We Tested (and Rated!) All the Sofas at Blu Dot — Here Are the Best to Suit Your Style and Space
When you’re ready to buy a new couch, you might decide that you want something contemporary and unique but still versatile. Sound familiar? You should consider checking out Blu Dot sofas. The brand has a wide selection of sofas and sectionals, and if modern silhouettes are your style, you should definitely scope out its offerings. And if you’ve ever been curious about Blu Dot furniture reviews, you’re in for a treat — we tested and reviewed all the brand’s sofas for this edition of our Personal Shopper series.
If you’ve been following our Personal Shopper series, you know we’ve been visiting some of the most popular home retailers like Pottery Barn and West Elm, and viewing their furniture and accessories in-store. We’re not finished looking through their showrooms, but it’s nice to break away and see what other stores have in stock.
Our first order of business? We headed in-store to look at Blue Dot’s sofas. Of course, buying something as big and expensive as a couch sight unseen is a risk. Luckily, you have us to guide you through the models and break down which type of household each would suit best.
Why Blu Dot?
Blu Dot’s furniture is beautiful, but we also appreciate the brand’s dedication to thoughtful design. The company was founded by designers and every piece is hand-sketched in the team’s Minneapolis studio before production. Blu Dot also prioritizes sustainability by using high-quality materials and rigorously testing furniture to prevent damage and, in turn, waste.
If you invest in a piece from the brand, you’ll find that it evolves with your lifestyle, regardless of trends. As a result, when you shop Blu Dot, you can be rest assured that you’ll own and love your new piece for many years.
Fans of modern design will love Blu Dot’s wide selection. Although some sofas are on the higher end price-wise, they’re made with premium materials and designed to last a long time. We were also pleasantly surprised to find that many of them were plush and loungey; they’re far more than mere showpieces. If you keep reading, you’re bound to find something you love.
The Criteria
We judged every Blu Dot sofa in-store based on the following five criteria. These considerations helped me determine who the sofa suits best, from the regular party host to the studio 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? 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 suit best? Does it lean more traditional (i.e., rounded lines, tufted cushions, classic silhouettes) or more contemporary (i.e., clean lines, bright hues, modern silhouettes)?
Why You Should Trust Me as a Tester
These Blu Dot furniture reviews were brought to you by AT’s former Shopping Editor, Nikol Slatinska. Nikol has written for Apartment Therapy since 2022. She has tested and reviewed furniture for the Personal Shopper series to help readers find the best pieces for their homes, especially small spaces. From sofas and bed frames to dining tables and accent chairs, she’s covered it all — making her a furniture expert.
Nikol spent the day at the Blu Dot store in NYC to test every sofa on the showroom floor, and judged them on their design, durability, and loungeability.
Every Editor-Tested Sofa at Blu Dot
Best for Small Spaces: Puff Puff Sofa
What impressed us: At 87 inches wide, the Puff Puff sofa could fit along your longest living room wall and perhaps even leave room for a side table. It’s on the firmer side and has an almost futon-like appearance. We like that it maintains a clean, modern look even with its rounded lines, which help to soften up the frame. The sofa’s tall legs also offer plenty of storage space underneath the body. If you want to make the Puff Puff feel a bit homier, you can play around with different accent pillows.
What we love
- The curvy, rounded shape
- It has tall steel legs for under-sofa storage
- The clean modern aesthetic
- It's great for small spaces
Good to know
- The seat is on the firmer side
- The futon-like silhouette
Specifications:
- Styles: Also available in lounge chair, bench, and studio sofa styles
- Dimensions: 87″ wide, 35″ deep, 31″ high
- Upholstery: 5 options
Most Versatile: Paramount 95” Large Sofa
What impressed us: The Paramount sofa is simple enough in design to fit in with a variety of interior decor styles, meaning it won’t impede you if you decide to switch up your aesthetic. In looking at its plain rectangular frame and metal legs, we noticed the charming button tufting on the bench-style seat, which serves as a subtle but fun detail. Whereas the Paramount’s back cushions are soft and bouncy, the seat is a tad firmer, so you get just enough support without sacrificing that sink-in comfort.
If you have the space for it, you can’t go wrong with this model. It’s a crowd-pleaser that allows your decor to shine while providing cozy seating in the process.
What we love
- It complements a variety of decor styles
- The sleek rectangular frame
- The button-tufted seat
- The soft yet supportive cushions
Good to know
- It might be too big for small spaces
Specifications:
- Styles: Also available in daybed, studio sofa, and medium sofa styles
- Dimensions: 95″ wide, 34″ deep, 32″ high
- Leg Finishes: 2 options
- Upholstery: 2 options
Best with Built-in Storage: Souvenir Sofa
What impressed us: Blu Dot’s Souvenir sofa is stunning from the front with its velvet upholstery, which has a slight shine, but in the back you get a brilliant built-in shelf that you can use to store all kinds of things. Show off your favorite decor pieces and souvenirs, or use the shelf to house practical items, like your book collection or dishware.
