17 Best Couches You Can Buy Online

If you spend a lot of time on your couch, it makes sense to get a couch that isn't, um, poisoning you. Organic couches are made from natural, nontoxic, and (usually) sustainably sourced materials, making them healthier for both people and the planet. There are quite a few out there, but in researching organic couches I discovered the “healthy” and “looks good” are a Venn diagram with depressingly little overlap. The exception, to my eye, was Medley's Lala sofa in natural latex. It has nice, vaguely Danish, modern styling, and it's made of natural latex foam seat cushions and wool fiber-filled back pillows. The model pictured here has the Larkspur Indigo fabric, a 100 percent Greenguard Gold certified cotton slub. Thanks to all the natural materials, there is no off-gassing period. The white-glove delivery brought the couch upstairs, and our dog promptly took it over.

Initially there was a period where the Lala had a wool smell to it, which is quite common with organic furniture containing wool (many of the organic mattresses I test have it). This fades after a few weeks. Comfort-wise, the Lala is up there with the Benchmade Modern Tyler sofa in my book. I do not like uber-soft couches that you sink into. The Lala is pleasingly plush, but still firm and supportive. There's a noticeable difference at first between the foam seat cushions and wool back cushions, with the foam being notably firmer, but this difference decreases over time, and now, several months into testing, I find the couch more comfortable than when it first arrived. —Scott Gilbertson

Benchmade Modern features a wide range of couches for 1950s or 1960s-styled homes. It's the best-looking and most comfortable couch I've ever sat on.

It isn't just the high-end couch that's great, though. Benchmade Modern has put a level of polish on the online couch-buying process that doesn't exist elsewhere (at least in our testing). The company's website lets you browse colors and resize couches with a slider to see the cushion layout. When you have some idea of what you want, you can also order a full book of fabric swatches, along with a full-size printout of your sofa so you can make sure it fits in your living space. The coach arrived well-packaged in a full-size box. (If you're upstairs, be sure it will fit up your stairwell.) —Scott Gilbertson

Benchmade Modern’s range of couches is even bigger than before with the Laguna Collection. It comes in three different styles: a sofa, a sofa with chaise, and a sectional. It’s a little cheaper than other offerings, like the Tyler couch we’re already fans of, but still lets you browse and choose from a huge range of colors and fabrics to use on the couch. But my favorite part was that you can choose a single bench cushion model for all three sofa styles. It made the sofa much more comfortable to fit three people on, since you don’t have to worry about the middle crack to fall into. My family and I have been sitting on it for a year and a half now, and the single cushion (as well as the rest of the couch’s cushions) is comfortable and supportive. –Nena Farrell

This Article couch is a close second in comfort to the Benchmade Modern Laguna. It's soft without being too soft. The single bottom cushion makes for excellent Sunday afternoon naps—there's no crack to fall in. The Sven comes in a variety of colors and fabrics, but I tested the leather version. Article uses high-quality aniline leather, which has proved durable and stain-resistant in my testing.

One thing to keep in mind if you go leather: Over the long run, some maintenance will help your couch last longer. It's worth periodically applying some leather oil to condition the surface. (Otter Wax, $10, is a popular choice.) Also, keep in mind that aniline leather has a tendency to darken slightly over time. I have not noticed this in my testing, but other reviews on the web confirm that it has happened to the Sven. This one arrives in full size. All you need to do is screw in the legs, but if you need to get it through a small entryway, be sure to check measurements ahead of time. —Scott Gilbertson

We didn't love the Joybird Eliot when we first tested it, but after the company reworked it, we tried it again. And we like it a lot more now. It's custom-made from the fabric you choose—there are dozens of options and finishes, with free fabric swatches available—so it has a bit of a longer shipping time. But you'll get it delivered all assembled and ready to go. This version has a pull-out mattress that is available in your choice of two foams. We tested the premium version that comes from Tempur-Pedic. The sofa bed is surprisingly comfortable, and so is the couch, though it could benefit from some throw blankets or pillows to make the arms more comfortable. It looks fantastic, with sturdy upholstery and reliable construction, and the cushions have held up well over several months of testing, though you may have to adjust them sometimes depending on how you like to sit. It also has very deep seats, and the seat depth could be a benefit or a drawback depending on whether you care about being able to rest your feet on the floor. (I usually fold myself into a sort of human pretzel, so it doesn't bother me much.) If you want a couch that's “you”, be it bright pink Barbie-Dreamhouse velvet or mid-century modern yellow microfiber, this option is worth considering.

