The 10 Best Couches Under $2,000, Vetted by Our Editors

Name: Raymour & Flanigan Artemis II Sectional
Brand: Raymour & Flanigan
Price: 1995 USD

From Sleepers to Loveseats to Sectionals

By Sydney Meister

•

Published Nov 22, 2023

Additional reporting by

Abby Hepworth

PureWow editors select every item that appears on this page, and the company may earn compensation through affiliate links within the story. All prices are accurate upon date of publish. You can learn more about the affiliate process here.

Image by Paula Boudes

It doesn’t matter if you’re on a tight budget or have plenty of room to splurge, if you’re searching for a new couch, you’re going to want the best bang for your buck. After all, of all the furniture in your living areas, it’s the sofa that truly gets the most attention. You flop on it regularly, work from its cozy cushions and place precariously balanced glasses of red wine on its arm rests more often than is wise. (But this is why reversible cushions were made, is it not?) If you’re going to invest in a new living room superstar, we think it wise that you do a little research.

Lucky for you, we’ve done much of the work for you, picking out 10 of the absolute best couches under $2,000. We’re talking West Elm’s best-selling Harmony Sectional and an editor-approved leather sofa from Article—all well within the $800 to $1,500 range. (And see number three on this list for a budget-friendly Gap sofa that’ll only run you $500.)

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The Best Couches Under $2,000 at a Glance

Best Sofa Overall

West Elm Harmony Sectional

BUY IT (FROM ~~$899~~; $764)

Best Apartment Sofa

Castlery Adams Loveseat

BUY IT ($1,099)

Best Sofa for $500

Gap Home Upholstered Wood Base Sofa

BUY IT (~~$667~~; $500)

Most Comfortable Sofa

Albany Park Kova Sofa

BUY IT (~~$1,498~~; $969)

Best Convertible Sofa

Serta Ayva Convertible Sofa

~~$1,000~~; $683 AT QVC

How We Selected the Best Couches Under $2,000

After sifting through hundreds of reviews—and testing some couches out for ourselves—we made sure each met the following criteria: 1) they could seat at least two people with a minimum 60-inch length, 2) the cushions are filled with either down, polyfoam or a mix of both and 3) that the upholstery fabric is smooth and not scratchy (aka cheap polyester).

West Elm

Best Sofa Overall

1. West Elm Harmony Sectional

What We Like

rated as level 1 (softest) on the firmness scale
customizable configuration
reversible / zip-off covers
numerous fabric options

What We Don't Like

can cost up to $2,399 for larger configurations

West Elm

We’re of the opinion that the best sectional couches are ones that don’t just fit any and everyone, but are also cozy enough to make everyone want to pile on and stay for a while (at least through episode five of All the Light We Cannot See). This is why we went for West Elm’s deep-seated Harmony Sofa with down filling. Its modular build (each piece is sold separately) means you can customize this couch to look exactly the way you want—as a chaise, an even-sided sectional or even as one super-long sofa. The down filling is aided by a spring-and-foam core to give a bit more structure and sturdiness to the cushions, a must if you plan to do anything other than nap on this beauty. Plus, with the option to spring for extra deep 32-inch cushions, you have the potential to build yourself a sectional so sumptuous you’ll have a hard time justifying sitting anywhere else in your home. The best part? It’s customizable with more than 60 fabric and color options.

In a rave reivew, this lifestyle blogger also notes it’s kid-approved: “With daily and heavy use, this fabric holds up so well…We don’t eat meals on [the sofa] but that doesn’t mean my 1 year old doesn’t sneak in and plop down on it with a half melted chocolate chip cookie from time to time. In cases such as that, I keep a small bottle of blue Dawn dish soap and spot clean it with a little soapy water. This always works, especially on the arms where fabric isn’t easily removed. I even left a coffee ring on one of the arms for months and the dish soap took it right out.” She also adds: “As soft and cushy as it is, this couch never looks too worn in or worn out, which was a big concern for me when I purchased it. We’ve had it for 4 years now and it still looks as good as the day we brought it home.”

