If you're on the hunt for a new sofa and are considering a sofa in a box, I'm here to help out with everything from the basics (what exactly is a sofa in a box?) to some really solid expert advice on how to choose the best one for your home.
And I'm not just HELLO!'s homes editor, I'm also the proud owner of a sofa in the box – and I love it! So when it comes to the best sofas in a box, I'm speaking from experience both as a shopper and as someone whose job it is to know what's hot in home trends.
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What is a sofa in a box?
Essentially, a sofa in a box is full-sized sofa that comes in handy, carryable boxes. It's a real game-changer, from the shopping process to delivery. Forget hours in a showroom, now you can order your dream couch at the click of a button. Making life even easier, the simple-to-deliver sofa in a box is a godsend for those living in high-rise flats or homes with tiny hallways. Say goodbye to shimmying a sofa up the stairs!
Whether you're about to move house or you're giving your home a refresh for the year ahead, there are plenty of options to choose from, with two-seater, three-seater, and sofa bed options available in a variety of colours to suit every living room decor.
You may want to consider a sofa in a box like me if:
- You need to get your sofa up or down the stairs, or through narrow entryways or halls, to get it to your desired location
- You're a renter and could be moving frequently. Having a sofa in a box will make the whole relocation process so much easier.
- You're in a hurry and don't want to wait for your sofa to be made at a factory. A sofa in a box is usually a much speedier solution.
"Opting for a 'sofa in a box' over a traditional sofa offers a multitude of advantages," says interior design expert Kelly Collins, who is head of creative at Swyft Home. "Not only does it typically entail easier delivery and lower costs, but the primary allure lies in unparalleled accessibility. Gone are the days of disassembling legs or contorting through windows—thanks to their flat-packed design, these sofas effortlessly navigate any space, ensuring you can position them precisely where desired without a hint of worry.
Moreover, the convenience extends to assembly. In a matter of minutes, without tools or the hassle of complex instructions, these sofas seamlessly come together, promising a stress-free experience from delivery to setup."
What should you take into consideration when shopping for a sofa in a box?
If you're ready to buy a sofa, which can be a relatively expensive, and long-term, investment in your home decor, you might not know exactly where to start. So we asked expert Kelly to explain the important factors to think about about when you're shopping for new seating for your home.
"When embarking on the journey of selecting a sofa, whether standard or 'sofa in a box', it's crucial to keep a few key considerations in mind:
- Size: Ensure the sofa fits seamlessly into your desired space. While 'sofa in a box' products typically offer easy access, it's wise to double-check if nearby doors and cupboards remain functional.
- Fabric:The choice of fabric is paramount. Assess its durability by checking the rub count; aim for a minimum of around 30,000 to ensure longevity. For high-traffic areas, opt for even sturdier fabrics. If pets or children are in the picture, consider stain-resistant options for added peace of mind.
- Manufacturing: Delve into where and how the products are manufactured. This not only speaks to sustainability but also reflects the quality of the items. Mass-produced goods may compromise on quality, so inquire about manufacturing specifics if this information isn't readily available.
- Warranties: Don't overlook warranties for frames and fabrics. It's essential to safeguard against potential mishaps post-purchase. Additionally, familiarise yourself with the returns policy, particularly if you haven't had the chance to physically test the sofa beforehand.
By keeping these factors in mind, you'll ensure a well-informed and satisfying sofa selection process, whether you opt for a traditional model or embrace the convenience of a 'sofa in a box'."
Now that you're armed with some sofa-in-a-box fact and some expert advice, here are the best to buy and where to shop them…
How we chose the best sofas in a box
- Price: Buying a sofa is one of those big home commitments but for some people who are living somewhere temporarily or don’t have the cash to splash, you may want a cheaper option, so we ensured we scoured the internet to find a scale of sofa prices.
- Practicality: Yes, you want your sofa to look 10/10 and bring those Insta likes flooding in, but if it’s not comfy for a movie marathon or a Sunday afternoon snooze then it’s really not worth the funds. There’s a fine balance in getting the two things just right.
- Delivery: A sofa in a box is a great option for those who need their new furniture fast, and most of the sofas in the list have speedy delivery times available.
- Verified reviews: We haven't been able to test every sofa in a box for ourselves, so we've also taken into consideration popularity as well as verified ratings and opinions from shoppers.
Shop our favourite sofas in a box
1/9
Swyft Model 10 Medium 3 Seater Sofa
The details
- Dimensions: H79 x W213 x D87cm
- Colours: Velvet brick, Velvet Kingfisher, Faux Leather Chestnut
"This is a popular Swyft model - it's one of the top sellers at John Lewis right now. This sofa has a classic mid-century silhouette but modern details for top comfort, like foam-wrapped springs and bounce-back cushions. I get so many compliments on my own comfy (and still so stylish) Swyft sofa. When it first arrived, the quality was my first surprise, being a sofa in a box I somehow thought that luxury would be compromised, but it’s not. And after almost two years my sofa has survived chocolate-covered toddler fingers, muddy football shorts and more."
