The 10 Best Velvet Sofas of 2023, Tested and Reviewed

Luxe options to add to your space

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Best Velvet Sofas

The Spruce / Kristin Kempa

If you’re looking for a new sofa that’s stylish and elegant, you might consider velvet—an extremely luxe-looking fabric that’s plush to the touch and surprisingly hardy. “Many people have the misconception that velvet requires a lot of maintenance,” says Blima Ehrentreu, CEO of The Designers Group, an interior design firm based in New York, Miami, and Toronto. “The cloth is actually not so fragile and, with careful care, may remain for decades.”

To help you find the velvet sofa for your own space, we scoured dozens of retailers and evaluated hundreds of highly-rated, top-selling products to assess the style, size, color options, comfort, and overall value. We also put a handful of options to the test at home, evaluating them

Our Top Picks

Best Overall

Article Abisko Sofa

Article Abisko Sofa

Article

What We Like
  • High-quality construction

  • Great value

  • Sleek and modern

What We Don’t Like
  • Attracts pet hair

  • Awkward unboxing

Plush, modern, and supportive, Article's Abisko Sofa impressed us from the start. Available in two rich gem tones (pacific blue and Yarrow gold), it has a luxe, Scandinavian-inspired look that won't cost you a fortune.

At 91 inches wide, this velvet sofa is spacious enough to sit 3 to 4 people, while still being compact enough for smaller apartments and condos. Thanks to the foam-padded back cushions and seat, it has a firm yet supportive feel that kept us comfortable while sitting for hours at a time (and was actually even more comfortable when laying down). The solid wood frame is super sturdy, and the two-piece design makes it incredibly easy to transport when moving or switching up the layout of your space.

After more than a month of reading, napping, and hanging out, this couch stayed virtually the same: the cushions didn't lose their firmness or pep, and the fabric maintained its luxe look and feel. All in all, this is a versatile yet design-forward option that works well for a variety of spaces and budgets. Just note that unboxing your new couch might be a bit of a hassle, requiring at least two people.

Price at time of publish: $1,399

Dimensions: 28 x 91 x 35 inches | Seating Capacity: Up to 4 | Upholstery Material: Cotton velvet | Color: 2 options

Best Budget

Everly Quinn 83.25" Upholstered Sofa

Everly Quinn

Wayfair

What We Like
  • Great quality for the price

  • Sleek design

  • Three colors to choose from

What We Don’t Like
  • On the smaller side

  • Cushions run firm

Though velvet sofas are undeniably luxe, you don’t have to splurge to get a nice, sophisticated piece of furniture. Just take this option from Everly Quinn, an in-house Wayfair brand known for its elevated yet affordable offerings. This upholstered sofa has the same clean and sleek look as our top overall pick, with tapered legs and rounded sides for a vintage-inspired look. It comes in your choice of three colors: blush, black, and emerald.

Both the seat and back cushions are filled with foam, giving this option a firm feel that's still comfortable. Reviewers report assembly to be super easy, taking less than 30 minutes from start to finish. Just note that, at 83 inches wide, this couch is on the smaller side, making it a great option for more compact spaces. It can seat up to three people, but the weight capacity is 700 pounds; it might not work the best for larger users.

Price at time of publish: $530

Dimensions: 30 x 83 x 30 inches | Seating Capacity: 3 | Upholstery Material: Velvet | Color: 3 options

Best Splurge

Lulu and Georgia Fabienne Sofa

 Lulu and Georgia Fabienne Sofa

 Lulu and Georgia 

What We Like
  • Sophisticated design

  • On wheels

  • No assembly required

  • Made to order

What We Don’t Like
  • Long lead time

  • Can't be returned

  • Expensive

Though undeniably expensive, you’d be lucky to have Lulu and Georgia’s Fabienne Sofa in your living space. It’s a true investment piece with classic appeal that’s sure to stand the test of time. Each of the five available colors is beautifully rich and comes complete with ornately-shaped wooden legs, each of which has wheels. This made-to-order couch features down blend cushions to keep you comfortable, whether relaxing or entertaining, and there’s plenty of room to stretch out.

The sofa may be more of a decor piece than an item suitable for long-term lounging, but when it comes time to entertain, you’ll be glad that it can comfortably accommodate at least three people. It also comes fully assembled, so you won’t have to lift a finger—just immediately enjoy your beautiful new sofa. That said, it’s worth noting: This is a custom piece that takes eight to 10 weeks to arrive. And because it’s made to order, it, unfortunately, can’t be returned. 

