Few furniture purchases carry as much weight as a couch. It anchors the room, sets the mood, and becomes your favorite morning coffee or movie night spot. But the path to finding “the one” can be unexpectedly stressful. Couches are big, expensive, and deceptively hard to get right, and the wrong choice can quickly become a daily frustration.
That’s why being intentional about where you shop is just as important as what works for your living room. Comfort, craftsmanship, size, durability, seat depth – there’s a lot to consider before you even get to color choices. And with endless brands, shapes, and sofa trends competing for attention, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed long before checkout.
Think of this as your shortcut to shopping with confidence. Whether you're hunting for a cloud-like sectional, a slipcovered classic, or a compact settee, we’ve curated a guide to the very best places to buy couches. Whatever your budget, interior design style, or living room layout, this is the guide that will help you land on a sofa you’ll love living with for years.
The Best Black Friday Couch Deals
Below, you'll find some quick links to retailers that currently have some excellent furniture deals in the Black Friday sales right now:
- Shop up to 70% off living room seating in Wayfair's Black Friday sale
- Shop coastal style in Serena & Lily's biggest sale of the year
- Shop up to 60% off furniture from Pottery Barn
- Shop a small selection of sofas in the Anthropologie sale
- Shop Walmart's living furniture deals
- Shop up to 40% off sofas at Crate & Barrel
- Shop discounts on furniture at Target
- Shop up to 60% off at West Elm
- Shop up to 60% off stylish sectionals at Rove Lab
- Shop Black Friday sofa deals at Macy's
Top 3 Couches on Sale for Black Friday
There are a myriad of Black Friday sofa deals out there, but these three below stand out for their style, top reviews, and excellent discounts. Special mention also goes out to Walmart's BedLuxury 111.5'' Modular Sectional Sofa for real cloud-like comfort on a budget.
It's quite rare to find such a big ticket item from McGee & Co. 30% off, so this deal is worth shouting about. Perfect for traditional homes, this vintage-style couch was designed for sophisticated loungers with rolled arms, piped detailing, and turned caster legs.
For busy homes, nothing beats a slipcovered sectional with a left or right chaise combination. This cloud-like sofa has a modern silhouette and pillow-back cushions wrapped in an earthy olive green linen weave for a durable, hides-all-stains look that's bang on trend too.
With over 1,000 positive reviews, this timeless slipcovered couch is going to be an easy investment this Black Friday. They list it as premium construction, with no sagging or creaks, and bonus points - no assembly. And best of all, there are a myriad of colors and performance fabric options too.
Luxury & Designer Retailers
For those who see a couch as a long-term investment, luxury retailers offer heirloom-level craftsmanship and elevated, design-driven details. Expect refined silhouettes, premium fabrics, and the kind of quality that only gets better with age.
McGee & Co.
McGee & Co. brings Shea McGee's polished, collected style to its sofa lineup, offering pieces that feel both classic and comfortably modern. Expect thoughtful proportions, beautiful custom upholstery options, and designs that slip seamlessly into a wide range of interiors. Their fabric guide is also a great resource if you’re navigating fabric choices, and each sofa is rated by a comfort scale if you scroll down.
Best for: Clean-lined, relaxed silhouettes and designer-led craftsmanship
Lead time: Typically 4–10 weeks, depending on customization
Price: $$–$$$
CB2
CB2 is a go-to for modern living rooms, design-forward sofas that feel fresh without sacrificing comfort. Expect clean lines, sculptural silhouettes, and on-trend fabrics – from boucle to mohair-inspired upholstery. Their design collaborations keep the options feeling elevated, while the price points remain accessible for pieces that still feel investment-worthy. You can also test out its couches in person at one of its 24 locations across the country.
Best for: Contemporary shapes and designer-collaboration pieces
Lead time: Typically 1–8 weeks, depending on inventory and upholstery choices
Price: $$–$$$
West Elm
West Elm blends modern design with approachable style, making it easy to find a sofa that’s both comfortable and visually striking. Their range spans modular sectionals, slipcovered classics, and mid-century-inspired silhouettes, often crafted with sustainably sourced materials, and is a great place to shop for vegan leather couches.
