We Tested (and Rated!) Every Sofa at Room & Board

A sofa is a big investment, so if you’re going to commit to one you might as well make it perfect. There are quite a few companies that specialize in (relatively) affordable custom furniture, giving you plenty of options if you’re looking to create a piece that is made specifically for your home. One of our favorites is Room & Board, which has managed to stay somewhat under the radar despite its reputation for durable, family-friendly, and timeless designs.

As part of our Personal Shopper series, we bring our readers along while we visit the showrooms of top furniture retailers, testing everything from seating to tables. In this installment, two of our editors headed to Room & Board’s New York City location to check out 10 of the brand’s bestselling sofas, including some leather and small-space-friendly picks. Read on for all of their thoughts below — you might just find your new “forever” couch.

The Minneapolis-based brand has been around since 1980, and specializes in completely custom furniture pieces that are solidly built and made to last. Over 90% of its products are made by American manufacturers, and the majority of its fabrics are pet- and family-friendly and fade-resistant. You won’t find trendy designs or flimsy materials here — each piece is designed to stand the test of time, whether you’re buying a sofa or a lamp.

Room & Board is best known for its seating, which falls in the middle range between budget and luxury. (Sofa prices range from about $1,500 to $4,500; luxury retailers typically price their sofas starting around $3,500.) It’s not the only category you should browse, though — we’ve also written about its small-space-friendly console tables, and have seen many Room & Board pieces pop up in House Tours and recommended by interior designers. 

We judged every Room & Board sofa based on the following criteria:

• Overall sit: What posture does the sofa best support? How deep or shallow are the seats? Are the cushions soft or firm on the back and arms?
• Seat firmness: How soft or firm are the seat cushions? How do they contribute to overall posture and comfort?
• Customizability: Does it come in different varieties? How many colors, finishes, materials, or sizes is it available in? How granular can you get when customizing the sofa?
• Multifunctionality: Does it have storage capacity? What else can the sofa do or help with?
• Sturdiness: Is the frame made from durable, high-quality materials? Does the sofa wobble or creak when you’re on it?
• Appearance: What style does it best suit? Does it lean more traditional (i.e., deep hues, busy details, flanged edges) or more contemporary (i.e., clean lines, low profiles, mid-century modern design elements)?

All the Room & Board sofas in this article were tested by Apartment Therapy Editor-in-Chief, Charli Penn, and Lifestyle & Special Features Editor, Sofia Rivera. Charli is an award-winning editor and writer who has been with Apartment Therapy since 2022. She was previously the print and digital lifestyle director of ESSENCE, and has also worked at The Knot, Entertainment Weekly, and GLAMOUR. 

Sofia has been an editor at Apartment Therapy since 2022. She covers wellness, money, career, small-space living, and mental health, and loves writing about the items, hacks, and habits that make life easier. She is a big fan of interior design and considered a career as a decorator before deciding to study journalism.

Sofia’s thoughts: The Metro is Room & Board’s bestseller, and it comes in nearly 50 possible configurations, from a single chair to a six-piece sectional. The particular sofa I saw on display was huge. It’s perfect for a family room, especially because it has an extra-wide chaise that makes it easy to cuddle with another person or just have the comfiest nap of your life. When I was sitting on the chaise section, I never wanted to get up. (You can choose a narrower chaise, but I wouldn’t!) 

It was very fun to plop down on this sofa — and it’s so comfy. It has a medium-soft feel and was easy to sink into, but not impossible to get out of. My feet touched the ground when I sat down, but because of how soft it is I felt more like I was leaning back comfortably than sitting upright. The model I saw had the standard depth, but there is also a deep version that has springs in the cushions to help with the bounce-back (whereas the standard’s cushions are down alternative). I also liked the height of the armrest — it felt natural to lean on, and the medium width and squared-off shape looks really nice, too.

In terms of style, the Metro has a sort of traditional-meets-modern look that I think would make it easy to go with lots of different decor styles. It doesn’t make as big of an aesthetic statement as, say, the Vienna, but it’s more versatile and timeless. The model I saw was upholstered in the Tatum gray combination, which I don’t think has a lot of personality but is undeniably a great neutral option. Luckily, there are well over 200 other fabrics to choose from, so those looking for a different vibe will have plenty of options. Plus, the fabric itself is fade-resistant and super-durable, so it’s a great option for homes with pets and/or kids. 

