We Tested (and Rated!) Every Sofa at West Elm — Here Are the Best for Every Type of Need

Who’s got the time to sift through the best sofa brands, researching upholstery materials, reading reviews, shopping in person? It’s a lot, but it’s also what we at Apartment Therapy are here for. Testing furniture and home products and finding the best of the best is very much our thing. So for this installment of our Personal Shopper series, we set out to find the best West Elm sofas.

Here’s how it works: As your personal shopper, we visit the showrooms of your favorite home brands to put all the hard-to-online-shop-for items to the test, starting with sofas. If it’s on the store’s floor, it’s on our list. We went, saw, and sat on every sofa at two different West Elm locations in NYC — and years later, we did it all again to test every sofa on the showroom floor (including new arrivals!) and narrow down our picks to the very best West Elm sofas for every type of customer.

The range of sofas and sectionals carried by West Elm is not limited to this list. Visit the website for more options.

West Elm is an editor- and reader-favorite for all things home and kitchen, including, of course, sofas. Their vast selection not only looks good, but products can also be delivered directly to your living room with white-glove delivery. West Elm also offers free furniture customization and design guidance, if needed, as well as complimentary swatches from a plethora of upholstery options to help you find your ideal materials and colors.

Below are the exact sofa models we tested, but you can also find most of them in a variety of styles, including sectionals, loveseats, and accompanied by an ottoman.

To find the very best West Elm sofas, we judged every model in-store based on the following six criteria to help us determine who it suits best, from nap-lovers to movie-night hosts.

• Overall sit: What posture does the sofa best support? How deep or shallow are the seats? Are the cushions soft or firm on the back and arms?
• Seat firmness: How soft or firm are the seat cushions? How do they contribute to overall posture and comfort?
• Customizability: Are sizing, configuration, upholstery, or color options, or any other customizable details? How granular can a shopper get when customizing?
• Nappability: Can you nap on it? Would you want to? Would guests be comfortable sleeping on it?
• Multifunctionality: Does it have storage capacity? Is it a sleeper sofa? What else can the sofa do or help with?
• Appearance: What style does it best suit? Does it lean more traditional (i.e., deep hues, busy details, flanged edges) or more contemporary (i.e., clean lines, low profiles, mid-century modern design elements)?

For more of our expert advice, check out our guide to buying a sofa.

Years ago, former shopping writers Nikol Slatinska and Kendall Cornish visited West Elm’s New York City location to evaluate the brand’s sofas on their overall sit, comfort, and appearance. The two tested and reviewed furniture for Apartment Therapy’s Personal Shopper and Best List series to help readers find the best pieces for their homes, especially small spaces. From bed frames and sofas to dining tables and accent chairs, they’ve covered them all — so they’re truly furniture experts. 

Recently, Megan Gray and I revisited West Elm’s Chelsea location to re-test all the sofas on the showroom floor and evaluate the new models that the brand has released since Nikol and Kendall’s original review. As shopping writers, it’s essentially our job to test, review, and recommend products, whether it’s easy-to-assemble bed frames, modular sofas, coffee tables, or anything else you may be looking for. We’ve covered them all, so we know what makes a piece of furniture worth buying.

What Impressed Us: With its supportive, upright posture and firm cushions, the Axel is our choice for those who work from their living room sofas, be it out of preference or out of a lack of desk and chair space. And thanks to the Axel’s impressive leg height, you can add some significant under-sofa storage space — another bonus for those who work from the living rooms of their smaller apartments.

Its smooth leather is soft and comfortable while also giving the sofa a polished look. The firm seats and upright back offer support but enough comfort to lounge on after your laptop is closed.

