We Tested (and Rated!) All the Sofas at Pottery Barn — Here Are the Best Ones for Every Type of Need

We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: Finding a comfortable sofa or sectional online that you actually love, looks good, and fits all of your needs is notoriously challenging. Sifting through sofa brands, researching upholstery materials, reading reviews, and shopping in-person is a lot. As your Personal Shopper, we take it all off your plate by visiting the showrooms and stores of your favorite home brands and putting all the hard-to-shop-for-online items to the test. Now we’re looking for the most comfortable Pottery Barn sofas.

We went, saw, and sat on every Pottery Barn sofa (multiple times!) at the retailer’s New York City locations to determine which sofa is right for you. Years later, we’re doing it all over again to see if our favorites still hold up and to evaluate the new models Pottery Barn has released since our last visit. There were 16 sofas on display, and we tested them all to find the best Pottery Barn sofas and sectionals for every need. Read on to see which ones made the cut.

As one of the premier spots across the country to shop for home decor, Pottery Barn is a reliable, well-oiled machine. It’s a brand that, overall, has demonstrated its capacity to stay on top of trends, ahead of production and shipping delays, and true to its best-selling classics and Americana roots. Beyond this, Pottery Barn has its Design Crew, or team of interior design experts across the country, to help with all things interior design planning, logistics, and aesthetics.

Not only can you take your pick from virtual, storefront, or in-home meetings with crew members, but they will also listen to your every desire when it comes to your dream space — be it one room or your entire home — and develop custom renderings. Oh, and they’ll do it for free. Yep, free. No need to purchase anything, either (although, yes, we can pretty much guarantee you’re going to want to). The complete range of sofas and sectionals carried by Pottery Barn is not limited to this list. Visit the Pottery Barn website for more options.

We judged every Pottery Barn sofa and sectional in-store based on the following six criteria to determine whom the sofa suits best, from nap-lovers to movie-night hosts.

• 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: Are sizing, configuration, upholstery, color, or any other details customizable? How granular can a shopper get when customizing?
• Nap-ability: Can you nap on it? Would you want to? Would guests be comfortable sleeping on it?
• Multi-functionality: Does it have storage capacity? Is it a sleeper sofa? What else can the sofa do or help with?
• 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)?

Every Pottery Barn sofa was tested by former shopping writers Nikol Slatinska and Kendall Cornish. The two have tested and reviewed furniture for the Personal Shopper and Best List series to help readers find the best pieces for their homes — especially small spaces. From bed frames and sofas to dining tables and accent chairs, they’ve covered them all; they’re truly furniture experts. 

Recently, Megan Gray and I, Alexa Casanova, went back to Pottery Barn’s Flatiron location to retest the sofas on the showroom floor (including the new models Pottery Barn has released since Nikol and Kendall’s original review). As shopping writers, it’s essentially our job to test, review, and recommend products, whether it’s easy-to-assemble bed frames, modular sofas, coffee tables, or anything else you may be looking for. We’ve covered them all, so we know what makes a piece of furniture worth buying.

There were a total of 16 sofas and sectionals on display at Pottery Barn, and we sat on every one to find our top 10 picks.

What impressed us: When Nikol and Kendall sat on the Big Sur sectional during their last store visit, they raved about its low-key, relaxed seat. After sitting on it ourselves, Megan and I could absolutely see why (dare I say, it was my personal favorite out of all the sofas we tested!). The deep seat, low profile, and high back invite you to lean back and take a load off, and the cushions are wrapped in fluffy down, which gives the sofa its plush softness. Pottery Barn’s District Visual Manager, TJ, who was showing us around the store, said he has a Big Sur sofa in his home and said it practically doubles as a guest bed due to the deep seats and chaise — perfect for sprawling out for a nap or a movie night. 

We saw the sectional in a velvety chenille fabric, which in combination with its clean-lined silhouette, gave it a luxe, modern vibe. You wouldn’t expect a sofa this refined to feel so relaxed, but it does! And the cushions have just enough bounce to maintain their shape, too, so it doesn’t require constant fluffing. 

Specifications:

• Styles: Also available as a square arm sofa, leather chaise sectional, power-reclining sofa, deep seat chaise lounge, arm chair, and more     
• Sizes: Three sizes — 113.5” wide, 121.5” wide, and 145.5” wide 
• Dimensions: 113.5″ wide, 92.5″/40.5″ deep, 38″ high 
• Upholstery: 100 options

What impressed us: You might be wondering why we named the Pacifica — a 101-inch-wide sectional — as the best Pottery Barn sofa for small spaces, but we have our reasons. The first being that it comes in an 88-inch-wide size. Then there’s its slim, clean-lined silhouette, complete with narrow arms that won’t add bulk to a tight space. But the biggest reasons of all are its short storage chaise and the trundle that pulls out into a sleeper. It’s basically a three-in-one: a lounge-worthy sectional, guest bed, and roomy storage space (which we all know is hard to come by in a small apartment). We loved how effortlessly the chaise lifts up to reveal the storage space below, and the trundle has handy pull tabs that make setup a breeze.

