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Selecting a new luxury couch is no small feat, let alone researching hundreds of the market’s best designer sofas. With an overwhelming array of top-tier options, choosing the right one may seem daunting. And you’re not wrong — it can be — but it’s undoubtedly worthwhile. The perfect couch can transform your space, creating a beautifully curated haven for design enthusiasts, a cozy gathering place for the entire family, or a preferred spot for entertaining guests with cocktails in hand. Regardless of how you envision utilizing your future couch, we’re confident you’ll discover one standout among the best luxury couches which epitomize extravagance in every aspect, from aesthetic appeal and high-quality materials, to essential functionality.
It’s important to note that not all couches with steep price tags are synonymous with high quality. But those that are can last a lifetime with the proper care. Materials play a crucial role when hunting for the ideal couch. Celebrity interior designer Cheryl Eisen says, “The quality of materials and work on the inside is what really counts. Of course, the upholster fabric plays a significant role on the wear on the outside, but you need a good frame to set it apart.” She emphasizes that a great luxury couch prioritizes craftsmanship and high-level attention to detail.
Once you’ve nailed down non-negotiable features like materials, the fun part begins: narrowing down a sofa that aligns with your preferred design aesthetic, whether it’s minimalist, mid-century modern, farmhouse, or something else entirely. Practical considerations come into play as well; a sizable sectional may not be the best fit for a small space that’s more suited for a compact loveseat, and vice versa. But there are options for every size and style, including modern sofas from West Elm, history-making silhouettes from Mario Bellini, trendy choices from Urban Outfitters, sustainable offerings from Sabai, and more.
Below, we’ve curated a selection of the 22 best luxury couches that are well worth the investment. To assemble this guide, we consulted with renowned interior designers, delved deep into sofa research, and scrutinized reviews, providing you with a comprehensive array of options to suit your style preferences and needs.
Top Designer Sofas of 2023
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Best Cloud Couch
Restoration Hardware Cloud Customizable Bench-Seat Sectional
Type: Sectional
Materials available: 109 fabrics available
Special features: Sink-in cushions reminiscent of a “cloud”
This Restoration Hardware sectional is deeply embedded in social media culture, gaining TikTok fame for how crazy-cozy it looks — and it truly lives up to the hype. Its soft feather and down construction delivers unparalleled sink-in comfort, making it the perfect place to lounge. (That said, it’s not for those who prefer firm couches to plush ones.)
While its vibrant white cushions are undeniably the most popular upholstery option, it comes in a diverse range of fabrics (over 140!). Thanks to its modular design, you can fully customize its shape to suit your preferences. Whether you’re searching for a traditional sectional, a sofa without a chaise, or to build on the one you already own, the brand has you set to make just about any configuration a reality.
Price upon publish date of this article: $2,195 Member / $5,095 Regular
Best Mid-Century Modern Couch
Mario Bellini Camaleonda Sofa
Type: Sofa
Materials available: 96 options available
Special features: Modular designs allows for endless styling potential
Mario Bellini designs have graced countless celebrity spaces through the years. It’s easily recognized for its bulbous capitonné design that’s been a renowned facet in the design space since the 1970s. To the dismay of design aficionados, it was discontinued and then so widely coveted by vintage dealers that the OG seller, B&B Italia, re-released it in 2020 with modern updates. It maintains its sought-after mid-century modern aesthetic, but its internal structure is now made from recycled materials.
Price upon publish date of this article: Starting at $2,878.00
Best Customizable Sofa
Interior Define Scarlett Sofa
Type: Sofa
Materials available: 43 options available
Special features: Comes with matching throw pillows
Interior Define Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.2/5 stars
This three-seater is one of interior designer Heather Goerzen‘s favorites for its “clean lines, no-fuss sensibilities, and timeless aesthetic that can seamlessly blend into a variety of spaces.” That’s especially true since all of Interior Define’s pieces can be customized. You choose the fabric, legs, size (custom is an option), and cushion fill “so it feels right at home,” says Goerzen.
Price upon publish date of this article: Starting at $2,036
Best Modular Sofa
Lovesac Sactional
Type: Sectional
Materials available: 30 options available
Special features: Covers are washable and changeable
Lovesac’s modular “sactionals” have been around since 2006, and were born to be endlessly reconfigurable. You tailor it from the start, picking your preferred shape configuration, support level (standard foam or a cushy feather-blend), and more. While a few things remain constant, such as the couch’s filling, the rest is a canvas for personalization. Over time, you can add more seats, swap the covers with a new color, and even tweak the finer details like the couch’s arms so that you never have to replace it entirely.
