The 12 best affordable sofas which go big on style, just not on price tag

Aug 04, 2023

The Livingetc team has sniffed out the 12 best affordable sofas which still have maximum style points

For style leaders and design lovers.

Thank you for signing up to LivingEtc. You will receive a verification email shortly.

There was a problem. Please refresh the page and try again.

1. Best affordable two-seater sofas

2. Best affordable three-seater sofas

3. Best affordable curved sofas

4. Best affordable sectional sofas

A good sofa can last two decades or more and the cost can run into thousands of dollars. This is especially true with pieces that are well designed and well crafted. However, there are affordable sofas on offer, with designer looks minus the high price tag.

Many of these affordable sofas are available online only and some have limited upholstery options. This cuts out considerable costs, which are passed on to the customer. Most of the best couches we've seen in this bracket are under $1,000 too.

We've scoured the best home decor stores for our favorite models and those we think you'll like.

Price: $999

This generously sized love seat (33"H x 74"W x 34"D) could serve as a two-seater sofa in an urban apartment. We love its clean lines, neat tufted back and mid-century style. It's available in winter grey, limestone or twilight blue upholstery.

Price: $400

One of the best couches for small spaces, the Harwin (32.3"H x 78.7"W x 30.3"D) by Lifestyle Solutions can be teamed with a coordinating love seat or armchair if you require more seating. Its simple style is perfectly complemented by the rolled arms and tufted detailing.

Price: $349.99

The modern linear profile of the Homfa sofa is softened by its camel-colored microsuede upholstery, which would add warmth and style to your living space. The back cushions and their covers are removable for easy cleaning too.

Price: $999

Available in five attractive upholstery options, including grey, white and blue, the Ceni grey sofa would bring a touch of vintage style to your space. At 31"H x 83"W x 35"D it comfortably seats three and the loose cushions have removable covers.

Price: $599

The Bailey sofa has a sturdy wood frame that sits on black steel metal tapered legs, giving it a solid yet airy feel. Its olive green velvet upholstery adds a touch of vintage glam and at 78.5" L x 31" W x 33" H this piece could suit a living room or home office.

Price: $829.99

The elegant Danish design of this three-seater, with its clean lines and rounded contours, belies its bargain price tag. It's 28'' H X 80'' W X 35'' D and available in chenille or bouclé neutral-toned upholstery.

Price: $1,416.19

Choose from white or pink bouclé upholstery on this large curved sofa. Soft to touch, its tactile surface and sinuous silhouette offers a cozy space to curl up on, while ticking the trend boxes at the same time.

Price: $809.99

Tapered stiletto legs, channel tufting and scalloped edges bring elegant Art Deco vibes to this Genia sofa. Ideal for a home office or entertaining space, it makes a great spot for guests to perch and sip coffee or cocktails.

Price: $1099

Cozy meets cool with this compact, modern (75"l x 35"w x 28"h) curved sofa. Its unique curvaceous form and soft bouclé upholstery (available in ivory or burnt orange) ensures comfort and style without breaking the bank.

Price: $679

This simple and stylish sectional sofa is offered in a choice of sumptuous grey, black, blue or green velvet upholstery, enabling it to sit easily in many modern design schemes. The chaise can be placed on the left or right side.

Price: $449.99

This sectional sofa has been cleverly designed so that the chaise can be switched from left to right to suit. It comfortably seats up to four people, yet its low linear profile and slim metal legs give it a light appearance despite its generous size.

Price: $890

Sleek and elegant with designer looks, it's hard to believe this sofa is in an affordable category. Built with FSC-certified hardwood and upholstered in on-trend bouclé, velvet or performance pet-friendly fabrics, it ticks all the boxes for us.

Sofas can vary in price from a few hundred dollars to thousands. If you can afford it, it's usually worth paying a little extra for good quality materials. A sofa gets a lot of use over the years. So look at it like you might with an outfit and the cost per wear.

'We’d say between $1,000 and $2,500 is an average price for a nice couch, depending on the size and configuration,' says Heather Goerzen, lead interior designer at Havenly. 'At this price point, you’ll still get a well-made, high-quality sofa without breaking the bank.

'Anything cheaper than that, and you may be compromising on quality. When going below that price point, be wary of poor quality upholstery that snags, pills, stains, etc., cushion fill that will quickly dent or become uneven with use, and frames made of unstable, poor quality wood.'

For style leaders and design lovers.

Jacky Parker is a London-based freelance journalist and content creator, specialising in interiors, travel and food. From buying guides and real home case studies to shopping and news pages, she produces a wide range of features for national magazines and SEO content for websites

A long-time contributor to Livingetc, as a member of the team, she regularly reports on the latest trends, speaking to experts and discovering the latest tips. Jacky has also written for other publications such as Homes and Gardens, Ideal Home, Red, Grand Designs, Sunday Times Style and AD, Country Homes and Interiors and ELLE Decoration.

The best Berber rugs are an enduring style trend, loved for their texture, pattern and hint of vacational style. Here are the 12 the Livingetc team love most

By Faaizah ShahPublished 5 August 23

Coffee pod machines aren't just for espressos. Here's why they're a worthy investment for coffee lovers with a busy lifestyle

By Ruth DohertyPublished 5 August 23