One thing to note is that the Pacifica has a pretty firm seat, while the back cushions are more plush, so it’s still a sofa I’d want to lean back and lounge on. 

Specifications:

• Styles: Also available as a wide arm sofa, wide arm reversible chaise sectional, slim arm leather chaise sectional, slim arm sofa, slim arm trundle sleeper, and more   
• Sizes: Two sizes — 88” wide and 101” wide 
• Dimensions: 101″ wide, 63″/37″ deep, 33″ high
• Upholstery: 55 options

What impressed us: Nikol and Kendall tested the deluxe twin-size version of the Buchanan sleeper sofa during their last store visit, which we’d still wholeheartedly recommend. This time around, we sat on the 84-inch-wide Buchanan Modern sleeper, which has a more updated look and new distressed wood legs that you can swap out for added customization. 

We’d classify the seat as medium-soft: the cushions feel thick and supportive, given there’s a whole pull-out sleeper mechanism underneath. And setting up the bed is super-straightforward: Just remove the cushions and pull out the mattress by the metal frame inside. It’s the kind of sleeper your guests will be able to manage without breaking a sweat, and the 5-inch-thick mattress (complete with a gel-infused memory foam topper) will have them sleeping soundly in no time. 

Specifications:

• Styles: Also available as a square arm sofa, chaise sectional, arm chair, curved wedge sectional, 3-piece sectional, slipcovered sofa, and more   
• Sizes: Three sizes — 54” wide, 74” wide, and 84” wide 
• Dimensions: 84″ wide, 39″ deep, 37″ high
• Upholstery: 93 options

What impressed us: TJ told us the Bellevue Sofa was a popular choice among the store’s NYC clientele, which tracks, because it has a compact footprint that would fare well in small spaces. We saw it in the 83-inch-wide model, but it’s also available as a 59-inch-wide apartment sofa, 73-inch-wide loveseat, and three more grand sizes, so there’s a model for every living room. Aesthetically, the Bellevue nails the classic, heritage aesthetic that Pottery Barn is known for: chunky roll arms, a tall back, and a slate of soft-neutral upholstery fabrics make it timeless and sophisticated, but not stuffy. It boasts a firm, supportive seat that cradles you in the best way (you won’t feel like you’re sinking too far!). 

Specifications:

• Styles: Also available as a chaise sectional, arm chair, leather sofa, 3-piece L-shaped sectional, swivel chair, ottoman, and more      
• Sizes: Six sizes — 59” wide, 71” wide, 83” wide, 96” wide, 107” wide, and 119” wide
• Dimensions: 83″ wide, 42″ deep, 37″ high 
• Upholstery: 97 options

What impressed us: The Carlisle Chaise Sectional is one of Pottery Barn’s most iconic models. It measures 100 inches wide, but has a short 52-inch-deep chaise that would fit right into a small apartment living room. Compact silhouette aside, there’s so much style to love! Sloped arms and intricate, lathe turned legs give it an antique look — like something out of an English cottage or formal living room. And it’s even more stunning in the slate blue upholstery we saw in-store, which gives it a little extra attitude. 

Another cool thing about the Carlisle sofa is that the seat is totally up to you. Choose between a polyester fill for a medium-firm cushion (the version we sat on!) or down-blend which has a softer, more cushy feel.   

Specifications:

• Styles: Also available as a sofa, tightback sofa, slipcovered sofa, chaise lounge, arm chair, slipcovered swivel chair, glider ottoman, and more  
• Dimensions: 100″ wide, 68″/44″ deep, 36″ high
• Upholstery: 94 options

What impressed us: If you’re partial to a cottagecore or rustic farmhouse aesthetic, then you’re bound to fall in love with Pottery Barn’s new launch: the Thornton Sofa. The pleated, sloped arms and skirted base give it a homey, antique feel. It’s practically begging for a needlepoint throw pillow or a homemade quilt to be draped over its high back. And it feels just as cozy as it looks. Both the seat and back cushions are wrapped in a plush, down blend that feels soft and lounge-worthy. Plus, the high-back silhouette and deep seat let you lean back without losing neck support. There was some wrinkling on the seat cushions when we stood up from the sofa, but I think it adds to the Thornton Sofa’s rustic, lived-in feel. 

Specifications:

• Styles: Also available as an arm chair, swivel chair, chaise sectional, chaise, and an ottoman
• Sizes: Four sizes — 60” wide, 72” wide, 84” wide, and 96” wide 
• Dimensions: 100″ wide, 68″/44″ deep, 36″ high
• Upholstery: 54 options

What impressed us: Looking at the York sofa in-store, it’s clear to see why it’s one of Pottery Barn’s most popular designs. It has an airy, casual look that spans coastal and contemporary style, and could just as well complement a more modern living space with the right accents. Nikol and Kendall tested the deep-seat, slipcovered version during their last store visit, and this version is a tad shorter by comparison with 24-inch-deep seats. But don’t worry — it still offers plenty of room to lie back or curl up lengthwise like it’s a makeshift day bed. And if you like a sofa that’s neither too soft or too firm, the York’s medium-firm cushions are the perfect in-between. 

