We Tested (and Rated!) All the Sofas at Ashley — Here Are the Best to Suit Your Style and Space
The sheer number of products you have to choose from when shopping for furniture (or anything, for that matter) is both a blessing and a curse. Sure, you’ll eventually find the exact sofa you want, but doing so could easily entail a lengthy process of trial and error. So, how do you save yourself from dealing with a disappointing big-ticket purchase and difficult return process? By reading AT’s Personal Shopper series, of course! For this installment, I visited the Ashley store in Secaucus, New Jersey, to test all of the sofas and sectionals. From adaptable modular sofas to doze-worth sleepers, there was something for every type of sofa-seeker among the retailer’s offerings.
For context, this series explores furniture from all of your favorite retailers with first-hand editor testing. So far, I’ve gone to West Elm, Pottery Barn, Raymour & Flanigan, Urban Outfitters, and Burrow to test their living room seating (and more!). After the visits, I give you the full breakdown of which couch or sectional is right for your space.
Why Ashley?
Despite a rising number of online DTC competitors in the sofa marketplace, Ashley has held its own as a legacy retailer and continues to produce high-quality sofas at reasonable prices. In addition to offering its signature homey, traditional silhouettes, Ashley also boasts a wide selection of modern sofas and sectionals that look right at home in both busy family households and young adults’ apartments.
When you shop online from Ashley, you can expect a seamless experience, complete with years-long protection plans on select pieces, as well as no-hassle or doorstep delivery in a matter of weeks. Returns are also accepted so long as your item is in new or unused condition with all of the parts it came with.
The Sofas
- Best for a First Apartment: Bristaview Sofa
- Best for Socializing: Elissa Court 6-Piece Modular Sectional
- Best for Lounging: Lindyn 5-Piece Sectional
- Best for Reading: Stupendous Oversized Chaise
- Best Leather Sofa: Bolsena Leather Sofa
- Best U-Shaped Sectional: Albar Place 2-Piece Sectional
- Best Modular: Lyndeboro 4-Piece Modular Sectional
- Best Oversized: Sophie Modular Sofa with Chaise
- Best for Movie Nights: Modmax 6-Piece Modular Sectional with Storage Console
- Best Loveseat: Maimz Loveseat
- Best Leather: Emilia Leather Modular Sectional
- Best Modern: Soletren Sofa
- Best for Families: Creswell 2-Piece Sectional with Chaise
- Best for Small Spaces: Carnaby 2-Piece Sectional with Chaise
- Best Traditional: Kananwood Sofa
- Best Storage: Kerle 2-Piece Sectional with Pop-Up Bed
- Best Sleeper: Rannis Twin Sofa Sleeper
- Best Power-Reclining: Francesca Dual Power Leather Reclining Loveseat
The Criteria
We judged every Ashley sofa in-store based on the following five criteria, giving each category an average rating between 1 and 5. These scores helped us determine who the sofa suits best, from the busy parent to the small-space apartment dweller.
Seat firmness: How soft or firm are the seat cushions? How do they contribute to overall posture and comfort?
Seat depth: How far do you have to scoot to meet the backrest? And when you do, are you in an upright or reclined position?
Loungability: Can you spend hours on this sofa or chair? And would you want to?
Durability: Is the fabric easy to care for and able to withstand everyday use? Does it require frequent upkeep and spot cleaning?
Appearance: What style does it best suit? Does it lean more traditional (i.e., rounded lines, tufted cushions, classic silhouettes) or more contemporary (i.e., clean lines, bright hues, modern silhouettes)?
Every Editor-Tested Sofa and Sectional at Ashley
Best for a First Apartment: Bristaview Sofa
What impressed us: The velvety cream fabric and small footprint.
The Bristaview sofa is not only a solid pick for a first apartment because of its modest 85-inch length, but also because at $500, it’s one of Ashley’s most affordable models. It greeted me as soon as I walked in the store, and I was impressed with its soft, velvety fabric, which comes in two easy-to-style neutrals. Both the seat and back cushions were firm but supportive, and I also enjoyed the sofa’s wide square arms, which add a modern touch. The Bristaview is simple and to-the-point. Although it’s great for someone who’s just starting out, I have a feeling you’ll want to take it with you to your next home, too.
How We Rated It:
Specifications:
- 85 inches long, 38 inches wide, 38 inches high
- Available in Ecru and Cocoa upholstery
- Also available in rocking recliner and loveseat styles
Best for Socializing: Elissa Court 6-Piece Modular Sectional
What impressed us: The tall profile and plush seats.