Six-month update: This sofa continues to be comfortable and maintain its shape well, though a few of the tufted buttons have started to loosen. The color is just as bright as ever, and while some of the cushions have started to soften, overall the sofa is still in like-new condition.

Play couch?! Yeah, I know. I thought the same thing when my wife told me this guide should include a Nugget, which also features in our gift guide for babies and toddlers. After all, aren't all couches play couches? Yes, they are. That's why having a separate, designated kids' play couch is so nice; it keeps the grown-up couch looking like a couch and gives your children a couch they can turn into a human catapult. Everyone wins. Though it comes in many trendy shades, I highly recommend picking a dark color for your Nugget. While the fabric is washable, who wants to wash it all the time? —Scott Gilbertson

As most cat owners know, cats love sharpening their claws on just about anything other than the dedicated furniture you buy for them. My two cats managed to turn two accent chairs and a sectional into dump-worthy eyesores in the space of several years. Which is why when I heard about Interior Define’s “cat-friendly” fabrics, I knew I had to try one of them. Interior Define does sell premade furniture, but is best known for offering the most customizable built-to-order couches—25 styles with over 150 fabric options, 35 styles of legs … the list goes on. You can even choose lengths and widths, sit depth, and cushion fill material. Customers have access to a free consultation with a design expert (either virtual or in person at one of ID’s 14 brick-and-mortar locations), and unless you’re a professional interior designer, I highly recommend this. Even as someone who has bought multiple couches, I was immediately overwhelmed by having to choose options—like tapered vs. stiletto legs—that I hadn’t previously considered.

Regardless, I pushed through to choose the Sloan sectional in onyx cat-friendly performance velvet with oiled-walnut legs. Now for the downside of having a couch built by Interior Define: the wait. Given that the couches are built to order in China or Vietnam, delivery can take two, three, or even four months. (Mine took four.) Reasonable, but still worthy of consideration if you’re in need of a couch quickly. All of ID’s made-to-order couches come with white-glove delivery.

As for the finished product, the seat and back cushions—for which I chose a standard down blend—are firm. Not uncomfortably so, but firmer than I’m used to. I also wish I had selected a wider depth (40 inches rather than 36), as the cushion length feels noticeably short. Otherwise, despite some groans and squeaks after seven months of heavy use (including a couple of tween sleepovers), the couch is still beautiful and sturdy. The best part? The cat-friendly performance velvet works. Both of my cats despise the fabric’s tight weave—they tried sharpening their claws a few times but quickly gave up and now use their long-neglected scratchers. After nine months, the Sloan still looks pristine, which to me was worth the wait. —Kat Merck

Eight month update: The cushions that see regular use have softened and are visibly flatter than the others, and the frame makes a few squeaking/groaning sounds in frequently used areas. It's showing about as much wear as our previous couch did at this time, from Ashley Furniture, so I'd say quality is on par with your average mass-produced piece. The benefit still lies in the customization—and the scratch-preventative fabric. The Sloan continues to be cat scratch-free and is the only piece of furniture we own (including pieces made of soild wood) that they won't at least attempt to sharpen their claws on.

