I've spent the past few months doing nothing but testing out the best sofas you can shop in America There aren't many places you can get it all in one go; but at Livingetc TLDR: The following six sofas are ones I have personally tried and rated but be assured that these couches are constructed with quality materials; are extremely comfortable regardless of sit preference; are well reviewed by others; are accessible; and but will concede that a few might be more than you’d care to spend if you’d like a sofa that will last a long time that performs well even in a kid- or pet-filled household I encourage you to look past the price as much as your finances allow These are sofas I did not get to try but feel comfortable recommending thanks to retailer reputation Just a note: because of the current sofa sales but I'll do my best to keep them up to date Rating: 5/5Price: $2,399Size: 89" W x 38" D x 26" HPros: Its resilient cushions are great for kids and families; boxy tailoring looks very modern; and a bench cushion is availableCons: Issues with delivery 62.75"DPros: Patterened fabric easily disguises stains; strong reviewsCons: Chaise sectionals aren't the best if you plan to move Rating: 4.5/5Price: $2,639Size: 85.5" w x 38.5" d x 35" h Pros: Width/seat cushion customization is available which will need to be buffed and maintained Rating: 4.5/5Price: $4,249.95Size: 65" x W: 40" x H: 38"Pros: Requires no wall clearance compact frame is great for small spacesCons: Have to buy through third-party retailer Rating: 4/5Price: $789Size: 86"W x 39"D x 30"HPros: Macy's offers frequent sales on an already great priceCons: Glue/staple joinery Rating: 4/5Price: $559.20Size: 72"w x 32"d x 30"h tightly-woven pewter weave is good for pets removable legs (helpful in tight entries)Cons: Slightly wobbly back panel this loose back tuxedo looks great — plump in all the right places but the cushions are extremely boxy and streamlined; it's a surprising look the Gather is also available in sectional sofa configurations The seat cushions are innerspring wrapped in polyfoam which means you get a soft sink mixed with a wonderful bit of bounce You can feel the cushion move with you as you get up and down The depth was perfect; it was great for both lounging and talking and it took everything in me not to lay down for a nap right in the store the cushions keep their shape well — a must if you host often or have little kids around Durability: It passed my bounce and shake test in-store with ease which averaged 4.6 stars out of 5 across 1,686 reviews Pricing: Sitting in the middle of our price range Style: This sectional Anthropologie sofa is aesthetically striking; it's not often you see red and blue paired together so expertly the red and blue fabric might be difficult to match but in truth it's the perfect limelight-stealer in otherwise neutral or color-drenched schemes the wood paneling on the bottom adds an additional grounding touch quite skeptically — surely the jacquard I liked that the subtle texture of the weave massaged my skin Durability: The dark fabric, and pattern, is a good choice for a low-maintenance couch material that easily hides stains and spills Pricing: This sits at the upper end of our pricing range; however which makes it good value in comparison to our number one pick It just looks good,and the leather will naturally soften and patina over time I love the added touch of optional nailheads for additional personality Comfort: The top-grain leather is soft and supple without feeling cold (always my concern with leather couches) It sits at around a 4 on the plushness scale depending on preference I will say that the armrests are a bit low but that's easily overlooked when you take in the rest of it Durability: Its incredibly sturdily constructed. After spending an afternoon sitting on as many Pottery Barn sofas as I could It's made with that quality Pottery Barn touch (engineered wood frame and corner block construction Customer reviews are not available but it's a trusted sofa brand I'd be happy to invest in Pricing: Compared to other leather sofas of this size and quality Style: This neat two-seater is one of the sleekest sleeper sofas you'll ever see The pull-out bed is exceptionally comfortable I'm serious — if every hotel in America replaced their pull-out bed with one of these I might even prefer it to the bed; that's how comfortable it is American Leather offers a good/better/best variety for its sleeper sofas but the tiers do not affect comfort in my opinion; rather it mainly pertains to the pull-out mechanism The model shown here is the "best." I'd rate the sit as a 5 (medium firm) on the plushness scale Durability: This range of sleeper sofas is built to last and your guests will practically be fighting to sleep here Pricing: This sleeper sofa is not cheap but you're getting a great deal on comfort in my opinion I'd say you are fine to downgrade to the "good" or "better" options (the Today sleeper and the