The wood legs are more like barely there chunky square feet, and they’re just tall enough to lift the sofa off the ground. The result is a super-sturdy feel that, again, is great for busy homes with lots of kids and/or pets running around. While I’m not a huge fan of the feet because they give off a more traditional vibe, I do like the low-profile look overall. 

• Styles: Also available in leather and as a sectional and chair
• Lengths: 65, 75, 88, 98, and 108 inches
• Width & Height Dimensions: 38 x 34 inches and 43 x 36 inches
• Upholstery: 229 fabrics/colors
• Frame: Hardwood

Charli’s thoughts: For a lounge-worthy sofa that still looks elegant, the Baylor delivers on all fronts. It has a modern, clean aesthetic that will appeal to minimalists, plus deep seats and a low profile that creates an inviting vibe. My first impression was that it looked like a floating statement piece, and I was excited to sit down and see if it was as comfy as it looked.

Good news: It absolutely is. The cushions felt firm and supportive, and there was no “sinking in” feeling — but it still felt cozy, thanks to the deep seat. (Measuring 25 inches deep, the Baylor has the deepest seat of the sofas we tested, along with the Cade.) I’m 5’4″ and when I sat all the way back my feet didn’t touch the ground, so I found it very easy to get comfy even without a chaise. The seat had instant bounce-back when I stood up, and I feel confident that these cushions will maintain their shape for a long time. 

The model I saw in store was upholstered in the Conley fabric, which is a performance bouclé that’s family- and pet-friendly — perfect for high-traffic areas. I liked the soft feel, and appreciated that it comes in a few different colors. (And of course, if you want a totally different fabric there are over 200 to choose from!)

This is clearly a well-made, sturdy sofa that’s designed for many years of use. Although it’s a splurge, I think the back support, elegance, modern style, and durability make it well worth the price tag. The only con to me is that the thick armrests are a bit firm, so I would add a few throw pillows for extra comfort. Otherwise, I give it five stars!

• Styles: Also available in leather and as a sectional 
• Lengths: 80, 88, 98, and 108 inches
• Width & Height Dimensions: 45 x 34 inches
• Upholstery: 229 fabrics/colors
• Frame: Hardwood

Charli’s thoughts: There’s a lot to love about the Jasper. The mid-century modern style and small-space-friendly size make it a versatile pick for lots of different spaces — in fact, the Room & Board store associate I talked to said it’s one of the top five bestsellers, and many R&B employees have it in their own homes. 

I’m not surprised, as it’s very understated and elegant. It has one of the less firm seats of the sofas I tested, with more of a “sinking in” feel, but still very comfortable. I also really liked the upholstery, which was a faux linen fabric called Sumner. Like other Room & Board fabrics, it’s tightly woven and suitable for families with kids and pets, and I liked that it gave the sofa more of an elevated appearance. 

I’m also a fan of the tall legs, which give the sofa an open and airy vibe (it’s definitely robot-vacuum-friendly!). There are actually five leg styles to choose from — the model I saw had the steel square legs with a sophisticated graphite finish, but you could also choose stainless steel or brushed gold if you opt for one of the metal styles. 

Honestly, it’s hard to find any faults with this sofa. The slim shape is ideal for small spaces, and the performance upholstery means that it can keep up with a busy family. The only real con is that it’s not a great lounging option — it has the shallowest seat of the couches we tested, so it’s not exactly something you can really get cozy in. If you love the style and have the space for it, you could get it in one of the sectional configurations for extra legroom.

• Styles: Also available in leather and as a sectional, curved sectional, chair, and daybed
• Lengths: 60, 71, 86, 96, and 98 inches
• Width & Height Dimensions: 36 x 35 inches
• Upholstery: 229 fabrics/colors
• Frame: Hardwood

Sofia’s thoughts: I fell in love with this sofa as soon as I saw it — the olive color (officially called Fir) is so rich, while the velvet upholstery screams luxury. Plus, the tufted seats are so chic and stately, making the entire couch look sophisticated and “put together.” It has one of the shallower seats of the sofas we tested (22 inches), so I wouldn’t say that it’s a good lounging couch, but rather more of a statement piece. 

