Designers Agree: Luxury Couches Are Worth Every Penny

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As much as we appreciate an affordable find, there’s something a bit more fun about shopping for the fancy stuff. Case in point: luxury couches that are made-to-order using the crème de la crème of materials. So we took to the Internet to find not one, not two, but 30 beautiful options that are as comfortable as they are stylish. We didn’t just pick the ones that had the highest ratings and positive reviews; we chatted with the experts to get their take on the subject too. Our number one question, which we think a few of you may be wondering as well, finally got an answer: Is a luxury couch worth it? “When you are choosing to invest in a luxury sofa, you’re paying for superior quality and product longevity. Typically, these pieces are priced to reflect the premium quality of the materials, the costs of sourcing those materials, and more sophisticated and ethical processing,” Florida-based interior designer Shelley Walter explains. “This investment pays off over time with a lifetime of timeless superior comfort and style.”

Walter is not wrong. When you buy something cheap, it definitely does the job, but often not for long. These products tend to be made with cheaper materials that don’t last, so if you replace your $200 sofa every year or two, you end up spending more money than you would if you just invest in a higher-quality piece from a trusted furniture retailer. We may be a bit vague when we use words like “cheap” and “luxury,” and that is a conscious choice because the amount of money you spend on a couch is totally up to you. If, however, you’re wondering what’s considered higher quality, Los Angeles-based designer Emily LaMarque says it typically starts at $3,000. Of course, any sofas less than that are definitely not cheap, but if you’re going for luxury, you’ll get what you pay for if you’re willing to spend around $3k or more. “Plus, luxury sofas are usually highly customizable, so you can get a sofa that suits your exact needs, your space, and your aesthetic,” LaMarque adds. Without further ado, shop our favorite luxury couches ahead.

Dimitri Sofa

At first glance, this seems like another basic beige sofa that is more function than fashion, but upon closer inspection, it's so cool looking. From the eggshell-colored faux angora velvet upholstery to the inset burl wood on the arms and base, this sofa's appeal is all in the details. Did we mention that the down-filled throw pillows are included? So if you need some extra cushion in addition to the foam and eight-way hand-tied springs, you'll definitely be able to get cozy on this sofa. It also ships for free within three weeks.

Deacon Sofa

We're not entirely sure how it got its name, but the tuxedo sofa (an upholstered piece with gently curved arms that are the same height as the seat back) is definitely having a moment right now. It first arrived on the design scene in the late 1920s, when Art Deco was thriving. That makes sense considering the shape is very Art Deco: It's simple, geometric, and glamorous all at the same time. This sofa also comes in a cognac velvet, but we're partial to the navy.

Auburn Sectional Sofa with Ottoman

The Auburn collection is one of Castlery's best-sellers because, well, just look at it! The curved sofa, which comes with an ottoman, is utterly unique and will become an instant conversation starter whenever you have people over. It also comes in a chaise, L-shape, and a curved L-shape, so if this sectional isn't doing it for you, you have other options. All of the shapes also come in a feathery gray hue. If you're not sure which one would look good in your space, feel free to enlist the brand's Room Designer Tool, which utilizes AI to show you the piece in your room of choice.

Odell Sectional

As you may be able to guess from the photo, this sectional is modular, meaning you can buy the pieces à la carte and configure them however you see fit. All you have to do is click "Create Your Own," and add the individual pieces to your cart after choosing your fabric. Whether you buy it as is or customize it, it's made to order, so prepare to wait up to 14 weeks to sit on it in your space. Once you finally get it, your living room will immediately feel like a Soho House—specifically London's 180 House, which inspired this sofa's design.

Camaleonda Sofa

Any design buff would recognize perhaps the most iconic sofa, well, ever. It's Mario Bellini's Camaleonda, which comes in every iteration and configuration you can imagine. This one is Combination 009, a unique take on the classic L-shape sectional. If you're in love with the Camaleonda and eager to get it ASAP, opt for any of the in stock options that are available to ship within two weeks, but if you want to customize it, choose between any of the brand's 91 fabric options.

