We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.
When there's not a ton of space — but there are a ton of family members — finding suitable home furniture to fit your living room can be tricky. While reclining sofas may be extra comfortable while watching a movie, they're often big and bulky. If your floor space can fit more than a loveseat but less than a large sectional sofa, a mid-size L-shaped sofa might be the perfect solution. The chaise, a.k.a. the part that makes it an L-shaped sofa, allows for lounging without the need for an ottoman. By placing your sofa in the corner, you optimize your space without skimping on comfort.
Our top picks:
In the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab, our scientists and engineers have researched and tested sofas from more than 50 stores and brands to find the best couches available including the best couches for small spaces. We've also surveyed nearly 6,000 consumers on our tester panel for in-depth feedback on the sofas they own. We collect information about their purchases from start to finish in categories like ease of ordering, delivery and setup, support and durability and, of course, comfort. Through these surveys and tests, we've found the best places to buy a couch.
The best part is you can buy these all from the comfort of your own home. And if you're concerned about purchasing a couch online, many brands allow you to request fabric samples and several brand on our list have brick and mortar locations. New homeowners or apartment renters in need of more than just a couch can also check out our expert-reviewed roundups for the comfiest lounge chairs, best area rugs, best bookcases and the best furniture from Amazon.
Pros
- Multiple customization options
- Durable and long lasting
- Framing and springs prevent sagging
Cons
- Not the softest fabric, according to some users
This L-shaped sofa received rave reviews from our tester panel for its comfort, support, durability and customization options. Create the perfect couch for your home by choosing from two cushion sizes, tons of fabric and color combinations, two wedge sizes and special options like pet-friendly or Greenguard Gold Certified fabrics. Plus, it's spacious enough to extend your legs or enjoy a movie with family or friends.
The fiber scientists and home analysts at the GH Institute previously ranked this sofa as the best sectional sofa after researching over 50 brands, surveying our tester panel and reviewing over 156,000 data points. Pottery Barn's sofas are a favorite among our tester panel for their durability, but some users of this sofa felt the fabric was not as soft as they hoped. This sofa is built to last, featuring a hardwood frame with steel sinuous springs that maintain the sofa's shape and prevent sagging.
Dimensions | 38"H x 118"W x 88"D |
---|---|
Upholstery | 9 options |
Delivery | 1-5+ weeks shipping with full-service set up (cost varies by order total and location) |
Pros
- Under $1,500
- Includes throw pillows
- Firm (but comfortable) cushions prevent sagging
Cons
- Some assembly required
If you're on a budget, Ashley has got you covered with couches under $1,500. Hundreds of our survey panelists gave the brand high ratings on setup, the ordering process, style options and comfort. Coming in at just above $1,000, this highly-rated L-shaped sofa boasts a soft chenille fabric in either tan or dark gray.
Online reviewers say the couch is durable, with one reviewer saying it's "so comfy and lasts a long time." Plus, the couch's foundation system maintains the couch's firmness to prevent sagging and dips. The attached back cushions stay in place, but you can move the seat cushions for when it's time to clean. Some assembly is required, but the brand claims it will take only five minutes.
Dimensions | 39.00"H x 116.00"W x 91.00"D |
---|---|
Upholstery | 100% Polyester |
Delivery | Doorstep delivery in 3 to 4 weeks |
Pros
- Tons of color and fabric options
- Customize the armrest, sofa and chaise size
- Cushions are plushy and deep, according to testers
- Lumbar and throw pillows are included
Cons
- Deep cushions can make it difficult to stand up
Previously ranked as the most comfortable couch by our textile analysts based on surveys and testing, this build-your-own sofa allows you to pick your preferred armrests, sofa length and chaise configuration to create an L-shaped sofa that fits your space perfectly. The price will vary depending on the options you pick.
This West Elm couch has wide, deep cushions that are super plush, with one tester saying, "It felt like sitting on a cloud.” Our home editors even chose it as the best RH Cloud couch dupe — though for some it may be too plush. One tester said their elderly parents found it difficult to stand up, and another tester said the same while she was pregnant. But if you want a truly cozy sink-in, movie-watching couch, this is the one for you. The springs, kiln-dried wood legs and hardwood frame with slot and tenon joinery add support to make it a sturdy piece of furniture.
Dimensions | Customizable |
---|---|
Upholstery | 7 options |
Delivery | Full-service setup (cost varies based on location and order value) |
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Pros
- 200 upholstery options, including pet-friendly and stain-resistant fabrics
- Customizable size and shape
- Kiln-dried, hardwood frame keeps the sofa in good condition
Cons
- Delivery can take multiple months
Fit everyone and their friends on this extra-long L-shaped sofa that's perfect for large living room corners. One tester said, "My kids and I can all lounge comfortably together and have enough space." Among the 200 upholstery options are stain-resistant, pet-friendly and highly durable fabrics. If you're stuck between choices, you can request fabric swatches before making your decision.
