How Much Should You Spend on a New Couch? 3 Experts Answer

Buying a sofa is a big decision and often a big investment—and our experts agree: It should be. But how much should you expect to spend on a new couch? What other factors should you take into consideration? And what are the best sofas for your budget? Spoiler alert: The viral boneless teddy sofa didn’t make the cut. Read on to find out more.

Meet the experts

• Barry Bordelon and Jordan Slocum, restoration duo better known as the Brownstone Boys in New York

• Arlyn Hernandez, design editor and former sofa manufacturer employee in California

• Lea Johnson, prop and interior stylist in Minnesota

What the experts have to say about sofas

Make sure it’s the right size. Before you start browsing sofas online, you need to measure your space. “A good design guideline to keep in mind is leaving around 18 inches between your sofa and coffee table and at least 30 to 36 inches between your sofa and other furniture,” Johnson says.

Choose realistic fabrics for your lifestyle. Johnson also suggests thinking hard about your fabric choice. If you have kids or pets, you’re going to want something durable. Consider leather, microfiber, or fabrics described as “performance” or “outdoor.” Hernandez also recommends asking about rub counts on fabrics. “Aim for around 20,000 for a sofa going in your main living space,” she suggests.

Look for a quality frame and pillows. “Much like a mattress or a kitchen appliance, your sofa will likely see a lot of use,” say Bordelon and Slocum. “Selecting something with strong springs and structure will ensure that you and your guests are able to relax.” More specifically, Hernandez suggests looking for a kiln-dried hardwood frame, high-density foam (at least 2.0) pillows wrapped in down or Trillium, a down alternative, and a good warranty. 

Consider your style. “Since a sofa is probably the largest piece of furniture in your room, it becomes a natural design focal point,” says Johnson. When evaluating a potential sofa, she adds that it must add a dose of color, have an interesting shape, or have texture. 

Spend as much as your budget allows. “I always recommend budgeting as much as you can toward it and pulling back in other areas,” Hernandez says. At minimum, she recommends spending around $800. Beyond that, the sky’s the limit. 

Regardless of what your budget is, Johnson says, setting one will actually make the shopping experience easier and more fun. Once you know your price point, your options will be more limited—and you’ll avoid design paralysis.

The best sofas for every budget

Low: Less than $1,500

• Latitude Run Minimore Sofa, $690 at Wayfair

• UPPLAND Sofa, $849 at IKEA

• Eddy Sofa, from $799 at West Elm

• KIVIK Sofa, $900 at IKEA

• Sven 88” Tufted Velvet Sofa, $1,399 at Article

Medium: $1,500-$3,000

• Tuxedo Sofa, $1,698 at Apt2B

• Mori Performance Fabric Sofa, from $1,839 at Castlery

• The Crosby, from $2,375 at Maiden Home

• Ceva 86” Sleeper Sofa, from $2,804 at CB2

• Clemens 90” Sofa, from $2,899 at Room & Board

High: More than $3,000

• Float Sofa, $6,596 at DWR

• The Breuer Sofa, from $3,675 at Maiden Home

• Crowd Pleaser Sofa, $3,256 at Benchmade Modern

• Ziki 4-Piece Chaise Sectional, $5,149 at Sixpenny

• Monterey Modular 3-Piece Sectional, $5,897 at Crate & Barrel