10 Best Sofas for Older People Who Need Extra Comfort and Ease

You probably have seen Grandpa do this: grab a soft pillow, set it on his favorite chair, and then settle in with a satisfied sigh. Or maybe Mom won’t sit on the living room couch without stacking two cushions behind her back. There’s a reason for that. Not every sofa is senior-friendly.

Some are too low, making it a mini workout just to stand back up. Some are too firm, making you feel like you’re sitting on a stone. Some are so soft they swallow you, which sounds cozy until you try to find your way back out again.

This post rounds up the 10 best sofas for older adults, options that offer comfort and ease without sacrificing style.

Here are some of our favorites.

1. DreamSofa Riga: Best overall comfy sofa for older adults

If comfort and elegance had a baby, it would be named Riga, as the Riga sofa from DreamSofa is exceptionally comfortable and elegantly designed.

The DreamSofa Riga is a full-on comfort experience wrapped in modern luxury. So, if you’re an older adult (or shopping for one), this sofa checks every box.

Let’s start with the seat and back cushions. They’re ultra-plush and designed to cradle you like your favorite cozy blanket. They make lounging feel like floating on a cloud. No need to set a soft pillow on the seat cushion or stack cushions behind your back. Want a cozy place to read a book or steal a short nap? The DreamSofa Riga offers the kind of all-day comfort that doesn’t come around often.

The Riga also offers ease. Its higher seating profile makes it easy to sit down and stand back up without the dramatic groan. And the gently sloped arms are sturdy enough to offer support when rising (which makes a real difference for anyone with mobility concerns).

Plus, the DreamSofa Riga not only offers comfort and ease, but it also ticks the style box. It brings drama to your living room in the classiest way. Its regal silhouette, angled arms, and elegant nailhead trim framing those architectural arms combine to make the Riga a statement piece.

The best part? The DreamSofa Riga is fully customizable. In fact, you can customize every aspect of the sofa. Choose from a number of comfort levels. You can personalize the sofa by choosing your preferred fabric upholstery and even nailheads. You can even build a bed into your Riga sofa, allowing it to provide comfortable seating during the day and cozy sleeping at night. 

And to ensure your sofa dazzles longer than most, Riga comes with removable cushions you can flip to ensure even wear.

Key features

• A clean, modern design with clean lines, angled arms, and elegant nailhead detailing.
• Sturdy frame and quality materials for longevity 
• Ultra-plush seat and back cushions for cloud-like comfort.
• Higher seat height makes sitting down and getting up feel natural.
• Sturdy angled arms for easy gripping when sitting or standing.
• Fully customizable, allowing you to choose comfort level, size, fabric, leg wood stain, and more.
• You can add a full- or queen-size bed.
• You can remove and flip cushions to keep the sofa looking fresh for years.

What customers say

Customers love that the DreamSofa Riga is comfortable and supportive. Customers rave about how comfy it feels, whether sitting or lounging. Its comfort and high seats make it a perfect couch for older adults. Many others love the level of customization that DreamSofa allows, saying they like how they can customize to get a sofa that suits their space and style.

2. Interior Define Sloan Slipcovered 3-Seat Sofa: Best slipcovered sofa for older adults

The Sloan Slipcovered 3-seat sofa is a comfy beauty from Interior Define.

Tired of sofas that are all style but feel a little too firm or those that are comfy but look like they belong in a college dorm? Then, the Interior Define Sloan slipcovered 3-seat cushion is worth considering. Not only does it walk the perfect line between sleek and soft, but it does that like it’s no big deal. 

Crisp track arms and a subtle, tapered curve near the back give the Sloan a modern and elegant silhouette. It’ll look good in your living room. And it offers plush comfort. Its cushions are layered and plush, offering a soft yet supportive feel that’s easy on your body. There’s also the seat height, which is 19 inches. This is the sweet spot for easy sitting and standing. You won’t struggle to rise from it.

Sloan also offers customizations. You can go up to 28 inches, giving you enough room to stretch out and really relax. And there are tens of fabric options for personalizing your sofa’s look. 

Key features

• A blend of modern and traditional design that works well in any decor.
• Soft, supportive, layered cushions with optional extra-soft upgrade.
• High seats make sitting and standing a breeze.
• Deep seat option for extra room for lounging.
• Removable, washable slipcover for easy maintenance and long-lasting good looks.
• Customizable fabrics and finishes to fit your taste.

