A sofa's a key piece in a living room, the item you're gonna plunk down the most money but, for those of us on a budget, "most money" is a relative term. We know that we like to keep it under $1500 and it's with that budget in mind that we've rounded up a selection of our favorites. These are classic, basic sofas, available from well-known sources, that can fit into a variety of decorating styles...
Crate and Barrel's one of our favorite sources for well-priced sofas; they even have a category on their website for sofas under $999. We like that many of their sofas are eco-friendly with frames made from sustainable, kiln-dried hardwood and and cushions from soy-based polyfoam. Currently, they're in the midst of their annual upholstery sale:
The Camden Sofa, with its references to mid-century design, is well-priced at $899.
The Troy Sofa is a classic loose cushion sofa. It also comes in a sleeper version. $999.
The Petrie Apartment Sofa. At $1459, this sofa just squeaks into our budget but we'd consider the splurge because it's one of our favorite offerings from Crate and Barrel with its tufted buttoned homage to the 60s.
CB2, Crate and Barrel's younger, hipper sibling is all about well-priced contemporary furniture:
The Avec Sofa: has that certain je ne sais quoi, with its nod to France in 50s. We love the standard red; it would be anything but standard as the centerpiece of a living room. $1,199.
The Flex Sofa: Looking for a modern sofa that easily converts to a sleeper? Then this is your sofa. $999
The Slipcovered Movie Sofa: This sofa's versatility means that it could just as easily work with beachy, antique pieces as it can with more streamlined, modern accessories. $1199
We were surprised to find that Pottery Barn had so few choices in this category and that the few that they did have skewed in the higher end.
The Comfort Sofa: Looking for something shabby chic? Then this is your sofa. We'd choose the white twill and throw the slipcovers in the washing machine bimonthly to keep it looking brand spanking new. There's also a square-armed version. $999
The Buchanan Sofa: This is another classic choice. It's also available in a three cushion version. $999
Almost all of West Elm's offerings are within our price range and there are a few styles that are unique.
Walton Sofa: If you like a lot of loose cushions, you'll love this sofa. As with most of West Elm's furniture, you'll need to get out your toolbox; there's some assembly required. $1,299
The Armless Leather Sofa: One of the few leather offerings in this price range, it's a sleek, modern look. $1,199
The Blake Sofa: If you like a sofa with an exposed frame, check out this model. Down blend cushions ensure that it'll be cozy and plush. $1199
Tillary Sofa: Easily bored? Like something that can suit your many moods? You can move around the back supports on this sofa to suit your many moods. Push two together to create a secional. $799
Ikea's your destination if you're strapped for cash. Use the money you've saved to reupholster it yourself and your guests will never know your sofa's origins. It's also a great bet for a sectional, a versatile piece for a small space that allows you to configure your seating to suit a variety of situations. Here are three sectional options we particularly like:
Kramfors: The wide low arms and the flat top of the cushioned back means that your friends will have a place to perch or set down a drink during a party. $1,249 for the this configuration.
Tylosand: We like the sleek metal legs and the washable covers. $947 in this configuration.
Hamra: Looking for a leather sectional? This is a sleek, classic option. $1,399 in this combination.
We know that this list is far from complete. If you have a favorite, please let us know in the comments! And, if anyone's had any experience with any of the sofas on this list, we'd love your feedback.
(Top image: Flickr member apes_abroad licensed for use under Creative Commons)
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We ordered a Crate & Barrel Petrie sofa in July in one of the standard colors, but not one of the 2 stocked ones (ivory or brown.) Every few weeks we get notification that it is delayed. Right now, it looks like we're supposed to get it in November. Makes me re-think ordering something from C&B every again.
No round-up is complete without mentioning the Macy's Corona sofa. Clean lines, tight back, really reasonable price. I review mine at length here: http://onegrandhome.wordpress.com/2009/04/14/in-praise-of-the-corona-sofa/
$1500 is still about $1000 more than I would like to spend on a sofa.
cassielynn: in that case, I hate to admit it, but the IKEA Ektorp is as comfy as can be, looks almost exactly like the PB comfort (except it has 3 cushions), and is $399 in white...you can even get an ottoman with it and be done for a grand total of $499.