What testsers say: “What a great sofa system this is! We started with just two sectional seats. We loved that they could be rearranged easily and the covers can be washed in the washing machine. We loved it so much that we went back and bought a 3rd seat and a love sac that is super comfy! Everything is washable and interchangeable.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $2,761.50
Best Sleeper Sofa
West Elm Shelter Queen Sleeper Sofa
Type: Sleeper sofa
Materials available: Basketweave, velvet, linen, chenille, twill, canvas, boucle
Special features: Pull-out mattress has a memory foam top
Finding a sleeper sofa that perfectly balances comfort and style can be challenging, but West Elm has you covered. The Shelter Queen Sleeper Sofa not only meets but exceeds expectations. Its streamlined profile conceals its legs for a refined look, complemented by plush pillows that balance its sleek aesthetic. The best part? It opens up to a queen-size mattress with a five-inch memory foam top.
Price upon publish date of this article: Starting at $2,599
Best Skirted Sofa
Maiden Home The Leonard Sofa
Type: Sofa
Materials available: Chenille, performance linen, performance textured linen, performance stonewashed linen, and belgian linen
Special features: Clean lines and gentle curvature enhance its sophisticated minimalism
“Skirted sofas are coming back on the scene as the design pendulum swings back towards a traditional aesthetic,” says Goerzen, suggesting this sculptural design from Maiden Home. “While certainly ‘on-trend’ at the moment, a skirted sofa is a classic staple that will always and forever be in style.” The warm natural linen is a timeless option, but there’s more to choose from. The brand offers more than 20 fabrics to choose from.
What testers say: “This was a big investment without seeing the sofa person first, but I could not be happier with my Leonard! The beautiful shape of this sofa (those arms!) really sets it apart from the others I looked at during my search, and the quality is just amazing. I’m confident that I’ll have this sofa for many years and moves to come.”
Price upon publish date of this article: Starting at $3,325
Best Pleated Sofa
Serena & Lily Grady Pleated Sofa
Type: Sofa
Materials available: Performance, linen, cotton, leather, suede, raffia, velvet
Special features: Comes in patterned fabric options
$5,198.00 $6,498.00 20% off
This pleated sofa marries classic sophistication and modern trends with structured box pleats and clean lines for an undeniably statement-making piece. One of the brand’s core values is using eco-friendly materials in its designs, but that doesn’t limit your options. You have the freedom to choose from a diverse range of colors and patterns, including stripes and florals. This couch comes in two sizes, namely, a seven-foot and eight-foot configuration.
Price upon publish date of this article: $5,198.00
Best Leather Sofa
Pottery Barn Turner Roll Arm Leather Sofa
Type: Sofa
Materials available: Leather
Special features: Cushions fall in between soft and firm for the perfect balance of both
Pottery Barn Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 3.3/5 stars
You might be familiar with Pottery Barn’s bestselling Turner Roll Arm Leather Sofa, and for good reason – it’s a standout. Beyond its timeless design, what sets it apart is its exceptional customizability. With five size options (ranging from 68.5 inches to 109 inches) and a palette of 40 dyed leather colors, you have the freedom to craft the perfect sofa tailored to your space.
Price upon publish date of this article: Starting at $2,899
Best Velvet Sofa
Article Sven Grass Green Sofa
Type: Sofa
Materials available: Velvet
Special features: Features a tufted bench seat
Article Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
The social media-famous Article Sven Sofa comes in a range of jewel tones, each of which will infuse your space with personality. Its tufted bench seat and rounded bolster pillows level up its charm, while its feather-filled cushions provide a firm but comfortable spot to sit. If you love its look and feel as much as we imagine, you’ll be happy to hear there’s also an ottoman to match.