Specifications:

• Styles: The Axel line includes a chair, a two-piece reversible leather sectional, leather ottoman, leather futon, three-piece L-shaped sectional, two-piece bumper chaise sectional, and a reclining chaise sectional.
• Sizes: Three sizes, 60″ wide, 76″ wide, and 89″ wide
• Dimensions: 76″ wide, 35.5″ deep, 34.3″ high
• Upholstery: 8 leather upholstery options

What impressed us: The Harmony sofa’s deep seat and pillowy cushions make it the comfiest place to kick back for a movie or a mid-day snooze. The seat and back cushions are sink-in soft, but not so soft that standing up is a challenge. Plus, the square arms are lightly padded, so you can comfortably rest your head on them while lying on the sofa lengthwise. And if you prefer a more upright seat, the sofa’s lumbar pillows give you that extra bit of support. I was able to take notes on my laptop while sitting on it without straining, so if you’re the type to send emails from your sofa, this works for that, too. 

We saw the Harmony sofa in the Alabaster linen upholstery, which has a slubby, coastal look (West Elm has a variety of other fabrics to choose from, though). Meanwhile, its blonde-finished, plinth-style legs add to the sofa’s airy, beachy vibe.

Specifications:

• Styles: The Harmony line includes a 2-piece chaise sectional, oversized chair, modular sleeper sofa, sleeper sectional with storage, 3-piece ottoman sectional, and ottoman. The Build Your Own option allows for even more customization.
• Dimensions: 76″wide, 41″ deep, 35″ high
• Sizes: Five sizes, 66″ wide, 76″ wide, 82” wide, 92” wide, and 104″ wide
• Upholstery: 142 upholstery options
• Finish: Dark Walnut or Blonde-stained wood

What impressed us: I know what you’re thinking, a 95-inch-wide sectional doesn’t exactly sound small-space friendly, but the Marcel is surprisingly compact IRL. The chaise is also on the shorter side, so it could work in an apartment living room without eating up a ton of floor space. We found the seats to be medium-firm, with a light bounce and supportive feel. The seats are a standard depth at 24.5 inches, but your feet may dangle if you’re shorter (Megan’s did, and she’s 5’3”). 

Aesthetically, Marcel will be the main character of any living room with its clean, modern lines and luxurious chenille upholstery. Its tall arms offer an enveloping feel (but aren’t the most comfortable to lean on), while the lofted solid-wood legs give the sofa a polished, mid-century modern-inspired vibe.

Specifications:

• Styles: The Marcel line includes an accent chair, ottoman, sofa, leather sofa, leather 2-piece sectional, leather ottoman, and leather chair  
• Dimensions: 95″ wide, 60.5″ deep, 30″ high
• Sizes: Two sizes, 95” wide and 105″ wide
• Upholstery: 78 upholstery options
• Finishes: Walnut wood legs

What impressed us: We named the Laurent sectional as our pick for formal living spaces because of its curved, organic shape that borders on sculptural. The low-profile silhouette features soft slopes and statement, chunky wood legs that make a stylish first impression. With its curved back and firm, bouncy cushions, Laurent offers an upright seat that’s not the cushiest for lounging, but would be great for a dedicated sitting area for drinks and conversation. 

What’s more, the Laurent comes in two pieces that attach via alligator clips, so it’s fairly easy to move with two people. The only semi-problematic thing about it is that its non-traditional shape could make it tricky to style in smaller living room layouts — though it would look equally stunning free-standing in an open space.

Specifications:

• Styles: The Laurent line includes a swivel chair, coffee table ottoman, sofa, grand swivel chair, 2-piece bumper sofa, leather sofa, leather swivel chair, 3-piece bumper chaise sectional, 3-piece U-shaped sectional, and a Build Your Own option    
• Dimensions: 111.5″ wide, 79″ deep, 30.75″ high
• Upholstery: 78 upholstery options
• Finishes: Blonde or Cool Walnut 
• Select Styles In Stock

What impressed us: If softness and size are your top concerns, then the Brannon sofa is your best bet — its 78-inch-wide silhouette is a perfect fit for small living rooms. Factor in the extra-deep, plush seats and the squared-off arms that double as side tables (or extra seats!), and you’ve got the perfect place to cozy up at the end of a long day. The seats are so deep, it could even double as a guest bed while hosting. 

