink-in feel, and to assemble the couch, all you need to do is screw on the legs. The couch is available in either cream or gray polyester upholstery, and as you’d expect from Amazon, it ships quickly, arriving at your home in just a few days.
Lovesac
Dimensions: Varies based on configuration | Fabric: Velvet, chenille, polylinen, tweed, leather and more | Seat fill: Foam or down blend | Color options: 100+
Lovesac might be best known for its bean bag chairs, but the brand also has a unique sectional that’s perfect for homes with pets and kids. 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 more supportive foam or an extra-comfy down blend. However, the best part is that the 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.
Valyou
Dimensions: 88 x 67 x 32 inches | Fabric: Polyester-cotton blend | Seat fill: Foam, polyfiber and duck feathers | Color options: 2
With a name like the Feathers Sectional, you know this couch is going to be comfortable. It has a more contemporary silhouette thanks to its curved edges, and its overstuffed cushions contain a blend of foam, fiber and duck feathers that’s heavenly to sink into at the end of a long day. You can choose between either a beige or gray upholstery fabric, and the stain-resistant cushion covers can all be removed and cleaned in the washing machine, just in case your pets get their muddy paw prints on the fabric.
Castlery
Dimensions: 89.8 x 44.9 x 31.9 inches | Fabric: Polyester-linen blend | Seat fill: Foam, fiber and feather | Color options: Seagull or beach linen
No need to worry about your pets making a mess of this comfortable couch—all of its covers, including the one on the frame, can be removed and machine-washed for easy maintenance. The Dawson Sofa will quickly become you and your pet’s favorite cuddle spot, thanks to its delightfully plush feather-filled cushions. It provides a cloud-like lounging experience, and the deep seats provide enough space for you to nap with your furry friends, too.
West Elm
Dimensions: 83.6 x 41 x 40 inches | Fabric: Basketweave, velvet, chenille, linen, twill, canvas or boucle | Seat fill: Foam, polyester fiber and duck feather | Color options: 50
If you like your furniture with the convenience of modern technology, the Harmony Sofa—one of our top overall picks for the most comfortable couch—is available in a powered version. It comes with all the same great features as the original, including plush down-filled cushions and a surplus of throw pillows, but it also features powered recliners on each seat, as well as adjustable headrests.
La-Z-Boy
Dimensions: 86 x 39.5 x 44 inches | Fabric: Premium-grade upholstery or leather | Seat fill: Blown fiber | Color options: 100+
La-Z-Boy is known for its comfortable recliners, and the brand’s Dorian Reclining Sofa will be a high-tech addition to your living space. The three-seat couch has powered recliners on both ends, as well as power-tilt headrests to support your neck. The oversized seats and pub-style backrests are perfect for taller individuals, and the couch even has built-in USB ports to charge your electronics as you kick up your feet and unwind.
Homebody
Dimensions: 91 x 39.7 x 37 inches | Fabric: Linen, velvet or pet-friendly | Seat fill: Eiderdown feathers | Color options: 7
The Couch from Homebody is another modular sofa, and you have the choice to include reclining seats your custom design, making the sofa even more comfortable for relaxing with your family and furry friends. The sofa features multiple layers of plush, feather-filled cushions for maximum comfort, and its seven upholstery options are super durable. Not only does the fabric resist staining, but the covers can all be removed and laundered as needed, making it a durable choice for busy households.
La-Z-Boy
Dimensions: 81 x 39.5 x 40 inches | Fabric: Premium-grade upholstery | Seat fill: Fiberfill with foam or fiberfill with TEMPUR-Response memory foam | Color options: 400+
It may have a more traditional design, but the Roscoe duo Reclining Sofa is still every bit as comfortable as more contemporary options. The standard version of the sofa has cushions filled with a mixture of fiberfill and foam, but you can upgrade to seat and/or back cushions with TEMPUR-Response memory foam for a more supportive yet extra-comfortable lounging experience. This sofa comes in more than 400 fabric options, and its power-reclining seats are perfect for kicking up your feet at the end of a long day.
Room & Board
Dimensions: 58 x 68.5 x 38 inches | Fabric: Basketweave, boucle, suede, linen and more | Seat fill: Polyester-wrapped foam | Color options: 100+
Just because you have a small living space doesn’t mean you have to be uncomfortable. The Balboa Media Lounger is the ultimate comfy chair for spaces where a full couch won’t fit. The oversized lounge chair is the perfect size for two people, with an extra-deep seat where you can lay down and a pile of throw pillows for added comfort. Plus, the piece is a contract-grade design, which means it can stand up to lots of wear and tear and will last for years to come.
Joybird
Dimensions: 64 x 42 x 32 inches | Fabric: Chenille, microfiber or velvet | Seat fill: Foam and polyester fiber | Color options: 82
It may technically be a loveseat, but the Lewis Loveseat is still spacious enough for you to curl up for a nap or hang out with your loved ones. This small couch has an extra-deep seat and supportive back cushions, and there are dozens of soft upholstery fabrics that will add the finishing touch to your new seating area. Its tapered legs provide a mid-century aesthetic, and overall, it’s an unbeatable choice for smaller homes or apartments.
