These Are the 10 Best Sofas I’ve Ever Tested as a Shopping Editor

Of all the sofas I looked at in Pottery Barn’s store, my personal favorite was the Balboa. The focal point is obviously its barrel-style back, which curves around the entire length of the sofa, flowing into the arms for a seamless appearance. It has a cozy vibe, thanks to this traditional touch, although you can make it more modern with your choice of fabric. You’ll also be happy to learn that the Balboa is available in three sizes, so you can customize it to your exact living room layout.

If you’re looking for a sleeper sofa you can offer to guests guilt-free, the Shelter sofa is one of the best I’ve tried. Its queen-sized, gel-infused foam mattress is easy to pull out, and features a breathable, moisture-wicking cover. The sofa’s also a great spot to sprawl out, thanks to its relatively deep seat and firm, comfortable cushions. You’d actually never guess that it’s a sleeper!

Not many white sofas can survive a Dr Pepper spill, but the Riley Sofa can. Upholstered in heavy-duty, stain-repellent fabric, it’s refreshingly low maintenance and soft to the touch. Its plumped-up cushions are soft and loungeable, but keep their shape when it’s time to dial in to a meeting. Plus, its crisp, clean-lined silhouette complements living rooms of all aesthetics.

The Hopson’s 89-inch-long silhouette is compact enough for cramped living rooms, and features a soft, comfortable seat. Its chaise is on the shorter side, but still roomy enough for one person to stretch out for a nap. Tufted back cushions and out-turned legs make this sofa one of the most stylish models I tested at Joybird.

Okay, so the Sebastian Daybed isn’t technically a sofa, but it’s one of the most comfortable pieces I’ve tested. Sporting super deep seats and double back pillows, it gives you a sink-in-soft seat that’s perfect for movie nights with the whole family. Plus, it’s surprisingly small space-friendly at only 82 inches wide.

Perfect for lounging and working, the Mirasol sofa’s softly structured silhouette is a true all-in-one. The rack arms are wide enough to rest a drink, laptop, or book, and the cushy padding makes them a soft spot to lay your head once you’ve clocked out. The tufted cushions and contrasting wood base make it a stylish standout among Raymour & Flanigan’s offerings.

I immediately loved the Ember sectional back when it launched — and it's still one of my favorite Burrow sofas. Its seats are plush and soft, but you still get decent lumbar support, thanks to the short seat backs and body-contouring cushions. The extra-wide chaise is not overly long, so it won’t serve as an obstacle if your living room is on the smaller side. In short, the Ember is perfectly balanced.

If you like the look of a leather couch but aren’t as keen on the price, check out Ashley’s Bolsena sofa. It’s upholstered in faux leather, which looked remarkably similar to the real thing when I tested it in-store. And because it’s not real leather, the Bolsena retails for just $850. What’s more, the sofa’s regular depth and firm cushions make it useful for a variety of purposes, whether you’re lounging, working, or eating.

CB2 is one of the best destinations for oversized modular sectionals. Of the handful I viewed, the Deseo was different because it features two long bench modules. This gives it a sleek appearance and also means you can comfortably nap on it without feeling any uncomfortable breaks on the surface. I also loved the charcoal performance velvet it was upholstered in — it’s luxe but still family-friendly.

Not only is the Union sofa one of Pottery Barn’s most customizable models, but it’s also one of the softest. I can still picture myself sinking into its cloudlike bench seat, the voluminous back cushions cradling my body as I reclined. Despite its laidback feel, the Union still has a fairly structured silhouette, so it’ll never look sloppy in your living space.