Fast Facts

Dimensions: 76”L x 41”D x 35”H (larger sizes available)
Fill: duck down, duck feathers and polyester fiber
Fabric options: basketweave, velvet, linen, chenille, twill, canvas, bouclé

BUY IT (FROM ~~$899~~; $764)

Castlery

Best Apartment Sofa

2. Castlery Adams Loveseat

What We Like

seats 2+ people
springy yet sinkable feel
customizable metal legs
removable covers

What We Don't Like

velvet fabric is prone to catching dust/lint particles
stiff initially but softens over time

Castlery

This sleekly designed couch has a timeless appeal we can’t get enough of. Foam, fiber and pocketed spring coil cushions offer a supportive yet springy feel—and they aren’t so rigid that you can’t lie back for an extended cozy weekend read. It’s also supremely stylish and wonderfully practical, with a contemporary build, straight metal legs (which you can customize to be black, brass or silver) and reversable zip-off cushion covers. Add to that the fact that there are four fabric options to choose from—including dove grey, pearl beige, jet black velvet and indigo blue—which were all created to be spill- and stain-resistant.

One happy shopper raves: “I’ve had these couches for two years now. They are SO comfortable. They are perfect for any occasion, and get so many compliments on them. Everyone loves them! Perfect for whether you have company and are acting civilised (aka sitting upright) or are horrendously hungover and want to sink into pure comfort. They’ve aged well so far and have kept in great condition.” Plus, another person adds, “I loved [the velvet of this sofa] so much, that I bought a second one in black. It came on time and was delivered with care, the legs were easy to attach and in no time at all I had transformed my bare living area into a cosy nook.”

Fast Facts

Dimensions: 72" W x 35.4" D x 33.1" H (larger sizes available)
Fill: foam, fiber and pocketed spring coils
Fabric options: 3 polyesters, 1 velvet

BUY IT ($1,099)

Walmart

Best Sofa for $500

3. Gap Home Upholstered Wood Base Sofa

What We Like

cushions are soft yet supportive
three color options
sturdy, durable and lightweight
easy assembly

What We Don't Like

taller than most low-profile sofas
only one fabric option available

Gap Home

Need something that won’t break the bank (without sacrificing quality? The petite, 84-inch length of this Gap-made sofa makes it ideal for tiny living rooms and small apartment spaces, but it can still comfortably fit two lounging adults (or three seated, if they’re willing to get a little cozy). Multiple reviewers mentioned the fact that this sofa is “sturdy yet lightweight” making it all the easier to move to a new room or a new home, if/when the need arises. It’s also incredibly easy to assemble (seriously, you won’t need any power tools). The foam seat and back cushions are removable and reversible to give them some extra longevity—and it’s available in three linen-inspired upholstery options, including oat, navy and gray.

“This couch checked all the boxes: beige, modern design, under $600, long enough to seat three people, and comfortable yet supportive. I also like that the seat and back cushions are reversible in case of stains or damage from pets…Assembly was easy to do with two people but you could definitely do it on your own with a little patience,” one reviewer writes. That said, it’s also worth mentioning their warning: “The couch is tall. I didn't want a couch that I would struggle to get out of like a cloud-style couch, so this was a perfect fit for me and my tall husband. The legs just screw into the base so if you want to make it shorter, you might be able to swap them out with a third-party option.”

Fast Facts

Dimensions: 84" L x 35" W x 36" H
Fill: foam
Fabric options: linen-inspired polyester

BUY IT (~~$667~~; $500)

Albany Park

Most Comfortable Sofa

4. Albany Park Kova Sofa

What We Like

mattress-quality foam cushions
14 color and fabric options
Sspill- and stain-resistant
modular design allows you to build over time

What We Don't Like

cushion covers are not removable
two-seater might be too compact for larger households

Albany Park

Here, a sofa that basically personifies “marshmallow feel.” The 29-inch deep seat features feather-fiber blended cushions that have been crafted from mattress-quality foam—and the back cushions have a reversible, fully upholstered design, so you can flip them over to keep that fluffy yet supportive feel. The seat cushions have black mesh backing to keep them in place when you lounge while the removable covers are easy to spot-clean, too. Plus, the base of each modular piece includes a foam-topped, webbing and spring suspension system that offers superior support. Aside from its 14 dreamy color options, we also love how this guy has an apartment-tailored delivery. The pieces arrive in boxes that are intentionally designed to be easy to move through tight spaces. (And there are no tools required for assembly). The best part? While it’s available in multiple sizes, the sofa is modular, so you can start with this wallet friendly (not to mention cozy) two-seater and add pieces over time.

“This sofa is divine. From the crushed velvet to the gorgeous gold mustard color - WOW. The comfort is simply unmatched. I had a date over to watch a football game and be could not stop talking about how comfortable my couch was,” one happy customer writes. Plus, another reviewer says it’s great for anyone with kids: “My kids always ask to sleep on it and even my toddler has claimed it as his new nap spot…I should also add, for all of you with small children that are allowed to snack in the living room, the fabric is very easy to clean and wipe off. So far, we've had an apple juice spill, yogurt pouch and Cheeto dust tragedies and [the] juice sort of just ran right off, the applesauce didn't soak in and the Cheeto dust wiped right off with a warm rag.”

