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May 21, 2023

10 Best Velvet Sofas of 2023

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These affordable and luxurious sofas instantly elevate your living room.

Velvet has an air, or should we say feel, of luxury whether it's a pair of blue velvet heels or a green velvet ottoman for your living room. A velvet sofa in particular exudes a sophisticated extravagance that can tie together a living room revamp and catch the eye of guests. Finding the best couch for your style and space can be a long and arduous order, though, which is why we've rounded up the best velvet couches whether you want a sectional or a cozy sofa that's as as comfortable as a cloud.

Buying a couch can be the most expensive purchase you'll make for your living space — although there are plenty of more affordable couches available from retailers like Walmart and more. Whether you plan to spend a couple hundred dollars or a few thousand on a velvet sofa, you'll want to make sure you really love the piece and that it will last at least a few years if not more. We researched the best velvet couches of 2023, considering size, comfort, price and more, and drew from tester surveys who reported in-depth and long-term feedback.

At the end of the guide you'll find more information on the advantages and disadvantages of velvet as well as how to clean a velvet couch and more. If you're looking for more couch options for your space, check out our round-up of the best sleeper sofas for a 2-in-1 furniture piece as well as the best sectionals for small spaces.

Testers loved the Pearce Upholstered Sofa and we also named it best overall in our round-up of the best couches. You can choose form four widths (66, 75, 83 and 92 inches) as well as close to a dozen colors, including buckwheat (pictured), navy, fern and more. The velvet version has less customizability when it comes to the number of cushions, but the two-cushion style won't make you feel squished either. Square armrests and a classic frame give this couch a traditional aesthetic.

Although pricey (ranging from $2,100 to $2,600 depending on size), reviewers say the splurge is worth it due to the high-quality construction. Its kiln-dried hardwood frame is designed for lasting durability and steel springs support the two cushions. It also has a Goldilocks-softness that is not too plush but not too firm, and the seat is not too upright yet not too relaxed. We also appreciate the full-service setup that makes assembly stress-free. You can also request free swatches from Pottery Barn to test fabrics before you make a final decision.

Dimensions: Customizable | Color options: 10 | Delivery: Full-service setup (cost varies by order total and location)

Velvet can have the connotation of a high dollar tag, but you can snag a modern three-person sofa for less than $400 from Wayfair. The Mauck Sofa has a 4.1-star rating with dozens of five-star customer reviews. A gentle tufted cushion and two round pillows by the armrests mean you can have mid-century chic without breaking the bank. One happy customer writes, "I love this couch! I was looking for something for my bay window area, and this piece did not disappoint."

Wayfair says it packages the couch for easy unpacking, but if you want to avoid assembling the sofa on your own, you will have to pay a little over $100 extra. Even with the additional charge, this couch rings in at a lot less than other sofas in this list. However, some customers did say the couch didn't last very long and wished that it was more comfortable. A lower cost can mean the sofa won't be as durable, but if you are looking for a couch to have only for a few years before you move again, this is a great option that won't set you back.

Dimensions: 31.7"D x 70"W x 33.1"H | Color options: 33 | Delivery: Cost varies by location, professional assembly for a additional cost

Comfort and durability are perhaps the two most important factors to keep in mind when choosing which couch to purchase — and the Lounge Deep Sofa checks off both. Its name implies you'll want to spend hours lounging on its deep, plush seats whether that's with a book in hand, a pet on your lap or a movie playing on the TV.

Similar to our pick for best overall, you can customize the color and dimensions of the couch (as well as fabric if you love the velvet version so much and want another in linen, chenille or boucle). We appreciate the kiln-dried hardwood frame that's designed for durability, as well as the steel springs in the seat cushions to help prevent sagging. Depending on which color velvet you choose, the price can become steep at over $3,000, but there are some colors closer to $2,000. Our testers reported the couch holds up well to having kids and pets in the household. It has over 2,000 online reviews and close to a 4.5-star rating.

