15 Couches Under $500 That Look More Expensive Than They Cost

"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."

While plenty of interior designers would suggest investing in a luxury loveseat or a down sofa, we're out here looking for couches under $500 because, at the end of the day, affordable doesn't always translate to cheap. So, if you're decorating on a budget and don't feel good about spending more than you're willing on a sofa, we're here to validate your worries, concerns, and more. Plenty of style-minded people are on the hunt for beautiful pieces that are comfortable and attractive without shelling out thousands of dollars. If you fall into that category of folks, keep reading.

Not only are we sharing our favorite couches under $500, ahead, but we also chatted with interior designers for their take and tips on affordable finds for the home. One unexpected piece of advice is the comfort level: Interior designer Amy Tuntasood says, "I typically suggest opting for a firm sofa because, over time, the cushions tend to soften and sink in. It's better to start with a firmer option to avoid ending up with a couch that feels mushy after just a few years of use." She also suggests doing some due diligence when making a large purchase (spatially, not financially) online. "Be sure to do research by thoroughly reading the reviews of other buyers. Search multiple websites for more reviews and opinions." She's not wrong, but in this case, we did the homework for you, below. We found plenty of budget-friendly and gorgeous options, so all you have to do is consult the measurements, pick your favorite, and place an order.

Jeses Minimore Etta Sofa

Would you even believe us if we told you that this affordable couch was once available in a whopping 31 fabrics and colors? Sadly, that number is down to 14, which may be significantly less than it once was, but still more than enough options to choose from. Our personal favorite hue is this warm earthy neutral. Crafted with a solid wood frame that stands upon slender metal legs, this simple sofa is a must for anyone looking to add a touch of midcentury modern vibes to their space. In case you're wondering, the matching throw pillows are included.

Tess Sofa

We love a navy velvet sofa. There's something so simple yet glamorous about the color-fabric combination that makes us want to rethink our whole living room—in the best way, of course. If, however, you're not in the navy camp, rest assured that this couch comes in more than three additional colors that will complement your space. The button tufting on the seat and lowered arms only add to this piece's timeless beauty. Did we mention that the cushions are filled with pocket coils for added comfort?

Bailey Pillowback Sofa

It's not often we see an olive-toned velvet sofa that isn't begging for attention, but this Novogratz find is subtle and sumptuous at the same time, which earns it a spot high on our list. Not only is it well under $500, but it's also so comfortable, courtesy of the included back pillows, which are filled with a low-density sponge, meaning they won't require re-fluffing every time you sit and stand.

Modern Couch

This may be called the modern couch, but its midcentury elements are quite mixed with more traditional ones. First, note the low-slung arms, sharp lines, and lack of any unnecessary or excessive decoration that touch on the midcentury look. Meanwhile, the general shape and low-profile frame give this piece a more classic feel. Of course, the fact that it's beige makes it the perfect item for just about any living room. It also comes in blue and two shades of gray. One reviewer notes, "Surprisingly nice looking and very easy to assemble (I did it myself.)"

Cloud Couch

For under $350, this cozy sectional is complete with all of the elements to make this a highly luxury find. For one, the seat is filled with a combination of coils and sponge, which is something you'd typically find in a more high-end piece. Secondly, the detailing, including the nailhead trim and rounded chaise, make this look like something you'd find in the study of an old, English manor house. One reviewer says, "This couch is very well made. The cushions are thick and firm and the rivets along the bottom were the first thing I loved about it. The measurements were also spot on."

Cilla Square Arm Sofa

The George Oliver Cilla sofa may come in 13 colors, but we're coveting the deep merlot-inspired velvet. Regardless of which hue you pick, though, you'll be able to sink into this cozy retreat sans any unsettling hardware or unnecessary decoration. With four wooden legs and two massive cushions, this sofa is as simple as it gets. One reviewer says, "Very impressed with quality for such good price. It has a relatively high and deep seat with slim dimensions, so it fits in my small space while also comfortably seating three, possibly four."

