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The Independent
19-05-2025
- General
- The Independent
I took a gamble on this $650 cloud couch — here's my verdict six months later
Shipping Despite being a large household item, shipping was free, and the couch conveniently arrived flat-packed in six boxes, making for easy maneuvering within my apartment block. Five of the boxes arrived ahead of the scheduled delivery date, but the final one arrived a few days later. While this sounds problematic, the final box contained just the arms, so we could still assemble the couch as planned. If it was an essential piece though, this would have been frustrating. Having done some further research, the staggered arrival of the parts is commonplace, so something to bear in mind. Assembly Now this is where the couch really came into its own because we fully assembled it in just half an hour. The boxes and parts were lettered (the backrest an E, for example), and the instructions were clear and easy to follow, with each piece connecting simply — and importantly, no additional tools were required. The pillows and cushions did arrive vacuum-compressed, so they took around 12 hours to fully inflate. There also was a slight chemical smell to the couch, but this wore off after 24 hours. Design and comfort There's no denying that I was drawn to this couch because of its RH cloud sofa-inspired design but for $3,300 less. It's by no means the same quality, and the shape is arguably quite different. But, with the price in mind, the design is impressive. There are three colors to choose from — beige, black, green, and gray — I opted for the beige, and, I'd say it's more cream (with yellow tones) than beige, which I'm pleased about. The black legs are made of plastic, and I'm looking to replace them with something a little more chic to elevate the design a little. I also need to add a few bold-colored throw pillows to spruce it up. That said, it's not unpleasant on the eye. In terms of comfort, the foam cushions were firm at first. But having had it now for six months, they have softened up, so you do sink into it when you sit down — not quite like you would if they were feather-filled, but it's still comfortable to sit on. The back pillows feel supportive and have a nice amount of bounce, but prepare to wait a little while for them to bed in; the more you sit on it, the comfier it gets. It's not the deepest (29.1-inch), but the seat itself is wide (35.8-inch), so there's plenty of room to lounge, plus the addition of the chaise means you can fully recline. Speaking of the chaise, the pillow top is secured with velcro and is made from the same foam as the couch cushions, making for a nice place to rest your legs. Overall, it serves us very well. The covers are removable and machine-washable, it required very little assembly, and it's comfortable. For the price, I cannot complain — and it's a great pick for your first apartment.
The Independent
19-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Independent
Best couch brands for 2025, from Crate & Barrel to Ikea
A great couch is more than just a piece of furniture — it's the heart of your living space, where conversations unfold, weekend naps happen, and memories are made during family movie nights. But finding the perfect couch — the right balance of comfort, durability, and design — isn't an easy task. There are seemingly endless styles and fabrics, not to mention comfort, which is surprisingly subjective. What feels perfectly plush to one person might feel too soft (or too firm) to another. Add in the challenge of online shopping, where you can't test the seat depth, cushion fill, or fabric texture in person, and it's even harder to know what you're really getting. And let's not forget that final layer—price points and delivery options. Finding the best couch isn't one-size-fits-all; it's a mix of personal preference and smart design. But if you know where to start, you're more likely to find just the right thing. Whether you're curious about relatively new brands like Joybird or want to learn more about tried-and-true options like La-Z-Boy, our selection of the best couch brands has everything from sleek, modern sofas to plush sectionals for big families and even modular options to use in an apartment now and a home later. With more than 15 years of experience as a product reviewer, Brigitt Earley has covered all kinds of furniture: sofas and couches, beds and sheets, desks, dining tables, and more. She knows which brands to go to for the most stylish and durable pieces (plus which ones to avoid) across all price points. Scroll on for a list of the top couch brands, according to years of research. (Ikea) A classic for budget-conscious buyers, Ikea offers an impressive range of styles (including sleeper sofas and futons) at friendly price points. Its couches are simple, functional, and comfortable enough for daily use. Some are even modular, which is ideal for those moving into a first home or apartment. While assembly is part of the deal, the retailer offers a solid overall