Price at time of publish: $3,998


Dimensions: 70 x 40 x 34 inches; 90 x 40 x 34 inches | Seating Capacity: 3 | Upholstery Material: Velvet | Color: 5 options

Best for Small Spaces

Homary Modern Bronze Velvet Curved Sofa

 Homary Modern Bronze Velvet Curved Sofa

 Homary 

What We Like
  • Fast, free shipping

  • Stylish and contemporary

  • Includes throw pillows

What We Don’t Like
  • Not ideal for lounging

  • Only seats two

If you want a refined, style-forward piece for your living room, bar area, or sitting room, Homary’s Modern Velvet Curved Sofa is a great option. It has sleek, beautiful lines that give off a definite contemporary vibe. And it’s a gorgeous couch to look at, with its included throw pillows, jewel-toned color choices, and shining gold-hued legs.

The sofa is definitely made for small spaces, too. At just 63 inches in size, it’ll fit almost anywhere. It does only seat two people, but it’s not really for lounging anyway. It’s more of a statement piece, and the cushion runs firm rather than soft. 

With your purchase, you’ll also get three throw pillows—two matching and one contrasting. And don’t worry about assembly. It’s easy since this couch only requires partial assembly on your part when it arrives. Shipping is free, too; you’ll get your new couch in less than two weeks. 

Price at time of publish: $1,500

Dimensions: 63 x 47 x 34 inches | Seating Capacity: 3 | Upholstery Material: Velvet | Color: 6 options

Best Sleeper

Pottery Barn Buchanan Square Arm Upholstered Deluxe Sleeper Sofa

 Pottery Barn Buchanan Square Arm Upholstered Deluxe Sleeper Sofa

 Pottery Barn

What We Like
  • Narrow profile

  • Durable kiln-dried hardwood frame

  • Extra-long Queen mattress

  • Removable legs

What We Don’t Like
  • Expensive

  • Long delivery times

  • No returns

Pottery Barn’s Buchanan Deluxe Sleeper Sofa may house an extra-long Queen mattress under its cushions (with two extra inches of mattress length), but you’d never know it by looking at it. That’s because it has the same beloved classic design as other sectional sofas, just with a standout velvet upholstery. 

Like other sofas from Pottery Barn, there are also tons of options for customization, so you can build your ideal sectional in just the material you’ve been looking for. Overall, you can choose from over 90 color and fabric options, but if you want to stick to velvet, you still have a nice selection of 10. Just note: This sofa is made to order, so delivery takes about 10 weeks or longer. (You also can’t return the sofa, unless there are defects.)

And while it’s undoubtedly expensive, if you’re willing to wait for the white glove delivery, you’ll be pleased with your purchase. Once it arrives, there’s no assembly required on your part. You can get right to enjoying your new couch, whether you’re using it as a sofa or a sleeper. 

Price at time of publish: From $3,644

Dimensions: 76 x 37 x 40 inches | Seating Capacity: Not listed | Upholstery Material: Performance velvet, vintage velvet, rustic chenille | Color: 10 options

Best Sectional

Rove Concepts Porter Sectional

Rove Concepts Porter Sectional

Rove Concepts

What We Like
  • Durable

  • Modular pieces available

  • Comfortable for lounging

What We Don’t Like
  • Expensive

  • Only two color choices

For a large space, you can’t go wrong with a sectional—especially if you have a big family or love to entertain big groups. While pricey, the Rove Concepts Porter Sectional is a fantastic option because it comfortably seats multiple people. It’s also exceptionally comfortable, which makes it a prime pick for watching TV or taking an afternoon snooze. 

You’ll love the flexible design, too. Choose from two options: a right- or left-oriented chaise. This way, you can get a sofa that works best in your space. And if you need more seating, there are additional modular pieces you can opt for to make the sofa even larger or add an additional chaise. You can also purchase an ottoman or two for even more comfort. 

The couch is very durable, so you don’t have to worry about premature wear and tear, despite heavy use. It has a kiln-dried hardwood frame with dowel joints and reinforced corner blocks. However, you do only have two shades of velvet fabric to choose from, which can be a little limiting (especially if you’re a bit hesitant to go with white!).