Fast Facts

Dimensions: 84" W x 39" H x 42" D (larger sizes available)
Fill: hypoallergenic microfiber blend
Fabric options: performance polyester, bouclé, velvet and polyester

BUY IT (~~$1,498~~; $969)

QVC

Best Convertible Sofa

5. Serta Ayva Convertible Sofa

What We Like

converts into a full-sized bed
Serta ‘Dream Coil’ technology
under $700
two color options

What We Don't Like

not as stylish as other options on the list

Serta

Sticking with the comfort theme: People seem to love the supportive feel of this convertible sleeper. Naturally, its signature comfort has to do with the fact that it’s manufactured by Serta, and includes high-density foam cushions with the brand’s signature ‘Dream Coil’ technology. As a result, it offers ample cushion when propped upright as a sofa for Netflix binging and spinal alignment when it’s laid flat as a full-sized bed. Plus, not only does it come in two colors (charcoal and java) but the tufted upholstery is also engineered with a durable, easy-to-clean fabric while the kiln-dried hardwood frame ensures the foundation will remain sturdy for years to come.

One reviewer writes, “This is a great sofa bed at a great price. Set up is easy, all I had to do was to attach the sleeper’s legs and then the arms, the entire process took me around 15 minutes and didn't need any assistance. The color is true to the pictures and it is very comfortable when in sofa mode—the seat is not too deep. When converted into a sleeper it is simply amazing, it turns into a real full size mattress, very comfortable. One thing I love is the many possibilities this sleeper offer by pulling out the sleeper section partially or fully it can easily transform into a lounge chair or a full size mattress.”

Fast Facts

Dimensions: 66.5" L x 37.6" W x 38.6" H
Fill: high-density foam
Fabric options: polyester

~~$1,000~~; $683 AT QVC

~~$1,229~~; $728 AT WAYFAIR

Wayfair

Best Sleeper Sofa

6. Joss & Main Kodie Sleeper Sofa

What We Like

ultra supportive cushions
queen mattress included
57+ fabric options
space-saving design

What We Don't Like

back cushions are not removable
mattress might require a topper for extra padding

Joss & Main

Once you’ve left your 20s behind, we say it’s time to leave the air mattresses behind as well. If you frequently have guests staying over but don’t actually have a guest room to spare, a sleeper sofa is the next best option. Especially if that sleeper comes complete with a luxurious five-inch-thick innerspring mattress (which is supported by a heavy-gauge steel frame to prevent sagging or shifting). Even when it’s not in pull-out mode, this two-seater has a supportive, Goldilocks feel—thanks to its fiber-wrapped foam cushions with sinuous springs—so it’s the perfect balance between supportive and springy. The cherry on top? It’s gorgeous design, which is fit with square arms and 59+ upholstery options that span from ultra-trendy (like the ‘Conversation Capri’ fabric in sage) to Sunbrella performance fabrics that guarantee durability.

“This is the perfect size sofa bed,” one reviewer reports. “We had limited space in our kids playroom but wanted to put in a queen-sized sleeper sofa. The length and depth is perfect and the fold-out to queen is easy to use. The mattress is very comfortable and I LOVE that it doesn't have those annoying support bars running under your back to support the mattress. It has a nice flat and supportive trampoline-like support panel.” Another person also writes: “Its pretty comfortable! I enjoy the firmness of the sofa. It doesnt feel like youre going to sink to the floor. The bed was surprisingly comfortable. When my in-laws cone to stay with us, i dont hear any complaints. (So nice!)”

Fast Facts

Dimensions: 34'' H X 77'' W X 37'' D
Fill: fiber-wrapped foam
Fabric options: performance fabric, linen, tweed, basketweave

BUY IT ($1,760)

Article

Best Textured Sofa

7. Kayra Article Sofa

What We Like

durable and pet-approved
soft bouclé fabric
Scandi kidney bean shape
supportive cushions

What We Don't Like

only comes in white
cushions do not have a sink-back-into-it-and-melt kind of feel

Article

Why did this couch score a whopping 97 points in a PureWow100 review, you ask? "With its unique Scandinavian kidney bean shape and high pine wood legs, this little beauty instantly had my attention," says Commerce Director, Nicole Briese. "Right out of the box, I knew I loved it. This thing was luxe. It looked far, far nicer than similar options I saw on Wayfair around the same price point, and it felt both plush and sturdy to my hand... It’s plenty comfy enough for daily use, with more than sufficient padding at both the back and seat, and I find myself gravitating to it even when I’m not watching television just to work." She also adds: "Given my colleague’s recent experience with bouclé, which saw her [white sectional] taking a serious beating after three months of daily use and transferring dye from her roomates’ jeans onto its seat, I was a little scared I might have gotten myself in over my head, but the Kayra appears to be going strong—even with tiny paws crossing it daily. There was a minor chocolate chip incident, but I followed the company’s instructions to spot-clean it with a mild solvent and the issue was resolved."