Silver sleeper respectively) — but stick with American Leather no doubt a suite of budget-friendly sofas made exclusively for Macy's Comfort: I found the sit to be a nice medium-firm are not my favorite from a construction POV (the frame is glued and stapled) but this isn't unusual at this price point and you have yourself a true wallet-friendly find It ships fully assembled with white-glove delivery (more on that in the delivery section below) But to limit it to just that edit would be a disservice to I'd expect the Oliver to work great in compact rooms tapered rubberwood legs are removable (ideal when navigating tight corners) you can easily fit three people on this at a pinch Comfort: I'd describe the sit as medium-firm with a bit of bounce The seat is very firm; this is not something you will sink into; it's definitely the firmest of my picks Durability: This sofa sits at the lower end of the pricing scale so don't expect the finest construction and it's from sofa-selling heavyweight West Elm Pricing: This first caught my eye as an affordable sofa more than anything; at only $800 After three months of extensive sofa research I've narrowed my list down to six favorites I couldn't test every sofa on the market at home but I could touch and try everything in the showrooms and speak to the sales associates about the benefits and drawbacks of each model as well as the popularity of different product lines All this allowed me to devise a practical set of criteria to rate each couch I tried Read more about how we test our sofas here Knowing where to shop for a sofa is just as important as the shopping itself; the below list I rated each brand on a $ to $$$$ price range — $$$$ being the most expensive — and included a brief description of what each retailer is known for plus notes on the return policy and lead time lifetime warrantyCons: Slightly difficult assembly leather is an easy-to-clean upholsteryCons: Full aniline leather (needs buffing/waxing) could require more upkeep than you'd like you probably don’t need a sectional or a three- to four-seater If you have or plan to have a large family something bigger and more functional is likely preferred “If you love hosting movie nights or gatherings, having a larger sectional will be ideal to fit more people,” suggests Anna Tatsioni, lead interior designer and architect at Decorilla Online Interior Design I always keep in mind whether or not my clients have kids or pets which will require a more durable and spacious sofa.” Young Kids: Children are tough on couches – and not just from a stain perspective You need a frame and seat construction that holds up textured fabrics that kids might find exciting to pick at or play with (bouclé as you won’t fall between the cracks between seats “but if it’s for more of a formal living room where you’ll be seated upright a narrower piece is best to provide the right support.” Climate: Mads Holm Rabjerg, Head of Product Development at Denmark’s Carl Hansen & Søn you should factor climate into your decision you live in a part of the world or country where it's cold nine months of the year But if you reside in sunny SoCal or the deep South you want upholstery that feels cool to the touch Accessibility Accommodations: It’s worth considering whether you or those sitting on the sofa might need certain accommodations either currently or over time Is your partner 6’3” or taller They’ll likely prefer a seat depth of 25” or more She’ll probably like something firmer and with an upright back versus a cloud sofa or low-profile option Loveseat: Typically refers to a sofa meant for just two people. From a style perspective, the best loveseats often offer greatest variety and appeal Three-seater: A sofa meant for two to three people Sectional: There are three types of sectional sofas: (1) chaise sectionals a loveseat joined on either the left or right side by a long chaise; (2) l-sectionals a chaise and a loveseat joined at a right angle by a connecting corner seat; (3) and u-sectionals a loveseat or a three-seater flanked on either side by two long chaises Sleeper sofas: There are three types of sleeper sofas: (1) futons which involve a mattress and a bed frame stored underneath the couch cushions; (2) convertibles where the back of the sofa folds down to form a larger sleeping area; and (3) trundles where the extra sleeping space pulls up from underneath the sofa Slipcover sofas: A slipcover sofa comes with a removable washable cover to protect the fabric underneath from stains and marks Outdoor sofas: Sofas for back patios and garden vignettes and even aluminum are great materials here — stylish TuxedoA tuxedo sofa is easily identifiable by arms that are the same height as the back a wealthy New York village once home to famous notables like banker J.P Morgan and interior designer Dorothy Draper ChesterfieldAdd button tufting and rolled arms to a tuxedo sofa and you have the Chesterfield an elegant and stately option that allegedly