Cassielynn:
In that case, check Overstock (we found this sofa today, priced at $369. Add in $1 for shipping & it's a serious steal), Craig's List (if you're really looking for a great sofa at a decent price we'd suggest you check it daily and in the morning so that you'll be among the first to respond & have a better shot at getting something you like); and, the street (Thursday's bulky item pick up in our neighborhood; call the city to find out when it takes place in yours. Then, drive around the night before or early in the am. It takes a bit of luck but you just might find something).
Hope that helps!
Cheers!
Abby
1GH,
Thanks! Glad to know that sofa's still available.
Shan,
Thanks for sharing your review of the Ektorp.
I concentrated on Ikea's sectionals in order to round out the style options.
Cheers!
Abby
Where's Macy's Corona Sofa, at $899--$699 when on sale (which is often)?
http://www1.macys.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=251335&PseudoCat=se-xx-xx-xx.esn_results
What about Room and Board?
Look at their Dublin, Jasper, Encore, Melrose, Metro, Chelsea, Brooks, and for a stretch Paloma at 76 inches. There are others as well, but these are the ones I like.
http://www.roomandboard.com/
What about ordering that exact same sofa directly from the source. Crate and Barrel only uses Lee Upholstery and marks it up signifigantly. They don't even offer all of the Lee fabrics. And Lee has a strong commitment to the environment. Although, Lee is to the trade only - many showrooms will make exceptions or sell them at a sample sale.
http://www.leeindustries.com/
love it!
I just bought the Macy's Chloe sofa: http://www1.macys.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=351454&CategoryID=42862
Love the size for our apartment. It was on sale for $699 over the weekend.
I absolutely love C&B's Hennessy sofa, but even that was more than I wanted to spend at $999. If you're in the Boston area, I highly recommend checking out a Jordan's Furniture clearance center. They have great deals. I bought a big comfy sofa for about $500 in a nice earthy green chenille and a year later I still like it, despite a little moving-related damage ha!
Just bought a lovely Big Lots oversized section usual price is 799 but bought the floor model while a sale was going on and got it for 611 after tax. First sofa that I've bought ever and I don't think I will be buying anything over 1500 in my lifetime ever so THANKS for this post!!
I will say that in about 2 years I am going to get the material in the bottom cushions replaced with higher destiny foam but the cost will still be worth it.
I have the Camden sofa and would not recommend it…although it looks nice, it is very difficult for two people to lounge comfortably.
asked you first:
What is Big Lots??? Is that like Costco?
If someone's going to spend up to $1500, it makes sense to look at custom sofa manufacturers in their area. They often make sofas to higher specs and for lower prices than big-name mass producers. You can take them a picture from a catalog and they can usually make it for less. In my area (northern San Diego Co./southern Orange County), there are a few to start with:
sofacraft.org (best one, I think)
comfortsofhome.net
customsofadesign.com
(I'm not affiliated with any of them.)
I can't believe my beloved Movie Sofa from CB2 didn't make the list! Best. Couch. Ever.
http://www.cb2.com/family.aspx?c=102&f=3856&q=movie sofa&fromLocation=Search&DIMID=400001&SearchPage=1
I bought the Jasper sofa from Room and Board and couldn't be happier. Nice, clean design and so comfortable.
Mandre1108,
Yes it did!
Thx for the review!
arakata,
thanx for your list. very helpful!
in la we've got sofasulove which i posted about a while back.
cheers!
abby
Just scored a Blu Dot Paramount on their 20% off sale for $1360 out the door. The NYC store wanted $200 to deliver plus another $100 for "white glove" service to get it from the front door of the building into my apartment (in an elevator building). I ended up buying from ModLivin.com out of Denver who waived shipping. The delivery crew (1 guy with a dolly) brought it into the apartment for no charge (I did tip him) and installing the legs myself took all of 20 minutes. Eric at ModLivin' was fantastic to work with as well.
I have been in love with Macy's Tyler sofa for ever. Whenever I am in Macy's I go down to sit on this couch. Its so comfy. I keep eyeing this as my next couch. See it at http://www1.macys.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=252661&CategoryID=35377. I also look at the Corona as well. But something about Tyler calls to me.
Anyone have any reviews of it?
Another vote for Macy's Corona sofa!
I really wanted a sectional (well, sofa chaise, not traditional sectional) but thought there was no way I could afford one in a style I liked. Macy's Annual Furniture sale came around and I went to visit the Corona... turns out, it comes in a chaise layout! They never seem to advertise it on their site and it was an absolute BEAR to special order from the factory, but they finally made it happen and its amazing.
