I Test Sofas for a Living — These Are the Best I Tried in 2024

Written by

Nikol SlatinskaCommerce Shopping Writer
Nikol SlatinskaCommerce Shopping Writer
I write home shopping content for Apartment Therapy. My job entails product testing and reviewing, as well as writing serviceable shopping guides for furniture and home decor. I received my undergraduate journalism degree at the University of Missouri and wrote for local publications in my college town.
updated Jan 22, 2025
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Large beige tufted sofa in a living room, with natural fiber rug, natural fiber poufs, over-sized wooden coffee table and side table.

Even though the year has just begun, it already feels like we’re in the throes of 2025. That being said, I don’t blame you if you’re still reminiscing about all you did in 2024. Considering that a big chunk of my job entails going to furniture stores and testing their products for AT’s Personal Shopper series, you can imagine I’m still thinking about the countless sofas I viewed last year from brands like West Elm, Ashley, Burrow, and more. Of course, I don’t remember every piece I looked at in vivid detail, but I have my standouts.

Below, you’ll find the very best living room seating I saw in 2024 — so if you’re looking to buy a new couch for the new year, consider this your quick guide to the best picks on the market. There’s a model for every home, whether you want a sectional the whole family can lounge on, a small two-seater for your city apartment, or a sleeper for overnight guests. And everything is super stylish, to boot. Really, you can’t go wrong with any of these!

1 / 10
Pottery Barn
$1899.00
was $2999.00

Of all the sofas I looked at in Pottery Barn’s store, my personal favorite was the Balboa. The focal point is obviously its barrel-style back, which curves around the entire length of the sofa, flowing into the arms for a seamless appearance. It has a cozy vibe, thanks to this traditional touch, although you can make it more modern with your choice of fabric. You’ll also be happy to learn that the Balboa is available in three sizes, so you can customize it to your exact living room layout.

2 / 10
Joybird
$3598.00

The Briar is a hit with Joybird customers, and for good reason. It folds out into a queen-size bed seamlessly, and when closed it doesn’t take up a lot of space. Still, this pick makes a statement with its tufted seat and roll side pillows. You’ll also be happy to learn that you can choose between a standard foam mattress or a TEMPUR-Response memory foam mattress for extra comfort.

3 / 10
Burrow
$1879.00
was $2499.00

Burrow released its dazzling Ember sectional last year, and I was thrilled to see the new addition up close. Its seats are plush and soft, but you still get decent lumbar support, thanks to the short seat backs and body-contouring cushions. The extra-wide chaise is not overly long, so it won’t serve as an obstacle if your living room is on the smaller side. In short, the Ember is perfectly balanced.

4 / 10
Ashley
$899.99

If you like the look of a leather couch but aren’t as keen on the price, check out Ashley’s Bolsena sofa. It’s upholstered in faux leather, which looked remarkably similar to the real thing when I tested it in-store. And because it’s not real leather, the Bolsena retails for just $850. What’s more, the sofa’s regular depth and firm cushions make it useful for a variety of purposes, whether you’re lounging, working, or eating.

5 / 10
Wayfair
$1370.00
was $1920.00

If your home office is looking a little sparse, try dressing it up with Wayfair’s Elsmere sofa. This convertible number boasts removable back and side cushions, giving you or your overnight guests ample space to stretch out. In the meantime, you can use it as a stylish little work spot if you tire of sitting at your desk chair.

6 / 10
West Elm
$1599.99
was $2299.00

I viewed West Elm’s Newport sofa in a stunning green velvet upholstery, so I think that’s why it has stayed fresh in my mind for so long. Aside from that, the Newport stood out because of its small footprint and modular design. It has medium-firm but plush cushions, so you can sit comfortably for hours without feeling stiff or sore.

7 / 10
Wayfair
$2100.00
was $3499.00

Wayfair might be known for its accessible furniture, but it also has some sophisticated gems made of real leather, like the Santiago sectional. You can opt for either a right- or left-side chaise, so you won’t have to worry about whether its configuration will work for your space. Plus, this tufted model has high-density foam cushions, which means you can own it for years and years without those cushions sagging.

8 / 10
CB2
$6497.00

CB2 is one of the best destinations for oversized modular sectionals. Of the handful I viewed, the Deseo was different because it features two long bench modules. This gives it a sleek appearance and also means you can comfortably nap on it without feeling any uncomfortable breaks on the surface. I also loved the charcoal performance velvet it was upholstered in — it’s luxe but still family-friendly.

9 / 10
Pottery Barn
$899.00
was $1599.00

Not only is the Union sofa one of Pottery Barn’s most customizable models, but it’s also one of the softest. I can still picture myself sinking into its cloudlike bench seat, the voluminous back cushions cradling my body as I reclined. Despite its laidback feel, the Union still has a fairly structured silhouette, so it’ll never look sloppy in your living space.

10 / 10
Joybird
$2589.00
was $3699.00

At first glance, the Lewis looks like any other luxurious sectional, but once I looked closer I realized it has a double-wide chaise. This means you have plenty of space to spread out and stretch your legs. You could even share the chaise if you wanted to! Aside from this notable feature, the Lewis also stuns with its plush, overstuffed cushions and clean lines. It’s even available in an apartment size.