dates back to the mid-1700s and their shape makes them great for “formal living rooms,” per Aaron Masterson CamelbackPopularized by 18th-century furniture maker Thomas Chippendale the Camelback is known for an arched back with one or two humps (similar to the animal it's named after) SetteeSmaller than a loveseat but similar in capacity a settee is a tiny sofa meant for no more than two people … but ideally just one You wouldn’t use a settee for lounging; rather you might place one in your bedroom or sitting room for reading lead interior designer and co-founder at Decorilla choose a settee for a client who wanted a cozy bedroom reading nook “It provided a comfortable spot to curl up with a book and relax,” she says with two sides acting as a headboard and a footrest third side acting as a backrest/back panel (there are plenty of stylish variations with just the headboard and the footboard) a daybed is great for dividing up a large room ChaiseA chaise lounge is quite similar to a daybed the back might not run the full length of the sofa and the arms may or may not be attached The name comes from the French phrase chaise longue which means “long chair.” Like daybeds you can easily float a chaise in the center of your living room to break up vignettes It’s a “great way to add a touch of indulgence and relaxation” to a space English Roll ArmIf you’re a fan of British sensibilities an English Roll Arm could be the sofa for you Characterized by recessed and rounded elbow-height armrests the English Roll Arm gets its name from the British country manors in which it once resided Its shape oozes with tradition; you’ve seen this style before and you’ll see it for years to come Mid-Century ModernA sofa is mid-century modern not because it was made in the 1950s and 60s but because its look is in keeping with the presiding style of that time: clean lines; wooden often tapered legs; a rectangular frame; and seat tufting … sometimes LawsonLuxury interiors brand One Kings Lane describes the Lawson as the chameleon of sofas — upholstered in the right fabric with well-padded and frame-separated cushions and are great for a nap; the sofa’s namesake asked his designer to make him something extra comfortable TogoThe Togo began as a singular sofa designed for Ligne Roset but its frameless body and crimped folded look have inspired thousands of copycats over the years low-profile aesthetic is available at plenty of popular retailers you can’t make a decision to save your life perhaps a modular sofa is the best choice for you Modular sofas don’t have a set shape; that’s part of their appeal they’re comprised of various modules that can be easily rearranged from one shape to another (great for open-plan living rooms camel-like back and you have the Cabriole sofa the perfect curvaceous counter to a straight-edged room You might recognize this style of seating from 18th-century England where it dominated in the court of Louis XV “Consider the wall color as the backdrop and your existing decor as the supporting cast.” The look and feel of your sofa is only half the battle – the other half has to do with sofa dimensions But if you pick a couch that’s too small For starters, it’s helpful to understand the average sofa size from both a sofa seat depth and length perspective; you need a solid benchmark from which to begin your search 85” long is a great size for a sofa,” says BenchMade Modern’s Dan Campbell “as it comfortably fits three seated people and can also fit into most spaces.” In terms of depth “a 23” depth sofa is a good average size but 24” or 25” is ideal for a more lounge-y curl-up feel or for people who are a bit taller.” Room size: You don’t want your sofa to dwarf your room and you don’t want your room to dwarf your sofa your sofa should be about two-thirds the size of your room although that depends on a variety of factors including how you use the room and what other furniture is in it,” Dan says “Leave about a foot and a half as a walkway around your sofa so people can still move in between pieces of furniture.” Other furniture: Picture this — you’ve found your dream sofa … but it sticks out like a sore thumb next to your other furniture And a new couch is no good if it doesn’t work with what you already own “Ensure all furniture in a space is of a similar scale and style,” Mackenzie adds “Mixing patterns is encouraged but should be done thoughtfully Measure accurately before adding new furniture to ensure it will work well in the space.” Reading product dimensions correctly is especially important when shopping online And friends don’t let friends confuse overall depth with seat depth Overall Width: Measure from one arm of the sofa to the other Take these measurements at the widest point Note: length and width are often used interchangeably here Overall Depth: Measure from the outside edge of a seat and all the way to the back Diagonal Depth: Measure from the top back of the sofa to the bottom front this is “crucial” for