I put off buying a sofa for years partly because I didn’t have much space, but mostly because I didn’t have the budget. Not everyone can afford a $2,000+ sofa—I certainly don’t. Buying a sofa was an insurmountable financial hurdle, so I just made do without, offering guests a seat on one of my stackable plywood stools and working from my bed.
But thankfully, there are affordable sofas that ring in under $500—which is what I’d spend on comfy furniture that’ll last a good few years, and maybe a move or two, before getting a forever couch. To prove that theory, we sleuthed the Internet for comfy couches, cozy loveseats, and versatile sleepers that won't break the bank.
Sleek, velvet-y soft, and convertible—what's not to love about this sleeper sofa from the Queer Eye crew? We love this emerald green hue, but there's a rich brown faux leather version, too.
If you’re looking for form and function, this mustard linen sofa folds down into a futon so it's great for small spaces. The fabric is easy to clean, but if you ever need to do more than a quick spot treatment, you can remove the cushion covers and toss them in the washing machine. We're not ones to jump on trends, but we have seen more linen furniture around—just sayin'.
This budget-friendly mid-century modern sofa comes with four pillows (which you can easily swap out) while the exposed wooden base adds a nice extra detail. It’s designed to fit two comfortably, but at 75 inches wide, you can probably squeeze in three just fine.
Would you believe this luxe sofa comes from the go-to place for paint and buzzsaws? While it's not real leather, the legs are solid walnut and the price can't be beaten. We love how clean and minimal the look is, but a few throw pillows can cozy it up in no time.
Solid wood and microfiber add an extra touch of coziness to this loveseat. It’s great for small spaces or used as an accent piece—you can also grab a coordinating ottoman, armchair, or even a larger sofa if you have the square footage and budget. And if you have any cats, microfiber can withstand sharp claws so your BFF can find its perfect perch.
The flared armrests add a bit of design and detail to an otherwise classic couch, and the neutral taupe color serves as a great foundation for—you guessed it—decorative throws and pillows.
If you're looking for a sleeker sofa, look no further. This loveseat has open and angular armrests and legs that won't block the flow in small spaces. We like the orange multi-color, but it also comes in blue-gray and dark blue.
With a low profile, wide cushions, and neutral match-with-anything colors, this classic mid-century modern sofa is the perfect spot for reading, lounging, and let's be real—napping.
Would you put one of these couches in your home? Let us know in the comments!
This article was updated in June 2021 with even more sofas under $500.
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Just wanted to point out that a loveseat is not a sofa. While it can function as a sofa in a small apartment, it's dimensions are just above a "chair and a half". I was hoping to see actual sofas (60"+) for the price point.
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