The cushions are extremely firm and supportive (the firmest of all the R&B sofas I’ve sat on). I felt like I was barely sinking in, but not in a way that was uncomfortable. The arms are tight and firm too, but nice and low so they make sense to rest your arm on. Like I said above, this is a sofa for when you’re actually sitting upright, and therefore makes the most sense in a sitting room or home office.

I really love the attention to detail in the sofa’s design. The stitching, the piping on the armrests, and the tufting on the seat are stunning, and make it clear that this is a thoughtfully made piece. I also like the tapered legs, which are made from maple and come in two different finishes (the one I saw was charcoal). They’re pretty tall at eight inches, and give the sofa an airy, mid-century modern look. They’re also removable, making this a good option for renters. 

My favorite thing about this couch, though, is the velvet upholstery. It’s so luxe but surprisingly strong and resistant to pilling. I do think the velvet would collect pet fur, but that’s not a real issue since there are 200+ other options to choose from. While this couch is definitely sturdy, it’s not nearly as bulky as others I’ve seen, so I think it would be easier to transport during a move. 

Overall, I think this is a gorgeous small-space option, but I personally wouldn’t go with it because it’s not a very loungey sofa. This wouldn’t be a great couch for hours spent chatting, watching TV, or working from home, but I highly recommend it for more formal spaces. 

• Styles: Also available in leather and as a sectional, curved sectional, chair, and daybed
• Lengths: 63, 65, 75, and 85 inches
• Width & Height Dimensions: 34 x 32 inches
• Upholstery: 229 fabrics/colors
• Frame: Hardwood

Sofia’s thoughts: This is a very handsome couch! It’s nice and wide, especially for a two-seater, and the leather is a super-rich color. It’s on the softer side, and I definitely sank into the cushions a bit, but I still felt supported. The back cushions were especially soft, and there was an impression left behind when I stood up. I’m not worried about it, though, since leather sofas get better with age and look good with a little wear.

The specific leather on this model is called Laino Cognac, and it’s a top-grain, semi-aniline material. Top-grain leather is incredibly durable and high-quality, and will maintain its appearance for a long time; semi-aniline refers to the dyeing technique, and means that the leather is resistant to scratches and fading. The result has lots of natural color variation, giving the sofa a rich layered appearance. It felt buttery soft and not stiff at all, so the overall aesthetic was more relaxed.

I really liked the armrests too; they felt soft and comfortable enough to rest my arms or back on. The seat didn’t feel as deep as its 24 inches would suggest, since my legs were bent a bit when I sat upright. Another thing to keep in mind is that it requires a bit more cushion maintenance compared to a tight-back sofa, since you’ll have to pick up the back cushion and give it a good shake to keep it looking full. Still, I can certainly see myself watching TV from this couch, especially compared to the Reese and Holmes sofas.

I think this is a versatile leather sofa, and it could work in casual and formal spaces alike. The leather upholstery and heavy legs would also look fantastic in a library or den — it’s definitely a good reading couch! I love how soft the leather feels, as well as the depth of the color. Take note that Room & Board has fewer leather options compared to its fabric offerings (35 versus 220+), but that’s still quite a lot to choose from.

• Styles: Also available in fabric and as a sectional and daybed
• Lengths: 79, 89, and 102 inches
• Width & Height Dimensions: 40 x 32 inches
• Upholstery: 35 leathers/colors
• Frame: Hardwood

Sofia’s thoughts: This sofa looks very ’70s chic with the clay-colored weave, dowel-style legs, and rounded back and armrests. I love it! It’s upholstered in a bouclé fabric that I thought would be a little rough or itchy, but it’s surprisingly so soft and almost silky. I didn’t think the bouclé would be very claw-friendly, but it’s actually one of Room & Board’s most popular fabrics and is considered pet- and kid-friendly. This is because it’s more of a micro bouclé, so it’s not as prone to snagging as typical bouclés. 