The Carmine Sofa

For anyone who likes that classic look, you may want to snag The Carmine from Maiden Home, which hand-crafts all of its furniture in North Carolina. This is another piece that celebrates detail, including the rolled arms that are meticulously fan-pleated to create a slightly more modern touch. Like anything upholstered from Maiden Home, this is available in any of the brand's fabrics.

Olivier Sofa

Soho Home's Oliver sofa, which is also inspired by the members-only club's 180 House, is definitely one of the coolest on the list. The bouclé fabric, round bolster armrests, and burl details, work together to make this couch an easy favorite. It's also not all style and no comfort; it's made with three feather-wrapped back cushions for cozy lounging and one seat cushion filled with feather and fiber.

Danish Two-Seater Sofa

As its name implies, The Expert is an online interior designer service helmed by some of the world's top experts in all things beautifying the home. For that reason, we fully trust every product the designers—including Brigette Romanek, Jake Arnold, and more—recommend, such as this two-toned bouclé masterpiece from The Vintage Library. Yes, it's vintage: It was crafted in the 1950s, the peak of midcentury modernism.

Bennett U-Sectional

If you're looking for a U-shape sectional (or any sofa), Serena & Lily is the place to go, especially right now because until March 26, the brand is having the biggest sale it's ever had. Everything is discounted, so you may want to take a peak at a few other home goods too. Back to this sofa, though: It's available in any of Serena & Lily's 136 fabrics and four leg finishes. The best part? No matter what fabric you choose, it will ship within eight weeks and in stock fabrics ship within a month.

Sawyer Sofa

Ben Soleimani is most famous for his array of sumptuous textiles, but since he launched furniture back in early 2019, the designer is making a serious splash. Of all the sofas on offer, the Sawyer is our favorite with its alpaca upholstery, deep plush seat, and wide track arms. There's even a subtle leather trim along the edges. Though we're really into the navy, it also comes in a myriad of additional fabrics,

Gio Sofa

Perhaps the most sustainably made sofa on the market, Medley's Gio features loose natural latex seat cushions wrapped in wool, wool fiber back pillows with removable zippered covers, and a domestically sourced, FSC-certified hardwood frame. Shape-wise, it falls on the classic side, with a deep seat and tall back, offering a bit more posture encouragement than the typical low-back sofa.

Logan Chesterfield

You can't go wrong with a sophisticated Chesterfield sofa, a style that was popular in noble homes throughout the 19th century. Back then, they were a staple of the Victorian era, but now, nearly 200 years later, they haven't changed much in terms of the aesthetic. With a button-tufted frame, low cushioned seats, rolled arms, and hand-applied nailhead trim, the Logan is a worthy option in any living room. If the idea of a mossy green couch freaks you out, worry not. It comes in more than 40 colors and fabrics, including the classic Chesterfield leather.

Beach House Sofa

Serena & Lily's Beach House sofa may look phenomenal in an oceanfront home, but that doesn't mean it wouldn't work in any other type of dwelling, especially because it comes in nine additional solid shades and more than 45 printed patterns. The plush cushions, lack of hardware and wooden details, and slim arms make this a sleek piece that's extremely versatile.

The Muir Sofa

Most of the sofas at Maiden Home feature a more classic silhouette, but we're partial to this unique shape that combines a couch and side table. The cushions may look a bit thinner than the ones you're used to, but rest assured the Muir sofa is supremely comfortable. The seat and back pillows boast layered cushions comprised of down, feathers, and memory foam.

Knox Upholstered Sofa

Though going dark on perhaps the biggest piece of furniture in the living room may seem like a risky move, there's something about this espresso-hued couch that makes us want to take that chance. It's not aesthetically heavy the way you'd expect such a dark piece to be, it just works. From the chenille-like fabric to the midcentury-inspired wooden details, we're loving this for pretty much any living space.

Owen Sofa

Castlery's Owen sofa is like an olive green cloud. It literally has supportive pillows on all sides. If the green shade is a bit too punchy for your space, it also comes in a soft, cool-toned gray. No matter which color you choose, you can remove the cushions and the covers any time you need to give the sofa a little TLC.