The Brannon sofa’s strong, blocky shape gives it a relaxed, lived-in look. Especially in the navy-toned performance chenille crossweave we saw in-store, it had an almost denim-like quality, which only emphasized its casual, laid-back vibe even more. West Elm gives you over 100 upholstery options to choose from, however, so this is a sofa you can truly make your own.

Specifications:

• Styles: The Brannon line includes a 2-piece chaise sectional and 3-piece L-shaped sectional
• Dimensions: 78″ wide, 41″ deep, 31″ high
• Upholstery: 141 upholstery options
• Shipping Delays

What impressed us: Honestly, the first thing we noticed about the Clarisse sofa was how chic it looked. The tufted bench seat and clean-lined silhouette exude major mid-century style, while its bronze-finished metal legs give it an antique yet industrial edge. Then there’s the Nubuck leather upholstery, which we saw in the “Fawn” colorway, a warm caramel color that looks buttery and luxurious (and feels that way, too!). 

Looks aside, the Clarisse sofa has a firmer feel and an upright seat, so I wouldn’t say it’s the most loungeable sofa on this list. We also noticed that the bench seat softens slightly where it meets the armrests, so you’ll want to keep in mind that the single cushion may wear down in certain areas over time. Not to mention that the Nubuck leather upholstery, while gorgeous and soft, feels extremely delicate and prone to scratches. That’s partly why we could see it working in a formal living room or a home office, where it’ll get less everyday use.

Specifications:

• Styles: The Clarisse line includes a leather chair, sofa, and an accent chair 
• Sizes: Three sizes, 76” wide, 86” wide, and 96” wide 
• Dimensions: 76″ wide, 36.8″ deep, 31.1″ high
• Upholstery: 8 leather upholstery options
• Shipping Delays

What impressed us: The most impressive thing about theBanks sofa is that it doesn’t look like a sleeper sofa at all. Its 86-inch-wide silhouette looks quite compact IRL, and the pillowy, layered bench cushions have stylish piping detail that gives the whole thing a tailored look. In terms of its seat, the Banks has medium-firm seat cushions and a softer back that allows you to lean back comfortably. 

Our only concern with the Banks is how comfortable it is as a sleeper. Here’s how it works: The trundle pulls out as a slatted platform, and one of the two bench cushions gets plopped on top to form the sleep surface. While the bench cushions are plenty comfortable stacked in sofa form, I’m skeptical about how comfortable they would be to lie on as a single layer overnight. So I’m not sure I’d recommend it if you’re hosting long-term guests (unless you add a mattress topper for extra cushion!).

Specifications:

• Dimensions: 86″ wide, 37″ deep, 33″ high
• Upholstery: 81 upholstery options
• Select Styles In Stock

What impressed us: The Remi sectional’s boxy, low-profile silhouette has an ultra-modern appearance that sets it apart from West Elm’s more contemporary, MCM-inspired pieces. Its lower back and very deep seats invite you to sprawl out and chill. And because it’s modular, it can be easily reconfigured to work in large and small living spaces. The individual modules are quite hefty, though, so moving them around is a two-person job. 

We found the Remi sectional to feel very firm, with bouncy, fiber-wrapped foam cushions that keep their shape. While it doesn’t offer a ton of back support due to its low back, it does give party-couch vibes with its wide, deep seats and square arms that double as extra places to perch. Plus, in the durable performance upholstery we felt in store, it holds up against spills!

Specifications:

• Styles: The Remi line includes a Build Your Own sectional, a Build Your Own slipcovered sectional, modular leather sofa, leather ottoman, fabric ottoman, and 2-piece armless sofa
• Dimensions: 105″ wide, 70″ deep, 26.25″ high
• Upholstery: 57 upholstery options
• Shipping Delays

What impressed us: If you’re looking for a classic sofa that’ll complement virtually any decor style, make it the Marin sofa. There are over 80 upholstery options available, so it can be coastal, vintage, or contemporary depending on the one you choose. Despite its simple, no-frills silhouette, it still looks polished and elevated — perfect for family rooms, small apartments, or a cozy finished basement. 

