We Tested (and Rated!) All the Living Room Seating at Burrow to Determine the Best for Every Space and Need

We have the internet to thank — and resent — for a multitude of things. When it comes to furniture shopping, browsing for products online is tricky. It’s still hard to tell how a given bed frame or sofa is going to fit into your space. But then again, without the internet, you wouldn’t have access to our Personal Shopper series, in which we visit the physical showrooms of all your favorite furniture retailers and try products out first-hand. So far, we’ve gone to West Elm, Pottery Barn, Raymour & Flanigan, and others to test their living room seating (and more!). After these visits, we give you the full breakdown of which model is right for your space. For the latest installment of the series, we visited Burrow, the DTC brand behind some of our editors’ favorite furniture, to test popular pieces like the brand’s Shift Sleeper Sofa and Vesper Chair.

Not only did we get to sit on every chair and sofa while touring their New York City showroom, but the brand’s CEO and co-founder, Stephen Kuhl, even gave us the inside scoop on what makes every piece special. Whether you’re coveting a classic couch, a comfy WFH spot, or a place to lounge as you catch up on your favorite shows, we’ve got you covered.

So far in our Personal Shopper series, we’ve covered large mainstream retailers whose reach goes far beyond just home improvement enthusiasts. Although Burrow is no under-the-radar brand, we would certainly consider it one to watch thanks to its stylish, functional, and easy-to-assemble modular designs. Additionally, each Burrow sofa is highly customizable, allowing you to truly make it your own. What’s more, each order ships free and arrives within four weeks. Below, you’ll find every model of sofa and chair we tested in person, complete with notes on the different styles and colors available.

• Best Sofa for Small Spaces: Nomad Sofa
• Best Sofa for Napping: Union Sectional
• Best Sofa for WFH: Range Sofa
• Best Sofa for Socializing: Ember Chaise Sectional
• Best Modern Sofa: Mambo Sofa
• Best Sofa for Families: Field Sofa
• Best Sleeper Sofa: Shift Sleeper Sofa
• Best Outdoor Sofa: Relay Outdoor Sofa
• Best Outdoor Sofa for Entertaining: Dunes 3-Piece Sofa
• Best Chair for Small Spaces: Pica Chair
• Best Ergonomic Chair: Gimlet Chair
• Best Armchair: Union Armchair
• Best Mid-Century Modern-Style Chair: Lodge Chair
• Best Accent Chair: Range Seat
• Best Chair for Charging: Nomad Armchair
• Best Chair for Lounging: Vesper Chair with Ottoman
• Best Modern-Style Chair: Field Leather Armchair
• Best Outdoor Chair: Banks Outdoor Chair
• Best Outdoor Chaise Lounge: Dunes Sun Lounger

We judged every Burrow sofa and chair 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 or chair suits best, from the armchair reader to the WFH professional.

Overall sit: What posture does the sofa best support? How deep or shallow are the seats? Are the cushions soft or firm on the back and arms?

Seat firmness: How soft or firm are the seat cushions? How do they contribute to overall posture and comfort?

Loungability: Can you spend hours on this sofa or chair? And would you want to?

Multifunctionality: Can it serve multiple purposes within the home?

Appearance: What style does it best suit? Does it lean more traditional (i.e., deep hues, tufted cushions, classic silhouettes) or more contemporary (i.e., clean lines, bright hues, modern silhouettes)?

Before we get into the sofas and chairs, we felt it necessary to point out that Burrow also has its own line of customizable sleep kits. Each bundle has everything you need to turn your couch into a bed, including a memory foam topper, quilted blanket, pillow, eye mask, and both a fitted and flat sheet. And when we say customizable, we’re referring to the three different kits available for the Nomad, Field, and Range sofas (more info to come on all of those!). Everything in the kit fits neatly into its own bag, which you can stow away effortlessly and bring out when you have overnight guests. Depending on which sofa you buy, you can also add a sleep kit directly to your order.

What Impressed Us: The customizability.

Burrow’s most compact sofa, the Nomad can seat up to three people comfortably (or even four if you’re okay with getting a little personal). It’s the stylish answer to the common question: “How do I outfit my tiny living room without defaulting to a sofa that looks like it belongs in a dorm?” You’ll also be happy to learn that the Nomad is Burrow’s most customizable sofa, with three armrest styles, reversible back cushions, six leg finishes, and five fabric colors — and that’s not even counting the leather and velvet options. This seating staple strikes the perfect balance between modern and traditional. In other words, it’s timeless in design but fit for everyday life, complete with a built-in USB charger.