ensuring your couch will fit through doorways or tight corners Overall Height: Measure from the floor to the highest point of the sofa back Seat Depth: Measure from the front of the seat cushion to the back of the seat cushion This will dictate how much actual seating space the sofa provides.Seat Height: Measure from the floor to the top of the seat cushion “Measure how much seating space you want (or need!) vs as the width of the arm or the side pillows can minimize the actual seating area,” suggests Benchmade’s Dan Campbell “Focus on the size of the interior seating area first then figure out how that works with the size of sofa that fits into your room.” Some designers suggest mapping the size of the sofa out on the floor with duct tape so you can better visualize the size; BenchMade Modern even “offers life-sized paper printouts of your custom sofa or sectional so you can unroll that into your space prior to finalizing your order,” Dan continues “Have your family and friends sit right on the printout,” then test if you have “enough clearance around the sofa to move in the room This visual really helps determine if you’re selecting the proper size for both your lifestyle needs and your room’s sizing.” General design guidelines suggest 30” to 36” between seating where possible; otherwise try and leave about 18” to 24” on either side of the sofa for end tables “Make sure you measure your room – distance between sofa and coffee table must measure the height and width of your doorway as well as your stairwell and elevator for apartment dwellers leather is a more expensive option and can scratch easily if the leather is not protected.” “For a sofa that receives moderate use and matches a casual, relaxed aesthetic," a linen sofa is a great choice "The natural fiber is breathable and has a light A few things to keep in mind about linen are that it wrinkles easily and can fade when exposed to direct sunlight.” cotton is a soft and breathable fabric that offers a comfortable and casual feel It's an affordable option that's suited for everyday use and may not be as durable as some other materials.” “Wool is a warm and durable material that’s naturally stain-resistant making it a great choice for those seeking comfort and practicality wool can be more expensive compared to other fabrics.” “One of the most affordable options is synthetic fibers They are great choices for high-traffic areas or homes with kids and pets as they hold up well to daily wear and tear synthetic fibers can pill over time and may not have the luxurious feel of natural materials They’re best suited for spaces where practicality and longevity are key priorities.” One important note — as you read product descriptions, you’ll see plenty of brands touting something called “rubs,” which is the unit of measurement for a textile durability/abrasion analysis known as the Martindale This test determines how long a fabric can last before it shows signs of distress; things like thinning or pulling “The test is also known as the 'rub test' The industry standard rating is 20,000 rubs so you’ll want the upholstery you choose to exceed that.” Article subjects its fabrics to up to 50,000 rubs joinery connects and reinforces the joints of your sofa providing structural support that contributes to the longevity of the frame but Meagan recommends sticking to mortise-and-tenon or dowel joints for “optimal sofa durability.” Joints secured with staples or nails “should be avoided” as they “weaken over time.” This information should be available on a retailer’s website or in the product specifications/tear sheet Mads at Carl Hansen & Søn spoke highly of dovetail joints These joints are “more difficult to do,” he tells me as they require “very sharp tolerances and you have to assemble it a certain way.” If the manufacturer or craftsman took the time to do this “they generally know what they’re doing,” he continues “Different fills cater to different needs affecting how much a person sinks into the sofa or how firm the support feels,” per Lemieux et Cie’s Christiane Here’s a quick look at the common varieties: High-resiliency / high-density foam: High-resiliency and high-density foam are two common foam options “It generally applies to foam that weighs 2.5 points per square foot or more And that’s foam that’s going to last a while.” Broadly speaking foam is quite durable and supportive without too much sink; it also requires less maintenance than something like down and feather (good for families!) If you’re craving a super plush feel Down fill/Feather fill: Down/feather fill is great for “deeper couches,” Christiane says letting users sink into deep comfort.” Down or feather-filled cushions are also “softer and more malleable enhancing the lounging experience typical in deeper sofas.” That said such seating is usually more expensive and requires a bit more maintenance (re: frequent fluffing and plumping) so it doesn’t lose shape Hybrid: Hybrid fillings offer