Maxwell Sofa

Available in more than 150 colors and fabrics, this is perhaps the most customizable luxury couch on our list. We've scrolled through all of them (yes, all 152) and landed on this deep and sumptuous eggplant because even though it's a bit quirky, it's subtle enough to work as a neutral. The fabric isn't the only thing you can customize. You can also choose the leg finish, size, seat depth, number of cushions, and the fill. How's that for personalization?

Harmony 2-Piece Sectional

You can select every detail of West Elm's Harmony sectional sofa, including the configuration, size, seat depth, upholstery fabric, and color. So if you can't seem to find anything you like online, now is your chance to design exactly what you're looking for. You can even turn to the brand's free design team for help.

Blue Velvet Curved Sofa

A modern riff on Vladimir Kagan's 1950 Serpentine sofa, Homary's version is propped up on a set of tapered gold-toned legs. The curved shape, here, is also a bit easier to squeeze into a small living room. Some customers reported that the blue is actually darker in real life, but still looks super sleek and classy. The velvet material even holds up to cats and dogs that want to get on the furniture to cuddle with you.

Elsmere Pillow Top Sofa Bed

Like the Maiden Home sofa, this one from AllModern features such a striking shape that we couldn't leave it off our list. From the single arm, which is anchored by a cylindrical cushion, to the deep seat and shallow back, this is one of the coolest sofas we've seen. Did we mention that it can double as a bed? All you have to do is remove the back cushions and slip on a set of twin XL sheets.

James Chaise Sectional

You can customize every single detail of this sweet sectional, including the piping! This one is upholstered in a soft navy velvet and finished with bright white piping. If that's a little too nautical for you, feel free to try any color combination. One of our favorites? A fuchsia sofa with red piping.

Bloor Sofa

Four Hands' Bloor sofa may come in only one color, but it's a color that goes with pretty much everything, so there's no need to redesign your space to accommodate your new couch. Plus, it has deep, cozy cushions on both the seat and the back, so this will surely become your new favorite hangout spot in the house.

Field 4-Piece Sectional

We couldn't make a list of our favorite luxury couches and not include a single sectional, could we? So here's one of the best modular sofas on offer. At first glance, it may appear to be a traditional corner couch, but it's actually a four-piece modular design that you can configure any way that suits your space. For instance, you could put three pieces together and use the fourth as an ottoman.

Flower Show Loveseat

MacKenzie-Childs's Flower Show loveseat, which can actually seat three people if you're willing to squeeze, may not be everyone's cup of tea print wise, but you have to admit it's fun. From the bold floral print to the stripes on the legs, it fit perfectly in a maximalist's home.

Kori Modular Armless Sofa

Another modular piece we couldn't resist? The Kori armless sofa from Anthropologie. It's covered in a sunny-colored linen that will brighten up even the quietest spaces. The cushion is filled with a mix of foam and fiber while the frame is made from tropical hardwood. Customers report that while the couch does hold up well, even after a year of use, you have to be careful of staining it! Like with all luxury pieces, they do require more TLC than cheaper pieces.

Outline Sofa

Molded foam cushions atop a set of thin but sturdy aluminum legs makes for a sleek aesthetic. The Outline sofa is a shining example of Scandinavian design at its finests. Snag it in either fabric or leather, and rest assured that all of the covers are removable if needed.

Wells Leather Sofa

A unique update on the classic leather sofa, Crate & Barrel's Wells is both rustic and modern, giving it a versatile edge we struggle to find out in the wild. It may not be the biggest sofa on our list, but it's certainly one of the coolest.

Abisko Aurora Sectional

Available in navy, gray, white, sea foam green, and yellow, the Abisko Aurora sectional is ideal in for a small space with a big sense of style. The plump cushions, which are fixed to the solid and composite wood frame, are just as comfortable as they look.

Harper Reversible Sofa

Another sweet sectional that works in even the smallest living rooms, Apt2B's Harper has reversible and flippable detached cushions, an eco-friendly construction, and a lifetime guarantee on the frame. It's an easy win, if you ask us. It's also custom made in Los Angeles, which doesn't hurt.

The Essential Sofa

Associate Shopping Editor Jessica Cherner snagged The Essential sofa when she moved into her New York City apartment and has only nice things to say about it. "I am not one to assemble furniture, but this took no more than 15 minutes to put together. Granted, I had to have a friend help, but that's okay," she says. "Three years later, it's remarkably comfortable, clean, and fade-free."