What customers say

Customers praise the plush comfort of the Interior Define Sloan 3-seat sofa. They say it’s very comfortable, making it a good couch for older adults. Many reviews also mention loving its removable covers. Customers after customers say the removable covers make the sofa easy to maintain.

3. Apt2B Logan Sofa: Best pet-friendly sofa for older adults

The Logan Sofa from Apt2B Modern Furniture is a mid-century stunner that is pretty, practical, and senior-friendly. 

With sleek, button-tufted back cushions and tapered wooden legs, the Logan Sofa has vintage charm. It’s a stylish piece guaranteed to turn heads. But more importantly, it is designed with modern-day comfort in mind, especially for folks who appreciate a supportive seat and easy access when standing up.

The cushions are in that cozy balance between plush and posture-friendly. That is, you’re not sinking into it, but you’re not perching on it like a park bench either. Thus, you can sit on it for hours. 

Older adults will love the Logan’s just-right seat height (which is 20 inches). This makes sitting down and standing up feel effortless, even for taller individuals or older folks with joint issues, reduced leg strength, or difficulty standing. No dramatic flailing or awkward pushing off the armrest is required! The Logan also comes with relatively deep seats (23 inches). Should you want to curl up with a book, there’s enough room for lounging. 

Talking of customizations, you can personalize your Logan sofa by choosing from one of 50+ fabrics. From cream and espresso to green apple and amethyst, you’ll find the perfect shade for your home. You can also choose your preferred leg finish.

Key features

• Has a stylish mid-century look with sleek, button-tufted back cushions and tapered wooden legs.
• Made with a solid wood frame and eco-friendly materials, so it’s a solid and sustainable choice.
• Has firm-yet-cushiony high-density foam cushions, which are not only comfortable but also good for your back.
• 20″ seat height for easy sit-to-stand movement.
• Reversible cushions for even wear.
• Zippered cushions for easy cleaning.
• Offers 50+ fabric upholstery choices for personalizing the sofa.

What customers say

Customers praise the looks and comfort of the Apt2B Logan sofa. Many say it looks even better than expected. Others say it is pretty comfortable, such that they can sit and lounge for hours without feeling any issues.

A few customers also mention that the Apt2B Logan Sofa is affordable, saying it’s one of the most comfortable sofas in its price range.

4. Cisco Home Elm Sofa: Best for mixing and matching

The Elm Sofa from Cisco Home is a thoughtfully designed piece of furniture that combines elegance and functionality. This makes it a good choice for older adults seeking comfort and ease.

Let’s start with its size. With 84” width, 40” depth, and 32.5” height, the Elm sofa offers a spacious yet manageable footprint for various living spaces. Plus, it looks good in an “I’m stylish without even trying” kind of way.

It is modern and all about refined minimalism. Nothing superfluous. Just clean lines, a single bench-style seat cushion that runs the full width of the sofa, and slim, straight, and subtly squared arms that save space visually.

Also, it’s built to be cozy. For example, that bench-style seat cushion is great for stretching out without inviting that awkward middle-seat crack. Plus, it is soft, ensuring comfy seating. The Elm’s three back cushions are generously sized and have supportive padding, meaning they give your back soothing comfort and the support it needs. For added convenience, the sofa includes two 18″ x 18″ accent pillows, enhancing both comfort and style.

But it is not just the coziness that makes the Cisco Home Elm sofa suitable for older adults. Its seat height of 18 inches facilitates easy transitions from sitting to standing. While this is at the lower end of the ideal range, it still offers an easy enough rise for many older adults.

Key features

• Has a modern look with clean lines and slim track arms.
• Has generously sized back cushions with supportive padding, ensuring a good balance between comfort and support.
• Bench-style seat for uniform comfort.
• An 18-inch seat height offers easy sit-to-rise transitions for many older adults.
• Two accent pillows are included.
• Customization options include slipcovered or upholstered finishes.

What customers say

Customers hail the Elm sofa for being roomy without taking too much visual space. They like that it delivers maximum seating without hogging the whole room.

A few customers also love that the Elm sofa’s cushions (especially the overstuffed back cushions) are very comfortable. Reviews include customers saying they love the feel, especially when leaning back to relax.