The seat and back cushions were on the firmer side, but as someone who often sits on my couch while working from home, I prefer that. I could comfortably lean back and feel supported, so I felt like I could sit upright for a while — shocking! It wouldn’t be my first pick for a super-cozy spot to curl up and watch a movie, although the sectional versions could change my mind. I also really liked the narrow, rounded armrests, which felt pretty firm but comfy. For me, they’re a little high — it didn’t feel incredibly natural to rest my arms on them, but the look is really elegant.

The tall wood legs are dowel-style instead of tapered, so they have a skinnier shape that’s more contemporary. They give the couch a cool mid-century modern appearance, especially the walnut finish (although there are five others to choose from). I also like the added lift and airiness. Because the couch itself is not very bulky, I was surprised that it feels extremely sturdy — it doesn’t budge when I get up and move around at all. It’s definitely not a flimsy piece!

Overall, the Vienna has a more structured, minimalist look that I think would lend itself best to a living room, sitting room, or even office. I love the rounded design of the seat backs, the color and feel of the upholstery, and the dowel-style legs. While I wouldn’t personally choose this as a lounging sofa, I could see how others would disagree — especially if you added throw pillows or purchased the sectional version.

• Styles: Also available in leather and as a sectional
• Lengths: 70, 74, 80, 90, and 100 inches
• Width & Height Dimensions: 35 x 32 inches
• Upholstery: 229 fabrics/colors
• Frame: Hardwood

Sofia’s thoughts: This sofa has more of a glam look with a contemporary freshness that’s really fun! Room & Board’s showroom styled it in a formal all-white sitting room setup, but I could easily see it fitting well with different styles with a change of color or fabric. The one I saw was upholstered in the Orla fabric in ivory, and it had a bit of a shimmer running through the threads that gave it a little something extra compared to a typical white couch. Plus, it felt great: Soft to the touch but with a bit of texture.

I’m surprised by how much I liked the stainless steel legs, as they aren’t typically my style. But when paired with the ivory fabric, they really make the couch look special. (It’s also available in two other metal finishes and two wood options.) The armrests were a little too tall and firm to actually lean my arm on, but they are really comfy to lean against. I loved the somewhat staggered look of having an inner arm cushion separate from the outer armrest — it looked and felt much cozier.

The cushions themselves were super comfy with a medium-soft feel, and they have great bounce-back. When I stood up there was truly no evidence that I was just sitting there, so that speaks volumes about longevity. The seat depth is 25 inches, which is the deepest seat of all the couches we tested (tied with the Baylor). My feet touched the floor, but they weren’t flat to the ground like they were when I sat on the Metro and Vienna. Standing up wasn’t strenuous because the seat cushion was pretty supportive, but I did have to scooch forward a tiny bit. 

I liked pretty much everything about this sofa. It felt sturdy and well-made, and I love the look and feel of the arm cushions. The deep seat is really nice to sink back into, and I definitely think it’s one of the more loungey sofas we tested. While I think the armrests are a little too high to be super functional as actual armrests, they do give the couch a cozier vibe. 

• Styles: Also available in leather and as a sectional, chair, and daybed
• Lengths: 67, 81, 91, and 101 inches
• Width & Height Dimensions: 40 x 32 inches
• Upholstery: 229 fabrics/colors
• Frame: Hardwood

Charli’s thoughts: The André is a real showstopper! It packs a visual punch, with a structured appearance that’s sophisticated and unfussy. You don’t need to worry about maintenance: It doesn’t have back cushions that need to be fluffed up, and the shape is eye-catching enough that you don’t need to add throw pillows to make it look more interesting. Plus, the legs are centered rather than placed on each corner, creating a more sculptural look.

It felt surprisingly comfortable considering the structured design, although it’s definitely not loungey. Because there aren’t any back cushions, it had a very firm feel — and the shallow depth (22 inches) means that you can’t really curl up on it. Similarly, the armrests are slim and streamlined, but not totally uncomfortable. The André is not designed for hours of use, but rather for more formal spaces where long-term comfort isn’t the first priority.

