The 9 Best Coastal-Style Sofas at West Elm, According to Our Editors

The Nassau sectional isn’t just a favorite among editors; West Elm employees love it, too! “It’s a timeless addition to any home,” Nelson, a designer at West Elm, tells AT. “I usually recommend a reversible sofa, which is conducive to most NYC apartments.” In addition to its movable chaise, the sofa has concealed block legs that make it look like it’s floating, and supple bench cushions you’ll want to sink into.

This sectional’s sprawling, cloudlike appearance fits the coastal vibe perfectly. It has a loungeable low profile and cozy chaise that invite you to kick back. Like most West Elm pieces, it’s available in a ton of upholstery fabrics, but I’d recommend an airy linen fabric for maximum coastal charm.

Plush back and arm pillows give the Shelter sofa a cool, coastal appearance. It’s also one of our favorite West Elm sleepers, thanks to the comfortable, queen-size bed that pulls out with minimal effort. Its 80-inch-wide frame makes it an easy addition to smaller living rooms, too.

Coastal style is all about relaxation, and nothing signals that better than an oversized silhouette. The Melbourne sectional is the prime example of this with its deep and wide cushions and jumbo-size ottoman chaise, which is not attached to the rest of the couch. This means you can position the ottoman as you see fit and rearrange your living room layout if needed. I viewed the Melbourne in this sand-colored fabric. It's a tweed-like material whose textured finish perfectly embodies the natural look and feel of coastal-inspired interior design. Although I found its cushions to be on the firm side, the sheer space offered by this sectional means it's still great for lounging.

In my humble opinion, the Marin sofa is one of West Elm's most comfortable couches. Its two wide-back cushions and long bench seat are slightly plush but not overstuffed. They sank in as I sat, and those side pillows don't hurt, either. Like the Melbourne, this couch also sports an ivory textured fabric in-store, though it's available in many other upholstery options online. A platform base keeps the sofa casual, but thin, angular arms provide a bit of structure. And although it might look trendy and luxurious, the Marin model is Contract Grade, so it'll hold up well amid daily use.

Another crucial piece of coastal style? The kind of casual, natural comfort that reminds you of a day at the beach and sinking into the sand. Most coastal-style sofas are light in color, so performance fabrics are usually the way to go as a way to keep them looking fresh each season. Our review of the Harris sectional led to it being named as our top pick for kids, pets, and families for that very reason. It's pictured here in Alabaster Performance Linen, and no amount of spills, sand, or anything else will get in the way of your beachy bliss. You can’t go wrong with this comfy coastal staple.

Coastal doesn't have to mean raw fabrics and wood or wicker accents. It can also signify sleek, minimalist pieces that look like they belong in a cliffside estate with 360° floor-to-ceiling windows. The Dalton sectional would look right at home in the latter space, or really any modern-style home. "The sectional does the most to make us feel like we’re sitting on something very expensive," Kendall wrote. "Its low-profile, minimalist design and tall, bench-style seat cushions make an immediate visual impression." And though it might look as contemporary as a sofa can get, the Dalton's plush, reclining back pillows and buoyant seats make it wonderful for snuggling. And did we mention you can fully customize its configuration?

Now, the Bleecker isn't the most practical sofa ever. It has very high arms, which help give an overall cozy, enclosed feeling, but they don't really let you stretch out a ton. On top of that, the sofa's seats are super deep, inspiring a conversation pit vibe as you recline back. When I saw this couch, however, I got a Nora Ephron movie vibe, so I have somewhat of a soft spot for the slip-covered find. Even though it looks like a prime hibernation spot, the Bleecker model actually has somewhat firm, spongy back and seat cushions, so it won't totally feel like you're being swallowed up. The removable slipcover is also an added bonus, as it can be removed for easy cleaning.

The Harmony sectional is coastal in a '60s Malibu sort of way as opposed to the traditional New England interiors that this style category tends to draw inspiration from. When our former Best List writer saw it, she noted that it's "cloudlike to lie on, and the many pillows that adorn the sectional have varied amounts of fill, producing back support where it’s needed and head, arm, and neck support on the sides." You can also purchase the sectional in either a left- or right-arm configuration and truly customize it to fit your space. "It’s practically made to nap on, but its retro, stylish appearance is enough all on its own," Kendall added. Much of that style can be attributed to the sectional's chunky wooden base, which nicely juxtaposes the large, fluffy cushions.