The 14 Best Affordable Couches of 2023, All Under $500
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From loveseats to sectionals, these couches are affordable and stylish.
Real Simple / Alli Waataja
As one of the most important—if not the most important—items in your living room, your couch should be comfortable and durable, and it should suit your tastes, as it’s likely to be with you for quite a while. That doesn’t mean, however, that a sofa should cost a small fortune. In fact, there are plenty of well-made and affordable couches on the market.
To come up with this list of the best affordable couches, we spent hours researching and evaluating different couches based on their design, materials, and, of course, price. We also reached out to two experts to find out what exactly we should be looking for in a budget-friendly couch. “When shopping for an affordable couch, users should look for several key factors to ensure they get the best value for their money. These include durability, comfort, style, and ease of maintenance,” says Artem Kropovinsky, interior designer and founder of Arsight, a New York interior design studio.
Alice Chiu, principal interior designer at Miss Alice Designs, advises first deciding whether you want a three-seater, sectional, futon, sleeper, or loveseat, and determining where you will put it in your home. From there, she recommends looking at whether physical assembly is required so you can be prepared if a little DIY is needed. “If you don’t have time or experience assembling furniture, consider a one-piece sofa or hiring a furniture assembly company,” she says.
Steelside Ainsley Vegan Leather Sofa
What Stands Out: It looks like real leather but is much less expensive.
What Could Be Improved: It's not very pet-friendly.
The gorgeous vegan leather sofa will become the center of attention in any living room. Though it’s made from faux, suede-like leather, the material on this three-seater has beautiful graining that makes it look like the real deal. The rounded arms also add to its expensive look. As with all leather or leather-like furniture, it’s worth noting that pets’ claws can cause significant damage to the upholstery, so you might want to consider a more pet-friendly sofa if you have any furry friends.
The Ainsley is available in a light tan and a darker brown, and the back cushions are removable, giving you more leg room. It has four tapered solid wooden legs that not only give the sofa a modern and stylish look, but also elevate it off the floor, providing ample clearance for your vacuum. It can also hold an impressive 660 pounds of weight (the average couch can take around 500–550 pounds).
Price at time of publish: $370
Product Details:
Type: Three-seater
Dimensions: 73.6 x 31.9 x 32.3 inches
Upholstery Material: Faux leather
Fill: Foam, polyester
Honbay Convertible Sectional Sofa Couch
What Stands Out: This versatile sectional has an optional ottoman.
What Could Be Improved: It's not as comfortable as couches with higher-quality fill.
Smaller couches typically don’t have much space to spread out on, but this convertible sectional sofa is a compact option with a chaise section that you’ll no doubt be competing with family and friends over. The chaise can be placed on either side of the sofa to suit your home. The seats are firm and comfortable, and the couch covers come off for washing.
If you don’t want a sectional, this clever sofa can convert into a three-seater and an ottoman. It’s easy to put together, and you can take it apart the same way to make moving it around and getting it through doorways easier. What’s more, you have the option of choosing between four neutral colors: three different shades of gray and a light beige.
Price at time of publish: $320
Product Details:
Type: Sectional
Dimensions: 78.5 x 30.3 x 35 inches
Upholstery Material: Polyester
Fill: Sponge
IKEA Pärup Sofa
What Stands Out: The upholstery is easy to remove and clean in the washer.
What Could Be Improved: Only the dark gray and green colors are under $500.
There’s a lot to love about the IKEA Pärup two-seater couch. Available in four colors, including a gorgeous emerald green, this sofa’s upholstery is upholstered with a durable, smooth-weaved polyester that is removable and machine-washable. There’s piping detail around the sofa’s edges that give it a high-class look and cylindrical solid birch wood legs that exude Scandinavian cool.
The fill is made from a spongy polypropylene with pocket springs that make it durable and long lasting. As is typical of most IKEA furniture, assembly is required, but the company also offers a 10-year limited warranty. While three people can squeeze onto this couch, it’s definitely a more comfortable experience with just the two.
Price at time of publish: $499
Product Details:
Type: Three-seater
Dimensions: 81.1 x 31.50 x 33.9 inches
Upholstery Material: Polyester upholstery with polypropylene lining
Fill: Cut polyurethane foam, polyester fibers
Novogratz Brittany Futon
What Stands Out: This stylish sleeper is easy to convert from a sofa to a bed.
What Could Be Improved: It's not very plush.
The Novogratz Brittany Futon encompasses sophisticated design, with its curved armrests, slender and slanted dark wooden legs, and vertical cushion lines that add to its contemporary aesthetic. But what's more, it doubles as a futon, so you can accommodate overnight guests, even with limited space.
