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Calling All Cozy Queens: These Are the 11 Best Couches You Can Buy for Under $500
Yeah, I’m in disbelief too.
By 
There is something so special—nay, so CRUCIAL—about the daily couch plop. You know, that beautiful moment when you let yourself sink into the cushions, and for a brief moment you have no worries? There's no strife, no pain. Just the pillows and your limp body. It’s only right that we all have a deliciously comfortable couch to appreciate the healing powers of the plop, and that's probably what brought you here today. Welcome.
Peak lounging doesn't have to mean serious wallet damage, and despite what you may think, there are some excellent, highly-reviewed sofas on the market that also fall on the lower end of the price spectrum. These couches deserve your attention, not only because they won't break the bank, but *also* because they are high-quality and pretty to look at. When it comes to home decor, your couch is pretty much the mitochondria, so you've gotta take picking one pretty seriously.
Lucky for you, I've done a deep dive to find 11 inexpensive—and actually cute—couch options that'll liven up your space. Here's a sneak peek:
As you can see, whether you're looking for a sectional, loveseat, or your run-of-the-mill three-seater, we've got options for you, babe. Options. Keep scrolling to get all the deets.
HONBAY Velvet Convertible Sectional Sofa
HONBAY Velvet Convertible Sectional Sofa
Pros
- The exterior is easy to clean
- Suuuper soft
Cons
- A few reviews mention that they experienced delivery delays
You're gonna want to dive face-first into this velvet look! Not only is this chic sectional spacious, but it's also plush as hell. Perfect for bingeing your fave mindless TV show for hours on end (I know you do it too).
| Size | 56.3 x 75.6 x 32.3 inches |
|---|---|
| Item Weight | 117 pounds |
Raymour & Flanigan Whitman Sofa
Raymour & Flanigan Whitman Sofa
Pros
- It's part of a set! You can snag a matching ottoman and/or recliner
- Padded armrests (AKA makeshift pillows)
Cons
- The assembly requires a few sets of hands
Now here's a steal. This well-sized seat has rave reviews that go back years upon years. Why? 'Cause it's timeless and quality, my friends.
| Size | 90 x 39 x 40" inches |
|---|---|
| Weight | 126 pounds |
Willa Arlo Interiors Palmieri Upholstered Sofa
Pros
- The assembly is v easy
- Four (pretty!) color options
- Great for smaller spaces
Cons
- A few reviews say that it's not the plushest
Okay, so you wanna keep things simple, but like, not *too* simple, right? Enter this lil number. Its muted color screams minimalism, but that velvet fabric packs a punch.
| Size | 28.5 x 72.0 x 28.5 inches |
|---|---|
| Weight | 80.7 pounds |
Vesgantti Green Velvet Couch
Vesgantti Green Velvet Couch
Pros
- Quick delivery
- Reviews say that the IRL color matches up with the pictures
- Easy assembly
Cons
- A couple reviews say it can get creaky
Well, you can color me enchanted by this emerald-green dream. Designing a living room around this would be a true delight—and dare I say visitors will be green with envy?
| Size | 30.71 x 69.29 x 33.47 inches |
|---|---|
| Weight | 64 pounds |
Willa Arlo Interiors Jarrow Upholstered Sofa
Pros
- Free delivery
- Simple to put together
- Comes in three different colors
Cons
- A review claims that the back pillows are sturdier than the seat cushions (which might not be a bad thing?)
One thing about this pick from Willa Arlo Interiors? It'll give you some bang for your buck. Not only is it upholstered in high-quality, comfortable fabric while staying in the sub-$500 range, but it also comes with two matching throw pillows. A cherry on top, as the kids say.
| Size | 35.6 x 70.0 x 28.7 inches |
|---|---|
| Weight | 87.3 pounds |
Mr. Kate Tess Sofa
Mr. Kate Tess Sofa
Pros
- One review said it only took 20 minutes to put together
- It can also be purchased in a velvet material
Cons
- The back pillows can't be detached to wash
Does the whole "coastal grandma summer" aesthetic speak to you? Because if so, your home might need this white linen sofa...immediately. It'll brighten up your space year-round.
| Size | 34 x 74 x 32.5 inches |
|---|---|
| Weight | 90 pounds |
Bob's Discount Furniture Bettie Russet Sofa
Bob's Discount Furniture Bettie Russet Sofa
Pros
- The cushions have a layer of memory foam built in!