Best for: Modern silhouettes and versatile, everyday sofas
Lead time: Typically 2–8 weeks, depending on style and fabric choice
Price: $$–$$$
Lulu and Georgia
Lulu and Georgia offer sofas that embody a refined, design-led aesthetic – think soft curves, plush textures, and silhouettes that feel super design-led. Their collection leans into elevated materials and color palette, with options ranging from cozy, cloud-like sectionals to sculptural statement sofas. It’s a go-to for pieces with designer approval.
Best for: Curved and contemporary silhouettes and designer collabs
Lead time: Usually 2–10 weeks, depending on customization and availability
Price: $$–$$$$
Serena & Lily
Serena & Lily is known for its clean-lined coastal aesthetic, and their couch collection brings that breezy, elevated look to the living room. Expect casual silhouettes and relaxed upholstery and slipcover options, and elevated details – from bench cushions to refined piping. Their performance fabrics and customizable finishes make it easy to create a sofa that suits family life while still looking effortlessly chic.
Best for: Coastal living room style and relaxed yet refined design
Lead time: Typically 4–10 weeks, depending on customization
Price: $$–$$$$
Crate & Barrel
Crate & Barrel is a great destination for sofas that balance thoughtful design with long-lasting comfort. Their collection spans relaxed family-friendly sectionals, loveseats, chaises, and classic tailored sofas – all available in an impressive array of fabrics, including performance options. With a strong focus on craftsmanship and designer collections, Crate & Barrel pieces feel reliably high-quality.
Best for: Tailored modern classics and extensive fabric options
Lead time: Generally 2–10 weeks, depending on style and upholstery
Price: $$–$$$
Pottery Barn
Pottery Barn is a household name loved for their comfortable, well-made couches that balance classic design with family-friendly durability. Their collections span everything from deep, lounge-ready sectionals to tailored roll-arm styles, with a huge range of fabrics – including performance options– to suit busy households. Their in-store and online design resources also make it easy to compare depths, fills, and configurations before you commit.
Best for: Traditional or farmhouse living room finds
Lead time: Usually 2–10 weeks, depending on customization and fabric selection
Price: $$–$$$
Specialty & Artisan Makers
If you’re dreaming of a sofa tailored precisely to your space, or some real specialty upholstery, these makers deliver the closest thing to bespoke. From made-to-measure dimensions to a wide range of fabrics, finishes, and cushion fills, these are the brands perfect for unique floor plans, picky decorators, or anyone craving a more unique piece.
Greenrow
Greenrow, Part of the Williams Sonoma family, brings a thoughtful, design-driven approach to upholstery, offering sofas that feel handcrafted, refined, and intentionally made. Their collection leans into recycled materials, with upholstery and slipcover options that suit vintage or country-inspired spaces. With an emphasis on sustainability and small-batch production, each piece feels considered and unique.
Best for: Sustainable materials and artisan craftsmanship
Lead time: Typically 6–12 weeks, depending on production schedule
Price: $$–$$$$
Joon Loloi
Joon Loloi is a new and trending brand born from the Loloi Rugs legacy, now bringing that same design sensibility into furniture. Their sofa collection features sculptural silhouettes, warm textures, and thoughtfully curated upholstery options – all made to order. They've also teamed up with big names like Lone Fox and designer Heidi Caillier to create rugs and pillows to pair with your new couch.
Best for: Modern silhouettes with personality
Lead time: Many of their sofas are made-to-order; lead times are typically 8 weeks
Price: $$
Anthropologie
Anthropologie is beloved for its distinctive, artful approach to furniture design, and its sofas are no exception. Expect fun silhouettes, unique fabrics, and thoughtful details – from hand-tufting to vintage-inspired shapes – that instantly add personality to a room. Their assortment ranges from elegant velvet statement pieces to floral styles, each with the playful, curated charm the brand is known for. Visit their sofa and sectional comfort guide for more info.
Best for: Statement silhouettes and eclectic patterns
Lead time: Typically 4–12 weeks, depending on customization and stock
Price: $$
Article
Article has become a go-to for beautifully designed, modern sofas delivered at refreshingly straightforward prices. Their easy-to-navigate site keeps things simple, and you'll find couches in all shapes and sizes with durable fabrics and solid construction, all shipped quickly. From mid-century modern classics to deep, lounge-worthy sectionals, Article’s sofas balance style and practicality.
Best for: Clean-lined modern designs and fast shipping
Lead time: Many styles ship within 2 weeks; custom upholstery may take longer
Price: $$–$$$
Affordable Finds
Design-forward sofas don’t always have to come with a luxury price tag – especially when you know where to look. These retailers combine approachable pricing with on-trend silhouettes, smart materials, and surprisingly high quality for the cost.