This may not be the best option if you're in a rush for a sofa, as the delivery can take around three months as each one is built to order. When it does arrive, it will be well worth it as testers said this couch has stayed in good condition with children and pets, so your family is free to be themselves. Built to last, this sofa features a kiln-dried, hardwood frame to prevent warping, a down-blend fill in the tightly woven cushions and springs to prevent sagging.
Dimensions | 37”H x 146“W x 85"D |
---|---|
Upholstery | Over 200 options |
Delivery | Full-service set up in around 3 months (cost varies by location and order value) |
Pros
- Easy ordering process
- Side cushions for softer armrest
- The mid-century modern design is stylish
Cons
- Linen fabric is prone to pilling, according to some users
Article, an AAPI-owned brand, was highly rated by our survey panel, receiving dozens of perfect scores for ease of ordering and high scores for appearance. Though the linen fabric isn't available in as many colors as some other picks, we love the Olio Green paired with the honey oak wooden legs for a mid-century modern design. It's also available in either tan or chocolate leather, either of which would make for a rich centerpiece to a living room or study. Reviewers of the Timber model said, "The legs are beautiful!" and, "The construction seems solid."
This couch can comfortably fit three people (with one lucky person able to extend their legs), and if your home has more floor space, you can opt for the brand's corner sectional to fit up to five people. The arm cushions make resting and lounging all the more comfortable, especially when you're squishing in an extra guest. Some noted that the cushions aren't too plush and the fabric pills over time, which can be expected for a linen blend. That can be easily fixed with a fabric shaver.
Dimensions | 32"H x 93"W x 63"D |
---|---|
Upholstery | Linen fabric or leather |
Delivery | Front door delivery for DIY set up (free for orders over $999), in-room delivery for DIY set up ($119) or full-service set up ($199) in 1-2 weeks if in stock |
Pros
- Removable slipcover is easy to clean
- Can swap covers for new colors
- Reversible back cushions
Cons
- Only available with left-arm chaise
It's inevitable. Kids spill — sometimes adults do too! — and pets have muddy paws, so let life happen and get a couch you can clean easily. Some colors of this L-shaped sofa come with a removable cover that can be thrown in the washer. Simply zip it off the couch and throw it in the washer with an effective detergent to remove stains and messes. "We've probably washed it 100 times, and it's held up beautifully," one survey respondent said.
The deep, firm cushions on this couch feature pocket springs with a foam and polyester filling that helps prevent sagging, and reversible back cushions that can be flipped to keep them in good condition. Plus, the removable cushions make this couch even easier to clean and vacuum when food or items slip between the cushions. Keep in mind the couch is only available with a left-arm chaise, so your floor plan and living-room corners may not be compatible with that arrangement.
Dimensions | 36.3"H x 101.6"W x 64.6" D |
---|---|
Upholstery | Cotton |
Delivery | Store pickup (free), doorstep delivery ($49) or in-home delivery ($79) for DIY setup. IKEA will also coordinate a quote from Task Rabbit if you prefer to pay for assembly. |
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Pros
- Customizable size options from a loveseat to a four-section sofa
- Wood or metal legs
- Easy to assemble, according to customers
Cons
- Seat cushions can be too firm, according to some reviewers
Small apartments may demand small sofas, but you don't have to sacrifice style or quality. This L-shaped sectional from Burrow is available in three different sizes and configurations, including a two-person loveseat version, so you can lounge in whatever space you have. The three-person base configuration is just 85 inches long. And if you ever move into a larger space, simply order a new section to add to this modular sofa and move the chaise around to suit your needs.
You can also choose from six fabric colors, wood or metal legs, smooth or tufted back cushions and three armrest styles to create your ideal design. The sofa ships in multiple boxes, but users say it's easy to assemble yourself. The modular design makes it easier to get through the door and up the stairs of an apartment building. While this sofa has a ton of pros, it may not be for you if you're a fan of squishy cushions. "It is firm but comfortable," one online customer said.
Dimensions | 33" H x 85"W x 61" D |
---|---|
Upholstery | Olefin weave, performance velvet or leather |
Delivery | Free shipping in boxes for DIY setup |
Pros
- Under $1,500
- Fast, free shipping with a 30-day return policy
- Matching chairs and loveseats available
Cons
- Stiffer cushions, according to some users
Some of the picks on our list take months to arrive, but this one could be in your living room in a matter of days. Rivet is an Amazon-owned brand that comes with Prime shipping. And these highly-rated Amazon couches are nothing to scoff at. This model has earned a 4.4-star rating thanks to over 2,300 reviews. Plus, our survey panelists who own a Rivet sofa say the ordering and delivery process was easy.