The sofa’s back cushion is yet another eye-catching detail. It’s essentially a long roll pillow, and although it doesn’t come up very high, it still provides plenty of lumbar support. If you’re after a true statement piece that effortlessly combines beauty and practicality, look no further.
What we love
- It has a built-in bookshelf for storage and styling
- The stylish ultra-modern silhouette
- The unique back cushion
Good to know
- It's not ideal for lounging
- The back cushion doesn't come up very high
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 87″ wide, 42″ deep, 30 ” high
- Upholstery: 10 options (in walnut or white oak frames)
Best Sleeper for a First Apartment: One Night Stand Sleeper Sofa
What impressed us: The One Night Stand sleeper is perfect for those in search of an easy, functional sleep surface for overnight guests that folds up compactly when not in use. Its no-frills design makes it suitable for any space, be it the home office, guest bedroom, or even the living room. Like most sleepers, this model is quite firm to sit on, but we were charmed by its tweed-like fabric, matching side pillows, and retro appearance.
Most importantly, the fold-out process is super straightforward. Just remove the back cushions and flip the seat forward to create a queen-size sleep surface. Add your bedding on top, and you’re good to go!
What we love
- The simple, no-frills silhouette
- Its retro appearance
- It folds out with ease
- It's suitable for any space
Good to know
- The seat is quite firm
- It's not ideal for lounging
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 80″ wide, 32″ deep, 30″ high
- Upholstery: 2 options
Most Timeless: Guide 96” Sofa
What impressed us: Simply put, the Guide sofa is really pretty. We viewed it in a dazzling moss-green velvet fabric that’s soft to the touch. While the seat cushions are medium-firm, the back is delightfully plush. Once we were fully reclined, we found it difficult to leave the enveloping coziness. What’s more, the sofa’s upholstery is nicely contrasted with a wooden base of your choosing.
You can go with a darker fabric and white oak base for more impact, or opt for walnut wood for a richer look. No matter which combination you choose, the Guide sofa will never go out of style. Details like its inward-curving arms prevent it from looking too austere, but it’s still undeniably contemporary and sophisticated.
What we love
- The beautiful velvet upholstery
- The cozy, enveloping feel
- The contrasting wood base
- The inward-curving arms
Good to know
- It has a medium-firm seat
Specifications:
- Styles: Also available in lounge chair and medium sofa styles
- Dimensions: 96″ wide, 36″ deep, 31″ high
- Upholstery: 4 options (in walnut or white oak frames)
Best for Socializing: Thataway Small Angled Sectional
What impressed us: Even though the Thataway sectional is another pretty firm model, there’s something about its low profile and roomy surface that invites you to plop down and stay for a while. We deemed it the best pick for socializing for obvious reasons.
Its open-angle design is not only different from any sectional style we’ve ever seen before, but it also allows you to chat with friends from a comfortable position instead of being awkwardly seated right next to them. The sofa’s geometric shape will also give your living room a structured look, while the heavy platform base allows it to serve as an anchor piece. We think this model will work wonders to open up your space and make it feel bigger, too.
What we love
- The geometric, open-angle design
- Its approachable low profile
- The stylish platform base
Good to know
- It has a firm seat
- The unique shape might be tricky to style
Specifications:
- Styles: Also available in sofa, sleeper sofa, and sectional styles
- Dimensions: 126″ wide, 53″ deep, 29″ high
- Upholstery: 2 options
Best Oversized: Sunday L Sectional
What impressed us: This L-shaped number is impossible to ignore, and not only because of its oversized frame. We viewed it in a gold-toned velvet fabric that’s every bit as luxurious as it sounds. In fact, the sectional looks downright sumptuous with its overstuffed cushions, deep seats, and barely exposed legs.
The seats are also sink-in soft, whereas the back cushions are slightly firmer and a bit low. This makes the Sunday all the more suitable for movie nights and reclining back as you read or rest. Also of note is the chaise on the shorter side. It’s a prime spot for stretching out, although really this sofa doesn’t have any bad spots. Sundays are for doing nothing, which is why this sectional’s name is so fitting!
What we love
- The deep, sink-in soft seats
- It's perfect for lounging
- The luxurious upholstery
- The inviting oversized frame
- It's easy to clean
Good to know
- The chaise is on the shorter side
- Its low profile might be tough to get out of
Specifications:
- Styles: Also available in other styles
- Dimensions: 139″ wide, 90″ deep, 30″ high
- Upholstery: 15 options
Best for WFH: Dandy Sofa
What impressed us: As you’ve likely realized by now, Blu Dot’s sofas either skew pillow-soft or exceptionally firm. The Dandy sofa falls into the latter category, which is part of what makes it so great for working from home. It’s also upholstered in durable fabric and boasts clean lines, so you can balance work materials on it and enjoy lunch from your seat without worry. Of course, the Dandy wasn’t just designed for utility. It certainly packs a punch with wiry metal legs and a box-shaped appearance. You can even snag it in that opulent copper velvet or opt for smooth camel leather upholstery.
