The Super Cozy (and Easy-to-Assemble!) Sectional I Love Got an Upgrade That Makes It Even Better

published Jun 15, 2023
Apartment Therapy received compensation for this post, which was written and edited independently by our editorial team.
kova storage sofa
Credit: Albany Park

There’s already so much to consider when buying a sofa, and it seems like the list triples when buying a sofa online. How do you pick out furniture you’ve never actually seen or felt in person? While much of it can feel like a leap of faith, it does help when you have some familiarity with the brand. I’ve been a huge fan of Albany Park for a few years now. The Black-owned furniture brand has some amazing pieces of furniture from armchairs to sectionals that ship quickly and for free.

My introduction to Albany Park was the 84″ Kova Sofa that I tested and loved, so when I had the opportunity to try out an updated model, I couldn’t pass it up. This time around, I picked the Kova Sofa + Ottoman, which adds a third piece of the modular sofa that can be arranged on either side of the couch. In comparing the old sofa with the new, while they may look similar on the outside, what’s on the inside really does make all the difference.

Quick Overview

A Quick Look at the Kova Sofa 84″ + Ottoman

  • Modular with modern build that’s suitable for small spaces
  • Hypoallergenic and cloud-like microfiber cushions
  • Floating ottoman
  • Reversible back cushions
  • Solid wood tapered legs
  • Furniture-grade engineered plywood frame
  • Foam-topped base with webbing and spring suspension
  • 100 percent vegan and cruelty-free

Design Features That Stand Out

What makes this Kova Sofa and ottoman so noteworthy is that it marks a brand-new era for the collection. The cushions were formerly filled with a cozy feather-blend, and have been redesigned with a hypoallergenic 100-percent vegan fill that’s super soft and somehow better than ever. The sofa arrived in neatly-packed boxes that are manageable — even for one person — and took roughly half an hour to assemble. However, it takes less time if you’ve got help. The arms and back panels slide into place on the base, and once I gave all the cushions a solid fluff and put them in place, the sofa was totally ready to be enjoyed. The back cushions are reversible, and the seat cushions have a mesh backing to keep them from shifting around while you’re lounging — which is a good thing because I don’t really sit still for long. Fortunately, the foam-topped base has a spring suspension system that can handle movers and shakers like me.

With a frame made of furniture-grade engineered plywood, each side of the sofa measures 43.5″ x 43.5″, providing optimal deep seating that’s perfect for curling up with a book, napping, or watching your favorite show on TV. Plus, since the ottoman can be moved to either side of the sofa or completely out of the way, you’re able to make it as comfortable as you need it to be at any given time. All three pieces of the sofa are supported by tapered solid wood legs, completing the look with chic style.

Credit: Britt Franklin

How It Performed

Truly, the updated Kova Sofa feels like an upgrade from the former model. It’s more plush, so it’s easy to sink down and really nestle in for a while. Once I sat down, I didn’t want to move for hours! Additionally, I love the Rust Velvet color that I picked out. The Kova Sofa is available in nine different shades, and now that I’ve seen two in person, I have full confidence that they’re all spectacular. Maybe I’m biased, but there’s something about the smoothness and sheen of their velvet colors that adds instant glam to your space. Since having the 84″ Kova Sofa + Ottoman, I’ve lounged, I’ve worked, I’ve flipped through a cookbook and I have no complaints about the comfort of this sofa. It’s one of the stars of Albany Park, for sure.

Credit: Albany Park

What We Loved

  • Deep-Set Seating: Your feet don’t have to touch the floor if you don’t want them to. Each seat of this modular sofa offers plenty of space to kick back and forget the rest of the world. The back and arms are high and sturdy, and provide a spot for the remote or a book so they’re never too far away.
  • Ultra-Fluffy Pillows: If you’ve ever wondered what it would feel like to sink into a cloud, the Kova Sofa is as close as it gets. Their hypoallergenic microfiber fill is 100 percent vegan and cruelty-free, and each cushion feels 100 percent like a dream.

Good to Know

There are two major things to know ahead of buying this sofa: First, when assembling the Kova Sofa, remember that the hardware that connects the arms and back to the base should fit together like a hand in a glove. Make sure the arm is fully pushed in before trying to fit the back piece in place. It might take some effort, but ensuring a proper fit will significantly lessen the challenge — as well as any potential damage.

Second, the pillows and cushions of the sofa will need occasional fluffing to prevent them from looking too flattened out after laying on them for long periods of time.

Should YOU Buy the Kova Sofa?

The Kova Collection truly offers stunning and cozy pieces of furniture. Take it from me: I liked the sofa so much that I got two! However, not all sofas fit every space. I’d recommend the Kova Sofa + Ottoman to those who are looking for something that:

  • Is small-space friendly
  • Has a modern silhouette
  • Is modular and expandable
  • Has customizable configurations
  • Offers built-in storage (just be sure to opt-in for a storage ottoman)
  • Offers a wide variety of colors and fabric, including velvet and boucle styles

Where to Buy the Kova Sofa

The Kova Sofa is available exclusively at Albany Park in multiple variations, including:

Buy: Kova Sofa 84″ + Ottoman, $1,849 (normally $2,047)