5. Maiden Home Dune Sofa: Best for long lounges and naps

The Dune sofa from Maiden Home is another comfortable couch worthy of mention in any list of best sofas for older adults. 

Why? First, the Dune looks like it belongs in a fancy magazine. With a modern silhouette, clean lines, overstuffed back cushions, gently rounded thin arms, and recessed legs, its aesthetics are on point. It impresses without even trying.

Secondly, the Dune feels like a cloud made for humans. The cushions consist of a high-density foam core wrapped in a dreamy blend of down, feather, and fiber. The result? Fluffy goodness. And the gorgeously overstuffed back cushions? They practically beg you to lean back and relax. 

Everything is soft and luxurious, but not the kind that swallows you whole and makes it difficult to rise. It is fluffy but firm enough to support knees, hips, and back. Plus, it features a deep, plush bench seat. No fussy middle cracks. And there’s more space to curl in, should you choose. Excellent for long lounges and naps.

Thirdly, the seat height is 19 inches, making it easy for older adults to get in and out without feeling like having a mini workout.

But there’s more. Maiden Home lets you tweak the Dune sofa to your heart’s content. There are also tons of performance fabrics, allowing you to wear your sofa a cloth that can handle pets, spills, and life’s little surprises. Lastly, Maiden Home offers white glove delivery, so you don’t have to worry about heavy lifting and setup. 

Key features

• Offers a modern look with clean lines, slightly rounded thin arms, and recessed legs.
• Features a high-density foam core wrapped in a fluffy blend, providing comfort and support.
• Has a seat height of 19 inches, which makes it easy to get in and out. 
• It is highly customizable (you can customize the seat width and depth, back cushion styling, and more).
• Offers a wide range of low-maintenance performance fabrics for personalizing the sofa’s look.
• Has removable and washable slipcovers

What customers say

Customers say the Maiden Home Dune feels good. Many online reviews say they like that the sofa is very comfortable to nap in, adding that they often find themselves sleeping on it.

A few mention its life-proof fabrics, saying they survive coffee spills and pet messes. Some even recommend the Dune for homes with kids and pets. 

6. American Leather Astoria Sofa: Best for compact sophistication

The Astoria sofa from American Leather is like the tailored suit of the furniture world. It has that clean, confident look that says, “I’m comfortable, but I’m also here to impress.”

The sophisticated look starts with crisp, structured lines and expertly executed European upholstery. Every seam and stitch looks sharp and clean. No slouchy, saggy cushions here. Then, it’s topped off with buttonless tuftings, which give the seat that high-end texture. Everything is intentional and elegant.

On the comfort side, the Astoria is crafted with an advanced unidirectional suspension system and high-resiliency foam sets. Translation: It offers a good balance of comfort and support. The foam cushions help alleviate pressure points, ensuring comfort during extended periods of sitting.

The Astoria also has an 18-inch seat height, which is ideal for many older adults. It allows sitting and rising without putting too much strain on the knees and back. However, seniors with knee issues may need a higher seat height.

The sofa sports loose back and seat cushions that allow for easy maintenance. When it comes to customizations, American Leather doesn’t offer anything besides upholstery options and leg finishes. However, despite the company’s name, they provide a wide range of fabrics for customization.

Key features

• Has a modern, tailored look with crisp lines, buttonless tufting, and a somewhat boxy silhouette.
• Combines a suspension system with high-resiliency foam for supportive comfort.
• Loose back and seat cushions for easier cleaning and maintenance.
• Made tough with a solid frame and reliable American craftsmanship.
• A seat height of 18 inches is just about high enough to allow easy sit-to-stand movements.
• Hundreds of leather and fabric options to choose from.

What customers say

Customers praise the sleek look of the American Leather Astoria sofa. They say the Astoria is gorgeous and certain to be a conversation starter in any living room.

A few reviews specifically mention the Astoria’s quality stitching, saying that it is what gives the sofa a clean and refined look.

7. Craftmaster Furniture 268550-68 Sofa: Best for classic style lovers

Craftmaster Furniture is known for its commitment to handcrafted, American-made furniture that blends style and comfort. What many people don’t realize is that many of its furniture pieces are also senior-friendly. The 268550-68 is one of those. This piece marries timeless elegance with everyday comfort. And importantly, has proportions that offer older folks ease. 

