Are the Viral Koala Sofas Worth It? We Tested a Few to Find Out

When I first moved into my New York apartment and started shopping for a small-space sofa, I discovered a few brands almost immediately, like Sabai, Article, Cozey — and Koala. Once my algorithm caught wind of my search, I started seeing the Australian furniture brand’s viral sleeper sofas everywhere I scrolled. Naturally, I wondered whether all the rave reviews I was seeing online were legit. 

Turns out, several Apartment Therapy editors have Koala sofas in their homes and confirmed that, yes, the sofas are 100% worth it. I investigated further to find out why.

Based in Sydney, Australia, Koala is a direct-to-consumer brand that specializes in stylish, sustainably made furniture. Whether you’re concerned about space, assembly, or environmental impact, Koala’s pieces address all of the above. The pieces are made to accommodate layouts big and small, and many feature versatile, modular silhouettes that can be reconfigured as your needs change, without any tools (!). What’s more, they’re meticulously made using sustainable materials (like FSC-certified timber and recycled, plant-derived fabrics) and durable, water-resistant upholstery.  

Koala isn’t just in the name, either. The brand works with the WWF (World Wildlife Fund) on koala conservation efforts and has donated over $5.5M AUD so far! The brand is also a certified B-Corporation, which essentially ensures it meets the highest social and environmental standards, and a member of 1% For the Planet, which ensures that 1% of Koala’s annual sales go towards an environmental cause. We love an ethical business! 

Yes. Koala delivers to the U.S., Australia, and Japan. There are several shipping options: free standard freight delivery, which can take anywhere from seven to 21 days, and free FedEx ground shipping, which takes two to seven days — both require that you pick a delivery window at checkout. Currently, Koala only offers White Glove delivery for its larger sofa models like the Byron and the Wanda sofa, which costs $179 and has a seven- to 21-day delivery window. As part of the White Glove delivery service, Koala’s freight partners will bring your sofa into the room of your choice, set it up completely, and remove any packaging. All you need to do is get rid of your old sofa first. 

No, Koala operates using a direct-to-consumer model, which helps the brand keep its prices reasonable by foregoing the added operational costs of running a storefront. 

Unless you’re buying the Wanda or Byron sofas and opting for White Glove delivery, you will need to assemble your Koala sofa. But hear me out: It’s actually pretty straightforward. AT editors said the process is surprisingly smooth, and goes even faster with an extra set of hands. Most importantly, though, it doesn’t require any tools, so you can leave your tool kit alone (cue the sigh of relief). 

Yes they do! Koala has a few sales throughout the year, especially during major holidays like Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Labor Day, and Presidents’ Day. 

TLDR: Koala furniture is absolutely worth it. An AT editor wrote that the brand’s famous fold-out sleeper sofa has been a game-changer when hosting overnight guests in a small space, and another AT staffer shared that its modular models have solved some of their trickiest layout dilemmas. Functionality aside, the brand makes a wickedly stylish sofa, with clean-lined silhouettes that look modern and inviting in any living room. Best of all, the couches are truly comfortable, according to the editors who’ve tested them, which is always hard to gauge when you’re shopping online. 

If you’re feeling inspired to give Koala a try, I’ve rounded up the editor-approved pieces (and a few customer favorites) that are worth considering first.