What testers say: “The couch is beautiful, exactly as described. It is firm, as some of the other reviewers said. However, that’s the way we like our couches. Delivery was quick, the box was brought into my home by the drivers, it was well packaged. All we had to do was screw in the legs. Voila.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $1,499
Best Deep Couch
CB2 Piazza Sofa
Type: Sofa
Materials available: Linen weave, velvet, shearling, twill, plain weave, textured weave, and boucle
Special features: Solid hardwood feet
CB2 Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.6/5 stars
There’s a lot that makes this CB2 Piazza Sofa different from the rest, but the biggest is that it’s super deep, 44-inches deep, exactly. (On average, couch depths hover around 35 inches.) Its clean silhouette has a plush, sink-in feel thanks to its pillow-down cushions. Its generous length and depth make it an ideal spot for a nap, offering a space almost equivalent to the dimensions of a twin bed.
What testers say: “This piece looks and feels far more expensive than its reasonable price tag. My husband and I have been very comfortable with 2 24” down throw pillows to prop an arm or behind the back watching tv and having a before dinner drink. It is a little deep but that makes for an ample sleeping space.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $1,799
Best Curved Sofa
Lulu and Georgia Josephine Curved Sofa
Type: Sofa
Materials available: Crypton performance fabric cotton, linen
Lulu and Georgia Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
The curved sofa trend doesn’t seem to be going anywhere anytime soon, and Los Angeles-based Lulu and Georgia makes the best one. It’s made-to-order, which means you’ll need to wait over a month to receive it, but it’s worth it. Its smooth lines and curved shape take inspiration from 1920s design, but with a modern makeover with performance fabric that’ll ensure it looks good as new for years to come.
Price upon publish date of this article: $3,698
Best Slouchy Sofa
Ligne Roset TOGO Sofa
Type: Sofa
Materials available: Velvet
Special features: Iconic low-profile design
The Togo sofa came to be in 1973, the same year Ligne Roset launched as a consumer brand. The iconic story goes that French designer Michel Ducaroy got his inspiration for this design from a tube of toothpaste. His exact words in describing the finished design was “a tube of toothpaste folded on itself like a tuba and fixed at both ends.” The slouchy, low-profile design is equally covetable today for the fact that it doesn’t take itself too seriously and is comfortable and aesthetically pleasing. Buying it new is the most fiscally responsible option, but vintage leather ones are circulating the interwebs, if you’re cool with shelling out the big bucks.
Price upon publish date of this article: $9,995
Best Sustainably Made Sofa
Sabai The Essential Sofa
Type: Sofa
Materials available: Recycled velvet and upcycled poly
Special features: Made from recycled and upcycled fibers
Sabai Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.7/5 stars
Sabi hasn’t been around for long (since 2019, to be exact), but it’s quickly emerged as a leader in the sustainable furniture space. The United States based brand uses 100 percent upcycled and recycled fabrics to upholster its pieces, but its sustainability initiatives don’t stop there. In creating this sofa, the brand also used 100 percent recycled fiber fill pillows, not to mention ensured that components like wooden legs are stained with non-toxic finishes. With Sabai, you don’t have to worry with that it sacrifices comfort for sustainability — the rave reviews attest to its top-notch comfort.
What testers say: “My husband and I are obsessed with the Essential Sofa! I was so nervous to buy a couch online without testing it out, but Sabai was the best option for truly sustainable furniture. The couch not only looks gorgeous, but it’s sooo comfy and was a breeze to put together!”
Price upon publish date of this article: $1,445
Best Industrial Sofa
Corbusier Grand Modele Three-Seat Sofa With Down Cushions
Type: Sofa
Materials available: Top grain/aniline leather, vintage leather
Special features: Made from non-toxic and fire-resistant materials
If this couch looks familiar, that’s probably because there are hundreds of dupes for this very design. The tubular stainless steel frame with thick cushioned seating (padded with down feathers) is Le Corbusier’s signature, and has been since he introduced the line in 1928. Despite its historical origins, it fits into modern spaces beautifully.
What testers say: “I’ve had this sofa in the house for a couple of weeks and am enjoying it more each day. It was crafted perfectly, delivered with care, is well built, the down-wrapped cushions seem to be standing up and the firm seat is actually quite supportive. This is not a sofa meant for slouching about, rather a stylish statement intended for conversational seating. I love it.”
Price upon publish date of this article: Starting at $3,329
Best Customizable Sectional
Rove Concepts Dresden Modular Sectional
Type: Sectional
Materials available: Felt, weave, velvet, microfiber leather, linen, vegan suede
Special features: Built-in side table
While we’ve already crowned the best modular sofa, this modular, low-profile sectional deserves spotlight of its own. As promised, it’s highly customizable. You choose from a right or left orientation, as well as the placement of an interchangeable side table insert that is offered in walnut, natural, and white lacquer finishes. It comes in a bevy of upholstery options, situated atop of stainless steel legs.