Ashley had quite a few modular sofas on display. One of them was the Elissa Court sectional, which has firm, deep seats and a chaise that’s on the short side but still wide. The sectional is upholstered in Nuvella performance fabric, a stain-resistant polyester that’s cream-colored and soft to the touch. Not only that, but each module also has a zippered cover that you can remove and toss in the washer if a given stain is too large to spot-clean. This feature, along with the sofa’s tall profile and ample seating, makes the Elissa Court sectional perfect for those who love to entertain. Your guests will never want to leave their cushy seats.
How We Rated It:
Specifications:
- 143 inches long, 111 inches wide, 36 inches high
- Available in Vanilla upholstery
- Also available in storage ottoman, loveseat, sofa, and sofa chaise styles
Best for Lounging: Lindyn 5-Piece Sectional
What impressed us: The jumbo ribbed upholstery and loungey design.
Another oversized sectional, the Lindyn instantly caught my attention because of its jumbo ribbed upholstery. I expected its seats to be sink-in soft, but as is the case with most of Ashley’s sofas, they were surprisingly firm but supportive. The sectional’s seats are both very deep and very wide, and they’re adorned with eight toss pillows that come included in your order. The corduroy-like fabric gives the Lindyn a retro, nostalgic edge. This only made me want to lounge on it that much longer. I could easily picture the sectional in a finished basement where the entire family gathers during relaxing weekends.
How We Rated It:
Specifications:
- 133 inches long, 44 inches wide, 38 inches high
- Available in Ivory and Fog upholstery
- Also available in ottoman, swivel accent chair, oversized chaise, loveseat, sofa, and sofa chaise styles
Best for Reading: Stupendous Oversized Chaise
What impressed us: The built-in cup holders and tall base.
No, the Stupendous chaise is not part of the same collection as the Lindyn sectional, but they do look similar. This TikTok-viral reading chair has the same ribbed fabric and deep seat, and it’s wide enough that two people can comfortably sit on it. The chaise is soft but still offers good support, and it has two accent pillows that make the lounging experience that much cozier. It’s also quite tall, so I had to sort of climb onto it. Finally, what makes this model truly stupendous are the cup holders in each arm and the built-in USB charging port. With features like these, not only will you not want to leave the chaise, but you also won’t have to.
How We Rated It:
Specifications:
Best Leather Sofa: Bolsena Leather Sofa
What impressed us: The wide square arms and clean lines.
Technically, the Bolsena sofa is upholstered in faux leather, but I certainly couldn’t tell when I tested it in-store. Its rich caramel material has a slightly grainy texture, so it looks and feels like the real deal. I also noticed prominent white stitching, which gives the sofa a more contemporary look. A regular depth and firm cushions make the Bolsena great for a variety of purposes, whether you’re sitting, working, or eating a meal. It’s like the leather version of the Bristaview — no frills, but stylish enough and gets the job done.
How We Rated It:
Specifications:
- 85 inches long, 38 inches wide, 36 inches high
- Available in Caramel leather color
- Also available in ottoman, recliner, loveseat, and sleeper sofa styles
Best U-Shaped Sectional: Albar Place 2-Piece Sectional
What impressed us: The navy blue color and two chaises.
Incorporating a blue sofa into your living space isn’t the easiest feat, but the Albar Place sectional’s navy fabric makes it a challenge you want to take on. In addition to its striking hue, this pick stands out from other sectionals I viewed thanks to its two chaises. The sectional was also paired with an ottoman in the showroom, which created the appearance of a pit sectional, making it that much more conducive to lounging and socializing. You can once again expect firm seats with this model, as well as a regular recline depth and soft, corduroy-like fabric. What’s more, the Albar Place sectional has a platform foundation that’s built to resist sagging better than a spring system.
How We Rated It:
Specifications:
- 124 inches long, 86 inches wide, 39 inches high
- Available in Cobalt upholstery
- Also available as an ottoman
Best Modular: Lyndeboro 4-Piece Modular Sectional
What impressed us: The accent pillows and overstuffed cushions.
The great thing about having a big modular sectional is that you can reconfigure it as you please and even split it into two sofas. That being said, the Lyndeboro is so cushy as a full four-piece sectional, you might opt to just keep all of the modules together for optimal resting space. Its seats are wide but of a regular depth, and they were on the mid-firm side when I sat down. I loved the Lyndeboro’s fabric, a fuzzy ivory that’s fun to run your hands over. Above all, though, I appreciate this sectional’s simple yet refined silhouette, which is rounded out by short chunky legs that serve as a nice anchor.
How We Rated It:
Specifications:
- 132 inches long, 44 inches wide, 39 inches high
- Available in Wicker upholstery
- Also available in ottoman, loveseat, sofa, and sofa chaise styles
Best Oversized: Sophie Modular Sofa with Chaise
What impressed us: The taupe velvet and wide seats.
