Buying a scented candle or gingham table linens on impulse is one thing, but some home purchases require more thought—especially your sofa. It’s not just an investment; it’s the centerpiece of your living space. To say a lot depends on this purchase would be an understatement. That’s why we consulted the experts, asking 14 interior designers for their favorite furniture brands, what makes them special, and their top sofa picks from each.

Vogue’s Guide to the Best Designer-Approved Sofas:

The Slipcovered Pick
Sixpenny Amelia chaise sectional
$5,199 at SIXPENNY

The Mod Leather
Knoll Bastiano sofa
$15,495 at DWR

The Vintage VIP
Afra & Tobia Scarpa Soriana sofa
$18,451 at 1STDIBS

It seems great minds think alike: several designers recommended 1stDibs for vintage or unique pieces. Lawson Fenning, known for its rich fabrics and bold colors, also received praise, as did George Smith for those favoring British style. From sleek mid-century designs to oversized slipcovered sectionals and even a charming striped option with a sofa skirt, the designers’ selections cover a wide range of tastes.

For more insider tips to guide your purchase, read on to explore their favorite sofa shops.

Joy Moyler
“RW Guild creates pieces worthy of museum status! The quality is outstanding. I adore the Catalpa Sofa—its frame is made of rich figured walnut and paired with Gretchen Bellinger velvet. The design is stunning, with wood wrapping around the entire back. Perfect for floating in a room, it’s a true statement piece.”
RW Guild Catalpa sofa
$20,750 at RW GUILD

Nate Berkus
“In every project, we seek vintage pieces and materials that feel classic and timeless. I own a vintage Soriana sofa by Scarpa that has moved with us from LA to several homes in New York. Have it reupholstered in leather, suede, or any well-made fabric to make it feel new. The beauty of 1stDibs and its vintage items is that each piece is unique, if not one-of-a-kind.”
Afra & Tobia Scarpa Soriana sofa
$18,451 at 1STDIBS

Photography by Ethan Jones; Design by Ome Dezin

Joelle Kutner and Jesse Rudolph, founders of Ome Dezin
“Sixpenny offers timeless, modern pieces with clean lines and luxurious upholstery. Their customizable fabrics and finishes make them ideal for client spaces, and we love their minimalist modular arrangements. The Amelia is a standout.”
Sixpenny Amelia chaise sectional
$5,199 at SIXPENNY

Anne McDonald
“Nickey Kehoe makes my all-time favorite sofa, the Tuxedo. It’s bold, grounded, and incredibly comfortable, fitting into any room. They offer their own fabrics or the option to use your own.”
Nickey Kehoe Tuxedo sofa
$6,400 at NICKEY KEHOE

Augusta Hoffman
“I’m always drawn to Lawson Fenning sofas for their blend of architectural detail and relaxed feel. They feature clean, classic shapes, but the customization of fabrics and finishes lets each piece develop its own character, making them a staple in my work. Their designs have a casual mid-century vibe that suits various spaces. The Forster sofa has a sculptural presence that adds structure while remaining soft and inviting; it fits effortlessly into a room, lending a quiet elegance.”
Lawson-Fenning Forster sofa
$5,825 at LAWSON-FENNING

Mandy Cheng
“Clad Home is essential for anyone wanting a customizable sofa—it’s the closest you can get to custom without hiring your own fabricators. Their collection is so versatile that you’re sure to find a style that matches your home’s aesthetic. I also appreciate their kindness, flexibility, and communication. One favorite is the Sherwood sofa, which I used in Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Justin Mikita’s home.”
Clad Home Sherwood sofa collection
$3,720 CLAD HOME
Photography by Nicole Franzen; Design by Gachot

Christine Gachot, co-founder of Gachot:
“We’re drawn to vintage pieces, and sourcing from 1stDibs is key to building layered, thoughtful spaces. One of John’s favorite pieces is the Janus Collection sofa by Edward Wormley for Dunbar—it’s a timeless classic that always inspires. The button tufting adds charm, and its unique shape fits perfectly in unconventional spots like bay windows.”

Dunbar Furniture
Janus sofa
$34,000
1STDIBS

Sarah Solis, designer and founder of Galerie Solis:
“There’s nothing like a classic George Smith sofa with its English rolled-arm shape and plush feather-and-down cushions. It’s a timeless design that fits any room, offering effortless, elegant comfort. I particularly love their signature sofa in a soft mohair fabric.”