What testers say: “I ordered the Dresden Modular Sofa with Trento Black leather and it’s absolutely stunning. It’s sleek and modern, but still quite comfortable. The quality of the price exceeded my expectations. It’s quite sturdy and the stainless steel legs make it pretty heavy. I love this sectional and would recommend it 100%.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $5,499 Member/ $7,856 Regular
Best Bouclé Couch
Castlery Lucas Performance Bouclé Sofa
Type: Sofa
Materials available: White Quartz Bouclé
Special features: Comes with the matching bouclé accent pillows
Castlery said it best: The Lucas sofa “puts the ‘fun’ in functional with a marriage of playful, minimalist appeal.” Shoppers are practically unanimous in that the seating — a mix of foam, fiber, and pocket spring — is comfortable for lounging, and one shopper even attested that its performance bouclé fabric “has stood up to spills, small kids, and dogs.”
What testers say: “So impressed with this sofa. We ordered two for our living room. They are SO comfortable, substantial, and I feel like the fabric is going to hold up well to our dogs. The fabric is more subtle than a traditional bouclé, which I love. Super impressed!”
Price upon publish date of this article: $1,799
Best Bubble Couch
Roche Bobois Large 3-Seat Bubble Sofa
Type: Sofa
Materials available: Calin fabric
Special features: Double chaise sectional can transform into cozy “pit”
There’s no better word to describe this sofa than “playful.” While the contemporary French furniture company isn’t new, it’s exploded in popularity in TikTok over the past year, namely when a social media user seemingly found this exact sofa discarded on the streets of New York City. While we can appreciate that serendipitous strike of luck, we definitely recommend buying one that’s clean and new. The bubble sofa is an iconic piece in the brand’s inventory.
Price upon publish date of this article: $7,980
Best Reclining Sofa
West Elm Leo Motion Reclining Sofa
Type: Reclining sofa
Materials available: Flatweave fabrics, textured fabrics, velvet
Special features: Push-recline
Yes, reclining sofas exist, but few — if any — rival West Elm’s Leo Motion Reclining Sofa. No one will believe it’s a recliner until you demonstrate it because of its low-slung, boxy silhouette. You have the choice of two or three recliners depending on your needs.
Price upon publish date of this article: $2,496
Best Asymmetrical Couch
Anthropologie Judarn Asymmetrical Serpentine Sofa
Type: Sofa
Materials available: Velvet
Special features: Asymmetrical design
Anthropologie Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Anthropologie’s Judarn Asymmetrical Serpentine Sofa is the epitome of elegance. With plush velvet seating and contrasting upholstery — a monochromatic green seat and a curved frame with a green, blue, and gold-patterned floral design — it’s bound to be a focal piece in your home.
What testers say: “I wanted something unique with curves that was comfortable. I got all of that on this couch. It was too weird for my husband and he hated it at first. Then he napped on it and his tune immediately changed. It gets so many compliments.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $3,998
Best Bean Bag Sofa
Urban Outfitters Matilda Boucle Bean Bag Sofa
Type: Sofa
Materials available: Bouclé
Special features: Arrives fully assembled
Urban Outfitters Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.6/5 stars
Urban Outfitters couches are trendy yet timeless and this Matilda Boucle Bean Bag Sofa epitomizes that. Whether you’re in search of a space-saving couch for a cozy nook or craving snugness without the hefty price tag, this one takes the spotlight. True to its name, it’s essentially the adult upgrade of a bean bag chair, featuring bead filling and a legless silhouette.
What testers say: “I’m obsessed with this little bean bag loveseat! It’s comfy yet supportive. It feels like sinking into a cloud.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $549
Best Designer Sofa for Families
Albany Park Kova Pit
Type: Double chaise sectional
Materials available: Performance fabric, basketweave, bouclé, and velvet
Special features: Hypoallergenic fabric
Albany Park’s Kova Pit is an ingenious option for families. During the day, you can style it as a double chaise sectional, and for family movie nights, the modular design can easily convert into a “pit.” If you’re thinking that getting it into your home sounds like an intensive process, it’s actually surprisingly seamless. Each piece comes in apartment-friendly, space-conscious boxes that can maneuver through stairwells and tight hallways with ease.
