We Tested (and Rated) All the Sofas at Raymour & Flanigan — Here Are the Best for Every Space and Need (Bonus: They’re on Sale!)

published Jun 12, 2023
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Product photo of a Raymour & Flanigan Farrah Sofa in living room with a Personal Shopper seal in the upper left corner
Credit: Raymour & Flanigan

Welcome to another edition of Personal Shopper, the series in which we visit the showrooms of all your favorite furniture retailers, testing and rating everything from dining tables to living room seating, so that you can feel confident about purchasing these big-ticket items online. So far we’ve been to West Elm, Pottery Barn, Urban Outfitters, and Burrow to determine which pieces might best suit your space and needs. This time around, we visited Raymour & Flanigan’s Broadway location in NYC to rate their huge selection of sofas, sectionals, and sleepers (there are upwards of 60 models on display).

Because of the sheer number of furnishings, this roundup will be different from previous Personal Shoppers. Instead of listing out every single piece we looked at, we’ve narrowed down the total number to 15. This condensed rundown consists of our favorite living room seating picks that’ll fit best into a variety of spaces, whether you’re moving into your first city apartment, working with very limited square footage, or looking for your next family-friendly sectional.

Why Raymour & Flanigan?

Raymour & Flanigan carries furnishings that are high in quantity and quality. Walking into the NYC showroom, I was greeted by a number of trendy seating pieces on the lower level, but the true breadth of their selection was upstairs. While there’s a lot to sort through on the second level, the living room seating displays are conveniently broken up into specific style categories (transitional, coastal, rustic, etc.) and model types, including sleepers and power sofas. Each model is in stock in a couple of colors to allow for quicker order and ship times, but depending on which one you select, you can find even more color and configuration options online. Although it’s great to have so many options, the idea of picking just one out of all of them can be daunting. So, consider this your guide to Raymour & Flanigan’s best living room seating options based on in-person testing.

The Sofas, Sectionals, and Sleepers

The Criteria

We judged every Raymour & Flanigan sofa, sectional, and sleeper 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 sectional suits best, from the first-time apartment owner to the frequent overnight guest host.

Credit: Apartment Therapy Media

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 Raymour & Flanigan

Best Sofa for Small Spaces: Alphie Sofa

What Impressed Us: The tight frame and low price.

One of Raymour & Flanigan’s most popular sofas, the Alphie is a solid beginner sofa for those moving into their first grown-up apartment or making do with a tiny space. At just under 85″ wide, this classic couch will fit up against your wall and maybe give you enough leftover space for some side tables. Although this piece isn’t customizable, it’s neutral enough in both color and silhouette to blend in with your other furnishings no matter which interior style you’re aiming for. Other features of note are its charming round piping, spongey foam cushions, and tweed-like, easy-care fabric. And of course, you can’t ignore that low price tag!

How We Rated It:

Credit: Apartment Therapy Media

Specifications:

  • 84.5″ long, 39″ wide, 38″ high
  • Available in Gray
  • Also available in a loveseat style and two accent chair styles

Best Coastal-Style Sofa: Pearce Sofa

What Impressed Us: The wide, deep seats.

Those who consider themselves fans of understated luxury will be immediately drawn to the Pearce sofa and its plush but clean-lined silhouette. It’s the perfect pick if you’re after a laid-back coastal vibe. As I sank into its voluminous (but still fairly firm) cushions in the showroom, I found myself scooting back… and back and back, until I finally met the backrest. Because the seat cushions are so deep, you have plenty of space to curl up. Not only that, but the Pearce model also has extra-wide arms, too, which will make your lounging experience all the more enjoyable. You’ll also find that many Raymour & Flanigan sofas come with accent pillows included in your purchase, and this one comes with five. You can certainly dress up the Pearce sofa with louder decor and accent pieces or take a more minimalist approach and keep it unadorned.

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Best Leather Sofa: Hutchinson Leather Sofa

What Impressed Us: The striking tufted arms and seat backs.

In this day and age, you might be used to seeing leather couches that look sleek, modern, or, at most, a little distressed. That only makes the Hutchinson sofa all the more impossible to ignore. It has an almost gothic appeal with its ornate tufting, rolled arms, and nailhead trim, all of which are even more breathtaking in real life. Available in a dark gray or rich brown, the sofa’s top-grain leather is smooth to the touch. You’ll find it on the body and arms, while the back and sides are upholstered in a matching vinyl that’s virtually indistinguishable from the real thing. You’ll want to vacuum or dust the Hutchinson frequently to maintain its luxe appearance, but that’s a small price to pay for such a statement-making showpiece.