The linen and faux leather upholstery is not removable but easily wipes clean, and its split back design means you can partially or fully recline each section independently, or both together all the way down if you want to turn it into a bed. Available in an array of fashionable colors, the Novogratz Brittany is a stunning statement piece at a small price.
Price at time of publish: $309
Product Details:
Type: Futon
Dimensions: 81.5 x 34.5 x 31.5 inches
Upholstery Material: Faux leather or linen
Fill: Polyester and foam
Raymour & Flanigan Hinsall Sofa
What Stands Out: It looks like genuine leather.
What Could Be Improved: Raymour & Flanigan doesn't allow returns.
There’s something about leather sofas that just scream luxury. If you’re a fan, but not keen on the style's typically high prices, the Hinsall Sofa is the way to go. With faux tan leather that looks like the real thing to the untrained eye, this spacious three-seater oozes style, and pairs wonderfully with both traditional and modern home styles.
The foam and sinuous coil spring seats are comfortable and designed to retain their shape, and all cushions are attached, so there’s no need to keep plumping and fixing them once the kids decide the sofa is a bounce house. Finally, as with all leather-style couches, it’s a total breeze to keep clean.
Price at time of publish: $460
Product Details:
Type: Three-seater
Dimensions: 77 x 32.5 x 33.5 inches
Upholstery Material: Faux leather
Fill: Foam
IKEA Glostad Loveseat
What Stands Out: It's the perfect size for teeny apartments.
What Could Be Improved: It's not exactly a "sofa".
At less than $150, you can’t really go wrong with this little number from Ikea for a little extra seating capacity. Ideal for a spare bedroom, an office, or even as an extra living room couch, the compact Glostad Loveseat is surprisingly sturdy, and available in either dark gray or medium blue. The seat is firm, ensuring it retains its shape for a long time.
The fabric is a durable, recycled polyester that’s not removable, but it’s still fairly easy to keep the upholstery clean with a vacuum or a damp cloth. The armrests, while padded, are rather on the thin side, but this adds to the couch’s petite stature, allowing it to fit into any small corner, such as a reading nook. This sofa can be put together quickly with just eight screws (included).
Price at time of publish: $149
Product Details:
Type: Loveseat
Dimensions: 47.6 x 30.8 x 26.8 inches
Upholstery Material: Polyester
Fill: Polyurethane foam, hollow fiber
George Oliver Beaudin Upholstered Sofa
What Stands Out: It has a mid-century modern look.
What Could Be Improved: The seat depth is fairly shallow.
Another mid-century-style couch, this time with button tufted back pillows, clean lines, and square arm rests, the Beaudin Upholstered Sofa has a classic and timeless feel that can smarten up any living space. It’s only available in this one—albeit gorgeous—pear green shade, and comes with brown solid eucalyptus wood legs that are slightly tapered towards the bottom.
Pocket and sinuous springs encased in foam make for bouncy and comfortable seats, and the fiber-wrapped, foam-filled back cushions provide ample back support. The polyester back cushion covers are removable for easy cleaning, and the whole thing can be put together in around 20 minutes—no tools needed.
Price at time of publish: $480
Product Details:
Type: Three-seater
Dimensions: 74.4 x 30.7 x 33.5 inches
Upholstery Material: Polyester
Fill: Foam
Zinus Josh Traditional Sofa
What Stands Out: This traditional-looking sofa requires no assembly.
What Could Be Improved: It's surprisingly firm.
A little bigger than a loveseat, but smaller than a typical three-seater (although it can fit three people—just not sprawled out), the Zinus Josh Traditional Sofa has a timeless and homey feel, with soft and bouncy cushions you’ll want to sink right into. The curved armrests with rounded accents give it a high-end feel, despite its teeny price.
The cushions are filled with foam and fiber, and the construction is also covered in foam cushioning to keep it safe. The woven fabric has a durable feel, and, while it’s not removable, it is easy to keep clean with some mild detergent and a damp cloth. The sofa arrives in one box, and you don’t need any tools to put it together, as all the parts just slot into place like a jigsaw.
Price at time of publish: $450
Product Details:
Type: Three-seater
Dimensions: 77.6 x 30.3 x 32.3 inches
Upholstery Material: Polyester
Fill: Foam and fiber
Mellow Hana 73.50-Inch Upholstered Sofa
What Stands Out: It comes with storage pockets on the sides.
What Could Be Improved: The covers are not removable or washable.