What testers say: “I was looking for a double chaise sectional and discovered Albany Park and the Kova collection. We loved the options with the Pit and keep it in a U shape with the ottoman on one end for everyday use (so you can sit down easily) and we have the option to quickly create the pit for family movie nights.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $3,649
Best Designer Sofa for Pet Owners
The Floyd Sofa
Type: Sofa
Materials available: Polyester
Special features: Double-layered cushions
Floyd Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 2.3/5 stars
What makes the Floyd Sofa so great for pet owners is that every detail was designed with your furry friends in mind. The Floyd sofa has a tight weave that’s more difficult for cats to claw, plus stain and smell resistance incase of accidents. While it’s not totally stain-proof, it’s pretty close. Liquids bead up and roll off (making it wine-friendly) and you can choose from three size configurations and several colors to complement your space.
What testers say: “We have dogs, kids, and cats. We’ve spent more on ‘throw-away’ couches and really needed a more durable option. Not only is this furniture super solid, but the material is like magic! I simply use a warm wash rag with a bit of dish soap to clean up stains like dog drool or chocolate milk, and it wipes right off! We have a Great Pyrenees that sheds like crazy, but her hair comes right off.”
Price upon publish date of this article: Starting at $1,180
Tips for Shopping a Luxury Sofa Online
- Measure your space: One of the biggest mistakes people make when shopping for a luxury sofa online is not taking proper measurements. You should not only account for the exact length and depth, but also make sure you account for clearance around the sofa so your space doesn’t feel uncomfortably cramped. Goerzsen suggests using painter’s tape to map out the dimensions to make sure it feels right, and-or “using Canva or a free floor planning tool to mock a layout in your home.”
- Pre-order swatches: The thing about the internet is that colors can look different on your screen than in-real-life. It’s something Goerzsen understands. “Nothing is worse than spending a pretty penny for a sofa and when it arrives, you come to find you hate the color,” she says. Her pro tip? Request swatches before placing your couch order (most companies offer this service for free). Once it arrives, “assess the fabric feel, evaluate them in the room at different times of day, and even rub them on your pets to test the amount of fur they pick up,” she says.
- Conduct a sit test: When shopping for a couch online, one of the biggest challenges is not being able to sit on it in real life. If there’s a brick-and-mortar location that carries your prospective couch nearby, it’s definitely worth the trip. If not, Goerzsen says that “many retailers, like Interior Define, are including video footage of how the sofa sits directly on their product page. These videos allow you to see a real human interacting with the piece, including a glimpse at cushion support.” And if that’s not an option, there’s always social media platforms like TikTok. “You can often scout customer video reviews on social channels to get an inside look at the sit as well.”
How We Chose the Best Designer Sofas and Luxury Couches
Since 1910, WWD — often referred to as “the fashion bible” — has been the leading industry voice of authority for senior executives in the global women’s and men’s fashion, retail and beauty communities, while also informing the consumer media that cover the market. Today, WWD’s breaking news and trend coverage continues to be a trustworthy resource for both fashion insiders and consumers alike. Our shopping editors continue to uphold WWD’s editorial standards and values with quality, expert-backed product selections. Learn more about us here.
Our team conducted comprehensive market research to curate this guide to the best designer sofas and luxury couches for 2023. We dove into numerous customer reviews, considering both positive and negative feedback. Additionally, we sought insights from interior design experts for insight into their preferences and criteria for the best couches, sofas, and sectionals. Combining their recommendations with our research findings, we compiled a list of the top 22 designer sofas. This curated selection spans various price ranges and encompasses different sizes, brands, and interior design styles.
Meet the Experts
Heather Goerzen is a Denver-based interior designer and the director of content and design at Havenly. She specializes in traditional, contemporary, and eclectic interior design styles.
Sarah Tract is an interior designer based in NYC and the founder of her eponymous design firm Sarah Tract Interiors.
Cheryl Eisen is a celebrity interior designer based in NYC and the founder of Interior Marketing Group, Inc.
Meet the Author
Marisa Petrarca is a Twin Cities-based journalist specializing in beauty, fashion, and lifestyle, who has written for numerous publications, including POPSUGAR, Allure, Cosmopolitan, InStyle, and more. She’s a foodie and someone who watches The Bachelor non-ironically – and she’s been crushing on the RH Cloud Couch since its 2015 release.