What to Look for in a Luxury Sofa

Contrary to common belief, a high price tag does not necessarily mean you're buying a prefect couch. There are a few things to look for before spending a lot on a new sofa, so if you want to make sure you're making an educated purchase, be sure to look out for the below elements.

Size: The size of your sofa is paramount. A luxury sofa can be as small as a loveseat or as massive as a U-shaped sectional. Before buying a sofa you love, be sure to consult the dimensions of your living room. "During the sofa selection process, it's crucial to ensure that the piece you're considering is the right size to maintain practicality, scale, shape, and traffic flow in your space," Walter suggests. "Consider whether the sofa will be the central gathering spot for family movie nights or if it will be placed in a more formal sitting area. While a larger sectional might be perfect for the former, a smaller two-seater paired with swivel chairs could be more suitable for the latter." Your sofa should definitely be working for you, not against you, and size clearly has a lot to do with how you'll actually use and enjoy your couch.

Upholstery: Walter adds, "The same principles apply to materials. For more formal settings, consider leather, linen, or silk, bearing in mind their additional maintenance requirements." All three of those materials do, in fact, require a bit more care and regular cleaning than a twill or velvet option, but if you're not going to be sitting on it for hours on end every day, feel free to go for the fancier materials. Otherwise, you may want to consider performance fabrics, which are designed to withstand high-traffic pieces.

Cushion Fill: Above all else, a sofa should be comfortable, so paying attention to the cushion fill is key. LaMarque adds, "Luxury sofas will have the option to have a down-wrapped foam cushion. Foam alone can be a bit bouncy, and while down is luxurious and gives you that cozy, sink-in feeling, down alone breaks down more quickly." So go for the best of both with a down-wrapped foam cushion, which LaMarque says provides that necessary structural support for years of wear without sacrificing coziness.

What Is the Price Point of a Luxury Sofa?

There is no set price point for luxury sofa, so there is hardly any reason to spend more than you feel comfortable spending. That said, you're not going to find a high-quality sofa made with worthy materials on the cheap. "Plan on spending $3,000 to $15,000 for a luxury sofa," LaMarque instructs. "The price point of a luxury couch is much higher than that of a ready-made sofa, but you get loads of customization options and the lifespan of the sofa is unbeatable."

Are Luxury Couches Worth It?

Whether or not luxury couches are worth it depends on what you're looking for and how much you're willing to spend. For instance, if you are planning on moving to another home and leaving all of your current furniture behind, a luxury sofa probably isn't worth it. On the other hand, if you want to invest in a long-lasting piece that you can customize to suit your needs, a luxury sofa is definitely worth it. Plus, like LaMarque said, the price range is enormous, so there's no pressure to buy the most expensive sofa you see because that one may not be the best one for you. Before making a purchase, read reviews, take some measurements, and consider how and when you'll be using your sofa. These factors will help determine the kind of sofa to buy, which, in turn will help you figure out which specific one will work best.

Why Trust House Beautiful?

When it comes to picking out the best pieces for any space, Associate Shopping Editor Jessica Cherner has been reviewing furniture, appliances, and home must-haves for nearly eight years, having access to more than a few stylish samples, and working with countless interior designers on what makes a product worthy in the home. For this story, Cherner tapped two interior designers, Shelley Walter and Emily LaMarque for some expert advice on buying luxury sofas, what makes them worth the cost, and more.

Walter is based in central Florida and turned her side hustle of helping friends and neighbors decorate their homes into a full-blown business two years ago, when she established her own design firm. LaMarque runs her eponymous firm out of Southern California. After earning her B.A. in art history from The University of California, Santa Barbara, LaMarque completed UCLA's prestigious interior design ArcID program, and, before establishing her firm, became a NCIDQ accredited designer.

When it came to the product selection, Cherner included her own sofa, which she can attest is fabulous, and scoured the Internet for the luxury couches with the highest ratings, most positive reviews, and more. It may have taken more than 10 hours to compile, but luxury knows no bounds, as some say.

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