A sofa might be the most important household purchase you make, but it doesn’t have to break the bank to tie together that mid-century bohemian look you’re going for or be the comfiest place to flop down after a long day. To find the best modern, classic, and convertible couches and love seats for less than $1,000, we combed through our archives to find the best options at the best prices as recommended by interior designers and couch owners for style, comfort, and affordability. Below, see the seven best couches for less than $1,000. (And if you’re willing to spend a bit more, we’ve included a few that ring in at slightly over a grand.)
Best modern sofas under $1,000
In a previous version of this story, interior designer Vicente Wolf called this mid-century-modern-inspired sofa from Modway a comfortable and affordable option for those who want a contemporary look. He said he likes that the seating is wide and firm, and with just one armrest, it can work as a divan or daybed for a more casual effect. Wolf said it works well mixed with higher-priced pieces, and it conveniently comes in a few different colors including navy, beige, and dark gray.
While looking for a formal living-room couch that was reasonably priced and elegant, lifestyle influencer Ayana Gabrielle Lage landed on this faux-leather Maimz sofa from Ashley Furniture. With a strong corner-block frame and solid-platform foundation (as opposed to springs) to prevent sagging, “this one gave me the look I was going for (leather) and fell within our budget,” she says. “I’ve gotten so many comments from friends about how comfortable it is and how expensive it looks.”
For their 350-square-foot apartment, Heart of Dinner co-founders Moonlynn Tsai and Yin Chang got this 45-inch couch that they say is comfortable and doesn’t compete for space with the materials for their nonprofit that they keep at home. Plus they love the sofa’s yellow color: “We lucked out with this couch that doubles as an accent piece that brightens up our living-room space and brings warmth to our days,” they say.
Textured couches can be hard to find at an affordable price, but in a previous version of this story, former Decorist designer Emerie Forehand recommended this streamlined velvet three-seater for its retro vibe. Forehand said it comes at a reasonable price for a sofa that’s made to order — at just under $1,000, it’s available in seven jewel-tone colors that she said would “create a focal point in any room.”
Best classic sofa under $1,000
In a previous version of this story, interior designer Sophia Venturo called the Harris a “neutral piece that fits easily into any space.” She liked the sofa’s clean, modern lines and timeless shape and said it strikes the right balance between tailored and cozy. With reversible cushions that have removable covers for convenient cleaning, it’s comfortable and practical, and you can customize it with dozens of fabric options as well as a deep-seat design that’s great for lounging. The 76-inch model starts at $899.
Best sleeper sofas under $1,000
If you’re looking for versatility, this compact two-seater has a foam cushion that unfolds to create a twin-size mattress that rests on the floor. Interior designer Annie Mueller says she likes the sofa’s clean lines and square arms and that it’s a great budget-friendly option if you want a contemporary-looking couch. Mueller suggests using it in a teen’s bedroom or play space, but Strategist writer Lauren Ro thinks it would also look nice in an adult living room.
Yaiza Armbruster, founder of Atelier Armbruster, recommends this Ikea daybed as an even more affordable sleeper. The cushion seat is made of two twin foam mattresses stacked on top of each other (sold separately), which can be separated when the daybed is converted into either a single or double bed (a trundle pulls out from the base to create a double-bed frame). Armbruster got this for her kids’ room for sleepovers (and easily customized it by painting it pink), but Ro says it can work for adults after a simple farmhouse aesthetic. It has two large drawers for storing linens.
Best sofas (slightly) over $1,000
If you have a bit of wiggle room in your budget, we have three expert-recommended sofas for slightly over $1,000.
When we rounded up the best couches, this feather-filled sofa from World Market was a favorite for its affordability and comfort. Floyd says the Brynn is extremely comfortable with a “casual, laid-back vibe,” while designer Emerie Forehand compares it to “a big comfy bed.” They’re both fans of the slipcover style, and while you can’t actually take off the covers for washing, the cushions are removable and reversible for simple spot cleaning and fluffing.
This one might fall more outside your budget, but if Grandma cut you a birthday check, you could get a whole lot of extra design (and a Gwyneth Paltrow connection) for about $500 extra. Heather Goerzen, director of content & creative design at Havenly, says she likes the neutral finish and soft, tangible surface of this mod-inspired love seat from Goop’s design collaboration with CB2. “The ivory hue makes it an easy complement to any palette, while the bouclé-like fabric adds texture and dimension,” she says. “It feels simultaneously vintage and timeless.” She suggests pairing its retro lines with a modern couch for high contrast.
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