These Couches Are All Under $500, But They Don't Look Cheap!

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There's nothing that makes home feel like home like the right furniture—you know beautiful items that make you feel good as soon as you see and feel them. But truthfully speaking, good furniture is also hella expensive. The most comfortable couches can run you over $2,000 easy.

Bookmark this list, though. After combing through online reviews and speaking with home decor experts, we found the best couches under $500 that can actually compete with those popular pricier ones—not kidding.

These couches under $500 aren't only comfortable to sit, nap, and sleep on, but they're elegant enough to fit into most decor schemes so that your guests leave wondering where you bought that fancy new couch.

Ready to give your living room a makeover or to amp up the good vibes in your new home, see below for the 12 best affordable couches under $500, according to home interior designers and reviews.

Upholstered Sofa

When it comes to shopping for a more affordable couch, Devin Shaffer, lead interior designer at Decorilla, says his biggest red flag is a thin cushion, which might shorten the lifespan of the couch. Shaffer loves the exaggerated seat height and depth on this couch. "I've never before seen a sofa with this much style and [made from] fully natural materials—solid wood frame and lambswool fabrics—below $500," he says. "Because of the foam cushions and coil springs, I predict this sofa could last up to six or seven years in a normal home environment." That being said, the only caveat with this one is that it's easier to stain, Shaffer says.

Rave Review: "I was a little hesitant to order this couch based off some reviews, but it came in perfect condition and was so easy to assemble! Very comfortable and I’ve gotten lots of compliments!"

Modern Two-Seater Sofa

Another recommendation from Shaffer, he says he's been obsessed with this two-seater you can buy at Walmart. The frame of the couch is made from pine wood (read: pretty sturdy!), and the fabric cover is made from a polyester material that's waterproof, moisture-resistant, and harder to scratch. The couch is also designed with a sloping backrest, so that you lean back as you sit down, reducing fatigue.

Rave Review: "This sofa is worth every penny. It's stylish, comfortable, and has a great selection of features."

Three-Seater Comfy Couch Sofa

Elizabeth Vergara, founder and principal designer at Vergara Homes, says this couch is one of her favorite budget-friendly options. "It is very comfy with super deep cushions and a tall back, and it has a contemporary look that creates [and adds] an ultra clean and modern vibe to any room." The couch does require some construction, but you can have it assembled and up in less than 30 minutes. Though it appears to be a two-seater, the couch can comfortably fit three people on it.

Rave Review: "I think this is a great couch for the price. It’s very long and would probably be great to sleep or nap on. The material was a little rough, but nothing a couch cover couldn’t fix!!"

Oversized Sofa

Vergara recommends this couch because it is a chic and affordable option. "It is very budget-friendly and comes in a luxe boucle fabric with gold accents," Vergara says. "The Amerlife couch instantly elevates the room, infusing a luxurious and opulent ambiance with its elegant design and detail." The couch is made from a wood frame that sits on sturdy steel legs to support up to 800 pounds, and it's covered in a cozy fabric that makes it perfect for napping.

Rave Review: "I've always wanted a white living room set and I finally found it. It's very comfortable—material is nothing like what we see in furniture stores—and it's a chic and classy design. It's just perfect for me!"

Convertible Sectional Sofa Couch

If you prefer a firmer couch that you won't sink into, consider this sectional sofa. The couch cushions are thick and supportive, and the armrests are wide, so you can truly sit back and lounge on this couch. It's also designed with an extra wide chaise lounge you can place on either side of the sofa. The sectional, which is made from solid wood, can comfortably sit three people on it and handle up to 660 pounds.

Rave Review: "I was skeptical of buying furniture I have not seen in person, but this looks just as good in person as it does in the picture...Putting it together was as easy as 1,2,3. You do have to give the cushions a day to puff up as everything is delivered vacuum-sealed. You won’t be disappointed."

Chloe Futon Sofa Bed

Perfect for falling asleep to the sounds of Netflix or for adding a pop of color to your living space, this futon sofa bed features Nordic details with a modern outline. Its chevron-stitched patterns, upholstery, and round-tapered legs give it a cool-yet-sophisticated feel. You can shop it in a choice of seven colors, but this antique gold velvet shade feels like it goes with everything without being too neutral.

Rave Review: "I was a little nervous when this showed up in two large boxes, but it is literally four pieces that you screw together and it’s the easiest thing I’ve ever put together in my whole life. It is so comfy. It is so sturdy. I absolutely love it."

Whitman Sofa

This couch has a more traditional outline featuring microfiber upholstery made from polyester that's stain resistant, soft, and durable enough for everyday use. The cushioning is made with foam that's comfy, but designed to retain its shape. You can grab it in this statement-making blue, but it also comes in a black and 'cobblestone' shade, if you prefer a neutral vibe that goes with all sorts of interiors.

Rave Review: "The sofa looks great, the material is fantastic, the color is beautiful, and the sofa is comfortable and good quality."

Ainsley Rolled Arm Sofa

A leather sofa will lend a more rustic or vintage feel to your space. This couch is wrapped in vegan leather, but it still gives off a lived-in look that's minimalist, but still statement-worthy. Its cushioning is made from plush foam, and the back cushions, specifically, are removable so that you can switch up the feel of the couch. You can grab it in this teddy bear brown or a darker brown option. We think it looks super classy in a city apartment.

