Photo: James Bombales
Conventional design wisdom will tell you to buy a neutral sofa, and there are plenty of reasons to justify playing it safe. Sofas are big-ticket items and big pieces of furniture — you’ll likely own yours for years to come and it can set the tone for the entire space.
Earlier this year, I came across this Instagram photo of a velvet sofa in a deep terracotta hue by the Australian brand Pop & Scott. Besides being well outside my budget, it was a color I had never really considered before. But then I couldn’t stop thinking about it — I scoured Pinterest for similarly saturated sofas and found a budget-friendly option online through Joss & Main.
After weeks of internal strife, I decided ‘Oh, what the hell’ and pulled the trigger. And let me tell you, I have never been so in love with a piece of furniture in my life. Every time I open the door to my apartment, I think about how happy I am with my decision to purchase a non-boring sofa.
Thinking of making a splash in your own living room? Keep scrolling to shop our affordable, 13-piece sofa edit.
1. Charlie Sofa from Joss & Main, $849.99
Photo: Joss & Main
I couldn’t not include my own sofa in this roundup! The “Sapphire Rust” velvet upholstery changes color throughout the day depending on the amount of natural light, and the warm brass legs add to the 70s feel.
2. Blush Pink Channel Back Sacha Sofa from World Market, $374.99
Photo: World Market
Channel back upholstery is having a major moment, and we’ve seen it everywhere from headboards to lounge chairs to sofas. If you’re a sucker for a good sale, the Sacha Sofa is currently 50 percent off — get it before it’s gone!
3. 66-inch Pascale Sofa from West Elm, from $560.00
Photo: West Elm
Marigold is rumored to be the next “it” color in home decor. The Pascale Sofa features removable arms and a back that folds, making it an ideal choice for those who move frequently.
4. 86-inch Velvet Track Arm Sofa by Drew Barrymore Flower Home from Walmart, $899.00
Photo: Walmart
Don’t you dare scoff at my girl Drew — her Flower Home collection at Walmart is a boho dream. This roomy, 86-inch velvet sofa comes in New York Navy (as seen here), Parisian Pink and English Gray, so you’ve got plenty of color options if blue isn’t your thing.
5. Novogratz Brittany Sofa Futon from Amazon, $290.99
Photo: Amazon
Another collection design enthusiasts on a budget need to know about is The Novogratz. This husband and wife duo create funky furniture, lighting, rugs and more. Plus, many of their products are Prime-eligible on Amazon, so they’ll arrive within days instead of weeks.
6. Claybrooks Mid-Century Modern Sofa from Wayfair, $869.99
Photo: Wayfair
With an impressive customer rating of 4.6 stars, this seems like an online purchase you won’t regret. Its kiln-dried hardwood frame means it will withstand countless Netflix marathons, and the rich emerald upholstery is complemented by polished gold legs.
7. Quinn Striped Sofa from Urban Outfitters, $799.00
Photo: Urban Outfitters
If you’re looking for something a little different but are afraid to commit to color, this striped weave sofa might be the perfect fit. We love its clean-lined ash wood structure and subtle texture.
8. Downham Sofa from AllModern, $839.99
Photo: AllModern
Mid-century style meets 21st century color with the Downham Sofa. This sofa sits low to the ground and has an equally low back so it’s well-suited to shorter adults and children.
9. Utopia Light Blue Sofa from Living Spaces, $995.00
Photo: Living Spaces
Give your living room a bright and airy feel by incorporating this deep-seated sofa. The light blue color has a slight gray undertone, which makes it a versatile design choice.
10. SÖDERHAMN Sofa (Finnsta turquoise) from IKEA, $699.00
Photo: IKEA
IKEA calls this turquoise, but I’d say it’s more of a gray-blue-green. This apartment-sized sofa is ridiculously comfy thanks to the movable back cushions and elastic webbing. One enthusiastic reviewer who has owned the SÖDERHAMN for three years noted that her son “jumps all over the thing and it’s holding up beautifully.”
11. MAUI 3-seater sofa from Structube, $949.00
Photo: Structube
Gray doesn’t necessarily equate to boring. This three-seater sofa features visible stitching and sophisticated birch wood detailing. If you prefer your back cushions full and firm, add the Maui to cart immediately.
12. Zipcode Design Stoughton Sofa from AllModern, $379.99
Photo: AllModern
When you’re shopping for your first apartment, you want the space to feel stylish without spending a lot of money. Enter the Stoughton sofa, which comes in at under $400. White it’s not exactly top-quality, reviewers say it can easily be softened up with the addition of a few throw pillows.
13. CIRRUS Sofa from Article, $999.00
Photo: Article
Achieve the look of luxury for less with the Cirrus sofa from Article. The velvet tufted bench seat provides ample texture, and the square wooden legs keep it from veering into ‘traditional’ territory.