How We Rated It:

Specifications:

• 85″ long, 35″ wide, 33″ high
• Ivory, Brick Red, Crushed Gravel, Navy Blue, Charcoal, Moss Green, and Georgia Clay color options
• Available in 3 wood leg finishes, 3 metal leg finishes, and 3 arm styles
• Comes with moveable chaise, ottoman, lumbar pillows, and sleep kit upgrade options
• Also available in leather, velvet, sectional, loveseat, and ottoman styles

What Impressed Us: The deep cushions and sheer lounging space.

You don’t even need a pull-out sleeper when you have the five-seat Union sectional in your living room. Not only was it designed for lounging, but the sofa’s deep cushions also give you plenty of (literal) wiggle room during movie marathons — and feel free to use the side pillows as fluffy headrests! You’ll find the Union sectional’s seats to be soft but supportive, so you won’t feel like you’re sinking into a pit; plus, the sofa will keep its traditional shape over time. Chunky legs further add structure to this overnight guest oasis. Also of note: If you have a large household, don’t be surprised if your cohabitants constantly fight over the corner seat.

How We Rated It:

Specifications:

• 102.75″ long, 102.75″ wide, 31.5″ high
• Ivory, Crushed Gravel, Heather Charcoal, and Navy Blue color options
• Available in 2 wood-leg finishes
• Comes with an ottoman upgrade option
• Also available in sofa, ottoman, and loveseat styles

What Impressed Us: The ergonomic sit and numerous configuration options.

The first thing we noticed about Burrow’s Range line was its clean lines and contemporary look. As we got closer and sat on this three-piece sofa, however, what impressed us was its simultaneously firm and ergonomic feel. Not only will this piece provide the perfect amount of back and seat support throughout your entire 9-to-5 shift, but its back cushion also curves toward you so that you’re never hunched over. The Range sofa can also be customized to include an attached side table — an ideal spot for snacks, your laptop, and other work essentials! Other features that stood out to us were the sofa’s pillow-shaped side cushions and low profile.

How We Rated It:

Specifications:

• 91.5″ long, 31″ wide, 28″ high
• Stone Gray, Heather Charcoal, Navy Blue, and Moss Green color options
• Comes with ottoman and sleep kit upgrade options
• Available in 3 leg finishes and velvet upholstery
• Also available in sectional, one-arm, side table, and loveseat styles

What impressed us: The extra wide chaise and soft upholstery.

One of Burrow’s newest releases, the Ember sectional boasts the brand’s signature mid-century design aesthetic, which can be further modernized with your choice of upholstery color. We viewed the sectional in the “sage” color, a deep forest green that’ll help anchor your living space. But we saw a fabric swatch of the “seaglass” color, which is relatively unique for a sofa and impossible to forget about. The Ember is the second softest sofa to the Union in terms of support. Despite its plushness, you get plenty of lumbar support thanks to the short seat backs and body-contouring cushions. We were especially impressed with the sectional’s extra wide chaise. It’s not overly long, which is good for small rooms, but it offers tons of space to spread out. The other seats are also quite wide, so all of your guests will be able to curl up the next time you host.

How We Rated It:

Specifications:

• 111” long, 34” wide, 31” high
• Georgia Clay, Sage, Seaglass, and Crushed Gravel color options
• Available in 2 wood leg finishes
• Also available in sofa, sectional, double chaise sectional, and U sectional styles

What Impressed Us: The seat depth and ergonomic back.

When we learned that Burrow released a new sofa model, we had to go back to the showroom a second time and see it for ourselves. Once there, the Mambo did not disappoint. Its large frame makes a statement right away, as do its block-like seat cushions. Although the sofa would certainly work in a family home, it does add a contemporary appeal that young adults will especially appreciate. We found the sofa’s cushions to be firmer than expected, but you still get plenty of space for lounging, not to mention ergonomic back cushions that provide lumbar support. You also have a choice between low, wide square arms or high curved arms. The latter are padded and practically double as pillows, so if you plan to nap on your Mambo, go with those. Essentially, this new release takes the deep, modern, trendy sofa model you likely see all over the internet and elevates it with high-quality materials and a durable modular construction.