I think more people should know about it. Its really a fantastic sofa.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/imavunderbrah/3483606969/
I very much dislike West Elm's Tillary sofa. My boyfriend owns it and, despite what the catalog says, the sofa pillows don't say put. That said, it does make a good "sleeper sofa," in that with the pillows removed, it's a twin-sized bed.
Seriously? i know we have a love/hate relationship with ikea but they have some extremely comparable sofas to the ones shown here at much better prices. im mean most of what is shown in this post are "style" couches and if its the style youre interested in then you should sleep on ikea IMO.
I liked the look of the Murphy sleeper sofa at Cost Plus. It was pretty comfortable to sit on as well. Only $600!
I also highly recommend the IKEA Stockholm.
It was a big deal for me to pay so much money for my first couch (I felt so grown-up!), but it was worth every penny. It's long enough for a nap, the fabric is sturdy, the cushions not too soft, stains are easy to get out, guests have slept happily on it and I liked the design and color (I got the brownish-grayish one) better than any of the alternatives I had. I've been practically living on it for a year now. Can you tell I love it? ;o)
Also, I read somewhere it takes 20 (!) minutes of sitting until your back tells you whether it's comfortable or not. So whenever buying chairs or sofas -- take a book, magazine or friend with you, and some time to spend sitting on the chosen pieces!
You missed an amazing couch from West Elm! The Clark Sofa!
http://www.westelm.com/products/f944/?pkey=csofas-couch
I've been looking for the perfect sofa that fits a more modern aesthetic that also will accommodate guests, since our second room is used as an office. I keep looking around to make sure this is the ONE and think it's it! Can't beat modern lines and sleeper all-in-one for $999!
Love the Lee Industries tip. Tell me, is it true that to buy from the "to the trade" stores, all you need is an occupational license and a tax ID number? Costs about $20 bucks around here.
p.s. I love the Chloe too....
p.s. #2 Thanks for sharing the corona sectional picture.
Umm, Crate & Barrel doesn't just carry Lee Industries. Where did you get that from? The styles shown are from McCreary Modern and Shenendoah, which are very good quality manufacturers for the money.
Although Lee is a very high quality manufacturer, their pricing is also much more on the higher end. It has nothing to do with Crate & Barrel's markup.
You get what you pay for people.
I have a major crush on Room and Board's Loring sofa: http://www.roomandboard.com/rnb/product/detail.do?productGroup=19434&catalog=filter&menuCatalog=room&menuSubcategory=201198. I've never seen it in person, but I love how 1920s it looks.
We have an IKEA leather sectional. It's 5 eyars old and looks like new. Sadly, they no longer offer it in (ultra-cool, doesn't-look-like-a-skeezy-batchelor-pad) blue.
I've been sofa hunting for over 2 months now and think I've found the one! Crate and Barrel's LOUNGE. Pictures don't do it justice, you have to see it in store. It's very deep, 47", clean, modern yet COMFTY. AND best of all, it's on sale, $1269.
http://www.crateandbarrel.com/family.aspx?f=25865&c=14326
regarding Arkata's post about custom couches, I agree with you on this but wanted to let everyone know that customsofadesign.com DOES NOT call or email you back. Stay away from this unprofessionalism. I called 5 times and emailed them 3 times! This was after they sent me swatches, I was VERY interested but they would not return a call and it has been over a month! Save yourself hassle and do not go with them! I don't know anything about the other places you recommended just didnt want anyone to get stuck not getting called back after they order!
Gardenias- Did you end up buying the Clark Sofa from West Elm? Ive been looking all over the internet for a review from someone who's owned it. Is it comfortable as a sofa? As a bed? Are the arms awkwardly low when sitting against them? I hope you see this, I would love to hear your opinion if you've owned it for a while. Has anyone else owned it?
I just have to comment on this. I bought the Tillary sectional online from West Elm just before my fiancé and I decided to move in together. When it was delivered I was surprised to find that the back supports were simply flat bottom cushions. There is no way to attach them whatsoever. They slide all over the place just from leaning back! It's ridiculous and virtually impossible for a man to lean on them without eventually pushing them all the way off. The worst part is having to tell guests that they didn't "break" your sofa! The sectional LOOKS great but has no practicality unless you don't actually plan on using it. We ended up putting it against a wall in our formal living room where we don't sit very often.