Dimensions: Customizable | Color options: 29 | Delivery: Full-service setup (cost varies by location and order value)

A loveseat, or a couch with two seat-cushions, is a great choice if you live alone or with just one other roommate. Customers love the Albany Loveseat, and 550 online reviews reflect its popularity. One five-star review says, "I love this loveseat so much! The velvet is so soft and sturdy. It was easy to assemble and looks so good in my space." You can choose between a variety of fun colors, including olive (pictured), rust, mustard and more.

The couch also features a kiln-dried hardwood frame that's designed to be durable, and you can choose between stainless steel legs that have a gold finish or solid wood legs. The back seat pillows are reversible while the seat cushions are removable. Pocket coils, high-density foam and memory foam are meant to make the loveseat nice and comfortable, as five-star reviews confirm online. With high-quality also comes a higher price tag, and since the couch is meant to sit two people (or three if you squish), it may be more of a splurge couch.

Dimensions: 34"D x 62"W x 32"H | Color options: 9 | Delivery: Costs varies by location

Since launching in 2013, Article has become a popular furniture website known for its modern pieces. The brand works directly with its manufacturers to ensure high quality and affordable prices. For around $1,700, you can elevate your living room with the Klara sofa, available in rust (pictured) and sage. The velvet sofa has a unique look unlike the other couches included in this round-up, thanks to the minimalistic details of rounded corners, a singular smooth seat cushion and channeled upholstery.

Positive online customer reviews note how stylish the sofa looks in their space with one five-star review writing, "Wow! Elegant! Better than I ever imagined. Not soft, but is still comfortable for my taste." Other reviews agree regarding the firmness of this couch, noting that it's not ideal for lounging and definitely on the firmer side. This may make it less of a couch of practicality and more of a couch of aesthetics. On the other hand, if you prefer a firmer sofa, then this is the one for you. We wish the couch was available in more than two colors, but that can also make deciding between the options a lot simpler as opposed to the more customizable options on this list.

Dimensions: 33"D x 91"W x 30.5"H | Color options: 2 | Delivery: Costs varies by location

Per the manufacturer's description, the Fabienne Sofa has a vintage flare thanks to ornate legs, beautiful upholstery and a plush seat cushion that can comfortably sit two people — although a few online customer reviews note they were able to fit three or even four people with the pillows removed. The couch is available in five traditional shades including blue (pictured), green, moss, tan and white.

Metal castor wheels make it easy to move the couch around your living room as needed. You can remove the cushion, making vacuuming crumbs easy, as well as the legs which is a helpful note if you were to move homes and needed to slightly disassemble the couch. The slipcover, however, is not removable. Since the couch is made to order, you can't return to couch if you change your mind and the shipping time is a bit longer at eight to 10 weeks. But you'll get a full-service set-up upon delivery that includes placement of the couch, assembly and the removal of packaging.

Multiple online customer reviews note how beautiful the couch looks in their home. "Have eyed this couch for a few years now. Finally purchased and could not be happier. It is extremely comfortable, well built and so pretty to look at," writes one five-star review.

Dimensions: Customizable | Color options: 6 | Delivery: Full service set-up (cost varies by order total)

West Elm markets the Harmony Sectional as its "most comfortable sectional ever," and our editors have to agree. The couch is super soft and has extra deep seats ideal for cozying up with a throw blanket or one of the included throw pillows. Plus, the seat cushions are made of fibers wrapped around high-density foam for extra comfort, while the cushions have a blend of polyester, feather and down in a woven fabric to prevent any fill from escaping.

Another perk: It's a customizable modular sofa, so you can select exactly which sections you want from an armless double, corner or left arm chaise, to name a few. Each component connects with metal clips on the sides. Within just the velvet upholstery realm, you can choose from over 30 color options, including hues that fall under the quick ship category or other colors that will take up to six weeks to arrive. The majority of testers said the couch held up well over time while a few wished the durability was better.