This roomy three-seater is incredibly affordable for the amount of style, comfort, and seating capacity it offers. With a modern, clean-cut design, the Mellow Hana Upholstered Sofa looks far more expensive than its low price tag, and is covered in a lint-resistant polyester-linen basketweave fabric that’s available in five different colors.
Its square armrests give it a space-saving edge if you need to stick it close to a wall, and we love that it comes with storage pockets on the sides for magazines, books, and remote controls. While the back cushions are removable, the seats are not, and you can’t remove the covers either. However, you can spot clean whenever needed with mild detergent and a damp cloth.
Price at time of publish: $446
Product Details:
Type: Three-seater
Dimensions: 73.5 x 29 x 31.9 inches
Upholstery Material: Polyester-linen blend
Fill: Foam
Modstyle Modern Fabric Loveseat Sofa
What Stands Out: This compact loveseat has the look of a traditional sofa.
What Could Be Improved: It might be too small for some people.
For a small apartment or dorm room, this loveseat has the homey look of a traditional sofa but in a much smaller package. High-density foam cushions provide support and comfort, while the square arm rests hug your body and slide neatly into tight spaces. Despite its price, this loveseat is made to last, with upholstered fabric and a solid wood frame. And the symmetrical, tufted back cushions are sure to elevate any space.
Given its small frame, this sofa has an impressive weight capacity of 600 pounds, but do keep in mind that, like all loveseats, it can only seat two people. Choose from one of four neutral color options: beige, blue, dark gray, and light gray.
Price at time of publish: $200
Product Details:
Type: Loveseat
Dimensions: 52 x 26 x 34.2 inches
Upholstery Material: Fabric (not listed)
Fill: Foam
IKEA Linanäs Sofa
What Stands Out: It has rounded edges that look contemporary and cozy.
What Could Be Improved: The armrests are very narrow.
To perfectly complement any home with a minimal aesthetic, the Linanäs Sofa offers smooth and clean lines with softly rounded corners and faux wood legs. Available in dark gray or light beige, this budget sofa has firm seating with polyester wadding, and is covered in a soft and breathable smooth-weave polyester that’s mostly made from recycled materials.
The cover isn’t removable, but you can clean it with a vacuum and a damp cloth. The chaise section can be put on either side to suit your space, and, while the armrests are quite thin, they’re padded enough not to be uncomfortable, and their style really adds to the minimal look. It also comes with IKEA’s 10-year limited warranty for extra peace of mind.
Price at time of publish: $499
Product Details:
Type: Sectional
Dimensions: 77.50 x 31.75 x 29.88 inches
Upholstery Material: Polyester
Fill: Polyurethane foam
Mopio Aaron Futon Convertible Sofa Sleeper
What Stands Out: This colorful modular sofa can be converted into a futon.
What Could Be Improved: The fabric on the back is different from the fabric on the front.
Another futon option for anyone who needs a little more house guest space, the Mopio Aaron Convertible Sofa Sleeper is upholstered in soft, velvet-like polyester, and comes in an array of shades to suit all tastes. It has tufted backrests with an adjustable split-back design, and foam filled seats that have a 33-inch depth to offer plenty of seating room.
The sofa features wooden tapered legs that elevate the sofa high off the ground with almost eight inches of clearance, so you can effortlessly sweep your vacuum under it. The armrests are padded, and they’re also removable if you’re short on space. The back of the sofa has a plain black material, so it’s best to keep it up against a wall.
Price at time of publish: $329
Product Details:
Type: Futon
Dimensions: 77.5 x 33 x 28.3 inches
Upholstery Material: Faux leather or velvet
Fill: Foam
Mercer41 Hessville Velvet Round Arm Loveseat
What Stands Out: It comes in a wide variety of color options.
What Could Be Improved: It has a shallow seat depth.
Velvet couches never go out of style, and the wallet-friendly Hessville Velvet Round Arm Loveseat is a modern option that will effortlessly liven up your home on a budget. It can be set up in a matter of minutes, and arrives in just one package.
It has comfy foam and pocket spring seats, and removable back seats, though the covers aren’t removable. It’s available in over a dozen different colors, from neutrals like beige and gray tones to bold and beautiful greens, purples, and blues, and comes with four brown legs made from solid eucalyptus wood.
Price at time of publish: $310
Product Details:
Type: Loveseat
Dimensions: 56.3 x 31.1 x 33.1 inches
Upholstery Material: Velvet
Fill: Foam
Vasagle Comfortable Sofa With Solid Wood Frame
What Stands Out: The poly linen upholstery is stylish and comfortable.
What Could Be Improved: It's an odd size between a loveseat and sofa.