I've been on the lookout for a great sleeper sofa to add to our best mattresses guide, and the Mercer41 is a standout. This foam-block couch bed has an elegantly simple design—there are two foam layers the size of a twin bed and then two L-shaped armrests. As a sofa it's on the deep side and may not work in every space. But in place of a daybed in an office, or if you're someone who takes laying around on the couch literally, it’s great. It's also very kid-friendly. My 9-year-old daughter loves using its foam blocks to build forts. You can take the corduroy cover off and wash it. The couch is available in orange, green, black, grey, wine red, and cream. As a bed, the foam is spongy and a fairly neutral medium-firmness that I would not hesitate to offer to any houseguest. As a sofa, its a little on the stiff side, which I like. —Martin Cizmar

The Auburn Sectional from Castlery offers comfort with a contemporary design that feels straight out of a boutique lobby. The setup couldn’t have gone smoother; each modular piece clicks into place without tools. Its curved silhouette and clean lines give it a sculptural aesthetic, while the performance bouclé fabric (100 percent polyester and PFAS-free) holds up well against everyday stains and pets. I have two cats who treat every couch I purchase like a playground and scratching post, and I was beyond impressed by how well this one held up to their claws. The fabric still looks intact (just don’t look too hard) with no significant snags or tears. Even better, spills don’t soak in; they slide right off. The texture is plush but firm.

It’s the kind of couch that’s perfect for lounging or curling up in a ball for a midday nap. The modular build means you can customize it to fit your space, whether you want a classic chaise or an L-shaped setup. Available in off-white cream or gray chalk, it looks and feels expensive. The fabric does cling to dust and pet hair, but the gray chalk color camouflages it brilliantly. Plus, it’s easy to vacuum and maintain. Seriously, I love Castlery’s spill-resistant fabric so much, I had to test out the company's bed frame. —Boutayna Chokrane

It’s hard shopping for an outdoor couch. You need to consider the material so that it can weather the elements, potentially buy a storage box to store cushions, and consider the color, because who wants visible stains? That’s why I was so intrigued with Outer. The company’s couches come with OuterShell, a built-in cover that wraps around the couch cushions to keep them protected from bird droppings and rain. Just pull it over the cushions when you’re not using them, and affix the Velcro to the underside. If you’re going to be away from home for extended periods, or there’s a big storm on the way, there’s a grab handle on the cover that lets you easily grab them all one-handed and bring them indoors.

I am lazy, and have only brought the cushions inside once before a big storm. Otherwise, I’ve just left the OuterShell over the cushions, and in the two months of testing, they still look and feel fabulous. (That’s with various rainstorms and heat waves.) There’s no mildew or anything of the sort on Outer’s performance fabric cushions, which are made from recyclable materials and have a waterproof protective barrier as well, and they look just as new. I have the navy color, so I don’t spot anything, but the good news is the cushion covers are machine washable.

It’s super easy to get the couches ready for lounging—you can roll the cover up and tuck it away, or just fling it over the seat. And it has my wife’s seal of approval! That’s a high bar, considering she’s very picky. As I type these words, she’s blissfully napping on the couch outside. The OuterCloud cushions are super plush and soft, and the fabric doesn’t feel rough on skin.

The couch itself uses Forest Stewardship Council-certified wood, which means the Grade A teak employed here is harvested from responsibly managed forests. It looks gorgeous and feels sturdy. But you don’t have to feel limited by teak—Outer also has wicker and aluminum options. Speaking of, you can completely build out your preferred seating layout using Outer’s Modular Seating tool, or choose one of the preconfigured options, whether that includes an L sectional or two armless chairs.

It’s spendy, and I’ll need to see how the Outer couch fares over the course of a year—especially when winter comes around—but there’s a lot to love so far, and the overall quality is promising. If I could make one wish, it would be that the arms of the chairs were wider so that I could plop a cup of coffee down, though that also could just invite a spill. —Julian Chokkattu

The Cozey Ciello XL is really easy to set up, especially with the company’s video instructions. Depending on the configuration you choose for this modular sofa, you might need a lot of room for assembly. Make sure you have a clear space to work in before putting it together (and a box cutter handy for cleanup afterward).

Each module arrives in its own box, with the cushions, covers, and hardware tucked inside the hollow seat, back, or armrest. Pull everything out, put it all together, and snap the modules together to bring your sofa to life.