Price at time of publish: $2,957

Dimensions: 116 x 67 x 28 inches | Seating Capacity: Not listed | Upholstery Material: Plush velvet or vintage velvet | Color: 2 options

Best Mid-Century Modern

West Elm Pasquale Sofa

West Elm Pasquale Sofa

West Elm 

What We Like
  • Lots of color choices

  • Fiber-wrapped high-resiliency foam cores

  • Sleek profile

  • Reversible cushions

What We Don’t Like
  • Long lead time

  • Velvet upholstery can see delays

If you’re leaning into aesthetics more than comfort and love the look of mid-century modern furniture, you’ll swoon over the Pasquale Sofa from West Elm. It’s no surprise, really—this retailer is known for its high-quality and incredibly attractive mid-century modern furniture. And you can combine both your love of velvet and your aesthetic into one highly functional piece.

The price point of this sofa is moderate and accessible, but you’ll get a great piece of furniture. And you can choose from an impressive 15 different colors of velvet in either distressed velvet or performance velvet. Design and construction cues like a kiln-dried engineered hardwood frame, reinforced joinery, and high-gauge sinuous spring cushion offer support and great longevity with wear.

The couch is more structured than cozy, but it’s a nicely functional couch. The tufting and wooden pin legs add eye-catching detail to a very sleek sofa. Just keep in mind that West Elm’s furniture often faces long lead times–and opting for velvet upholstery adds up to five additional weeks before your sofa ships.

Price at time of publish: From $949

Dimensions: 66 x 31 x 29.5 inches | Seating Capacity: 2-3 | Upholstery Material: Distressed or performance velvet | Color: 15 options

Best for Apartments

Urban Outfitters Gavin Velvet 2-Seat Sleeper Sofa

Urban Outfitters Gavin Velvet 2-Seat Sleeper Sofa

Urban Outfitters

What We Like
  • Converts into a bed

  • Affordable

  • Comes assembled

What We Don’t Like
  • Only comes in one color

  • Lengthy delivery time

In general, an apartment couch should be two things: small and multifunctional. Apartments tend to be more compact, so most apartment dwellers will need a sofa that doesn’t overwhelm but still provides a nice comfortable place to relax. And if your sofa can do more without taking up a ton of space–like Urban Outfitter’s Gavin Sleeper Sofa–you’ll get fantastic value in addition to usefulness out of it. 

This particular velvet sofa provides a cozy place for two people to sit or one person to spread out. And if you have guests but no guest room, it also functions as a sleeper, complete with a pull-out mattress, so you can give your visitor a nice place to call it a night. 

The couch only comes in one color but is relatively neutral. And while you’ll wait two to four weeks for your purchase, it comes assembled for your convenience. 

Price at time of publish: $599

Dimensions: 57 x 31 x 31.5 inches | Seating Capacity: 2 | Upholstery Material: Polyester velvet | Color: 1 option

Best Deep

Nomad Velvet 5-Seat Corner Sectional with Ottoman

 Burrow Nomad Velvet Sofa

 Burrow

What We Like
  • Customizable modular system

  • Durable, easy-to-clean velvet fabric

  • Integrated charging station

  • Easy latch-based assembly

What We Don’t Like
  • Expensive

If you love the luxe look of velvet but need something nice and large, Burrow's Nomad Sectional is a great option. Each piece of this deep-seated modular sofa–which seats five comfortably–comes packaged separately, so it can easily be configured however you like. After you choose the parts and pieces you’d like to customize this couch with, assembly is a breeze. The whole thing relies on a system of latches that can attach to any Nomad Collection seat, affording an endless array of possibilities. And you can always expand your sofa later on. 

That’s not the only way to customize your sofa, though. There are five color options and six leg choices. There’s even an integrated USB port for charging your favorite devices. 

It’s not cheap, that’s for sure, but it’s a worthy investment for a big family. The 22-inch deep cushioned seats are exceptionally comfortable, the velvet is gorgeous, and the Baltic Birch frame is very durable. You’ll undoubtedly have this piece for years to come. Plus, as you might expect at this price point, Burrow offers fast and free shipping.

Price at time of publish: $3,490

Dimensions: 88 x 35 x 33 inches | Seating Capacity: 5+ | Upholstery Material: Performance velvet | Color: 6 options

Best with Storage

Joybird Holt Sectional With Storage

 Joybird Holt Sectional With Storage

 Joybird 

What We Like
  • Integrated storage

  • Lots of color choices

  • Great seating capacity

What We Don’t Like
  • Expensive

  • Lower-than-typical back

Joybird’s Holt Sectional, which easily seats four or more people, is specially designed for well-lived-in homes. What exactly does that mean? This is the ideal sofa for an active family. It expertly marries form and function, and it’ll handle everyday wear without worry. The sectional is easy on the eyes and comes in 22 beautiful colors to suit your decor, but it’s also very comfortable. 

