Pottery Barn Sofa Review: What to Know Before You Buy

The Pearce is our top recommendation from our Textiles Lab for anyone shopping for a comfy sofa with a versatile design. It's an excellent choice if you're looking for a sectional, and each configuration sports an elegant, classic style. Our survey respondents applauded the Pearce sofa for its support, comfort and attractive design.

We found that the sofa falls into that sweet spot between plush and firm, or as it's described by the brand: “supportive yet sink-in soft.” It's super comfortable without being too formal or too casual. We also appreciate the high-quality construction, including steel springs for adequate cushion support and a kiln-dried hardwood frame for durability.

Like most Pottery Barn sofas, we like that the Pearce is available in an endless combination of fabrics and colors to suit your space. If you can't decide on a fabric, you can order free swatches directly from Pottery Barn to assess each material. Just keep in mind that respondents shared mixed reviews of the sofa’s fabric and how it held up over time, though most were satisfied with the quality. “It’s stylish, comfortable and fits perfectly in our living room,” says one respondent.

The Buchanan sofa is not only a great value sofa from Pottery Barn, but it's also excellent for smaller spaces as it's more compact than others. You can customize it to your liking, but keep in mind that the polyester-wrapped cushions will have a firmer feel than some of the other sofas featured. If you want to really maximize your space and be able to accommodate guests, we also recommend this sleeper sofa from the collection that includes a memory foam mattress.

Several survey panelists share that this sofa has held up well over time. “The sofa looks the same today as the day we received it," says one respondent. “We have a 13- and 9-year-old boy, two Labrador Retrievers and one Golden Retriever; our Buchanan sofa has held up extremely well over the years,” says another respondent.

You may be tempted to take a nap on this super comfy sofa. Not only does it feature a deep seat, but you can tailor it to your comfort and style by selecting your ideal seat cushion fill, depending on how much softness you like. Choose memory foam for a sink-in yet supportive feel or a down blend if you're seeking an even softer, cushier feel. This couch is made for lounging, so we recommend it for frequently-used rooms and TV-watching spaces, as opposed to more formal living rooms. Some of our panelists do warn, however, that the cushions may lose some of their oomph over time.

Similar to other PB sofas, there’s a variety of customization options available with the PB Comfort. This model in particular has a slipcover that can be removed for cleaning and maintenance – just make sure to follow care instructions specific to your fabric selection. Many of our survey panelists pointed out how easy it was to clean the slipcovers, while others raved about the sofa's comfort. “It’s very well made and super cozy,” says one panelist.

We love the clean, modern look and feel of this PB sofa, which features a sleek design and sloped arms. Though this model is leather (and available in a variety of beautiful, rich shades), it’s also sold in other fabrics so you can choose the right feel for you. According to Pottery Barn, the sofa’s softness sits right between soft and firm so you should feel comfortable without sinking in too much.

It's a great choice if you're looking for a stylish sofa, but one that remains functional without being too formal. In fact, many of our survey respondents agree that the York Sofa is the right balance between supportive and comfortable, though some point out that they wish the seat was a bit deeper. “It’s supportive and not too deep, yet also easy to lounge on,” says one panelist. “It’s high-quality and durable,” says another.

The Carlisle stands out for its unique design. Featuring English roll arms, intricate wood legs and a curved shape, this couch has a sophisticated classic appeal for those who think many of today's sofas are boxy or too simple. Like other Pottery Barn sofas, you can customize the fabric and size to your liking, though there do appear to be slightly fewer options to choose from in this collection.

We like that you can choose your seat cushion fill; those who prefer a firmer feel will be happy with a polyester fill while those who like a softer couch should opt for the down blend. "The down blend is very comfortable," says one survey panelist. Others point out that the sofa is less plush than others, but that they still found it stylish and comfy. "I love the style of the English roll arm," says another survey respondent.