For a couch that can seamlessly fit into any type of home decor, the Vasagle Comfortable Sofa is a great choice. Its square arms and two large back cushions offer a minimal and modern style, and its dark solid wood legs provide a stylish contrast to the plain fabric. Though it’s only available in beige and dark gray, you can easily jazz it up with colorful cushions and a patterned throw if you prefer a bolder touch. And if you’re purchasing this couch for a first apartment or dorm, you can be assured that it will blend with the decor at your next place, and the one after that.
The two large seat cushions are filled with thick and comfortable foam padding, and the sofa is upholstered with a linen fabric that’s breathable and removable with a zip for easy cleaning in the washing machine. It doesn’t come preassembled, but it’s easy to put together as the back and arms simply slot into the frame of the seat. Screw the legs in, and you’re done.
Price at time of publish: $441
Product Details:
Type: Loveseat
Dimensions: 70.1 x 33.3 x 32.7 inches
Upholstery Material: Linenette
Fill: Foam
How to Shop for Cheap Couches Like a Pro
Dimensions
Affordable couches can come in many different styles. Ranging from loveseats and two-seaters all the way up to four-seaters and sectionals—you’d be surprised at just how many budget-friendly couches are available. “Most couches on the smaller side (72 inches or less) are inexpensive,” says interior designer Alice Chiu. “But there are some standard-size couches (80–87 inches wide—the most common length being 84 inches) on the market that are also affordable.”
When choosing a couch for your home, interior designer Artem Kropovinsky advises to first consider the size of the room, the other furniture pieces in the space, and the intended use of the couch. “Look for couches that offer multiple configurations, such as sectionals or modular designs, to ensure that they can be adapted to suit different needs and spaces,” he says.
Chiu adds that shoppers should ensure the couch fits their space and through doorways to avoid any nasty surprises when bringing it home. In addition, she says it’s important to note whether it comes pre-assembled or if it needs putting together. While furniture that you put together yourself will be easier to get into smaller apartments and narrow halls and doorways, it can sometimes be quite tricky to assemble. You might need to call in some help—either an experienced friend or family member, or a professional.
Upholstery and Frame Material
While budget couches can come in an array of different upholstery materials, Chiu says that textured weaves, polyester, velvet, faux leather, and microfiber are most commonly used on affordable couches. “Most inexpensive couches are upholstered with fabrics made of synthetic man-made fibers, which are more durable, easier to clean, and tend to cost less than natural fibers made from plants and animals,” she says.
In relation to the frame, affordable couches are typically made from various metal, wooden, or plastic materials. “Look for strong frames and sturdy legs, to ensure that they can withstand regular use and last for several years,” Kropovinsky says. So how do you know which one to go for? “Choose a couch that complements the aesthetic of your room, and fits in with the overall design scheme,” says Kropovinsky. “This can be achieved by considering the color, texture, and pattern of the upholstery, and ensuring it matches with the other decor elements. Another important factor is opting for a couch that is easy to clean and maintain, as this will help to extend its lifespan and keep it looking good for longer.”
Fill
Comfort is obviously an extremely important factor to consider when choosing a couch. The most popular filling in affordable couches is foam or sponge. “To ensure that the couch remains comfortable for several years, choose fill materials that are designed to hold up well over time, such as latex, high-density foam, memory foam, or synthetic fibers—and provide adequate support and comfort,” says Kropovinsky. The best thing, Kropovinsky advises, would be to test out the couch by sitting on it for several minutes.
Chiu stresses the importance of choosing a good fill. “They’re usually the first part of a couch that will wear out or get damaged and need replacement,” she says. “The fill determines the comfort and lifetime of your couch more so than the frame. Affordable sofas typically have lighter-weight, low-density foam cushions, which often feel firm and may not be very comfortable to sit on. They may begin to lose their comfort and shape within three years and may need replacement within five years.”
If your couch cushions do start to dip after time, all is not lost. According to Chiu, you can replace your worn-out or damaged cushion fills. “Some manufacturers make it difficult to do so,” she says, “but replacing the fills yourself is not very expensive.”
Take Our Word for It
This article was written by Kat de Naoum, who has over 10 years of commerce-writing experience. Kat is also the Commerce Editor-at-Large at Thomas-Xometry, the leading U.S. online platform for supplier discovery and product sourcing. For this article, Kat reviewed multiple affordable couches, and researched and considered factors such as each couch’s size, material, style, and fill. She also spoke to Artem Kropovinsky, interior designer and founder of New York interior design studio, as well as Alice Chiu, principal interior designer at Miss Alice Designs.
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