The upholstery was a chenille fabric called Mori (in navy) and, like all of Room & Board’s fabrics, is designed with durability in mind. It’s family-friendly and fade-resistant, and has a lovely, almost velvety texture that adds some visual interest. If you do opt for the navy, just know that it looked more gray in the light and blue in the dark. The André also has fewer leg options compared to other R&B sofas (just two: maple wood with either a charcoal or mocha finish). I saw the charcoal legs and thought they looked very elegant, but the mocha is a good option for added warmth.

The André is basically a work of art. It’s a true showpiece that’s elegant and well-made, with firm seats and a structured appearance that’s best for more formal living spaces. While it’s not the coziest option, it’s certainly a good pick for adding some extra sophistication to your space.

• Styles: Also available in leather and as a sectional and chair
• Lengths: 65, 76, 89, and 101 inches
• Width & Height Dimensions: 35 x 31 inches
• Upholstery: 229 fabrics/colors
• Frame: Hardwood

Charli’s thoughts: This couch is very beautiful and, dare I say, sexy. The soft curves of the back and armrests looked very impressive in person, giving off an overall impression of casual cool style. I also liked the bench seat, which made the couch seem a bit bigger than it is — I think it would work really well in a smaller space. The leg-less design coupled with the waterfall arms gave off a floating impression that was really eye-catching.

The seat was pretty firm, and provided excellent back support. Despite technically having one of the deeper seats we tested, I didn’t really feel like it was a true deep-seat sofa. Still, I could comfortably lean back and think it’s a good couch for long conversations — but maybe not lounging. I’m also a fan of the waterfall style of the arms, which go all the way to the ground. They’re super comfortable to rest your arm or back on, thanks to the more forgiving curve shape.  

The in-store model was upholstered in the Declan fabric, which has an elegant appearance and a textured feel that pairs really well with the bench cushion look. It has more of a formal vibe despite being family-friendly, so I would go with a different fabric if you’re shopping for a more casual space. 

Overall, this is a beautiful, stylish couch that’s clearly built to last. It’s designed to impress and it does, but I don’t think anyone looking for deep cozy seating will want to sit here for long. I recommend it if you’re looking for good back support, but it’s not inviting enough for a midday nap or movie night.

• Styles: Also available as a sectional 
• Lengths: 62, 76, 86, 96, and 106 inches
• Width & Height Dimensions: 41 x 32 inches
• Upholstery: 229 fabrics/colors
• Frame: Hardwood

Sofia’s thoughts: Compared to the other sofas I saw today, the Holmes is a bit underwhelming. It’s certainly a good-looking couch, but it just doesn’t pack the same punch as the others — especially the Reese, which is similar in style. I think this reaction is partly due to the upholstery on the store model, which was the Sumner fabric in linen. It’s a simple plain weave that looks like linen, but isn’t very soft or striking in my opinion — although the color is a really nice warm neutral that could work with any style.

On the other hand, this couch has some really great design elements. I liked the tufting on the back cushion and the noticeable seams, which made the couch feel tailored and elegant. The tapered legs were a bit thinner than the legs on the Reese, but they were similarly tall and contributed to an airy look. The armrests are at a natural height, and the seat is a good mid-depth (I’m 5’4” and my feet rested flat on the ground).

Another element that’s comparable to the Reese is the lack of a back cushion. The back is padded but definitely has a somewhat rigid feel, while the seats are similarly firm (although not as firm as the Reese’s seats). There was no impression on the cushions when I stood up, so it’s safe to say that the seats are quite supportive.

I have to be honest: This was probably my least favorite couch of the day due to its underwhelming appearance. But it’s still a great sofa, especially if you’re a fan of mid-century modern style. I think it would work great in a sitting room or more formal area, or you could add some personality to it with throw pillows and other decorative elements. 

• Styles: Also available in leather and as a sectional and chair
• Lengths: 69, 79, and 89 inches
• Width & Height Dimensions: 35 x 32 inches
• Upholstery: 229 fabrics/colors
• Frame: Hardwood