Amazon
Dimensions: 120 x 32 x 34 inches | Fabric: Chenille | Seat fill: Foam | Color options: 4
The Karl Home Sectional is a budget-friendly option for your living room, and it comes in either a two- or three-seat design. It boasts two-layer seat cushions for added comfort, and it’s covered in a soft chenille fabric that you’ll love to lay on. You can move its ottoman around to change the orientation of the sectional, creating a spacious arrangement where you can lay down and nap, host guests or watch TV with your family.
Amazon
Dimensions: 33 x 112 x 35 inches | Fabric: Not listed | Seat fill: Foam | Color options: 4
The ChitaSectional is another comfortable piece of furniture that you can buy directly from Amazon. The oversized seats provide plenty of space for lounging and the sofa comes with a variety of support pillows to ensure you’re always comfortable, no matter how you sit. Plus, if you choose a variation that includes an ottoman, the top lifts off to provide hidden storage for throw blankets, pillows and other living room essentials.
The Forbes Vetted team has ample firsthand experience testing furniture. We recently reviewed more than a dozen of the best couches, including several options that are included on this list, so we know exactly how comfortable they are for lounging, napping and more. We’ve also extensively researched—and in some cases, tested—sectional sofas, sleeper sofas and several other home furnishings.
In addition to using the team’s expertise while putting together this list, we consulted with two interior design experts. Lauren Williams is the founder of Lauren Jayne Design, and product designer Carly Blumberg of Carly Home both offer tips on what makes a couch comfortable and how to select a product that will work well in your living space.
To select the best comfortable couches, we looked for products that featured plush cushions, deep seats and ample pillows. We prioritized sofas that have down or down-blend filling, which tends to be the most comfortable, and we selected models that come in soft, tactile upholstery fabrics. However, we also made sure the products we chose are well-made and durable, and we looked for models that come in a range of sizes and configurations so you can easily incorporate them into your existing decor.
The materials used to make a couch play a big role in its comfort. Many of today’s best sofas offer dozens of upholstery options, so you’ll want to select one that’s comfortable and practical for your lifestyle. “I suggest choosing fabrics and materials based on where you live and your location’s climate,” says Williams. “For places with warmer weather year-round, a breathable fabric like linen or cotton are preferred. Wool or velvet couches that give a warm and cozy feel are best in areas with cooler weather as the seasons change.”
You’ll also want to look at the material within the couch’s cushions. Down and down blends tend to be the most soft and plush, providing a cozy sink-in feel, but they need regular fluffing to maintain their shape. A good compromise is to look for down that’s used alongside foam: “It maybe a bit tricky to examine the cushion remotely, but look for high-density foam, which is often a good indicator of comfort, as it provides support while maintaining a plush feel,” recommends Blumberg. She notes that a blend of foam and down is one of her favorite materials for couch cushions.
You’ll also want to look at the sofa’s seat height and depth, as these factors will both impact its comfort: “A seat height of 15 to 16 inches is a great starting point for a sofa, whereas contemporary sofas that are lower may make it more challenging to stand up,” explains Williams.
Deeper sofas are ideal for watching movies and lounging, but keep in mind they’re generally not as practical for sitting areas where you plan to host company. Average sofa seats are between 20 and 24 inches deep, but if you want a couch with seats you can curl up in, look for seats over 24 inches. “If you choose a deeper sofa, consider adding extra throw pillows for lumbar support,” recommends Williams.
Because comfortable couches are often made with soft, plush materials, there’s always a chance that they’ll wear down faster than other sofas. To ensure your investment lasts for several years, look for a product that’s made from high-quality materials, such as kiln-dried wood, sinuous springs and high-density foam. “A sturdy frame is crucial for long-lasting comfort, so you will want to check the product descriptions for information on materials used in constructing the couch,” says Blumberg.
In terms of cushions, high-quality foam offers superior durability, as it will spring back into shape when you get up. Down cushions can also be fluffed back up if they get packed down, whereas fiber cushions can get lumpy with extended up.
There are dozens of comfortable sofas out there today, but a few of our top-recommended models include the Arhaus Owen Modular Sofa, West Elm Harmony Sofa and Floyd Sink Down Sectional. These pieces are all constructed from high-quality materials that will keep them in good shape for years to come, and they offer plush, comfy seating surfaces where you’ll be able to lounge with your family.
All three of these couches are great choices for your living room or media room, but if you want something a bit more formal for an entertaining space, consider a classic option like the Maiden Home Sullivan or Pottery Barn Pearce Sofa.
When you buy something online, sight unseen, you’re taking a leap of faith. This is especially true with sofas, which often cost hundreds or thousands of your hard-earned dollars and can be a hassle to return.
There are so many styles, types, and sizes of sofa—from buttoned-up Chesterfields to the Dalì-inspired Bocca—that “best” is often a matter of personal taste.
After years of research and testing, we’re ready to admit that we can’t tell you which sofa model is the absolute best. But we can walk you through the process and help you balance quality, budget, and space constraints with your unique needs and tastes.