2/9
Vesgantti Small 2 Seater Sofa
- Dimensions: 77D x 121W x 86H centimetres
- Colours: Blue, Grey, Green
Editor's note: "Amazon is of course a pro at easy delivery, so of course it has a selection of stylish sofas in a box. This velvet 2-seater that's available in three colours has a very sold rating - shoppers praise it as 'comfortable' and 'amazing quality'."
3/9
Made.com Brayla Sofa in a Box
The details
- Dimensions: Height 80cm Width 188cm Depth 91cm
- Colours: Ochre, Green Grey
Editor's note: "If you're a fan of British furniture retailer Made, which was acquired by Next in 2022 and re-launched the following year, you're probably already familiar wiht the brand's super stylish and always on trend offerings. The Brayla sofa in a box is as chic as you'd expect, with details like solid wood legs, flange detailing on the frame and roll seat cushions for comfort."
4/9
Habitat Evie Fabric 2 Seater Sofa in a Box
The details:
- Dimensions: (H) 82cm x (W) 143cm x (D) 83cm
- Box dimensions: Box one: (H) 24cm x (W) 72cm x (D) 123cm
- Box two dimensions: (H) 17cm x (W) 52cm x (D) 128cm
- Colours: Natural, Navy, Charcoal
- Free fabric samples available
Editor's note: "Any new homeowner will know that Argos is a godsend - a one-stop-shop for every home item you could possibly ever imagine. They've jumped on the sofa in a box hype too, and as you would expect, this Habitat model won’t break the bank either!"
5/9
Sofa.com Jack 3 Seat Sofa
The details:
- 12+ colours/fabrics, from palm print to faux leather
- Dimensions: W200cm x H91cm x D97cm
- Sofa Cover: Removable seat cushion cover
- Frame Guarantee 2 years
- Sofa Seat Cushions : Foam
- Sofa Back Cushions: 100% Fibre
Editor's note: "Inspired by Jack Wills and British mid-century design, this sofa in a box is smart and contemporary while still keeping a classic vibe, featuring smooth lines, tapered legs and button details. Also available in a 2-seat model, the 'Jack' breakdownable sofa is available in more than a dozen colours and prints - not just the palm print shown here - and is up to 50% off!"
6/9
Yaheetech 3 Seater Recliner Sofa Bed
The details:
- Colours: Black, Grey, Modern Grey, Dark Grey
- Dimensions: 86D x 185W x 86H centimetres
- Bed dimension: 106cm x 86cm
Editor's note: "This sofa bed in a box by Yaheetech, available on retailers like Amazon and Wayfair, is a great value and it can be set in three positions: upright, reclined or as a flat sofa bed. While click-clack sofa beds aren't the most comfortable option, this one is perfect if you live in a small space and have occasional guests."
7/9
Swyft Model 01 3-Seater Corner Sofa
The details:
- H83 cm x W 205 cm x D 85 cm
- Seat Height: 43 cm
- Depth with chaise: 168 cm
- Colours: 29+ fabrics/colourways available
Editor's note: "Yes, you can get a corner sofa in a box, too! We love Model 01 from Swyft (one of the most-Googled sofas in a box), which comes in a 3-seater corner sofa version. If you're not looking for an L-shaped style, don't worry, the luxurious Model 01 comes in lots of other versions, too."
8/9
Dunelm Eliza Velvet 2 Seater Small Sofa
The details:
- Colours: Bottle Green, Luxe Navy
- Dimensions: H 79.5cm x W 118cm x D 72cm
- Seat Dimensions: H 47cm x W 111cm x D 51cm
Editor's note: "For a compact, modern design, look no further than Dunelm's Eliza, a plush velvet 2-seater with a dramatic silhouette. It's one of the retailer's top rated offerings, with 4.6 stars, and shoppers calling the piece 'comfortable', 'the perfect size' for smaller spaces and 'great quality'. And at under £200 we think it's a steal!"
9/9
Homebase Draper Velvet 2 Seater Sofa in a Box
The details:
- Dimensions: (H)87 x (W)142 x (D)87cm
- Colours: Green, Grey
Editor's note: "Homebase is leaning into the Forestcore trend, which has 189.2M tags on TikTok. This 2-seater brings the beauty of nature into your living room with this mid-century design upholstered in soft green velvet, and featuring wooden legs."
