10 Stylish Sofas That Are Perfect for Your First Apartment (All Under $500!)

updated Mar 25, 2021
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Furnishing your first-ever apartment can quickly become overwhelming, especially when you’re on a budget. I mean, have sofas always been so expensive? As it turns out, they don’t have to be, although finding a great bargain that doesn’t skimp on quality or style does require a bit of digging. You probably have tons of details to deal with right about now, so leave the hard work to us. Ahead, you’ll find 10 sophisticated sofas that are perfect for when you’re just starting out, and they’re all priced at under $500. Whether you’re looking for a traditional sofa, a petite loveseat or settee that’ll fit well in a small space, or a hard-working sleeper sofa that converts into a guest bed, the picks ahead are perfect for when you’re just starting out. Good luck — and congratulations!

1 / 7
West Elm
$699.00

Yes, it is possible to get a West Elm sofa for less than $500 — and no, you won’t have to wait until the next sale. Despite having all the exceptional quality and style the brand is known for, their latest sofa, the Oliver, rings in at just $499. With clean lines, flared wood legs, and durable fabric upholstery in your choice of two styles, it’s the perfect small-space-friendly first sofa.

2 / 7
World Market
$699.99

Featuring a channel-tufted back and a sleek, square-arm silhouette, this loveseat is designed with easy-to-clean, velvet-like performance upholstery, so it’ll be a cinch to keep it looking nice despite its light color. Other design highlights include a solid hardwood frame and flared rubberwood legs with gleaming gold tips — all in all, the piece looks much more expensive than it actually is.

3 / 7
Wayfair
$273.32
was $789.00

Everything about this sleeper sofa looks super sophisticated, from the channel-tufted upholstery to the timeless mid-century modern silhouette to the rich, warm color. Beyond its good looks, though, it has plenty of practical features. The multifunctional design not only converts into a futon bed, it also has a split back to allow for individual reclining.

4 / 7
Overstock
$427.02
was $449.49

This sofa looks deceivingly expensive — nobody will guess you got it for less than $500. The faux leather upholstery looks smooth and supple, and mid-century modern details like button tufting, wooden sides, and gold-tipped flared legs all add something special to its sophisticated look. Plus, its relatively compact size and low profile make it a great pick for a smaller apartment.

5 / 7
Amazon
$379.69

This statement-making velvet sofa will instantly add a ton of personality to your space. With its cotton-candy-pink upholstery and gleaming gold legs, it’s a luxe, glamorous twist on the classic mid-century modern look. Plus, it has a solid hardwood frame and can support up to 700 pounds, so it’s durable enough to hold up to lots of everyday use.

6 / 7
Walmart
$299.00

Another sleek sleeper sofa with a mid-century modern design, this one has solid wood legs and unique diagonal stitching sewn into the linen upholstery. Like the other sleeper sofas on this list, its split back means each side can recline separately to either a lounging or sleeping position. Its pared-back silhouette and low profile won’t feel overwhelming in a smaller living room.

7 / 7
Walmart
$204.00
was $227.00

Part of Queer Eye’s exclusive furniture collection for Walmart, this sleek sofa bed also has a split-back design, so each side of the backrest can fold into a sleeping or lounging position. The buttery vegan leather upholstery beautifully complements the clean-lined silhouette, but it’s also available in an emerald green velvet version if you prefer something a bit more vibrant.