Rave Review: "This couch was better than we had expected! It’s soft and comfortable, affordable, and easy to put together. The material feels more like microsuede than leather."

Eleanor Curved Sleeper Sofa

Designed with side cushions for extra softness, this couch is cozy enough to sit on or lie on for hours and hours. The sofa looks super plush, but reviewers say that it's on the firmer side, though not so firm that it's a pain to sleep on. It converts into a twin-sized bed for convenience when you have guests over or regularly fall asleep in the living room.

Rave Review: "It’s a little more shallow than I expected and extremely firm, but overall it’s very nice! The couch is very aesthetically-pleasing and nice to have in a little reading nook."

Ayaru Rolled Arm Sofa

If you enjoy the feeling of corduroy clothing, you'll probably love the feel of this sofa wrapped in corduroy upholstery. The cushy couch, made with cushions on the sides, too, comes in five muted tones, like this green. It's also designed with an adjustable headrest to make it easy to sit back and relax when you're on it. But be weary, this one is on the firmer side, so it isn't the best option for you if you prefer a softer, plush feel.

Rave Review: "This is an attractive sofa. It's perfectly priced for a starter home, but would also work in any living room space. The cushions are a bit firm at first, but soften over time. Very happy with my purchase given the price of this item."

L-shaped Convertible Sofa

Unlike the other couches on this list, this sofa features adjustable backrests in each individual chair—not just the couch as a whole. Each backrest can fall into one of three positions with the furthest lying at a 180-degree angle, which can covert this sofa into a bed. The couch is crafted from velvet, so despite its budget-friendly price, it still appears luxurious, and customers say it blends well into any decor style.

Rave Review: "The velvet upholstery of this sofa bed is surprisingly easy to maintain. It repels stains and spills to a certain extent, and any dirt or debris can be easily wiped away with a damp cloth."

Modern Chenille Sectional Sofa

The marigold tone of this chenille sectional is perfect for those who want to make their couch the centerpiece of their home decor. It's bright, but still easy to pair with most color schemes. The seat and back cushion covers are removable and can be machine-washed for easy upkeep. The best part: It can accommodate up to four people, not bad for a couch that's under $500.

Rave Review: "My daughter fell asleep on the sofa and claimed it was quite comfortable to spend the night on. It arrived sooner than expected, was simple to put together, and was absolutely worth the money."

How our team chose the best couches under $500

Women’s Health editors, including commerce editor Jasmine Gomez, vetted the bestselling, top-rated best couches under $500. Our team consulted two home interior design experts and then evaluated hundreds of customer reviews and ratings to narrow down the best couches under $500 for a wide range of needs and preferences.

Meet the experts

• Devin Shaffer, lead interior designer at Decorillla
  

• Elizabeth Vergara, founder and principal designer at Vergara Homes

How big should my sofa be?

The size of your sofa really comes down to personal preference and the size of your space, Vergara says. "I live by the motto go big or go home. Sticking to that motto, I try to find the biggest piece to fit in the space I am building out." The pieces you choose should also feel comfortable. "The more seating you have, the more time spent with loved ones in the comfort of your home," Vergara says.

Regardless of the size of couch you buy, Shaffer says it's important to not forget about the backrest and armrest. "You want to find a sofa with a backrest that's tall enough to support your shoulders and head, and one with armrests that are wide and comfy." A couch with these features will help you maintain good posture and reduce strain on your neck, shoulders, and arms, he explains.

He also says you want to pay attention to the angling of the backrest, though some are adjustable. "You want it to be just right so you can sit comfortably without feeling like you're slouching," Shaffer says.

How long should a cheap couch last?

It depends on the quality of the couch you're buying, Shaffer says. "When a company prides itself on the quality of their sofas and goes to the extent of giving it a life expectancy—in this case five to eight years," he says.

On the other hand, Vergara says some can even last anywhere from two to 10 years with proper care. "The lifetime of a cheaper couch varies on materials and construction," she adds.

However, Shaffer recommends avoiding sofas with electronics if you can. "I have to say that the USB chargers will likely last for less than a year," he says.

What kind of sofa is best for a small living room?

Again, the size of the couch you buy will depend on your specific needs and preferences, Vergara says. "There are so many different options for seating from loveseats to apartment-sized sofas and sectionals."

Shaffer, however, recommends a couch that hovers around 60 inches for studio apartments and smaller spaces. He prefers pieces from Room and Board for more smaller and compact spaces.

"It is the go-to for many clients and designers. The quality is exceptional, but the prices can be out of reach for many people." Luckily, there are a bunch of knock-off brands that can come to the rescue, Shaffer says. He recommends doing a simple search on Room and Board's website to get detailed information about the sizes of their smallest sofas. You can then use this info to find similar cheaper options.

Read more about the best home decor products

Cloud Bed Dupes | Most Comfortable Couches | Patio Furniture | Amazon Outdoor Furniture | Sleeper Sofas | Office Chairs For Back Pain | Sex Furniture | Mattresses on Amazon

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