Sinking into a cozy couch after a long workday is one of life’s simplest pleasures, and I've recently been on a mission to find one that truly delivered. When I came across Albany Park's Kova line, I was intrigued. With its oversized, fluffy pillows and cushions, it looks like a cloud — but would it deliver on comfort?

As the associate director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab, I’ve spent the past six years testing couches, mattresses, bedding and other home goods. For this review, Albany Park sent me a modular sofa from its Kova line to test out, perfectly sized to fit into my small apartment.


Albany Park's Kova line at a glance

Albany Park Kova Sofa 86

Kova Sofa 86
Credit: Albany Park

Pros

  • Fluffy, cloud-like feel
  • Modular design
  • Lots of options for big and small spaces
  • Choice of performance and stain-resistant materials
  • Free shipping to doorstep

Cons

  • Pillows sometimes look crumpled after use
  • Requires self assembly and shipped in large boxes
Colors32 options
Fill materialDown alternative microfiber
Frame materialContract-grade wood
Shipping costFree to doorstep
Set-upSelf assembly

One of the best places to buy a sofa according to GH's home editors, Albany Park offers a wide range of fabrics, including synthetic velvets, natural-looking linen and trendy bouclé, with 32 color options currently available. Some fabrics are more durable than others, and the brand’s performance textiles stand out for their superior durability and stain resistance. Online shopping is made simple with an easy sorting feature to filter fabrics by preference, and you can even request free swatches to ensure you make the perfect choice. I opted for the 86" sofa and ottoman in the brushed canvas fabric in Birch because I wanted a soft feel and loved the neutral, versatile look.

For the cushions, I chose the brand's signature pillow style, which offers a plush feel. Alternatively, you can select box cushions if you prefer a firmer seat and a cleaner, more structured aesthetic.

I think one of the standout features of the Kova line is its modular design, which allows it to adapt to your living space (read: It can grow with me if I move into a bigger place). The collection includes options like L- and U-shaped sectionals, deep pit couches and compact sofas. The frame is constructed from contract-grade wood, making it sturdy but also responsible for the notably heavy delivery boxes. The pillows and cushions are filled with down alternative microfiber for a cloud-like plushness.

The price varies depending on the size and configuration, ranging from about $2,000 to over $7,000. Individual pieces, like extra modules, start at $879, allowing you to customize or expand your sofa over time. Right now, many styles are currently up to 35% off.


Shipping and delivery

When shopping on Albany Park's site, I appreciated that the estimated shipping date for each sofa was clearly displayed. Shipping times can vary depending on the fabric you choose, and since each piece is made to order, there may occasionally be unforeseen delays. Once my order shipped, the brand’s delivery liaison contacted me by phone to schedule delivery, offering multiple options that fit my schedule. The delivery team was prompt and extremely friendly.

a photo of boxes of the albany park kova sofa, good housekeeping's kova sofa review
Emma Seymour

The couch arrived in several massive cardboard boxes for self-assembly. Delivery is to your doorstep only, so if you live in an apartment, it’s essential to have someone help carry the boxes upstairs. The boxes are large and bulky, so make sure you have enough space to unpack and assemble. They took up more room than I expected, so plan accordingly!


Assembly

The included instructions were very clear, with detailed illustrations and an assembly video on the website that I found especially helpful. The brackets need to click securely into place to ensure there are no gaps and that the couch stays firmly assembled during use. It did take me a few tries to properly align and attach the hooks on the armrests, but once I got the hang of it, the process was straightforward.

set up of the albany park kova couch in a living room, good housekeeping's albany park kova sofa review
Emma Seymour

While unboxing all the pieces took some time, the actual assembly was surprisingly quick — less than 30 minutes. With so many included pillows, it did get a bit confusing figuring out which ones went where. Overall, the setup was a breeze, though it did result in a lot of excess cardboard to dispose of afterward.

a cozy sectional sofa with oversized cushions in a neutral color
Emma Seymour
This is what the couch looked like immediately after I finished building it!


The pros

Incredibly plush, comfortable feel

As soon as I finished assembling the couch, I had to put it to the ultimate test: I grabbed my favorite throw blanket, lay down and queued up a movie. The fluffy down-alternative pillows cradled my entire body, and it was unbelievably comfortable. The deep cushions and the extra length provided by the ottoman allowed me to fully sprawl out — my girlfriend and I could both lounge comfortably together. I can honestly say I’ve never experienced a more plush and cozy couch.

In response to feedback from previous customers who found the cushions too firm, the brand updated the couch within the past year, adding more filling for enhanced support and comfort. While I didn’t test the older version, I can confidently say that this updated design delivers on its promise of being fluffy, supportive and cloud-like.

person playing video games while lounging on an albany park kova sofa, good housekeeping's albany park kova review
Emma Seymour
To do the hard work of testing this couch, I’ve put in a lot of hours playing video games and watching TV. Happy to report that this couch is impressively comfy.

Smart design features

The couch has wide, flat armrests that are not only sturdy for leaning but also practical enough to rest a cup on. I opted for the ottoman with built-in storage, which is a game-changer in a smaller space — perfect for stashing blankets and extra throw pillows.

The cushions are designed with a non-slip fabric on the bottom, keeping them securely in place, even with frequent use. Plus, the outer fabric is removable, making cleaning a breeze — an especially handy feature for those with pets, kids or anyone prone to the occasional spill (like me!).

Modular design

I like that this is a modular sofa, so it can suit many different spaces. For now, it fits perfectly in my small studio apartment, but if I move to a bigger space, I can easily expand it into a larger configuration. The flexibility to purchase additional armless and corner pieces allows you to customize and build a sofa that suits your needs — the possibilities are virtually endless, which I appreciate.


The cons

The fluffy pillows and cushions are incredibly comfortable to lounge on, but they do tend to look a bit squished after use. Personally, I value comfort over having a picture-perfect couch, so I don’t mind the lived-in appearance. However, if you prefer a pristine look, this might not be the best option for you. Because the pillows and cushions aren't attached to the couch, I fluff the pillows every few days to keep them looking plush and inviting.

I highly recommend paying close attention to the dimensions before purchasing. The sofa features very deep cushions, and the ottoman is quite large, so it takes up a fair amount of space. I enjoy having a larger couch for lounging, but it may not be the ideal fit for smaller rooms or tight layouts.


The bottom line

If you’re looking for a plush, comfortable sofa that also feels trendy and cozy, I think the Kova line is an excellent choice. After testing this couch, I can confidently say that the thick, down-alternative pillows truly feel cloud-like — perfect for long movie marathons or relaxing with a good book. The smaller size fits beautifully in my current apartment, but its modular design allows it to grow with me into larger spaces, making it a smart long-term investment.

Because of the fluffy pillows, the couch has a lived-in look and doesn’t maintain a perfectly crisp shape. However, for those who prefer a more polished, structured appearance, the brand now offers box cushions as an alternative.

In short, this sofa is a versatile option for all types of people, from solo dwellers in studio apartments to large families with kids and pets. Its modular design ensures it can adapt to your needs over time, and the durable fabric choices make it a practical and stylish choice for any home.

Headshot of Emma Seymour
Emma Seymour
Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab Associate Director

Emma Seymour (she/her) is the associate director of the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab, where she has led testing for luggage, pillows, towels, tampons and more since 2018. She graduated from Cornell University with a bachelor of science in fiber science and apparel design and a minor in gerontology, completing research in the Body Scanner Lab on optimizing activewear for athletic performance.