I didn't love the sofa’s boxy frame nor the way the crinkly, cloudlike cushions liked to slip and slide over the rigid structures beneath. But if you're looking for room to stretch out, this couch has it. Its size makes it an obvious choice for families who need more room for movie nights. And the performance fabric, combined with the removable covers, makes for very easy cleaning. You can order free swatches of the performance fabric and the chenille options, and there's a 30-day trial period as well as a five-year warranty.

Trule's armless three-seat sofa is obviously (ahem) very faithfully inspired by the iconic Ligne Roset Togo which does, sadly, cost 10 times as much as this Wayfair offering. The weird part? I think the Trule is actually far more comfortable than the original thanks to its stiffer and more traditional foam construction. This sofa from came delivered to my house in a 60-pound box that was light enough for me to lift by myself. Despite the "bean bag" description, it's nothing like the bean bags of my youth, keeping its shape precisely after being flopped and sprawled upon. At 69 inches long, it’s more like a long loveseat than a typical three-seat sofa; if you’re going to sit three people on it at once, the two on the ends will be hanging their legs out to the side, which is easy to do as there are no arms. —Martin Cizmar

Who says couches have to look boring? You'll have to spend a little time making sure the colors and patterns don't clash with your room, but I love the sheer number of choices The Inside offers for its handmade, made-to-order Modern Sofa. I went with the Ink Frida and it looks excellent in my space, though there are more than 130(!) other patterns you can peruse.

The legs are metal, so you don't have to worry about one breaking off if you plop down too forcefully, and the frame of the sofa is solid wood with laminated panels and tempered steel springs. The Inside offers white glove delivery, so it arrived fully assembled and all I had to do was make space for the delivery folks to squeeze it through my narrow stairwell and into the living room. Most important, it's wonderfully cozy. The seats are plush and my wife and I have fallen asleep on this thing a few too many times. The covers are removable, though the company recommends spot cleaning.

I love the length. At 89 inches, I can comfortably stretch my 6'4" body all the way, though we wouldn't have minded if it had more depth. You will need to add throw pillows for the ends, as the arms are rigid; they help complete the look too. —Julian Chokkattu

A Lovesac couch—aka Sactional—is expensive, but customizable. Only have space for a two-seater now? Turn that into a three-seater when you have your first kid, or even a 10-seater when you move into a house with a basement. Add storage seats and power hubs and switch out the machine-washable covers when you redecorate. You can configure and reconfigure it in a number of ways, including by making the seats deeper.

It's comfy and sturdy, and the corded velvet cover I chose looks sophisticated but cozy. The best part? It doesn't resemble a couch cover, which often looks baggy. It comes in many, many boxes, depending on what you get. That makes it easier to bring up small stairwells, but you'll need a lot of patience and someone else to help you put it together. (And maybe a gift for your delivery person.) I recommend watching the company's instructional videos. The hard pieces—like the frame, sides, and clamps that hold pieces together–come with a lifetime warranty, but covers and cushions have a three-year warranty.

★ Upgrade: For another few grand, you can add Lovesac’s StealthTech pieces, which hide Harman Kardon speakers in the arms (plus a wireless charging pad) and a subwoofer under the seat. The bundle also comes with a center channel that plugs into your TV. You can get it when you order a new couch or connect it to a Sactional you already have at home. —Medea Giordano

The Burrow sofa sectional is plush, comfy, and fairly compact, but its best feature is how quickly it assembles. The Nomad ships in a few large boxes, depending on the options you choose (with or without an ottoman, extra cushions, etc.). Once you open the boxes, the build goes pretty quickly. Everything snaps together like a Lego set.

The Nomad held up well over its year of testing, considering I'm in a three-pet household. The cushions are still just as plush as they were on day one, and despite the need to occasionally push the cushions back in (they tend to slide if you sit and slouch for a long time, as I do), it's one of the best couches I've owned. Additionally, it's pretty compact without sacrificing seating space. The sofa sectional can easily seat three people, or four if you seat someone on the chaise. It's a great choice for small apartments, and it really opened up my living room. —Jaina Grey