Valour Performance Velvet Sofa

One promising thing Prime members can count on is free two-day shipping, which makes making big purchases a bit easier to justify. So if you don't have an Amazon Prime membership, this performance velvet sofa is a good excuse to opt in. Available in eight shades, including this elegant minty hue, this glamorous sofa featuring just one tufted seat cushion, comfortably seats up to three people. Regarding the color, one customer says, "I was very nervous to order a couch online. People did say the mint color was more aqua. It is BEAUTIFUL." (You can't argue with anything in all caps!)

Tufted Back Convertible Sofa

Anyone in the market for a pretty piece with a quiet aesthetic, opt for Corrigan Studio's convertible sofa, which, as its name implies, unfolds into a twin-size bed. Filled with a combination of foam and coil springs, it's much more comfortable than your typical sleeper sofa. Two of the most popular colors have already sold out, so if you are on the fence, go ahead and get it before it's gone. One reviewer says, "Beautiful sofa. Really comfortable, elegant, and great material. I definitely recommend it."

Baldwin Sectional

Plush as it is elegant, this Milo Baughman-inspired modular sofa is completely customizable. Build your own shape using the armless chair, corner chair, and ottoman to create a piece that works well anywhere. The personalization doesn't end there; you can also choose the fabric and how you want it delivered: in-home or by mail. "The seat height and depth are very important to determine the ideal comfort. I don’t love sofas that are low, as I find that they're too close to the floor. The deeper the seat, the more comfortable it is for lounging," Kraiem adds.

Perdue Convertible Sleeper

Originally nearly $900 down to $445, the Perdue convertible sleeper features a deep seat that makes falling asleep pretty easy—even when it's not unfolded into a makeshift bed. "I previously had this sleeper in my one-bedroom apartment," former Senior Shopping Editor Isis Briones says. "It's a great living room sofa if you don't have a guest bedroom because of how easily convertible the back is. It goes up and down with ease providing you with a bed for visitors or if you simply want to kick movie nights up a notch." Plus, one of the 13,000-plus five-star reviews says, "Looks beautiful! It’s a great couch with style and folds down as sleeper and easy to assemble."

Bel-Air Square Arm Sofa

Propped up on four gold-capped tapered dowel legs, the Bel-Air sofa is a statement piece. With its tufted back and seat, wood siding, and bolster pillows, the sofa's bold look will surely command any living room—no matter how small. One reviewer notes, "The couch is definitely firm, but I think it’s comfy. There's no weird chemical smell (and I tend to be very sensitive to and paranoid about weird odors) and it was easy to assemble. The couch makes my minimalist living room look so rad."

Square Arm Sleeper

Another sofa that surprised us with its extra-low price tag, the square arm sleeper from East Urban Home is a midcentury-inspired marvel that looks like something we'd find in Don Draper's New York bachelor pad. If you're worried about putting it together with no tools, rest assured that Wayfair offers free (yes, free) white glove delivery. On days such an offer isn't available, one reviewer says, "Love this couch! We paid for assembly and they assembled it in less than 10 minutes. It’s so soft and sturdy and not hard to pick up and move."

Velvet Sofa

If dusty pink isn't your color, rest assured there are other hues available like gray, emerald, and beige. We, however, are feeling the pink and if you pair it with darker shades and glossy metallic accents, a cool-toned pink can look very sophisticated. One reviewer says, "Looks just like the picture, great color, and adorable. It’s sturdy but small for two adults this is more of a cute piece rather than a sofa. Check the measurements to ensure it woks for you but I love it as extra seating in my office."

Winston Reversible Sectional

As the biggest retailer in the world, Walmart has some good pieces, including this Mr. Kate sectional, which we'd consider a small space win. Available in green, navy, and two shades of gray, this completely vegan couch is where you'll want to spend most of your time. One reviewer notes, "Okay, so let me start by saying this sofa was so easy to put together. There is no screwing anything together. No hammering. Nothing! Everything snaps perfectly into place."