Wayfair
Wayfair is one of the most versatile places to shop for affordable sofas, offering an enormous range of styles (over 50,000), fabrics, and configurations to suit every home. Whether you're after a compact loveseat, a family-friendly sectional, or a sleeper sofa, Wayfair’s filters and customer reviews make it easy to narrow down the best options. With frequent sales and fast shipping on many items, it’s a reliable source for stylish seating that won’t stretch your budget.
Best for: Huge variety, budget-friendly, and quick delivery
Lead time: Many sofas ship within 1–2 weeks; some arrive in just a few days
Price: $–$$
Macy's
Macy’s is a dependable destination for well-priced sofas that balance comfort, durability, and classic style. Their assortment spans everything from compact apartment-friendly pieces to generous sectionals, with a mix of in-house designs and well-known furniture brands. Frequent promotions make it easy to find high-value options, and many sofas come in multiple fabrics or configurations, giving you room to personalize without overspending.
Best for: Classic silhouettes with a wide range of sizes and styles
Lead time: Typically 1–4 weeks, depending on stock
Price: $–$$$
Walmart
Walmart offers a surprisingly broad selection of budget-friendly sofas, making it an easy stop for shoppers who want style and comfort at accessible prices. From compact futons and modular sofas to classic three-seaters and sectionals, the assortment covers every layout and lifestyle. With fast shipping, competitive pricing, and plenty of customer reviews, Walmart is a practical choice for furnishing a space quickly and affordably.
Best for: Budget-friendly, quick-ship options, and small-space sofas
Lead time: Many styles ship in a few days to 1–2 weeks
Price: $–$$
Target
Target is a must-visit for stylish, budget-conscious sofas that still feel design-minded. Their in-house brands offer clean-lined, contemporary silhouettes, while collaborations with Homes & Gardens' favorites Threshold designed w/Studio McGee, and Hearth & Hand with Magnolia bring fresh shapes and elevated fabrics into the mix. Whether you’re furnishing a first apartment or refreshing a high-traffic family room, Target delivers dependable quality and quick shipping at prices that are hard to beat.
Best for: Under $500 couches and small-space-friendly styles
Lead time: Most sofas ship within 1–2 weeks; some quick-ship options arrive in days
Price: $–$$
IKEA
IKEA remains a favorite for well-designed, functional sofas at some of the most accessible prices on the market. Their range covers everything from modular sectionals to compact loveseats, many with removable, washable covers – a major perk for families, renters, and pet owners. With simple silhouettes, clever storage options, and a reputation for durability, IKEA offers practical seating solutions that can be easily adapted as your space evolves.
Best for: Modular designs; ultra-affordable, family-friendly designs
Lead time: Typically available for immediate pickup or delivery within days
Price: $–$$
Our Favorite Couches to Shop Now
Sizes: 75" and 96.5"
Designed by goop exclusively for CB2, this warm camel velvet couch adds oodles of fluid, midcentury-inspired curves to a living room or snug room. Slim champagne-finish legs add a touch of lightness, making it perfect for smaller spaces or anyone after a little elegance.
Sizes: 85", 98", and 110"
With its tailored slipcover and deep, sink-in cushions, the Wilhelmina offers a refined take on classic comfort. The design balances relaxed ease with elegant lines, making it a timeless anchor for both traditional and modern spaces. Dense, supportive seat cushions provide lasting comfort, while the removable slipcover is practical for everyday.
Sizes: 60", 84.5", and 110"
The Bernadette sofa brings soft curves to the living room with its scalloped top. Custom upholstery options allow you to fine-tune the tone and texture, while the exclusive collaboration with Sarah Sherman Samuel ensures every detail reflects her elevated, quietly playful aesthetic.
Sizes: 60", 82", 72", and 92"
Created in collaboration with design duo Pierce & Ward, this sofa reimagines the traditional roll-arm silhouette with contemporary channel tufting and richly hued upholstery, shown here in a warm burnt umber. Crafted from kiln-dried, sustainably sourced wood and built to Contract Grade standards, it’s made to last – and to stand out.
Sizes: 78", 87", and 96"
Thoughtfully crafted and super comfortable, the Hadley Sofa showcases Greenrow’s commitment to natural materials and artisan-quality upholstery. An FSC®-certified frame, plush natural padding, and a curated selection of 17 different fabrics make this an investment in both style and sustainability. With generous cushions and a pillow back, it’s designed for proper lounging and stretching out.