What we love
- It's great for working and dining
- The durable upholstery
- The clean, box-shaped appearance
- The stylish metal legs
- The under-sofa storage space
Good to know
- The cushions are exceptionally firm
- It's not ideal for cozy lounging
Specifications:
- Styles: Also available in lounge chairand medium sofa styles
- Dimensions: 96″ wide, 34″ deep, 32″ high
- Upholstery: 1 option
Best for Frequent Movers: Bonnie & Clyde Sectional
What impressed us: You might think a sectional would be difficult to own if you change your place of residence every one to two years, and that’s likely true of most models. That said, Blu Dot’s Bonnie & Clyde is comprised of two separate parts, so you’ll be able to tailor it to your space no matter the layout. The chaises will be easier to move than one angled piece — you could even place them in different rooms to make up for a lack of seating wherever you need it or space them out in your living area with a side table in between. The styling options are endless!
Additionally, the sectional’s metal legs serve as a unique detail on an otherwise simple piece of furniture, and they look especially nice when contrasted against the smooth yet distressed camel leather upholstery. Firm, supportive seats and backs round out this chic sectional.
What we love
- The flexible two-piece design
- The unique metal legs
- Its sleek, boxy shape
- The modern appearance
Good to know
- The seat might be too firm for some
Specifications:
- Styles: Also available in studio sofa, medium sofa, sofa, and U-shaped sectional styles
- Dimensions: 96″ wide, 100″ deep, 29″ high
- Upholstery: 22 options
Best for Lounging: Esker 98” Sofa
What impressed us: Although the Esker sofa falls in the middle on the spectrum of soft to firm, we would still classify it as a prime lounging spot because of its deep seats and square arms, which are almost wide enough to double as side tables. And because they lie close to each seat, you can rest your head against them comfortably without experiencing an awkward neck angle.
The sofa also has a pretty low profile, which, coupled with the deep and wide cushions, almost makes this piece look like a bed. What’s more, the Esker is available in Kelso upholstery fabric, which can be cleaned with bleach and other disinfectants without losing its color or texture. On Blu Dot’s website, this couch is described as “the fancy sweatpants of sofas,” and we think this is a perfectly fitting label.
What we love
- It's perfect for lounging
- The low profile and deep, wide seats look like a bed
- The durable, easy-care fabric
- It has medium-soft cushions
Good to know
- The low seat might be tough to get out of
- Its simple silhouette lacks ornamentation
Specifications:
- Styles: Also available in medium sofa and sofa chaise styles
- Dimensions: 98″ wide, 42″ deep, 31″ high
- Upholstery: 6 options
Best Modular: Cleon Medium Sectional
What impressed us: Like the Bonnie & Clyde sectional, the Cleon sectional is a fabulous choice if you want to be able to change the configuration of your living room seating on a whim. Whether you end up moving or you simply decide you’re tired of your current layout, the Cleon’s detachable seat modules make doing so a breeze.
Although the seats look pretty plush, we were surprised to find that they’re quite firm. Additionally, the profile is low, so that’s something to consider if you want something more utilitarian that you can get in and out of easily. The fabric upholstery on this sectional features zig-zag stitching at the seams, too, which is a subtle but elegant detail that catches the eye.
What we love
- It's easy to reconfigure
- The zig-zag detail on the upholstery
- Its plush rounded appearance
- It has deep, lounge-ready seats
Good to know
- The low-profile silhouette may be tough to get out of
- The seats are firmer than they look
Specifications:
- Styles: Also available in other styles
- Dimensions: 108″ wide, 66″ deep, 28″ high
- Upholstery: 5 options
Best for Families: New Standard Left L Leather Sectional
What impressed us: Leather might seem like a risky choice for families with kids, but the New Standard sectional comes in a full grain aniline leather that’s meant to naturally patina over time, so it’s crafted with durability and long-term use in mind. Plus, you’ll likely have an easier time wiping spills off of leather than trying to scrub stains out of fabric.
In any case, the New Standard offers enough space for your entire brood, so no one will ever have to fight over the last seat. We also couldn’t help but admire the sectional’s angular frame and contrasting steel legs, not to mention the unrivaled softness of its seat and back cushions. While the foam cushions are wrapped in feather down for comfort, a steel spring system underneath provides support and prevents sagging.
What we love
- The Aniline leather is durable and easy to clean
- Its modern angular frame and steel legs
- It's large enough for the whole family
- It has soft cushions
Good to know
- The leather will naturally patina over time
- It's reinforced with springs to prevent sagging
Specifications:
- Styles: Also available in other styles
- Dimensions: 102″ wide, 102″ deep, 32″ high
- Upholstery: 24 options