Perfectly balanced, it has a bouncy, medium-firm seat and softer back cushions that offer a relaxed recline. The armrests are narrow, but the fluffy arm pillows make up for it by adding extra cushion. Like all West Elm sofas, the Marin is incredibly sturdy and well-made, but we were surprised by how easy it was to lift at the corner (it’s a nice bonus if you’re the type who loves to reconfigure their living room layout on a whim!).

Specifications:

• Styles: The Marin line includes an ottoman, chair, swivel chair, sleeper sofa, skirted slipcovered chair, leather swivel chair, leather chair, slope arm sofa, and more
• Sizes: Three sizes, 71” wide, 85” wide, and 94” wide
• Dimensions: 85″ wide, 38″ deep, 30″ high
• Upholstery: 87 upholstery options
• Select Styles In Stock

What impressed us: Just like the Andes sectional we tested during our last visit, the Andes sofa has an unmistakable MCM look. Its tailored shape and sleek tapered metal legs give it a vintage appeal that still feels totally current. And at only 77 inches wide, it’s a great choice for small apartments (you also get some under-sofa storage space!). Just note: the Andes is quite low, but not uncomfortably so in our experience. We were able to sit down and get up with minimal effort. 

The Andes sofa has a firm seat and a soft back, giving you a supportive seat that’s also plenty comfortable for lounging. Best of all, the Andes is one of West Elm’s most customizable sofas. Not only can you choose from a whopping 142 upholstery options, but you can also pick the size, depth, and finish of the legs to create the Andes that works for you.

Specifications:

• Styles: The Andes line includes an ottoman, chair, Build Your Own sectional, futon, bench sofa, leather futon, chaise sectional, bench, bumper chaise sectional, and more
• Sizes: Four sizes, 60” wide, 77” wide, 86” wide, and 96” wide
• Dimensions: 77″ wide, 34″ deep, 31″ high
• Upholstery: 142 upholstery options
• Select Styles In Stock

• Axel Leather Sofa (76”), $2,399  
• Harmony 2-Piece Chaise Sectional (117”), $3,038 (normally $3,698) 
• Urban 2-Piece Sleeper Sectional with Storage Chaise (111”), $3,898
• Shelter Queen Sleeper Sofa (80″), $2,599 
• Haven 2-Piece Bumper Chaise Sectional (108”), $1,750 (normally $2,998)
• Harris 2-Piece Bumper Chaise Sectional (100”), $2,158 (normally $2,198)
• Parker 2-Piece Chaise Sectional (108″), $3,078 (normally $3,648)
• Hamilton Leather Sofa (70”), $1,899
• Dalton 2-Piece Chaise Sectional (111”), $3,398
• Andes 3-Piece Ottoman Sectional (90”), $2,158 (normally $2,498)
• Oliver Sofa (72”), $699 
• Eddy 2-Piece Reversible Sectional (74″), $1,399 (normally $1,699)
• Leo Motion Reclining 3-Piece Reversible Chaise Sectional (125″), $2,756 (normally $3,145)
• Harmony Sofa (82”), $1,679 (normally $2,199)
• Marcel 2-Piece Chaise Sectional (95”), $1,518 (normally $1,658)
• Laurent 2-Piece Wedge Chaise Sectional (111.5″), $2,299
• Brannon Sofa (78”), $1,679 (normally $1,999)
• Clarisse Leather Sofa (76”), $2,899 
• Banks Trundle Sleeper Sofa (86″), $1,299 
• Remi Modular 4-Piece Sectional (105″), $2,596 
• Marin Sofa (85″), $1,500 (normally $1,699)  
• Andes Sofa (77″), $1,999 (normally $1,399)