I Asked 6 West Elm Employees for Their Top Sofa Picks — Here’s What They Told Me

A bestseller, the Axel sofa is a solid option if you’re after a leather model. Andrew D., West Elm’s assistant manager, has owned his for eight years and loves it just as much now as when he first got it. “It still looks and feels fabulous,” he says. “We still make it, and it still looks current and fresh.” The Axel was also AT’s choice for the best WFH sofa from West Elm, thanks to its firm cushions and upright silhouette. Plus, it comes in three sizes that could all work for small spaces.

Andrew S., a designer at West Elm for over four years, describes his interior decor style as warm and streamlined. It makes sense, then, that his favorite sofa collection is the Haven line. “It's loungey, cozy, and also clean-looking,” he says. One of the brand’s plushest sectionals, the Haven sofa has a low profile and offers sink-in softness. If you have the space for a bigger couch, the chaise sectional version is even better for movie nights and weekend lounging.

“The newly introduced Nassau sectional is both stylish and comfortable — a timeless addition to any home, both traditional and contemporary,” says Nelson, a designer at West Elm for eight years. “I usually recommend a reversible sofa, which is conducive to most NYC small-size apartments.” Indeed, this sectional is available with the chaise on either the right or left side, so you can tailor it to your home’s layout. On top of that, it also features comfy bench seating (for seamless lounging) and barely visible block legs (which almost make the Nassau look like it’s floating).

“The Andes sofa is a fave because of the antique brass legs, and I like to be able to clean underneath!” says Leslie, who’s been a designer at West Elm for seven months. So, if you’re after a vintage-inspired aesthetic, this is the couch for you. Not only can you customize its legs and upholstery to make it look either modern or traditional, but this model will also give your living room a polished look because of its structured silhouette. Its tall legs also mean you get storage space underneath the body, which is great news for people who live in tiny apartments.

I wasn’t even aware that West Elm carried the Pembroke sofa before designer Carlos brought it to my attention, but I’m so happy it exists. “This is a great style with a high back, and it’s very comfortable,” Carlos says. The sofa has a mid-firm feel and sharp, angular lines that give it a contemporary appeal. I imagine this one would be fun to style with different accent pillows, although you could also keep it unadorned for a minimalist look.

When asked about his favorite sofa, Jim exclaimed, “The Melbourne!” Another modern silhouette, this two-seater features overstuffed cushions that provide optimal support on both the seat and back. “It has clean lines but offers incredible comfort, even for tall folks who want to nod off,” Jim says. You can opt for two seat cushions or a bench seat, which makes the sofa look even more streamlined. Like all of West Elm’s upholstered sofas, it comes in tons of fabrics, so you can truly make it your own.