Sizes: 82", 92", and 104"
Clean-lined and quietly glamorous, the Sinclair Sofa pairs a refined profile with a playful fringe trim for subtle movement and texture. Upholstered in Montauk Performance Linen – a durable, stain-resistant fabric that mimics the relaxed look of natural linen – it’s as practical as it is elegant.
FAQs
When is the Best Time to Buy a Couch?
The best time to buy a couch is typically during major retail sale periods, when big-ticket furniture sees the deepest discounts. Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, and Labor Day are known for strong promotions, and of course, Black Friday and Cyber Week can also offer significant savings.
If you’re shopping for custom or made-to-order sofas, consider buying in January or July, when retailers clear out inventory to make room for new collections. No matter the season, signing up for retailer newsletters or loyalty programs can give you early access to the best deals.
Where is the Best Place to Buy a Couch for Quick Delivery?
If speed is the priority (perhaps you're looking ahead to Christmas!) head to retailers with ready-to-ship inventory rather than made-to-order designs.
Wayfair, Amazon, and Walmart typically offer the fastest turnaround, with many sofas available for delivery within just a few days. For higher-end options that still ship quickly, CB2, West Elm, and Article keep a strong in-stock selection that often dispatches within a week. Just be sure to filter by “in stock” or “ready to ship” to avoid long lead times on custom upholstery.
How to Choose the Right Couch for You
Consider Style
Beauty is, of course, in the eye of the beholder, but there are a few couch do's and don'ts you can bear in mind to make sure you choose the best style of couch for a particular interior.
Legs: The legs of a couch can have a big impact on its overall appearance. Large-scale, low-to-the-ground sofas that have no visible legs to speak of are best for large or open-plan rooms where a bulkier design will have a grounding effect, helping to anchor the seating scheme within the larger space. If you're looking at how to buy the right couch for a small living room, you should consider a leggy design where the sofa base is lifted clear of the floor. This will allow the eye to travel under the sofa and create a feeling of spaciousness.
Upholstery: Unless you're buying a ready-made model, you will usually find a huge selection of fabrics on offer, and each can subtly alter the way a couch looks and even feels – fabrics with more drape potentially create a softer, more squishy sofa seat, whereas thicker less flexible materials creating more resistance and a firmer feel. Velvets will add a smart, luxe feel, slubby linens can create a relaxed vibe, and hardwearing and stain-resistant cotton mixes can be a practical addition to a busy family home. Sofas that offer loose covers can also be a sustainable solution. You can update upholstery as and when needed, ensuring your sofa has ultimate longevity.
Consider Size
It may sound obvious, but the size of both the destination room and the sofa itself are two of the most important aspects to consider when selecting a couch.
The Two-Thirds Rule: One sofa scaling secret to use – especially if your couch will be pushed back against a wall – is the two-thirds rule. This means opting for a couch width that is no more than two-thirds the width of the wall behind it. If you have enough space to play with that you can opt for a couch half the width of the wall behind then this will increase the feelings of spaciousness further, and allow room for useful side tables and/or floor lamps at either end.
If you're working with a small living room then you need a design that doesn't overwhelm the room, and although in a large room, you may think the sofa world is your oyster, you still need to bear in mind proportions; a large room requires a couch with enough impact that it doesn't become lost within a scheme.
If you have an open-plan layout then an L-shaped or a corner sofa can be a useful zoning tool. In this case, it's important not to go too small or the seating will appear lost. Modular sofas, that allow you to extend beyond the remit of the usual three-seater width, can be a good choice, with the benefit that individual sections can be combined to create U or L-shaped seating configurations. Grouping seating on or around a large rug will help to ground the relaxation area and create a more intimate 'zone' within a larger space.
Consider Budget
Always have a budget in mind when looking to buy a couch. Of course, the general rule is the bigger the couch, the more expensive it will be. But depending on material, color and even style choice, there could be a few exceptions. Either way, you should consider how much you have to spend. Couches can cost a lot, and the bigger the budget, the better, especially if you're after a high-quality design that will last you for years to come.
How to Measure Up for a Couch
All retailers should be able to give you access to dimensions. If they're not clearly listed on a website, make sure to ask.
