8 Expensive Looking Couches That Are Surprisingly Affordable

We all dream of owning a luxurious designer sofa, but let's face it, the sky-high price tag is usually a deal-breaker. Thankfully, there are so many affordable couches out there that are practically indistinguishable from the high-end brands; you just have to know where to look. Upscale retailers like Restoration Hardware often charge thousands for a sofa — case in point, the coveted RH Cloud Sectional, which costs an eye-watering $7,440, at minimum. Meanwhile, budget-friendly chains like Wayfair and Costco offer stylish and expensive-looking alternatives for a fraction of the cost, making designer aesthetics more accessible to average shoppers. For example, Wayfair's Nyerere Upholstered Sofa, a best-seller with hundreds of five-star reviews, closely resembles the original Cloud Sectional and costs just $1,180 full price.

Of course, there's a reason why high-end couches come at a premium cost. They're often made with natural upholstery like cotton, linen, or wool, a more durable frame, and high quality foam. Customers are also paying for the brand name itself, which promises a certain caliber of craftsmanship and design. All of these factors influence how much it costs to get a new couch, so choosing an affordable sofa may mean adjusting your expectations, such as opting for synthetic upholstery like polyester. However, cheaper fabrics don't necessarily mean a cheaper-looking couch. Cost-effective materials that mimic leather and velvet can look just as luxurious as the real deal. Plus, with so much extra room in your budget, you can even spring for a coffee table or matching armchair. Let's uncover eight stylish yet affordable sofas that offer luxury without breaking the bank.

The Toulouse 2-piece leather set is among the best-rated living room furniture at Costco that's actually worth it. The trendy mid-century modern set comes with both a sofa and an armchair, is made with top grain leather, and offers other high-quality features such as decorative tapered legs and hand-tufted Dacron fiber cushions for added comfort. The set is available in two colors — a contemporary teal shade and a more distinguished navy blue. The price for both is $2,899, which is a steal considering you get two pieces for the price of one. 

The Nyrere Upholstered sofa from Wayfair is easily one of the best dupes for Restoration Hardware's cloud sofa and it's way more affordable than the original. This top-rated best-seller, designed by furniture brand Latitude Run, is $1,180 full price, but depending on when you shop, you may get it on sale. Made of luxurious linen material, this large sectional couch looks and feels like a cloud with plush throw pillows and two ottomans. Finished with espresso wood legs, it's an elegant statement in any living space. 

This elegant sofa by StyleWell is originally $549.00, and Home Depot has it on sale for $384.00. The oyster beige upholstery, walnut tapered legs, and flared armrests give it the same aesthetic as a Pottery Barn sofa for a fraction of the price. The Doherty couch seats three people and the cushions become more comfortable with time without losing their shape. Styled with a wool throw blanket and a few linen pillows, your affordable sofa will look far more expensive than the price you snagged it for. 

This velvet sectional couch is another best seller on Wayfair, and for good reason. The sofa has an engineered wood frame with cushions made of luxurious velvety material. It is available in multiple colors including green, blue, gray, and beige, although there's a chance that some may be out of stock. It features sleek gold metal legs and pillow-top armrests that are just as stylish as they are comfortable. Plus, the cushions are made to resist sagging and preserve their shape with eight-way, hand-tied springs. 

The FINALLA sofa is one of IKEA's most popular items. The two-toned fabric is described as soft and "wool-like," and the sofa's versatile design allows you to rearrange the sections to suit your space best. You can also add sections for more seating. The couch comes with convenient storage space underneath, and the cover is both removable and machine washable, giving you the freedom to swap out and replace the covers at any time. The price is $1,599, but its durability and timeless style makes it a great choice that you'll enjoy for years.

Designed by Kelly Clarkson herself, this sofa and loveseat set is another one of Wayfair's best-sellers. Designed in a French country style, this set will give your living room a luxurious and elegant upgrade for just over $2,300. The set comes with nine decorative throw pillows to complete the look. The sofas feature a high-quality engineered wood frame and neutral linen color scheme, perfect for both traditional and modern aesthetics. Paired with an accent rug and oak coffee table, this set will give your home an instant upgrade.

As one of Costco's most popular couches with hundreds of five-star reviews, you can't go wrong with this stylish sectional. The modular design comes in six customizable pieces, with an ottoman that you can use as a footrest, additional seating, or even a makeshift coffee table. The textured boucle fabric is soft to the touch, and the minimalist waterfall design makes it look both modern and high-end, with a reasonable price tag of $1,999. The sectional is available in a rich dark gray and elegant cream color. 

Walmart's highly-rated Ktaxon sofa is a three-seat sectional made with luxurious chenille fabric. It's available in stylish colors like olive green, teddy white, light brown, gray-blue, orange, and neutrals. The double layer cushion provides extra comfort and support without changing shape, and the seat has an expanded width so you can really get cozy. At full price, this couch costs over $1,200, but if you buy at the right time you could get upwards of $700 off. A smaller option is also available, which includes a loveseat with a movable footrest.