Bryanna 3-Seater Sofa

Three of the five colors are sold out, which means the remaining two are likely not far behind. We'd suggest snatching up this cozy three-seater sofa before it's gone for good. Plus, it's filled with a pocket coil and soft cushioning so that you have no reason to get up. " I think for $300, this is a great find. The cushions do note come off though. They are completely attached and sewn tight to the rest of the couch. I personally don't mind it," one reviewer says.

How We Made Our Selects

You may be thinking that there are thousands of sofas, so finding a mere 15 would be easy. While you're right that there are seemingly unlimited options, we'll be the first to tell you that they're not all equally beautiful and comfortable. In fact, after weeding through tons of reviews (both good and bad), we realized that the pickens are rather slim! So, how did we actually find and offer up the best ones for House Beautiful readers? First, we filtered by price. Next, we looked only at the most beautiful ones because, let's face it, if we're buying a cheap sofa, we don't want it to look cheap. Lastly, we read through the reviews and added the highly rated products to our final list.

What Is a Good Budget for a Couch?

Instead of arbitrarily picking a budget for a couch, figure out how much you can and want to spend. Next, calculate the cost of the rest of the pieces in your space. At this point, you'll have a good sense of what's a good budget for a couch. That said, if you're looking to save, anything under $600 is generally considered an affordable purchase. On the other hand, if you're not starting your decoration journey from scratch and are buying a new couch to spruce up your space, you may want to consider spending a tad more because, generally speaking, more expensive sofas are built with higher quality materials—think foam instead of polyester and real wood instead of laminate.

Which Sofa Is Best for a Small Living Room?

These days, picking out a sofa for a small space isn't much of a challenge. There are few limitations when it comes to shape, at least. The only potential issue? Size. Ideally, the sofas that tend to maximize your living room's size is an L-shaped sectional and a traditional three-seater. If you're really short on space, you may want to ditch the sofa altogether and go with a classic loveseat. The only shape that likely wont fit is a U-shaped sectional, which can close off a smaller living room. "We like to draw furniture plans to see all the pieces we are using in a room and determine the scale and space between them," Brooklyn-based interior designer Natalie Kraiem explains. "However, for the non-designer consumer, measuring with a measuring tape and even using blue tape to mark the sofa in the space is always the best idea to visualize the size and shape." She's not wrong. The number one mistake people tend to make when buying large-scale pieces is forgetting to measure.

On another size-related note, Tuntasood offers, "Pay particular attention to the height of the backrest (for reasons mentioned above) —avoid options that feature backrests that end at your mid-back, as they may not provide adequate support and comfort." At the end of the day, the backrest height won't matter in a small or large living room, but it is important.

Why Trust Us?

When it comes to picking out the best (and most affordable) pieces for any space, Associate Shopping Editor Jessica Cherner has been reviewing furniture for nearly eight years, having access to more than a few stylish samples and working with countless interior designers. Not to mention, she's been on a never-ending quest to decorate her own New York City apartment with a budget and size constraint in mind, so she's always on the hunt for quality pieces at affordable prices. For this story on couches in particular, Cherner chatted with two interior designers who offered some expertise on snagging beautiful sofas on a budget. Natalie Kraiem is an Argentine-born design and project director of her namesake firm, Brooklyn-based Natalie Kraiem Interiors. She's outfitted several stylish homes across the country, including a New Jersey beach house, which was prominently featured in House Beautiful. Amy Tuntasood is a feng shui expert, interior designer at Upstate New York-based Salem Home Designs, and licensed real estate agent.

You Might Also Like

• 15 Home Bar Gifts Every Cocktail Enthusiast Will Appreciate

• 32 Low Light Indoor Plants That Can Survive in the Darkest Corners of Your Home

• These Are the 50 Best Paint Colors for Your Living Room