To that end, the feature that stood out most to Briese was its durable, cat-approved fabric: "Like a moth to a flame, my 17-year-old feline [hopped] right up onto the back of the couch—and unleashed her claws to claim it. 'NO!' I cried, diving to stop her. I was too late—she had already sunk them into the creamy fabric. Prepared for heartbreak, I frantically scanned its surface, looking for the shredded material that would inevitably crush me…but none came. Try as I might, I could not discern the spot where her sharp little hooks had pulled up fabric and where the natural tufts were lifted... There are no visible claw marks, and with no unstable pull-out cushions to wobble between, [both of] my cats took to this couch like fish to water."

Fast Facts

Dimensions: 31" H x 87" W x 45.5" D
Fill: foam
Fabric options: bouclé

BUY IT ($1,299)

Interior Define

Most Customizable Sofa

8. Interior Define Maxwell Sofa

What We Like

126 fabrics and 15 leg styles
three lengths and two seat depths
customizable cushions for plush or firm feel

What We Don't Like

price increases with certain customizations and add-ons

Interior Define

It’s not just the fact that this sofa is customizable across five different categories, but that at least two of those categories offer more options than anyone one shopper could ever dream of. There are more than 126 colors in a variety of fabrics (including velvet, performance basket weave, herringbone and bouclé, just to name a few) and more than 15 different leg styles to choose from. Once you manage to narrow those two down to a combination you love, the remaining three steps will feel significantly less involved—pick from three lengths (82 inches, 86 inches and 90 inches), opt for either two seat cushions or one long bench cushion and, finally, choose which of three types of fill you’d like those cushions to contain. The 27-inch deep cushions do require the addition of a throw pillow for proper back support while reading or working, but you can customize those two with the option of standard down blend, double down blend or down alternative (so yes, the feel is customizable as well).

“The look of this couch is better than I expected. Read more about review stating So far, so good! The velvet is GORGEOUS and the bolster pillows look really nice. It's everything I was hoping for in terms of aesthetics. It looks more casual than it does in the pictures online, I can't really explain why. Just a general relaxed vibe, but maybe that's just my decorations,” one reviewer says. They also mention: “The couch is lower than most couches I've had, but it's not a problem for me (5'5") or my boyfriend who is 6'2". The seat is VERY deep, which was part of why I purchased it (we're a very lounge-y, casual house), but I don't think it's awkward with guests as long as you have a few pillows for them to lean back on…The upholstery is gorgeous and so far, super pet-friendly. The cats have a hard time getting their claws in it, and my dog wiped a bunch of drool on it within 20 minutes of assembly—it wiped right off. Pet hair is easily lint rolled or vacuumed off.”

Fast Facts

Dimensions: 82” L x 31” H x 28” D (custom sizing available)
Fill: standard down blend, double down blend or down alternative
Fabric options: velvet, performance basket weave, herringbone, linen and bouclé

BUY IT (FROM ~~$1,845~~; $1,476)

burrow

Best Modular Sofa

9. Burrow Block Nomad Sofa

What We Like

modular design allows you to add seating over time
fabric is designed with durability in mind
built-in USB charger

What We Don't Like

fabric could be softer; more targeted towards withstanding spills and stains

burrow

Children, dogs and cats all have a particular knack for destroying furniture and other expensive home decor. But they’ll really have their work cut out for them with this highly durable sectional. The fabric was specifically designed to be both scratch and stain resistant, whether that stain be apple juice, hairballs or an extra-large glass of red wine. And although the cushions aren’t machine washable, they are super easy to spot clean and are also reversible to combat excessive wear-and-tear on any one side. As for the sturdy Baltic Birch frame, it’s supported with the addition of galvanized steel latches that keep each piece of the sectional firmly in place. Yes, even if your kids decide to flip, run and jump over the couch like it’s a jungle gym. Speaking of those latches, they make it incredibly easy to switch the chaise attachment from side to side as well as add in more seating or even an additional chaise on the opposite end, so the couch can grow and evolve with your family. Oh, and did we mention it comes with a built-in USB charger and a 72-inch power cord?