The couch, which has a bench-assembled engineered wood frame that is reinforced with corner blocking and kiln-dried solid wood spring rails, houses high-density polyurethane foam core cushions. You’ll practically melt into this couch. It’s made for lounging, with plenty of support and comfort.

But perhaps the coolest feature of this couch is the integrated storage. The couch has a generous pull-out storage compartment. You’d never know it was there, but it measures 31 x 64 x 6 inches—that’s plenty of room to store throw pillows or even kids' toys you want off the floor. Just note that the back is lower than is typical of most sectionals, so its back support may be lacking.

Price at time of publish: $3,588

Dimensions: 121 x 68 x 34.5 inches | Seating Capacity: 4+ | Upholstery Material: Velvet | Color: 22 options

Final Verdict

Our top pick is the Article Abisko Sofa, an exceptionally soft and durable option with a moderate price point that our home tester loved. If you’re looking for something even more budget-friendly, the Everly Quinn Upholstered Sofa is a great pick. It has the same clean, crisp lines that make it look seriously elevated, with flared arms for a slightly more retro look.

What to Look For in a Velvet Sofa

Size

Always consider the size of a sofa and how it will fit into your home. Velvet sofas come in all shapes and sizes, from compact and sloped to spacious and totally customizable. So, be sure to measure your space to see what it can accommodate. You should also pay attention to scale. Your sofa should be the same scale as your other furniture; otherwise, it could seem too big or too small in comparison to everything else. 

Style

Velvet sofas come in any number of styles and shapes, from cozy sectionals to the more sophisticated Chesterfield. Choose a style based on your personal preferences and existing decor. But don’t forget practicality. Think about how you intend to use the sofa and how much you’ll use it. For example, a small style-forward pick like Homary’s Modern Velvet Curved Sofa may look really nice in your living room, but a cozy sectional like Interior Define's Marlow Reversible Chaise Sectional would be much more appropriate in a family room where multiple people watch TV on a daily basis.

Color

Like style, there are seemingly endless colors of velvet sofas. Go with what works for your space. But keep in mind traffic. If you have young kids or pets, a light color like blush or white may not be practical, no matter how nice it might look in your space. 

Fabric

There are actually several different types of velvet. The best types of velvet for upholstery include: silk velvet, rayon or nylon velvet, linen velvet, mohair velvet, synthetic velvet, and crushed velvet. The type of velvet can affect both look and feel. For example, crushed velvet has a shimmery look, while linen velvet has more of a matte look. 

FAQ
  • Which velvet fabric is best for a sofa?

    “Silk velvet is among the most expensive materials ever made,” says Ehrentreu. “It is recognized for its smoothness and opulent texture and gives off the impression of being wet.” It also drapes elegantly over furniture and has a silky feel. For use in warm climates, try linen velvet since it is cool and breathable. “Given how well linen velvet absorbs color, the piece has a matte surface and bright color.” 

  • Are velvet sofas hard to maintain?

    While velvet is generally quite durable, you'll want to keep a few things in mind. For one, avoid exposing the material to direct sunlight, as Ehrentreu says it is easily affected by weather conditions and stains. In case of a spill, take immediate action to prevent the stain from setting further into the base material. 

  • Are velvet sofas pet-friendly?

    Despite its luxurious and delicate appearance, velvet's tight weave and low pile help it resist damage from pets, says Ehrentreu. Plus, the short strands of the fabric help keep odor out. Just be sure to stay on top of the mess. 

Why Trust The Spruce?

This article was written by Brigitt Earley, a freelance writer with nearly 15 years of experience writing about consumer products, including furniture like dressers. To curate this list, Brigitt scoured the most popular retailers to find the best, most highly-rated options. Then, she vetted each, reading all of the specs and hundreds of reviews. To make her top picks, Brigitt consulted experts like Blima Ehrentreu, CEO of The Designers Group, an interior design firm based in New York, Miami, and Toronto, and then used that guidance as she analyzed the style, size, color options, fabric type, and overall value of each sofa. 

Following product testing, The Spruce's Lily Sperry refreshed this article with new picks, including the top-rated Article Abisko Sofa.

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