a mix of foam and feathers for a balanced and well-rounded seating experience something like a foam core covered in a down wrap boasts the “resilience and support of foam alongside the soft enveloping comfort of down,” Christiane explains Fiber: A fiber filling is a synthetic filling made from materials like polyester or polypropylene It’s typically less expensive and meant to imitate the comfort and feel of more natural materials but it’s not as plush as the real thing Memory foam: A memory foam fill contours to your body and provides “excellent pressure relief,” per Christiane a great choice for long periods of sitting or lying down Think of the frame as the bones of your sofa and walnut are good options) or engineered wood/plywood; this information should be readily available in the product description Some experts or articles will tell you that the wood should be kiln-dried but Carl Hansen & Son’s Mads Holm Rabjerg says that’s not necessarily a make-or-break mark of quality is that the wood reaches the correct humidity before construction begins A metal or steel frame is not a bad choice per se — they are typically strong and durable adds Meagan from Raymour & Flanigan — but they “can be heavy and may not offer the same level of comfort as wooden frames.” Avoid particleboard where you can; it’s a common material, but “the density is low and can easily break when pressure is applied,” per Rebecca Andrews. Ameer Radwan, owner of LA-based upholstery studio SOOT Design Studio “[Pine frames] aren't necessarily going to break but it's going to be a situation where you can sort of just grab the arm and shake it multiple inches,” he tells me “It's going to feel lighter and it's going to feel jankier every time you experience it.” Wondering how to get the best living room seating plan Benchmade’s Dan Campbell recommends “centering your sofa on elements in the room — such as a fireplace or a window — and then build from there This will give the room symmetry.” Consider how you use the space; if you’re a big Netflix fan But if you’re more of an eat-and-drink-on-the-couch-while-you-read kind of girl setting up shop where there’s room for an end table and a lamp might be more prudent — but you could get away with it if you (1) use a sofa with a shorter back panel and (2) pull it out from the wall You wouldn't want your sofa so close it presents a fire hazard or blocks airflow Broadly speaking, the most sustainable sofa you can buy is one you will keep If you’re looking for a rule of thumb to follow without getting into the nitty gritty of natural fabrics and delivery options high-quality piece of furniture you can use for years This might mean you look for cushions or cushion covers that are reversible or replaceable; it might mean you try a modular sectional that you can easily reconfigure no matter the room; or it might mean you opt for a performance fabric with a higher Martindale so it will last longer against kids and guests Mads suggests prospective buyers also consider how their sofa could be repaired if it breaks Or is a busted frame a one-way ticket to the dumpster that’s probably the more sustainable option At Retroloop an eco-conscious and longevity-minded brand from entrepreneur Amanda Beare modularity is the secret sauce … and the principle around which the rest of the project revolves “We really were focused on creating a modular sofa and in the event that some piece of your sofa gets damaged we don't want the whole thing just to be thrown out,” she tells me in an interview “So that was kind of the first piece of thinking about manufacturing — how do you design something that is timeless in its design and it's designed so that if something happens to it the whole thing doesn't need to be disposed of?” The answer: modular components Even better (and something you yourself can look out for when shopping) Retroloop uses what’s called “flat-pack shipping,” where the different components are packaged and shipped in separate which is “a lot less bulky and cumbersome than just delivering furniture on pallets,” is much easier to deliver and has a “lower carbon footprint than shipping on pallets.” From an upholstery standpoint, Amanda recommends looking for OEKO-TEX® and UL GREENGUARD-certified fabrics if both wellness and sustainability are on your mind Both offer various certifications re: product safety and sustainability as they pertain to textile manufacturing an OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 fabric is certified harmless to human health and accessory have been tested against a list of over 1,000 harmful substances," per the website The GREENGUARD certification from product testing company UL Solutions is similar although the label goes beyond just textiles and instead speaks to the product as a whole “We look at performance, not just from what you can see, [but] we also look at it from what is off-gassed from that product in your home,” Brayden West, Global Senior Product/Service