If you need a classic beauty that blends traditional design with modern functionality, you can’t go wrong with the Craftmaster 268550-68 sofa. Its graceful camelback silhouette and Bombay-shaped arms adorned with dark brass nailhead trim exude a refined charm. The casual bun feet add a touch of warmth, grounding the piece in classic aesthetics.

But the Craftmaster 268550-68 sofa is more than stylish. It offers plush comfort. The seat cushions are soft and inviting without feeling like they are swallowing you. The plush attached back cushions also comfort your back while providing consistent support. 

Another reason older adults will love the Craftmaster 268550-68 sofa is its 20-inch seat height. It offers a comfortable elevation for sitting and standing. Whether you are tall, have difficulty standing, or have knee issues, getting up from this piece will be easy. 

The Craftmaster 268550-68 sofa also holds its own when it comes to customizations. Need a coffee table? Then, add a matching ottoman to your Craftmaster 268550-68 sofa. If you prefer a plain design, you can ditch the nail head trims. You can also choose from a lot of fabric options.

Key features

• Features a graceful camelback silhouette and elegant Bombay-shaped arms for a classic, refined look.
• Compact shape that offers ample seating without overwhelming even small spaces.
• Soft cushions that provide comfort and support.
• Seat height of 20 inches (perfect for most older adults).
• Offers several customizations.
• You can build a sleeper into the sofa to provide a cozy sleeping space at night.

What customers say

Customers love the Craftmaster 268550-68 sofa’s timeless design. Reviews say it is a statement piece that will stand out in any living room.

A few customers highlighted the sofa’s surprising comfort. They say that despite its classic, mid-century look, it offers the kind of comfort you’ll expect of modern plush options.

8. Mantle Furniture Jasper Sofa: Best low-maintenance sofa for older adults

The Jasper sofa from Mantle Furniture will always stand out in your living room. The Jasper is a sleek blend of modern sophistication and down-to-earth comfort thanks to its crisp, clean lines, tailored silhouette, subtle bolster pillows, and oh-so-huggable cushions.

It is also compact. If you’re working with small spaces like apartments or studios, it’s a great option. Drop it in the space, place a hairpin legs side table close to it, and your space will look amazingly different. 

When it comes to comfort, Jasper rocks. The seat and back cushions are soft, providing cozy comfort. Underneath the softness is an 8-way hand-tied spring system that offers the right amount of bounce and support. This means there is no sagging or sinking feeling when you sit. Just the supportive comfort that the doctor prescribes for older adults. 

In addition to the plush, supportive cushions, the seat height is 18 inches. And for many adults, this is high enough to get up from without groaning or needing a helping hand. 

You can customize many aspects of the Mantle Furniture Jasper sofa, including its size (to ensure it fits your space) and cushion fill (to achieve the comfort level your body craves). You can also personalize its look with your preferred fabrics and leg finish. 

Another thing you’ll love about the Mantle Furniture Jasper sofa is that it keeps its shape well. You don’t need to karate-chop the cushions into shape every time you get up. This is helpful for older adults because there’s less bending to rearrange cushions. 

Key features

• An elegant look with a modern silhouette, clean lines, and subtle bolster pillows.
• Soft cushioning offers comfort. 
• A spring system ensures support. 
• Low maintenance, as it doesn’t need regular fluffing. 
• You can customize sizing, fabrics, and leg finish, and get exactly what fits your style and living room. 
• Uses performance fabrics that hold up well against life’s messes.

What customers say

Many customer reviews mention how lovely the Mantle Furniture Jasper sofa looks.

Many others talk about the quality of the upholstery fabric. They say it is pet-friendly and family-friendly because the fabric is stain-resistant, moisture-resistant, and holds up well against stains and pets.

9. Burrow Mambo Sofa with Ottoman: Best for multiple-purpose living spaces

The Mambo sofa is crafted by Burrow, a company that began its journey just over a decade ago. Yet, it embodies the exceptional quality and craftsmanship we’ve come to expect from America’s finest, time-honored furniture brands.

The Mambo sports a boxy silhouette with wide arms and a curved back. This gives it a very modern look that works well in contemporary design. However, this is not your regular blocky sofa that looks great but feels awful to sit on. 

