I Finally Tried Albany Park’s Kova Sofa — and It Really Is the “Cloud Couch” for Small Spaces

Finding the right sofa for a small space is no easy feat — especially when you want it to look good and feel like a cloud. The 1930s colonial my husband and I own has plenty of charm, but not much square footage. The den, where we and our two dogs love to unwind after a long day, is especially tricky: It’s only 88 inches wide. Every “small-space sofa” we tried before fit the room, but not our lifestyle. They were either too stiff, too shallow, or just not cozy enough to make movie nights feel like, well, movie nights.

So this summer, I finally took the plunge on a reader favorite that Apartment Therapy editors have been raving about for years: the Albany Park Kova Sofa 86″ + Ottoman. (I got it in a navy performance velvet fabric.) Let’s just say … now I get the hype.

Designed for serious lounging, the Kova features an extra-deep frame and box-style cushions that look structured but feel deliciously plush. The modular design means it ships in just a few recyclable boxes and takes less than 30 minutes to assemble. It’s 100% vegan, made with hypoallergenic fill, and built on a sturdy, contract-grade wood frame that actually feels like it’ll last.

The Kova’s performance velvet is pet- and kid-friendly. As someone whose two miniature schnauzers think every piece of furniture belongs to them, I can confirm it holds up. Paw prints and snack smudges wipe right off, leaving the sofa looking as rich and glamorous as the day we unboxed it.

The Kova somehow manages to make our tiny den feel twice as big — even though it just fits. The deep, sink-right-in cushions are a dream, but the boxy silhouette keeps everything looking tailored and tidy, not sloppy. It’s the sweet spot between casual and polished, which is exactly what our home needed.

I’ve taken some of the best naps of my life on this sofa (the kind that make you wake up wondering what year it is), and my husband calls it “his favorite place on earth.” Our dogs have officially claimed the ottoman as their throne, and honestly, I can’t blame them.

I also love that it doesn’t just look amazing; it performs, too. As someone who loves velvet but usually worries about upkeep, this fabric is a revelation. The navy color is showstopping in person — rich, vibrant, and perfectly moody — and it resists everything from muddy paws to movie-night popcorn grease. We chose the storage ottoman option, and it’s deceptively deep. It holds our cozy blankets and extra throw pillows.

The Kova already has over 1,900 glowing reviews on Albany Park’s site, and now I understand why. It’s well-made, unbelievably comfortable, and fits beautifully in small spaces without sacrificing a drop of style. If you’re looking for that elusive do-it-all sofa — the one that looks chic when friends drop by but can also handle naps, pets, and Netflix marathons — this is it.

We basically live on ours. It’s our personal cloud, right in the middle of our home.

Buy: Albany Park Kova Sofa 86″ + Ottoman, starting at $1,795