How We Rated It:

Specifications:

• 100″ long, 37″ wide, 28″ high
• Crushed Gravel and Moss Green color options
• Comes with ottoman and lumbar pillows upgrade options
• Available with high or low arms and leather upholstery
• Also available in leather and in armchair and loveseat styles

What Impressed Us: The comfy cushions and low-maintenance fabric.

Like the Nomad, the Field sofa is characterized by a classic silhouette, albeit a bit more relaxed. Its three-seat cushions are wide and roomy and thus effortlessly able to accommodate your entire brood. But that’s not the only reason we’ve deemed this the best sofa for families; its polyester fabric is simultaneously soft and durable. It resists stains, which means that after a simple spot-clean, your sofa will look as good as new. Although the plush seat and overstuffed back cushions might incite some playful jumping, the couch’s strong plywood frame and reinforced steel hardware help protect against serious wear and tear.

How We Rated It:

Specifications:

• 91.5″ long, 31″ wide, 33″ high
• Plush Oatmeal, Fog, Carbon, Ivory, and Navy color options
• Comes with ottoman and sleep kit upgrade options
• Available in 3 leg finishes and leather upholstery
• Also available in sectional and loveseat styles

What Impressed Us: The Queen-size sleep surface and arm cushion pillows.

Unlike most sleeper sofas, Burrow’s Shift sleeper isn’t recommended for daily lounging. In other words, you wouldn’t place this model in your living room and use it as your main seating. Instead, this sophisticated new offering works best in the office or spare room that could use some extra seating for guests. Then, when those guests need a place to crash, you can simply unfold the bench-style seat to open the sofa’s Queen-size sleep surface — no pulling or tugging required. We tried it in-store and not only found that the entire process takes less than a minute, but we also found that the sleep surface’s three-layer foam construction is just as comfortable as a regular bed! Just place your bedding on top, and you’re good to go. You’ll also be happy to learn that you can unzip the sofa’s side pillow covers and pull out the cushions, which double as bed pillows. To no one’s surprise, their down alternative material is also super comfortable. And, because it’s a Burrow sofa, the Shift looks totally classy in both configurations.

How We Rated It:

Specifications:

• 84″ long, 32.5″ wide, 33.5″ high
• Stone Gray, Navy Blue, Papyrus, Moss Green, and Heather Charcoal color options
• Comes with SIJO sheet set upgrade option

What Impressed Us: The quick-drying foam cushions.

To be fair, the Relay is Burrow’s only outdoor sofa, but they still managed to ace it on the first try. You’ll never have to move the sofa indoors, even if it rains, thanks in large part to its quick-drying foam cushions. Regardless, you still have the option to add a custom-fit protective cover to your purchase for $549. Although the Relay sofa is certainly a great lounging spot on sunny days, you’ll find that it has a firm, ergonomic feel. The standard size has three seats that can comfortably fit up to four people, though you can add as many as you’d like or even opt for a two-seater if you’re short on backyard space. Other pros include the ability to choose an armless style and take apart the sofa’s sturdy steel frame for easy out-of-season storage.

How We Rated It:

Specifications:

• 92.4″ long, 32″ wide, 33″ high
• Salt and Shale color options
• Comes with ottoman, coffee table, and custom-fit cover upgrade options
• Available with and without arms
• Also available in sectional, chair, and 2-piece styles

What impressed us: The teak frame and generous seats.

Every piece in Burrow’s latest outdoor collection, the Dunes line, sports a teak frame, which is made from sustainably sourced wood durable enough to withstand all weather conditions. That includes this three-piece sofa, which is bound to develop a striking silver patina over time. As is common with Burrow sofas, the Dunes has low backs and mid-deep but wide seats that are perfect for lounging. Although it’s technically a three-seater, we could easily envision four people sharing its long surface. You’ll also notice the sofa’s wide arms, which provide plenty of storage space for beverages, phones, and other patio accessories. This version of the Dunes sofa is great for big backyards or people who like to entertain. If you’re dealing with a small deck or terrace, we suggest grabbing the two-seater.