The Burrow Mambo sofa delivers comfort. The cushions are plush foam wrapped in soft fiber, ensuring maximum comfort. The curved back provides ergonomic support when you lean back and relax. The extra-padded arms are so cushy that you can use them as pillows when you need to sneak a nap. You can also add lumbar cushions to prop your back and be more comfortable.

Besides delivering comfort, the Mambo sofa has an 18-inch seat height, which many older adults will find perfect for easily getting up and sitting down.

Another thing to love about Mambo is its modular design, which makes it configurable to many seating arrangements. You can move the ottoman from left to right to get a left-sided or right-sided ”sectional.” You can push the middle seat cushion away and have a loveseat. And you can also add more pieces when your space is bigger. Being able to reconfigure your setup to suit your vibe makes the Mambo sofa excellent for multi-purpose living spaces. 

Key features

• Comes with a modern boxy look.
• Has plush cushions for comfort, plus optional lumbar cushions.
• Has a modular design that allows for different seating configurations.
• Seat height is 18 inches, making getting up from a sitting position easy. 
• It is highly customizable.
• It uses durable, pet-friendly fabric that resists snags, scratches, and spills.

What customers say

Customers love the comfort the Mambo delivers, but they cannot stop raving about the different configuration options it allows. They love how the sofa’s modular design allows them to change the seating arrangement and give their space a new look. Some pointed out how they’ve been able to add new modules after they moved to a bigger house. 

10. West Elm Harris Motion Reclining Leather Sofa: Best for effortless lounging

The Harris Motion Reclining Leather sofa from West Elm is an elegant piece with a smooth power recline that lets you kick back and relax with zero effort.

Let’s start with its looks. At first glance, the Harris looks like a chic, modern sofa you’d see gracing the pages of a perfectly curated Pinterest board. It has clean lines, softly structured armrests, tailored upholstery, and a vibe that says “designer piece.” 

On the comfort side, the Harris provides just-right comfort. Seat cushions are fiber-wrapped with medium firmness. They’re neither too soft nor too firm. They pamper your body but with enough support. 

When the Harris is providing comfortable seating in its upright position, you’d never guess it has reclining superpowers hidden inside. That’s the genius of the Harris: it’s all beauty on the outside and all comfort on the inside. 

Simply hit a power button on the side, and the recliner will slide out. Older adults will love adjusting the recliner to various positions to lounge however they like. The Harris’ seat height of 20 inches is also perfect for older adults, as it allows moving from sitting to standing with ease. 

West Elm offers two different sizes of the Harris sofa, so you can choose one that’s perfect for your space. Lastly, you can customize your Harris’ looks by choosing from 18 leather upholstery choices.

Key features

• Comes with a classic, chic look.
• Has fiber-wrapped cushions for good comfort.
• Cushions offer medium firmness for good support. 
• Includes a power recliner that can be adjusted to various positions for effortless lounging. 
• Has a kiln-dried solid wood frame for durability.
• Offers 18 leather upholstery options for customizing the sofa’s look.

What customers say

Customers praise the West Elm Harris motion reclining leather sofa for two things: its sleek look and its reclining features. Some say the sofa has the kind of look that can instantly elevate a living space.

However, the vast majority say the sofa’s strongest points are its power recliners, which allow them to switch from sitting to lounging with ease.

How to choose the best sofas for older adults

We’ve gone through the 10 best sofas for older adults out there. But how did we choose these sofas? Here are some of the things to look out for when choosing sofas for older adults: 

Supportive comfort

Comfort is one of the first things to consider when choosing a sofa for older adults. You need soft cushions that reduce pressure points on the body. However, overly soft, fluffy cloud cushions are not ideal. While they are cozy, getting up from them can be a nightmare, especially for older adults with weak knees.  

Thus, when shopping for a sofa for older adults, go for options with medium firmness. These are soft enough to deliver the desired comfort yet firm enough to provide the needed support. 

Supportive and ergonomic backrest

Older adults need lumbar support, so the best sofas for them must have a supportive backrest.

Thus, backless and low-back sofas are not ideal. Opt for sofas with high backrests that encourage leaning back, especially those with ergonomic designs, such as slightly curved backrests and lumbar pillows.