Dimensions: Customizable | Color options: 34 | Delivery: Full-service set up (cost varies based on location and order value)

Ikea is a great place to shop more affordable, yet still trendy minimalist styles, including this velvet sofa available in two colors: dark blue (pictured) and red brown. The velvet is made using a traditional weaving technique, according to the site, which gives the couch a dense pile that feels soft. It has slim legs and a simple silhouette that you can always embellish with throws and pillows.

The manufacturer describes the couch as medium firm and explains that the pocket springs in the seat cushions are designed to support your body in a variety of positions, whether you are laying down or sitting up. One five-star review writes, "Good purchase, would need a friend's help in assembling it. Sturdy and firmness is 4.5/5." It has an overall 4-star rating with particularly good ratings for appearance and ease of assembly — although a few online reviews note the armrests are difficult to attach. A few reviews also note that the metal frame can be a bit noisy.

Dimensions: 36.625"D x 91"W x 32.25"H | Color options: 2 | Delivery: Cost varies by location, additional charge for assembly

If you live in an apartment with a smaller living room, or have kids at home and are looking for more storage options, the Hughes Sofa comes with a built-in storage component. Just lift up the cushions and stash away blankets, toys and more — your guests will never know! An overall low profile and mid-century aesthetic means you can have both convenience and style.

Choose from half a dozen velvet colors, including peacock (pictured), cobalt and blush. You can also add on an ottoman for an additional cost and have even more storage — although this also means you will have less floor space. The cushions are made of high-density foam and layers of fiber for comfort. Online customer reviews note how cozy and comfy the sofa is, but some of our testers wished the couch was a bit plusher.

The sofa has amassed a 4.1-star rating and one satisfied customer writes, "We love the Hughes with storage. We can store sooooo many games and puzzles under the seat!" While our testers had positive experiences with the brand's customer service, this online reviewer noted they wished problems with their order were resolved quicker.

Dimensions: 37"D x 90"W x 34"H | Color options: 6 | Delivery: Curbside delivery for $49 or full-service setup (cost varies by location)

Full-service setup is a nice perk when buying furniture, but if you are looking to spend less, opt for a couch in a box option like the Nomad sofa by Burrow. Each component arrives in a separate box for easy carrying up flights of stairs and between tight hallways or doorframes — although note that each box weighs around 40 pounds. You'll also get free shipping which means even more money saved — a noteworthy bonus as the couch itself isn't the cheapest on our list but not the most expensive either.

Even though the couch arrives in a box, you won't lose on customizable features. Choose from six colors and six leg finishes, and add on bolster pillows or a sleep kit if desired. Unlike other furniture companies that don't let you return custom pieces, Burrow offers a 30-day return period. The brand also claims to have the fastest delivery times in the industry, delivering couches within a week pre-pandemic. Now your couch will arrive in the two to four week timeframe, which is still pretty fast all things considered.

Burrow sofa owners reported the setup was easy and also highlighted extra features like a built-in USB port so you can charge your phone while you lay and scroll (hey, we all do it). Online reviews also note the couch seems to stand up to pets, with one five-star review writing, "Amazing value, fast delivery, easy assembly, beautifully designed, durable enough for our dog, and extremely comfortable!" Still, a few owners disagreed and found the couch to not be as comfy compared to other sofas.

Dimensions: 35"D x 85"W x 33"H | Color options: 6 | Delivery: Free shipping in boxes for DIY setup

If you are looking to add a velvet couch to your living room setup, here are a few factors to keep in mind as you peruse the options:

✔️ Size: As with all couches, or any large furniture piece for that matter, size is a critical factor. You want to make sure that the sofa will not only fit in your space, but that it will also fit through your doorframe as well as through a hallway or up the stairs if applicable. If you live in an apartment or home with a smaller living room, consider a loveseat or two-cushion sofa. If you have more room to spread out in, opt for a sectional or modular sofa that will fit more people and allow for even more customizing.