The York’s narrow arms give it a sleeker, more space-savvy silhouette — and it comes in five different sizes, ranging from 60 to 108 inches wide, so there’s a model for any room. 

Specifications:

• Styles: Also available as a deep-seat slipcovered sofa, slope arm sofa, square arm leather sofa, slipcovered swivel chair, slipcovered chaise sectional, and more 
• Sizes: Five sizes — 60” wide, 72” wide, 81” wide, 95” wide, and 108” wide 
• Dimensions: 81″ wide, 38″ deep, 36″ high
• Upholstery: 105 options

What impressed us: Nikol and Kendall named the Pearce Sectional as the best Pottery Barn sofa for families, and after testing it ourselves all these years later, Megan and I completely agree. It’s not too deep or too shallow, too soft or too firm — it’s just right (TJ described the Pearce as Pottery Barn’s “Goldilocks” sofa, which rings true). And the oversized silhouette is roomy enough for the entire family to pile on. The cushions have a medium-soft feel that’s great for cozying up on movie nights. And they’re also removable, which makes it easy to vacuum up food crumbs, pet hair, and whatever else may fall between them. 

We saw the Pearce in the casual performance chenille upholstery, which felt soft yet durable, and had a washed effect that gave the sectional a homey feel. I also loved the piping detail throughout, which keeps it looking put-together. 

Specifications:

• Styles: Also available as a square arm sofa, 3-piece wedge sectional, power-reclining sofa, chaise sectional, L-shaped sectional, arm chair and a half, and more  
• Sizes: Two sizes — 110” wide and 140” wide 
• Dimensions: 110″ wide, 85″/40″ deep, 38″ high
• Upholstery: 90 options

What impressed us: Featuring thick roll arms and an old-school tufted back, the Chesterfield sofa looks like it belongs in a historical library or a high-powered executive’s office, but it lacks the stuffiness you might expect from a decades-old piece. The vintage leather upholstery we viewed in-store felt smooth and supple, which may be more prone to scratching but also develops a beautiful, character-building patina over time. 

The Chesterfield Sofa has a firm seat that might not be the best for lounging, but could definitely hold its shape and sophisticated look in a formal living space or home office. The seats are also quite deep at 25 inches deep. Megan and I are both around 5’4” or 5’5”, and our feet were dangling above the floor when we sat all the way back. And if you’re looking for upper back and neck support, I don’t think Chesterfield’s low back will do it for you. Even still, it’s a mighty-good-looking sofa that adds instant vintage charm to any space! 

Specifications:

• Styles: Also available as a sleeper sofa, fabric-upholstered sofa, square arm leather sofa, leather armchair, roll arm settee, and more   
• Sizes: Six sizes — 65” wide, 72” wide, 86” wide, 96” wide, 108” wide, and 120” wide 
• Dimensions: 86″ wide, 42″ deep, 31″ high
• Upholstery: 55 leather options

What impressed us: At this point, you know how much we adored the Big Sur sectional, so it’s unsurprising that the Big Sur Power Reclining Sofa made it onto our list of the most comfortable Pottery Barn sofas. It has high back cushions that feel pillowy-soft and supportive, while the seat has more of a medium-firm feel. But the coolest thing about it is the power-reclining mechanism, which is actually more of an incline than a recline. This means that the seat almost dips down as the footrest extends to position you at an incline, so you don’t need as much front and back clearance as you would with a traditional recliner. It’s also modular, so you can configure it in a way that works for you. Each reclining seat requires its own plug, but you can also buy a portable battery to get around that. 

Specifications:

• Styles: Also available as a square arm sofa, leather chaise sectional, deep seat chaise lounge, arm chair, leather power reclining sofa, and more  
• Sizes: Two sizes — 84” wide and 114” wide 
• Dimensions: 114″ wide, 40″ deep, 40″ high
• Upholstery: 53 options

• Big Sur Square Arm Return Bumper Sectional
• Bellevue Sofa 
• Carlisle Chaise Sectional
• Thornton Sofa
• York Square Arm Sofa
• Pacifica Slim Arm Trundle Chaise Sleeper Sectional
• Buchanan Modern Square Arm Sleeper Sofa
• Pearce Square Arm Return Bumper Sectional
• Chesterfield Roll Arm Leather Sofa
• Big Sur Square Arm Power Reclining Sofa
• Edgewood Leather Sofa
• Dream Modular Chaise Sectional
• PB Comfort Square Arm Sofa
• Jake Leather Seadrift Wood Base Sofa
• Big Sur Square Arm Chaise Sectional
• Canyon Roll Arm Sofa
• Buchanan Square Arm Sleeper Sofa
• Sanford Square Arm Sofa
• Union Sofa
• Pacifica Slim Arm Leather Sofa
• York Slope Arm Deep Seat Slipcovered Sofa
• Balboa Sofa
• Turner Square Arm Leather Sofa
• Pearce Square Arm 3-Piece L-Shaped Wedge Sectional
• Westwood Square Arm Deep Seat Modular Chaise Sectional
• Carmel Wide Arm Sofa
• Carlisle Sofa