George Smith
Signature sofa
$17,578
GEORGE SMITH

Sarita Posada:
“I usually choose vintage, but when buying new, I go for current versions of past designs. Knoll has a great history of working with architects who designed furniture as part of their practice. I love that these pieces last and get better with age. The Bastiano Sofa by Tobia Scarpa was one of my first purchases when I moved to New York 15 years ago, and I adore how the leather has worn in over time.”

Knoll
Bastiano sofa
$15,495
DWR

Photography by Jasper Fry; Styling by Anna Sheridan; Design by Lizzie Green

Lizzie Green:
“Love Your Home offers a great selection of contemporary sofas, many based on classic designs. Their fabric range is excellent, with many stain-resistant options that clients appreciate for playrooms or homes with pets. We often use the Ottilie because it’s incredibly comfortable and affordable. I’m a fan of corner sofas—they’re more social, versatile in different spaces, and offer more room for cushions.”

Love Your Home
Ottilie chaise sofa
$5,738
LOVE YOUR HOME

Tiffany Duggan, founder of Studio Duggan and Trove by Studio Duggan:
“We love George Smith for well-crafted, traditional sofas and recently chose their Turkish sofa for a Chelsea project. I adore the layered Turkish style—it blends old and new perfectly. While I often think of George Smith for country-house sofas, they also have modern options. It’s hard to find one you won’t want to get up from, which is the most important factor in choosing a sofa!”

George Smith
Turkish sofa
$13,125
GEORGE SMITH

Corey Damen Jenkins:
“What I appreciate about Kravet is their commitment to quality, durability, and beauty, plus they make their furniture in the United States. Kravet tends to be more modern and transitional, but their sofas are fully customizable—you can choose any fabric or leather for the frame, and best of all, delivery is under six weeks!”

Kravet
Gardena sofa
Shop at KRAVET

Photography by Stacy Zarin Goldberg; Design by Zoë Feldman Design

Zoë Feldman:
“Lawson-Fenning captures California modernism in a timeless, not trendy, way. Their sofas are relaxed yet structured, with beautiful wood bases and inviting proportions. The Mesa sofa, in particular, balances clean lines and comfort perfectly. It’s a piece that enhances a room without overwhelming it.”

Lawson-Fenning
Mesa sofa
$5,775
LAWSON-FENNING

Austin Carrier and Alex Mutter-Rottmayer, founders of Hommeboys:
“We love working with Stahl + Band, especially for customizable options and sectional seating. If you’re looking for a comfortable, well-This place is stunning, and it remains so. We recently featured the Pouf Arc Sofa in a project in Los Altos, California, upholstered in a rich crushed velvet from Dedar.

Stahl + Band
Pouf Arc Sofa
$16,950
STAHL + BAND

Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a helpful and clear list of FAQs about Top Sofa Shopping Picks from interior design experts written in a natural conversational tone

Beginner General Questions

1 Why should I listen to interior designers for sofa advice
Interior designers have handson experience with countless brands and fabrics They know which sofas hold up beautifully over time and which ones look great but fall apart saving you from making a costly mistake

2 Whats the most important thing to look for in a sofa
Experts overwhelmingly say comfort is king A sofa can be stunning but if its not comfortable you wont use it The second most important factor is quality construction for longterm durability

3 Im on a tight budget Are there any expertapproved affordable brands
Yes Designers frequently recommend brands like IKEA Article and Wayfair for offering good style and value at a lower price point The key is to read reviews carefully

4 Whats a sofa investment piece and is it worth it
An investment piece is a highquality often more expensive sofa built to last for 15 years Brands like Room Board Crate Barrel and Pottery Barn are often cited Its worth it if you want a timeless design that wont sag or wear out quickly

5 Whats the best sofa fabric for a household with kids or pets
Performance fabrics are the top pick Look for Crypton Sunbrella or any fabric labeled performance or stainresistant They are engineered to repel stains moisture and odors making cleanup a breeze A tightweave velvet is also surprisingly durable

Style Sizing Questions

6 Whats the most timeless sofa style the experts recommend
A cleanlined midcentury modern or a classic tightbacked Lawsonstyle sofa are considered timeless They are versatile and wont look dated in a few years

7 How do I choose the right size sofa for my room
Measure measure measure Experts suggest taping out the sofas dimensions on your floor with painters tape Ensure theres at least 18 inches of walking space around it and that it doesnt overwhelm the room