By now, I’ve come to learn that nearly every furniture retailer has its own version of the famous Cloud Couch. At Ashley, that’s the Sophie couch. Unlike other Cloud Couch dupes I’ve tested, this one was not sink-in soft, but instead a tad firm thanks to its foamy interior. Of course, the Sophie has a low profile and wide cushioned seats that you’ll need to fluff from time to time. I absolutely adored the taupe velvet upholstery on this chaise sectional; it’s neutral but still relatively unconventional as far as sofa colors go. The Sophie’s unique color, velvet upholstery, and low profile make it look as luxurious as it is comfortable.
How We Rated It:
Specifications:
- 130 inches long, 44 inches wide, 36 inches high
- Available in Gray and Cocoa upholstery
- Also available in ottoman, loveseat, sofa chaise, and sectional styles
Best for Movie Nights: Modmax 6-Piece Modular Sectional with Storage Console
What impressed us: The storage console and performance fabric.
The Modmax sectional clearly isn’t for everyone, but if you happen to have a large space at your disposal and love to enjoy your favorite shows on the big screen, this is the model for you. For one, the Modmax obviously has plenty of seating. Each seat is pretty wide, allowing you to sit in a variety of positions. A mid-soft, denim-like fabric covers each module, though if blue’s not your color, you can also choose among three neutrals. Where this pick really stands out, though, is in its built-in storage. The six-piece version features one storage console that doubles as a side table, providing space for drinks, snacks, blankets, and whatever else you like to keep handy while streaming.
How We Rated It:
Specifications:
- 124 inches long, 107 inches wide, 36 inches high
- Available in Spice, Oyster, Ink, and Granite upholstery
- Also available in ottoman, recliner, loveseat, sofa, and sofa chaise styles
Best Loveseat: Maimz Loveseat
What impressed us: The mid-century silhouette and tall arms.
The Maimz collection was on display front and center in the store, complete with both a sofa and this loveseat. Honestly, both versions are great for small spaces, but the loveseat packs a punch. Yes, it’s compact, but it’s still roomy enough to serve almost as an apartment-sized sofa. Fans of the mid-century aesthetic will love its tall arms, out-turned legs, and weathered, suede-like upholstery. The seats were surprisingly plush, while mid-firm backs delivered support. At $800, the loveseat is also decently priced and well worth the bargain.
How We Rated It:
Specifications:
- 66 inches long, 38 inches wide, 38 inches high
- Available in Caramel faux leather and Sandstone upholstery
- Also available in ottoman, accent chair and sofa styles
Best Leather: Emilia Leather Modular Sectional
What Impressed Us: The ultra-soft leather upholstery.
Each module on the Emilia sectional is fully finished on all sides and can be moved to create countless configurations. Another unexpected but welcome feature of this couch was its ultra-soft leather upholstery, which covers the backrests, seats, and arm cushions. (An indistinguishable faux leather match covers the exterior areas.) Sitting down, I also found that the seats were splendidly deep and wide, not to mention plush, which isn’t super common with leather couches. The upholstery is prone to grain and shade variation over time, but this is to be expected with softer leather. Plus, the Emilia still appeared to be in great condition in the showroom.
How We Rated It:
Specifications:
- 132 inches long, 132 inches wide, 36 inches high
- Available in Caramel leather color
- Also available in ottoman, loveseat, sofa, and four-piece sectional styles
Best Modern: Soletren Sofa
What Impressed Us: The wide seats and velvety fabric.
The Soletren was my favorite model of the countless sofas I viewed. It’s almost more of a loveseat but wide enough to seat three. In other words, this sofa is great for apartment dwellers looking for a cozy but modern addition to their living space. A cool detail about the Soletren is that it has three back cushions, which gives it a homey vibe, but only two seat cushions, which is a trendy touch. The couch is available online in two upholstery colors, though I especially love the oatmeal shade I viewed — it’s not as stark as white, but it’ll still brighten up your surroundings. And, at $800, this pick won’t break the bank.
How We Rated It:
Specifications:
- 96 inches long, 40 inches wide, 39 inches high
- Available in Ash and Stone upholstery colors
- Also available in ottoman, loveseat, accent chair, oversized chair, and Queen sleeper sofa styles
Best for Families: Creswell 2-Piece Sectional with Chaise
What Impressed Us: The clean silhouette and asymmetrical chaises.
