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

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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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).

• 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.

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.