We all know the rule to measure twice, and cut once. But beyond just measuring, being able to envisage the floor space that a couch will take up can be particularly helpful in getting a room layout right.
Use masking tape on the floor and wall to mark out the sofa's dimensions – newspaper can also be useful to give a more 'solid' feel – and remember to include height and depth in your marking out. Height is a particularly important dimension to consider if a sofa will be placed under a window ledge or below a dado rail, whilst depth will allow you to check how far the sofa will protrude into the room. You'll want to ensure there is plenty of room to walk around the couch comfortably, and that once a coffee table or side tables are added things don't feel too cramped.
And don't forget access measurements. Your chosen couch might fit perfectly within its destination room, but it's likely it will have to travel through the rest of the house – via potentially narrow doorways, right-angled halls, or up twisting flights of stairs – to get there. If your access is tricky, don't think that means you have to plump for the smallest two-seater you can find. A modular sofa is a great option for adding spacious seating to difficult rooms, and if you're furnishing the third floor or above, the new generation of sofa-in-a-box that arrive flat-packed has come a long way in terms of style. Manufacturers often also offer features like removable legs and arms that can help with maneuvering into tricky spaces.
How Do I Find the Most Comfortable Couch?
Sofa sitters tend to fall into two main camps; those that prefer to sit upright with their feet planted on the floor, and those who prefer to sprawl, curl up, or recline. Finding the most comfortable couch will depend on which of the two seating styles you are most inclined towards and then finding a couch that suits your sitting style.
Those who prefer to sit upright will likely find a sofa with a shallower seat depth the most comfortable. This allows you to sit up straighter whilst your feet remain on the floor, rather than a deeper seat which will tip you back into a more reclined posture. Finding a supportive backrest is also more important for upright sitters. Look for models where the sofa frame has a high backrest, rather than just relying on a high back cushion for support, and you might prefer a higher armrest.
If you like to curl up or lay down, then you're likely to be able to opt for a lower profile design with a more generous seat depth. You might want to consider arm height too and opt for a lower arm that can double as a headrest when sprawled out.
What is the Most Durable Material for a Couch?
‘The fabric durability you need depends on the item,’ says Willow & Hall’s Sarah Massouh. ‘Thicker, more hard-wearing fabrics are best for everyday furniture such as couches, whereas more delicate, lightweight fabrics suit an occasional chair.’
Leather couches tend to be more durable and long-lasting than fabric ones.
Leather is an inherently strong, natural material, and one of the most durable and luxurious materials to use for upholstery. It can be easily cleaned and (with the right care) can remain in excellent condition for years and years; ideal for a sofa as it withstands the wear and tear of everyday life. However, they can be the more expensive option compared to fabric designs.
Fabric couches tend to be more cozy and soft and come in a much larger palette of colors and collections of fabrics. If you're set on choosing a fabric sofa but still require a durable material, wool can be a great choice. Resilient, durable, and sustainable, wool has a natural resistance to stains (ideal for a sofa, which is always a central spillage spot) as well as being naturally flame-retardant.
‘Check the capabilities,’ adds Paul Staden from Sofa Workshop. ‘All fabrics have these in the swatch books, along with composition and rub tests. Upholstery fabrics for domestic use must hit a minimum of 10,000 rubs, but most come with at least 20,000 rub counts.’ Any upholstered item should also have a ticket that displays its fire resistance.
Sofa cushion construction is also worth taking into consideration for both comfort and durability. Superior couch frames are made from solid hardwood. Although more expensive than wood composite, they will last longer. If you invest in a high-quality frame in a timeless style, it can be reupholstered when you decide to upgrade the look, saving you money in the future. Ensure that hardwood frames have been kiln-dried, as then the wood won’t warp or split.
When it comes to fillings, there are several options. Feather-filled cushions offer a softer seat, molding to your specific build; however, they will require regular plumping to maintain their shape. High-quality foam cushions offer the best of both worlds, being supportive and comfortable, while also maintaining a like-new condition even after extended use.
To combine the best of both worlds, many sofa manufacturers now offer foam cushion cores that are wrapped in a layer of soft feathers – providing comfort and retaining the sofa shape.
Buying yourself a brand-new couch can be very exciting – especially if interiors are your thing. It's important though, to keep the practicalities in mind. Knowing how to clean a couch correctly, will help you consider the best material for your household, and understanding how size and scale can make or break how good your living room looks is key to your purchasing decision.