value. (Joybird) Another highly customizable option, Joybird offers a huge range of fabrics, colors, and finishes to suit your personal style and current décor. Many of its couches have retro-inspired designs (such as the Eastwood sofa) and are built to order. Overall, it's a great choice for those who seek out mid-century furniture that makes a statement in their living room. For bold, affordable furniture with personality, try Novogratz. Its compact and colorful couches are available through big-box stores and online retailers like Amazon and Walmart. If you're looking for something for small spaces, dorm rooms, or stylish seating without spending a fortune, Novogratz should be your go-to destination. As part of the Wayfair family, AllModern's couches are sleek and on-trend but won't break the bank, thanks to budget-friendly prices and fast, affordable shipping. The designs lean toward minimalist and contemporary but come in all different shapes and sizes, from smaller sofas to larger sectionals and even sofa beds. If you're on the hunt for modern, modular furniture that's easy to assemble, comfortable, and durable, consider Burrow. Most of the couches come in customizable styles, so you can choose everything from leg finish to arm style, and, of course, color. The brand also offers spill-resistant and pet-friendly fabric options, as well as couches with extras, including built-in USB chargers for a great combination of style and function. Article Known for its clean, Scandinavian style, this direct-to-consumer brand makes high-quality couches at reasonable prices. You can expect sofas that are simple, durable enough for daily use, and most importantly, comfortable. There is a variety of colors for customization, too. Sometimes, creating your own couch is the only way, and that's exactly what Interior Define lets you do — offering customization options for fabric, color, cushion fill, legs, and even total depth (38-inch or 42-inch) and chaise length (63-inch or 73-inch). The brand says its modern couches are all made by skilled craftsmen with kiln-dried solid wood, making them 'exceptionally sturdy and long-lasting'. Visit now Known for its American-made furniture, classic designs, and top-tier craftsmanship, Room & Board manufactures couches that are built to last. Each one is made with a wood frame and high-quality upholstery that's meant to stand the test of time. Styles are varied, too — choose from both contemporary and traditional options to suit your style. Visit now For high quality, look no further than Room & Board (Room & Board) Though Lovesac makes a variety of furniture pieces, the brand is best known for its modular 'sactionals', which are essentially highly customizable sectionals. The fabrics are machine-washable and durable to hold up to heavy use, as well as the rigors of pets and kids, making Lovesac the perfect option for families. You can even add features like built-in speakers and USB ports for added function. La-Z-Boy has been a household name in comfort for decades, and it still reigns supreme, thanks to its plush sofas and reclining sectionals that are specifically built with relaxation in mind. The designs do skew more traditional, but in recent years, the brand has rolled out some more modern silhouettes with the same comfortable feel and reliable construction the brand is known for. You can rely on West Elm for its range of functional yet comfortable sofas (West Elm) For stylish, trend-forward designs with mid-century modern appeal, look to West Elm. A favorite among millennials, the brand offers plenty of stylish pieces — smaller sofas as well as big sections — with a variety of customization options at fair prices, especially considering their eco-conscious manufacturing practices and durability. A staple for classic, comfortable furniture in timeless styles, Pottery Barn offers a range of largely customizable couches you'll have for years on end. The sofas are especially great for families since they come in stain-resistant fabrics and typically feature deep, cozy seats meant for sinking in and staying a while. Visit now For a great balance of high design and practical comfort, browse Crate & Barrel couches. The well-crafted pieces come in both traditional and modern silhouettes and are made with quality fabrics and sturdy materials. The retailer is the perfect option for those who want a designer look that stands up to real life. Visit now If you're looking for furniture that's a bit more modern and edgy than its sister brand, Crate & Barrel, turn to CB2. It's a top pick for design-forward shoppers and urban dwellers thanks to the clean lines, luxe fabrics, and a variety of bold color options. Founded in 2017, Albany Park has quickly gained popularity for its stylish, comfortable, and easy-to-assemble couches. The buying process is simplified, thanks to a smaller selection of modern designs with plush, cloud-like cushions. The company even has modular options for those who want more flexibility and customization, as well as plenty of stain-resistant choices for families seeking durability.