✔️ Color: You'll find a large range of hues available for velvet couches, ranging from neutral creams to brighter colors like pink, rust, blue and green. While a more fun color can certainly make your space pop, you'll also want to make sure it doesn't clash with other furniture and decor pieces in the room.

✔️ Material: The majority of the sofas included in this list have a kiln-dried wood frame, which is designed with durability in mind. However, other couches have a metal frame which can cost less but may be noisier. When it comes to fabric, velvet is typically made from performance materials including synthetic polyester.

✔️ Price: Budget is another important factor to keep in mind as couches can be a pricy investment. While you can purchase a luxury velvet sofa for upwards of $3,000, our research found that you can find a comfortable, durable velvet couch for between $1,000 and $1,7000, with some as low as a few hundred dollars and some at over $2,000.

Long story short: Yes! "Most velvet upholstery fabrics are synthetics (e.g., polyester), making them more durable and less prone to signs of wear than some other materials, like cotton and linen," explains Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab Executive Director Lexie Sachs. Not to mention, velvet tends to be super soft and comfortable to lie or sit on whether you are napping, reading or watching TV. Lexie also points out that most sites give you the option to order a swatch of the fabric so you can test out the feel before you purchase the couch.

Cleaning a couch, especially velvet, can be a tricky business. Consult the manufacturer's care instructions first to see their recommendations. If you accidentally spill something on the couch, spot clean with a solution of 1/4 teaspoon of mild dishwashing liquid and 1 cup of warm water. Gently dab the solution onto the area with a clean cloth. Rinse the area well with a new damp cloth — it's important to prevent the fabric from drying with soap still in it. Be careful not to rub as this can disturb or flatten the pile. You can also test how your couch will react by applying the solution to a hidden part of the sofa. After you have removed the stain, let the area air dry and then remove any wrinkles with a steamer. To help with dinginess and grime, you can try an upholstery cleaner like Capture Carpet and Rug Dry Cleaner. You can maintain your couch's appearance with weekly vacuuming, steaming to remove wrinkles and calling in a professional cleaner if needed. It's also best to keep your couch out of direct sunlight to prevent fading.

Before you make a big furniture purchase, like that of a couch, it's important to know the pros and cons of a velvet couch:

✔️ Advantages: A huge draw to velvet sofas is the stylish aesthetic, not to mention how soft and comfortable the material is for sitting, laying, reading a book or watching TV. On a more practical note, velvet is often made with performance materials, which tend to resist stains and signs of wear better than other couch materials as well as hold color well — so you can have a neutral cream sofa or funky green or peach couch.

✔️ Disadvantages: While velvet couches certainly look chic in a living room, there are some caveats to keep in mind. The main disadvantage is that velvet sofas are more difficult to clean. You have to be more gentle and methodical about upkeep, as opposed to slipcovered couches where you can simply launder the cover. Velvet is also more prone to attracting dust and pet hair as well as showing scratches from pets.

Elizabeth Berry is the Updates Editor at the Good Housekeeping Institute where she ensures product guides across verticals reflect accurate information. She has written on a variety of home topics from pool lounge chairs to wine fridges and more. Prior to her role at the GH Institute, she was an Editorial Assistant for Woman's Day where she covered everything from gift guides to recipes.

To incorporate testing notes and expert advice, Elizabeth interviewed Lexie Sachs, Execute Director of the Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab at the Institute. Lexie has more than 15 years of experience in the textiles industry and a degree in fiber science from Cornell University. At the Institute, she researches, tests and reports on fabric-based products.

Elizabeth Berry (she/her) is the Updates Editor at the Good Housekeeping Institute where she optimizes lifestyle content across verticals. Prior to this role, she was an Editorial Assistant for Woman's Day where she covered everything from gift guides to recipes. She also has experience fact checking commerce articles and holds a B.A. in English and Italian Studies from Connecticut College.

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