How We Rated It:

Credit: Apartment Therapy Media

Specifications:

  • 89″ long, 40.5″ wide, 31″ high
  • Mainland Dune and Gray leather color options
  • Also available in armchairaccent chair, and loveseat styles

Best Mid-Century Modern-Style Sofa: Mirasol Sofa

What Impressed Us: The eye-catching color and plush cushions.

Nothing will instantly brighten up your space quite like the Mirasol sofa. Although it’s available in a wide array of colors, we love the sunny and slightly retro vibe of the mustard yellow. Tufting on the back and seat cushions further adds interest to this mid-century modern piece, while dark, straight feet provide a nice contrast. You’ll find that you’re able to both relax and work from this sofa if needed; its padded track arms could serve as either a spot for your phone or a head pillow. Like many of Raymour & Flanigan’s sofas, this one is also upholstered in a durable, stain-resistant fabric.

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Best Sofa for Lounging: Farrah Sofa

What Impressed Us: The curved design and bouclé-like fabric.

There’s much to admire about the Farrah sofa, not least of all its curved silhouette, which practically invites you to lie down for an afternoon nap. Just imagine: No bumping your head on an angular arm edge or coming up against a harsh corner. The bench-style seat even curves inward, mimicking the natural shape of your body. Another factor that sets this couch apart is its looped polyester fabric, which sports a texture not unlike bouclé. We viewed the Farrah sofa in gray at the showroom, but it’s also available in white online if you want an even more contemporary look. And although this piece is by no means oversized, small-space dwellers will be happy to learn that it’s also available in an apartment size, as well as a chaise configuration.

How We Rated It:

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Best Sectional for Families: Kipling Sectional

What Impressed Us: The spaciousness and soft but durable chenille fabric.

What makes the Kipling sectional such a great pick for larger households are, of course, its wide cushions and the sheer lounging space that’ll be able to accommodate your entire group. It has a low profile and timeless design, and the sofa’s microfiber fabric is at once incredibly soft and low-maintenance. Wide rolled arms and blocky legs further give the sectional a grand appearance. You’ll also find that even though the Kipling model is comfy and plush, it maintains a subtle firmness. In other words, you can sink in without feeling swallowed up. Another great feature is that this sectional is available in either a right- or left-hand-facing configuration, as is the case with many of Raymour & Flanigan’s sectionals.

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Best Customizable Sectional: Arlo Sectional

What Impressed Us: The compactness and customizability.

Another customer favorite, the Arlo sectional proves that even the smallest apartments can accommodate a sofa with a chaise — as long as it’s the right size. This piece looks simple and modern with its clean lines and velvety light grey upholstery. Although the cushions are stain-resistant, they’re also reversible should you need to give your sectional a quick pick-me-up. And despite this living room staple’s relatively small frame, its chaise still offers plenty of space for sprawling out as you queue up your favorite show. You should also know that the Arlo sectional is one of Raymour & Flanigan’s most customizable offerings. Not only is it available with the chaise on either side, but you can also choose your number of desired seat modules and even turn this piece into a sleeper! Really, it’s only simple at first glance.

How We Rated It:

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Best Oversized Sectional: Braelyn Sectional

What Impressed Us: The deep seats and soft textured fabric.

Anyone who’s a fan of oversized seating will appreciate the Braelyn sectional. You can special-order it as a sofa, but the beauty of this piece lies in the sheer expanse of space it offers for sprawling out. Aside from its imposing L-shape, the seat cushions, themselves, extend back substantially (30″ to be exact). We also couldn’t help but notice the softness of the microfiber upholstery, which is available in two chic neutrals. If you opt for the four- or five-piece model, you can also include a wide chaise on one side or even an inward-facing “cuddler” module. Suffice it to say, the Braelyn is ideal for those who love to entertain or otherwise have a large number of people to accommodate. (And did we mention it comes with 11 accent pillows?)

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Best Sectional for Socializing: Loris Pit Sectional with Cocktail Ottoman

What Impressed Us: The seemingly endless configuration options.

If your house is your friends’ go-to hang-out spot — or you want it to be — the Loris pit sectional would make a wonderful addition to your living space. Its detachable modules allow you to create your ideal seating configuration for socializing or idling around. Plus, you get a matching ottoman that fits in like a puzzle piece, turning the sectional into the ultimate lounging pad. Despite its bed-like construction, the Loris actually has a heavy-duty spring system and dense foam fill that lend tons of support and prevent sagging, while a down-blend topper adds softness. It’s what dreams are (quite literally) made of.

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Best Reversible Sectional: Milo Reversible Sofa Chaise

What Impressed Us: The changeable configuration and tufted backrest.