The first thing you’ll notice about the Creswell sectional is that it has both a right- and left-facing chaise, and they’re not the same length. So, whether you want extra legroom while snuggling or a bed-like napping spot, this pick gives you both. I deemed it the best model for families not only because of its expansive seating but also because of the durable upholstery. When you sit on the Creswell, you’ll find that its polyester fabric isn’t quite as soft compared to some of the other models. But because it’s not as delicate, it won’t be as difficult to spot-clean. The sectional’s seats and back cushions are relatively firm but plush enough to be comfortable without swallowing you.
How We Rated It:
Specifications:
- 125 inches long, 87 inches wide, 39 inches high
- Available in Stone upholstery
- Also available in storage ottoman and swivel accent chair styles
Best for Small Spaces: Carnaby 2-Piece Sectional with Chaise
What Impressed Us: The roll arms and included throw pillows.
The modest Carnaby sectional proves that you can still stretch out on a chaise even if you have limited square footage. This model is surprisingly compact in person but still incredibly comfortable thanks to its plush back cushions and seats. The seats are narrow, but the wide chaise makes up for that. I also liked the sectional’s textured, linen-like cream fabric, as well as its barely exposed block feet. What’s more, the Carnaby is available with the choice of a left-arm- or right-arm-facing chaise, so you can customize it to your living room’s layout.
How We Rated It:
Specifications:
- 100 inches long, 67 inches wide, 39 inches high
- Available in Linen upholstery
- Also available as an ottoman and as a three-piece, four-piece, and five-piece sectional
Best Traditional: Kananwood Sofa
What Impressed Us: The unique legs and shimmery upholstery.
Although Ashley is a legacy retailer, most of the sofas I viewed in-store skewed more modern as opposed to traditional. The Kananwood, however, is an obvious exception. It sports a classic silhouette with its roll arms, turned bun feet, and high back. You also get three back cushions and three seat cushions. But this is no dowdy couch! When I got up close, I was delighted to find that its velvety ivory-and-brown fabric has a slight sparkle — a subtle but statement-making quality that lends a youthful vibe. As you might expect, this sofa has firm backs and seats, so it’s not exactly a prime lounging spot. But its high-resiliency foam fill and solid platform foundation will resist sagging for years to come.
How We Rated It:
Specifications:
- 100 inches long, 42 inches wide, 40 inches high
- Available in Oatmeal upholstery
- Also available in ottoman, oversized chair, and loveseat styles
Best Storage: Kerle 2-Piece Sectional with Pop Up Bed
What Impressed Us: The pull-out bed and hidden storage compartment.
If you live in a small studio, chances are that you’re on the hunt for both function and fashion. The Kerle will serve you well with its 89-inch-long frame, pop-up sleep surface, and storage chaise. You’ll be able to simultaneously cut down on clutter and keep blankets and pillows within easy reach, and if guests ever need to crash overnight, they have a convenient spot to do so. Both components of the sectional come equipped with large, easy-pull tabs, so accessing the hidden features is seamless every time. Oh, and did we mention the couch has a dual USB charging port on the side? The Kerle gives you a lot of bang for your buck, and with its simple design, it’ll never look outdated.
How We Rated It:
Specifications:
- 89 inches long, 63 inches wide, 38 inches high
- Available in Charcoal upholstery
Best Sleeper: Rannis Twin Sofa Sleeper
What Impressed Us: The convenience and compact frame.
If you ask us, a Twin sleeper is one of the most underrated pieces of furniture. You can either make up for your lack of a sofa without sacrificing a lot of space or add a snuggly chair-and-a-half to your living room. And in both cases, you also get an extra sleeping surface for guests. I first viewed the Rannis in a Queen sleeper size, but we found the Twin version to be much cuter. It has the typical pull-out bed, which was very easy to unfold and put away. The bi-fold mattress is made of supportive memory foam and sits atop a sturdy steel frame that can undoubtedly hold a lot of weight.
How We Rated It:
Specifications:
- 54 inches long, 40 inches wide, 39 inches high
- Available in Navy, Snow, and Pewter upholstery
- Also available in recliner, full sleeper sofa, and Queen sleeper sofa styles
Best Power-Reclining: Francesca Dual Power Leather Reclining Loveseat
What Impressed Us: The center console and adjustable positions.
Ashley had a lot of cool power-reclining sofas on display. Among them, I found the Francesca model to be the most stylish. It has power controls on the interior of each arm, as well as USB charging ports, so you can charge your phone while you doze or stream your favorite shows. The seats are firm, but you get plenty of lumbar support. And of course, if you don’t have the space for a chaise on which to elevate your legs, this is the next best thing. The Francesca also boasts a wide center console, where you’ll find two cup holders and a roomy storage compartment for your remote and movie night snacks.
How We Rated It:
Specifications:
- 82 inches long, 41 inches wide, 42 inches high
- Available in Auburn upholstery
- Also available in power recliner and power reclining sofa styles