- Easily cleaned with a mild detergent
Cons
- It's a tad on the smaller side
Burnt orange is one of the color spectrum's greatest gifts to humanity, and that's just facts. Now, I present you with this lovely mid-century-inspired sofa to back up my argument.
| Size | 86 x 35 x 34 inches |
|---|---|
| Weight | 123 pounds |
ZAFLY Convertible Sectional Sofa Couch
ZAFLY Convertible Sectional Sofa Couch
Pros
- The ottoman has storage space! Stuff your throw blanket in there
- Comes in three different shades
Cons
- The delivery costs hover at around $99
OK, so this right here is a whole SET. If you're furnishing a larger space, or just wanna maximize your lounging capabilities, look no further. This all-in-one wonder is the way to go.
| Size | 101.6 x 27.1 x 36.2 inches |
|---|---|
| Weight | n/a |
Ktaxon Modern L-Shape Sectional Sofa
Pros
- Reviews say that it's easy to clean!
- Many reviews mention that it's very comfortable
Cons
- The cushions aren't very thick, according to some reviews
Sure, this sofa may be L-shaped, but securing it would be a definite W. Do you see that horizontal resting space? It's peak.
| Size | 84.66 x 55.51 x 33.86 inches |
|---|---|
| Weight | 53 pounds |
Mbolyeer Modern Upholstered Velvet Loveseat Sofa
Pros
- It's upholstered with soft material
- It's super bouncy
- Offered in 7 (!!!) different colors
Cons
- There's a slightly complicated assembly process, according to reviews, but the final product is obviously worth it
- Shipping isn't free
Did you peep this one and fall in love instantly? You're not alone. It's made from Australian cashmere, so feel free to flex that when guests comment on how cozy it feels.
| Size | 60.63 x 26.18 x 33.46 inches |
|---|---|
| Weight | 55 pounds |
Pros
- It comes in black too
- This sofa's pretty durable, according to reviews
- It has some deep seating space, so it's tall folk-friendly
Cons
- Some reviews say it's too firm for them
Ikea just doesn't know how to miss, do they? Their Vissle sofa could match any decor aesthetic TBH, and at this cheap price, it's a real gem of a find.
| Size | 31¾ x 77½ x 29⅞ inches |
|---|---|
| Weight | n/a |
How big should my sofa be?
Dimensions matter, folks! Even if a sofa will *technically* fit in your room, it might not be the best pick. You don't want it to overwhelm, or fail to fill, the space as a whole. A good rule of thumb is the 2:3 ratio. That means if you want your couch to be the biggest piece of furniture in the room, then it should fill two-thirds the length of the wall it's against.
How long should a cheap couch last?
You want to aim for at least seven years! So, how can you ensure that your sofa makes it? First, you'll want to pay close attention to the cleaning instructions, and refresh the upholstery regularly. Another underrated maintenance checkpoint is your couch's screws! All of your sit-down time will eventually start wearing on them, so grab a toolbox and tighten them every few months to make your sofa feel good as new.
How we picked the best couches under $500
We over here on the lifestyle team know how important curating the perfect home space is. I mean, that's why we're always out here providing top-tier decor recs and design advice! And we gain our expertise through some pretty intense research. This includes, but is not limited to, studying first-hand reviews, collecting the pros and cons, and selecting final picks that suit a range of lifestyles. YW!
Annabel Iwegbue is an assistant editor at Cosmopolitan who covers lifestyle, beauty, and astrology. Just, you know, all of the things. Before joining Cosmo, she wrote for Harper's Bazaar, The Knockturnal, and Black Film. You can check out some of Annabel’s work here and also find her on Instagram and Twitter.
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