If you have floor space for more, purchase a matching chair or loveseat to complete the living room and have plenty of space for guests to lounge. Users from our tester panel say the couches were comfortable and worth the price, but some said the cushions are a bit stiff and not plushy enough to relax on for hours.
Dimensions | 35.4"H x 80"W x 34.6"D |
---|---|
Upholstery | Polyester |
Delivery | Free delivery in boxes for DIY setup, or full-service setup for $20 |
Pros
- Fully customizable configuration
- Can buy new sections to add
- Machine washable covers
Cons
- Difficult to assemble, according to some customers
Whether you're expanding your family or upgrading to a larger home, having a couch that can adapt with you is a cost-effective way to personalize your space as it changes. The Sactional from Lovesac allows you to pick each piece and set up your couch however you want. Start with the classic L-shaped sofa configuration and add sections and chaise seats as you need. Add up to 10 seats and move the pieces around as you please. Keep it traditional, opt for a U-shape or go all-out and create a 70s-style conversation pit. While our reviewers loved the flexibility of this modular sofa, some did note it wasn't the easiest couch to assemble.
The configuration isn't the only highly customizable part about this couch — there are different seat-fill materials, armrest styles, machine washable covers and eight different fabric options to choose from, all of which have multiple colors. The price varies depending on the size and upholstery you choose, but this is a great option if you're looking for a high-quality sofa with a flexible layout that will stay in great condition. "It's expensive, but so worth it," writes one online reviewer.
Dimensions | Customizable |
---|---|
Upholstery | Bouclé, velvet, chenille, crossweave, weave, polylinen, leather or reversible material |
Delivery | Free doorstep delivery for DIY setup |
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Pros
- Chaise has a hidden storage compartment
- Pull-out mattress for overnight guests
- 90-day return policy
Cons
- Pricey
Hosting guests for a weekend visit is all fun and games until you're sitting on the floor, inflating an air mattress. When you don't have the space for a guest room but love having people spend the night, a sofa with a pull-out bed comes in handy. This comfortable L-shaped sofa from Joybird hides a memory foam mattress and an extra compartment for storage. Place pillows and blankets in the chaise and pull them out when it's time to unfold the bed.
The tufted back and seat cushions and simple wooden legs create a mid-century modern vibe. Plus, you can choose from tons of colors and fabrics, including pet-friendly and GREENGUARD Gold-certified materials. One panelist loved the "excellent array of choices in style and fabric." While it's a bit pricey, there is a long return policy (a whopping 90 days), so you can always change your mind if it's not the right fit. Our reviewers appreciate Joybird's helpful customer service.
Dimensions | 112"W x 60"D x 34"H |
---|---|
Upholstery | Dozens of options including velvet, chenille, microfiber, boucle, herringbone, basketweave and performance fabrics |
Delivery | Curbside delivery for $49 or full-service setup (cost varies by location) |
How we chose the best L-shaped sofas
Over the years, the scientists and experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab have evaluated all types of sofas, including the best couches, best sectional sofas, best sectionals for small spaces and the most comfortable couches. We've researched and tested of more than 50 stores and brands and surveyed more than 5,800 people on our tester panel to get in-depth feedback on the couches they own. After analyzing more than 156,000 data points, we selected sofas for different styles, room sizes and budgets that we believe are worth the money.
Survey respondents provided details about the ordering and delivery process, ease in assembling the couch, comfort of the cushions, support of the frame and condition of the sofa over time. Plus, we've evaluated online reviews and customer opinions on brands to find the best places to buy any type of couch.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
For over 120 years, the Good Housekeeping Institute has been testing products for your home to help you make the best purchases. We've conducted tests and surveys for all types of furniture — including sofas. Lexie Sachs, executive director of strategy and operations at the GH Institute and a lead reviewer of products in the home furnishings spaces. Lexie has been regularly conducting sofa surveys with the GH Institute's proprietary tester panel to gauge consumers' opinions on sectionals, couches and l-shaped sofas.
Isabella Cavallo is the Assistant Commerce Editor at the GH Institute. She covers all things shopping from home furniture to fitness gear, skincare, sneakers and more. She consulted with Lexie Sachs to narrow down the best l-shaped sofas for different budgets and room sizes.
Isabella Cavallo
Assistant Commerce Editor
Isabella (she/her) covers commerce and product-related content in the home, lifestyle, fitness, technology and beauty. She graduated from Binghamton University in 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in English: Literature & Rhetoric. Before joining GH, she was an editorial assistant at Prevention, where she covered health topics and celebrity news.