How We Rated It:

Specifications:

• 93.5” long, 33” wide, 28.5” high
• Sand and Charcoal color options
• Comes with ottoman, coffee table, custom-fit cover, and teak care kit upgrade options
• Also available in ottoman, chair, 2-piece sofa, 4-piece sofa, and sectional styles

What Impressed Us: The compact, rounded design.

The Pica chair’s petite frame made an impression on us in the best possible way. In fact, the most fitting word I can use to describe it is “adorable.” Whether you want an elegant accent piece for your none-too-large reading corner or a seat to accompany your vanity, there are few better options than this rounded model. The chair’s curved backrest provides support without coming up too high, while its plush seat sinks in just the right amount. You can get the Pica in jade or midnight velvet — both stunning jewel tones — but we especially love it in the ivory bouclé, which is made of easy-to-clean polyester. There’s really nothing more to mull over. Grab your favorite book and beverage, and get cozy.

How We Rated It:

Specifications:

• 29″ long, 30″ wide, 27″ high
• Jade Velvet, Midnight Velvet, and Ivory color options

What impressed us: The broad silhouette and angled seat.

If we’re being honest, we did not expect the Gimlet chair to be comfortable when we first saw it online. But it’s a tad wider in person than you’d expect, and despite its armless silhouette, you don’t have to worry about falling out of its spacious seat. Additionally, the chair’s seat is angled upward while its ergonomic back slopes inward. As a result, it hugs your body and makes you feel supported. The chair is on the firm side, but we think you’ll find it hard to leave once seated. The Gimlet comes in leather upholstery, but we quickly fell in love with the performance boucle fabric we saw in-store. The chair would function splendidly in an empty corner of your living room, but we think it would make an especially great accent piece for the bedroom, especially if you could use a spot to drape “not dirty but not clean” clothes.

How We Rated It:

Specifications:

• 24.75” long, 29.25” wide, 29” high
• Moss Green and Oatmeal color options
• Comes with an ottoman upgrade option
• Also available in leather upholstery

What Impressed Us: The wide seat and arms.

Although the Union sectional is our pick for Burrow’s most nappable seating option, the Union chair isn’t far behind. Sure, you don’t have as much space to sprawl out across, but you get the same deep seat, cloud-like cushions, and impressive width to work with. The chair’s arms are wide enough to comfortably hook your legs over, while the side pillows provide just the right amount of padding. Like all of Burrow’s sofa and chair offerings, this armchair has a simple, clean-lined design, but its softly rounded edges provide those homey vibes we just can’t get enough of.

How We Rated It:

Specifications:

• 40″ long, 39″ wide, 31.5″ high
• Ivory, Crushed Gravel, Heather Charcoal, and Navy Blue color options
• Comes with an ottoman upgrade option
• Available in 2 leg finishes

What Impressed Us: The relaxed sit.

If you do end up going with one of Burrow’s streamlined sofa silhouettes, that’s all the more reason to opt for an out-of-the-box accent piece, such as the Lodge chair. Inspired by furniture you’d find in a ski lodge and Danish mid-century design, this angular seat is bound to earn you tons of compliments on your space — no interior styling skills required. The chair provides a relaxed yet upright sit, its wide, plank-like arms ensuring that you never feel uncomfortably snug within their confines. The smooth wooden frame and upholstered cushions work in tandem to create a warm, contemporary resting spot you’ll never want to leave.

How We Rated It:

Specifications:

• 29″ long, 31″ wide, 33″ high
• Ivory and Stone color options
• Available in 2 leg finishes and leather upholstery

What Impressed Us: The supportive back cushion and armless style.

The single Range module seat proves that a chair doesn’t have to have arms in order to be comfortable. At least, not when its back cushion provides this much support, and you have ample space to curl your legs up beneath you. This piece would make a great focal point in your favorite reading or office corner. You can customize it by adding an attachable ottoman to your purchase and turning it into a two-piece lounger or even adding a side table. This way, although you don’t have armrests, you still retain a convenient spot for your coffee as you thumb through pages.

How We Rated It:

Specifications:

• 29.5″ long, 31″ wide, 28″ high
• Stone Gray, Heather Charcoal, Navy Blue, and Moss Green color options
• Comes with ottoman and table upgrade options
• Available in 3 leg finishes and velvet upholstery
• Also available in side table style

What Impressed Us: The built-in USB charger.