Seat height

When choosing sofas for older adults, aim for a seat height of 18 – 20 inches. Seat height is the distance from the ground to the top of the seat cushion. 

Sofas with low seat height invite you to crawl in. But getting up would be a struggle, especially for older adults with knee issues. By contrast, too high a seat height and standing up may feel like jumping down from a height.

Sturdy armrests

Armrests are very important when shopping for sofas for older adults. This is because older adults can push up from the armrests when standing up to make their sit-to-stand transition easier. 

Armless or low-arm sofas are not suitable for older adults. Opt for sofas with sturdy armrests at a comfortable height. 

Easy care upholstery

With older adults, there may be more spilled tea and the like. Don’t want to cry over these? Always go for performance fabrics when shopping for a sofa for older adults. These are durable fabrics that hold up well against life’s messes. They are easy to wipe and clean, ensuring your sofa looks great for many years.

Takeaway: Shop DreamSofa for older adults who need extra comfort and ease

Don’t want Grandpa to put a soft pillow on a sofa before sitting or to groan in pain when getting up? Then, go for a sofa suitable for older adults.

This article looked at 10 sofas ideal for older adults. While all ten are great options, DreamSofa stands out as the best overall. Not only does DreamSofa provide comfort and ease, but it is stylish and highly customizable. It will instantly elevate your space, and you can customize every aspect of the sofa to ensure it suits your space and style.

Ready to provide older folks extra comfort and ease without sacrificing style and personal touches? Shop DreamSofa today! 

FAQs

Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about the best sofas for older adults: 

What couch height is most suitable for seniors?

The best couch seat height for seniors is 18 – 20 inches. This height allows for easy sitting and getting back up without too much strain on the knees. Too low, and getting up from the sofa will be a struggle. But too high, and getting up from it may feel like jumping from a height. 

Which type of sofa is ideal for people with arthritis?

People with arthritis should choose a sofa with medium-firm cushions that provide comfort and support. These cushions can conform to the body and reduce discomfort without swallowing the person (and make getting up a nightmare). A higher seat height of around 18 – 20 inches is also helpful to ensure they can get in and out of the sofa without excessive pressure on their joints.

Which sofa material offers the highest durability?

Top-grain leather and performance fabrics are the best sofa materials when it comes to durability. Top-grain leather is strong, while performance fabrics are stain-resistant, easy to clean, and hold up well against wear and tear.

Is a firm or soft couch better for everyday use?

When it comes to everyday use, medium-firm is the best couch. Sofas that are too soft may not adequately support your back and hips, causing discomfort over time. However, those that are firm can be harsh on pressure points and cause discomfort.

What sofa seat depth provides the best comfort?

The ideal seat depth for comfort is 20 – 24 inches. For older adults or people with mobility issues, a seat depth of 20 – 22 inches can make sitting and standing up easier. But for people who prefer to lounge, deeper seats of 22 – 24 inches provide enough room to be more comfortable.

Which sofa offers the best support for your back?

Sofas with medium-firm to firm back cushions offer good back support. Options with ergonomic designs, like contoured backs, can also provide lumbar support. And sofas with loose back cushions that can be fluffed or adjusted as needed are also helpful. 

How can you improve the comfort of a worn-out couch?

If your couch feels worn out, you can improve the comfort by layering a memory foam topper on the seat or adding a new foam cushion to replace the sagging ones. You can also restuff cushions to restore their shape.

Do ergonomic sofas exist for better posture?

Yes, there are ergonomic sofas specifically designed to support healthy posture. They focus on lumbar support, spinal alignment, and comfort for people who sit for extended periods. 

What type of couch is recommended for people with back pain?

For people with back pain, a medium-firm sofa with solid lumbar support is the best choice. Avoid overly soft or overly firm options, as both can exacerbate pain. Ergonomic sofas offering back alignment can also be helpful, as they relieve pressure points. 

Are high-end sofas a worthwhile investment?

Yes, high-end sofas are worthwhile investments because they are also investments in your health. Poor-quality sofas may be too hard on pressure points or may not provide adequate support, causing discomfort over time. High-end sofas provide the right balance of comfort and support, keeping you in prime condition always. Plus, high-end sofas are made with higher-quality materials and craftsmanship for longevity.