For the mid-century maven, we’d also recommend the Milo sectional in addition to the Mirasol sofa. Of course, this is the better pick if you have more space at your disposal. The sectional is upholstered in a stunning tufted teal chenille, but if you want something more muted, it’s also available in a pleasant beige (not to mention 28 more colors online). We also love its tufted back and out-turned wooden legs, which add some flair. It goes without saying, though, that the star feature of this sectional is its reversible chaise. Indeed, you can turn this piece into either a left- or right-hand-facing sectional, which is incredibly convenient if you happen to move or want to rearrange your current space. Not only will the Milo become everyone’s favorite seat, but it’ll also receive tons of compliments.

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What Impressed Us: The convertible design and hidden storage space.

Even if it weren’t a convertible sofa, the Brynn sleeper would still be an ideal spot to unwind. Its button-tufted surfaces are soft but supportive, while a chaise provides plenty of elevated leg room. But what makes this piece a standout is its convertible design. In addition to the pop-up storage chaise, the bottom half of the sofa slides out via large pull tabs, transforming it into a Queen bed. This is great for people who might otherwise struggle to yank their sofa’s seat up and out, plus you can remove the legs if they happen to get in your way! If you end up hosting any guests for the night, they have a cozy place to sleep, complete with extra blankets in the storage compartment.

How We Rated It:

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Specifications:

  • 88.5″ long, 61.5″ wide, 37″ high
  • Available in Gray

Best Compact Sleeper: Luann Twin Sleeper Sofa

What Impressed Us: The small but cozy silhouette.

Whether you’re short a guest room or would like to introduce some extra seating into your spare office, the Luann sleeper is a terrific choice. On its face, it’s a cushy, wide armchair that offers plenty of room for you to curl your feet up underneath you. Its traditional silhouette with rolled arms and a voluminous seat gives off a homey, slightly cottagecore appearance. Plus, you can choose among 11 subtle yet soothing upholstery colors when you order this piece online. The Luann model also transforms into a Twin bed, unveiling a memory foam mattress that won’t dig uncomfortably into your back. You’ll also be happy to learn that you can pull the mattress up into an elevated position and make it serve as a headrest while you watch TV.

How We Rated It:

Credit: Apartment Therapy Media

Specifications:

  • 51″ long, 36″ wide, 32″ high
  • Denim, Mist, Capri, Linen, Navy, Ivory, Charcoal, Fog, Moondust, Stone, and Twilight color options
  • Also available in Full sleeper and Queen sleeper styles

Best Sleeper for Ease of Use: Josette Queen Sleeper Sofa

What Impressed Us: The fixed cushions that fold in underneath.

Yes, you read that right — gone are the days of removing all of your couch’s cushions each time you need an extra bed and then replacing them in the morning. The Josette sleeper’s cushions stay fixed in place even as you lift the top up and out. It’s a design detail that’s simple yet, dare we say it, revolutionary. At the same time, you’d never guess just by looking at this sofa that it doubles as a Queen bed, which is a hallmark of a stylish, well-made sleeper. The mattress itself is made of polyurethane foam and has a one-inch gel-infused memory foam topper, so you can rest assured that you’ll experience neither sinking nor unpleasant stiffness. In essence, the Josette model is the Goldilocks of sleeper sofas: efficient, comfortable, and clean in design. There’s nothing to not love.

How We Rated It:

Credit: Apartment Therapy Media

Specifications:

  • 84″ long, 38″ wide, 36″ high
  • Available in Wheat

Best Power Sectional for Movie Nights: Enbright Power Sectional

What Impressed Us: The spacious hidden storage chaise.

The Enbright power sectional is similar to many other Raymour & Flanigan models in its category in that it’s great for snuggling and boasts infinite reclining positions. The reason we deemed this one as the best for movie nights, however, is because in addition to its customizable positions and thick-padded cushions, the Enbright also has a (not-so) hidden storage chaise. Simply pull on the generous tab to lift the chaise’s top up, and you’re met with a roomy trunk that can hold pillows, blankets, and all your other viewing party essentials. Additionally, the sectional has two built-in USB ports, so you can charge your phone without having to get up in search of an outlet.

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Best Power Sofa with Console: Rockland Power Console Loveseat

What Impressed Us: The cup holder and flip-top storage.

As if it weren’t enough that this power loveseat offers an endless number of reclining positions, it also sports a built-in two-cup holder and flip-top console that conceals a generous storage spot. In other words, you’ll never have to balance your drink in your hands or lean over to grab it from the coffee table again. The storage area isn’t large enough for blankets, but you can easily store your remote, gaming devices, and other streaming accessories. Fabric-wise, the Rockland power loveseat is upholstered in a super soft microfiber that resembles distressed leather. It’s great for homes with pets, as you can just wipe off any hair with a couple of swipes.

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