The Nomad chair, much like the sofa from the same line, has its own built-in USB charger and 72-inch power cord, meaning endless scroll time as you lounge. Whether you’re catching up on your latest Kindle read or swiping through TikTok, this is hands-down the best spot to do it from. Thanks to its square shape, the chair also adds structure to whichever space you put it in. A soft initial sit gives way to lots of support, preventing the typical cramps you might get after sitting in a less ergonomic armchair.

How We Rated It:

Specifications:

• 34″ long, 35″ wide, 33″ high
• Ivory, Brick Red, Crushed Gravel, Navy Blue, Charcoal, Moss Green, Georgia Clay color options
• Comes with moveable chaise, ottoman, and lumbar pillow upgrade option
• Available in 3 wood leg finishes, 3 metal leg finishes, and 3 arm styles

What Impressed Us: The body-hugging shape.

I must confess, the Vesper chair is my personal favorite piece among all of Burrow’s seating options. It looks incredibly sophisticated not only online, but even more so in person. And I’d definitely recommend getting the matching ottoman (consider them a package deal). Upon sitting in the chair and kicking my feet up, I became even more aware of the duo’s inward V-shape. They basically hug your body, resulting in a naturally relaxed position. Part of what makes the Vesper so striking is its custom-pressed plywood shell, which is beautifully juxtaposed with its fabric upholstery and black steel legs. You also have the option to add a matching lumbar pillow to the chair.

How We Rated It:

Specifications:

• 29.5″ long, 29.5″ wide, 30″ high
• Stone Gray/Walnut, Heather Charcoal/Walnut, Papyrus/Oak, Moss Green/Walnut, Navy Blue/Walnut, and Ivory Bouclé/Walnut color options
• Comes with ottoman and lumbar pillow upgrade option
• Also available in a leather style

What Impressed Us: The stunning and durable material.

There’s something about leather that has the ability to make just about anything look cool and modern. Case in point: The Field armchair, which is available in two rich shades of top-grain Italian leather. It goes without saying that this piece makes a statement, albeit not in a loud, in-your-face kind of way, but rather an, Ooh, what’s that over there? kind of way. Whereas the Field sectional feels slightly more traditional in nature because of its family-sized construction, the chair iteration more closely resembles something you’d find in a sophisticated city dweller’s apartment. The chair’s high arms and back form a protective fortress around you, while its cushy seat practically invites you to stay the entire day.

How We Rated It:

Specifications:

• 32.5″ long, 31″ wide, 33″ high
• Oatmeal, Fog, Carbon, Navy Blue, and Ivory color options
• Comes with an ottoman upgrade option
• Available in 3 leg finishes and leather upholstery
• Also available in fabric styles and leather lounger and fabric lounger styles

What Impressed Us: The all-weather wicker and easy storage.

There’s nothing stopping you from adorning your patio with tailgate-worthy folding chairs, but where’s the fun in that? Opt for the Banks outdoor chair instead. Made of powder-coated steel and weather-resistant wicker, you’ll find that you could easily spend hours relaxing against its deep seat and curved backrest. But the thing we love most about the Banks is how easy it is to store. The chair folds in over itself to take up half the space it does when in use. You’ll consequently have no problem sliding it between storage bins or atop a garage shelf. Once you experience how low-maintenance this piece is firsthand, you’ll undoubtedly want to grab a few more.

How We Rated It:

Specifications:

• 28″ long, 26″ wide, 28.5″ high
• Black color option

What impressed us: The fabric webbing under the cushions and the flat but supportive surface.

Many chaise lounges feature a barred plastic or metal surface that can make you feel like you’re lying on railroad tracks. So when we sat on the Dunes lounger, we were pleasantly surprised to find that its seat and back felt sturdy yet soft. When we lifted the all-weather foam seat cushion and saw the fabric webbing underneath, we understood. Also of note is the lounger’s wide surface; you can lie down, sit cross-legged, or angle yourself toward your pool buddy without feeling constrained. Other details we appreciate about this piece include the luxurious ivory-colored fabric and the wheels on the back legs, which, in addition to the lounger’s easy assembly, make setup a breeze.

How We Rated It:

Specifications:

• 24” long, 72.5” wide, 14” high
• Available in Sand upholstery
• Comes with custom-fit cover and teak care kit upgrade options