Take it from one customer, who’s still raving after two years of use: “Since this sofa was advertised as fitting up small NY staircases, I knew it would be perfect. It was incredibly easy to assemble (even in an RV!) and has withstood two years of RV travel while still looking brand new. I happen to have both a boyfriend and a cat that like to spill red wine...and thank god this couch is incredibly easy to clean. It truly is my favorite and at the price point, it's pretty unbeatable as far as durability, ease of assembly, and most importantly quality.”

Fast Facts

Dimensions: 85" L x 35" D x 33" H
Fill: three-layer foam and fiber
Fabric options: olefin fiber

BUY IT ($1,599)

Raymour & Flanigan

Best Family-Friendly Sofa

10. Raymour & Flanigan Artemis II Sectional

What We Like

microfiber material easily wipes clean
compact L-shaped design
ideal for smaller spaces

What We Don't Like

cushions are ‘bouncy’ and you can feel when another person sits

Raymour & Flanigan

Yet another option that’s ultra-durable? This sofa from Raymour & Flanigan, which is a gamechanger for parents due to one simple reason: Microfiber. It’s a durable material that looks luxe, according to Senior Director of Special Projects Rachel Bowie, but makes it so parents can eliminate the most common kid-related stains—yogurt, cheerio debris, a melted popsicle—with a single swipe of a mild water-based solvent. (She used just a paper towel and water to clean in most cases.) Another material-related plus: Microfiber holds up to wear and tear. Per Bowie, “This is our second microfiber couch from Raymour & Flanigan—the first one lasted 10 years. The L-shaped loveseat, which can be customized to be left- or right-facing depending on your space. The frame joinery also keeps the separate pieces of the sectional locked together so—again, kid-related problem—the couch doesn’t separate or shift, no matter who jumps on it.

Regardless, comfort is also the selling point to this number, according to Bowie: “It’s the seat depth—nearly 24”—that really makes this sofa sing. You’ll sink into the seat whether you’re stretching out on the loveseat or sitting up straight. There’s a springy-ness to the cushions, too, which help them hold their shape, but also supply loads of back support. All in all, it’s a workhorse of a couch that’s perfect for families.”

Fast Facts

Dimensions: 96”W x 67”D x 35”H (larger sizes available)
Fill: Dacron-wrapped foam
Fabric options: microfiber

BUY IT (~~$2,099~~; $1,995)

What to Consider When Shopping for Affordable Couches

Support and Comfort: Whether they’re made from down fill, foam, springs or some combination of these materials, it’s imperative that a couch cushion be both comfy enough to nap on and provide adequate support for your back and hips. Each of these pass the test, landing in that Goldilocks territory between firm and plush.
Durability: A couch is an investment whether you’re spending $400 or $4,000. You’re not going to want to replace that investment two years in because it couldn’t stand up to your Pomeranian Ellie’s late-night zoomies or your semi-frequent snack spills during movie night. Your couch should be sturdy without feeling heavy (literally or aesthetically) and should be made from durable materials that also aren’t a pain to clean or care for.
Timeless Design: Some folks love vintage-esque or highly stylized pieces (looking at you pink velvet chaise), but if you’re in the market for something that will more easily blend in with changing styles, it’s likely a better idea to choose something in a neutral hue or a sleeker silhouette. And while, yes, some of the couches on this list are also available in bolder colors or fabrics, in terms of shape, they’re bound to fit in with the rest of your living room decor no matter how many times you redecorate.

What Is a Reasonable Budget for a Couch?

Really, your sofa budget should come down to two factors: 1) how big you need it to be and 2) what material you’re upholstering with. If you have a larger family, you’ll probably want a sectional (that can withstand spills and sticky fingers). These can range anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000—the latter end of the spectrum typically boils down to material. If you go with a durable performance fabric, for example, a reasonable budget would be between $1,200 and $3,000. Otherwise, more luxe materials like bouclé, linen or chenille will probably run you upwards of $3,000 for a sectional. Either way, if you’re looking for something compact and apartment-friendly, you can find a high-quality two-seater that’s well within the $800 to $2,500 range.

Sydney Meister

Associate Editor

Writes across all lifestyle verticals, including relationships and sex, home, finance, fashion and beauty
More than five years of experience in editorial, including podcast production and on-camera coverage
Holds a dual degree in communications and media law and policy from Indiana University, Bloomington

read full bio

Abby Hepworth

Editor

Covers fashion, trends and all things running
Received certification as an RRCA run coach
Has worked in fashion for over a decade

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