Specialist at UL Solutions “We're screening for over 12,000 different volatile organic compounds and chemicals,” he continues “And then we have a strict limitation on the total off-gassing that comes from a product If you’re looking for more information or to check a specific product against the GREENGUARD criteria, try UL Solutions’ extensive public sustainability database known as SPOT “It’s essentially a point of truth for consumers,” Brayden says it includes products and brands with that GREENGUARD certification but “we have everything from recycled content programs An important disclaimer: While OEKO-TEX and GREENGUARD certifications can offer peace of mind from a sustainability and health standpoint (and you’ll likely encounter others in your search like “FSC-Certified” wood and “CertiPUR-US” foams) it’s important to remember that these are voluntary certifications; they only apply because the company or manufacturer behind the product could pay for it and found it valuable It doesn’t necessarily mean that one couch is better than the other; rather it just means that a third party was involved in vetting the manufacturer/company’s sustainability and health claims I highly recommend the aforementioned write-up from Couch.com you might want something with built-in USB charging (so you don’t have to get up and down to plug in your phone) and/or side storage for your reading material especially legacy manufacturers rather than third-party sellers you're more likely to have a positive customer experience A higher price can mean better customer service and product support Negative reviews can offer insight not only into the product but also the company particularly how they handle customer concerns Look for reviews where company representatives respond to issues Rebecca Andrews from Article suggests checking the manufacturer’s warranty for coverage of "defects in materials and workmanship on the sofa for at least one year." This protects against defects arising from normal use but doesn’t cover damage caused by the owner (like stains or rips) Most retailers provide at least a one-year warranty an extended warranty (covering 3-5 years) can protect against accidental damage like spills or tears Alex Back from Couch.com recommends selecting a warranty that covers the frame For a detailed comparison of warranties across brands Many retailers offer a sliding scale of delivery and sometimes assembly options Here is a quick look at what the most common options entail: Curbside Delivery: Your couch is delivered outside your home Front Door Delivery: Your couch is delivered right to your front door but typically not brought inside or assembled Threshold Delivery: The delivery team will bring your couch through your front door and set it down Room of Choice Delivery: The delivery team will bring the couch to your chosen room; this may include stairs Let’s address the elephant in the room — sofas are expensive. Yes, there are more affordable couches out there you run the risk of buying a poorly made product So after taking into account what I’ve learned from experts and the products I’ve tried I would suggest spending no less than $800 on a new couch How long a couch should last all depends on wear and tear but a nice couch should last somewhere around 10 years That's why it's worth it to invest in something quality; sure If you buy one uncomfortable $300 couch every year for three years it would have already been worth it to buy the nicer option once But don't forget — proper maintenance also plays a factor and vacuum and plump the cushions as needed A well-made frame can certainly withstand some over-active toddlers And don't be afraid to protect your purchase with a third-party warranty if that would provide some peace of mind; especially with purchases over $3,000 I would recommend sitting on a sofa before buying it — this will ensure you actually like the pitch of the seat and those that do might not have one near you So while you should definitely do your best to spend some time with the product before buying know that plenty of people purchase a couch sight unseen I would first recommend polling your network Do you or your friends know anyone who has tried this brand or purchased this model See what info you can gather from trusted sources There's nothing better than a first-person review check that it has lots of positive customer reviews; I always like to sort "newest" to "oldest" to get a more accurate picture of the product now and what recent consumers had to say do a quick Google for editorial reviews of that model in particular just make sure you buy from a brand with a generous return policy.. or at least a return policy you understand Some retailers allow for 30 days; others a mere seven If you have a game plan and know what you have to do (and also don't mind paying a restocking and/or return shipping fee) you could always send the couch back if needed to spend a day touring the American Leather sofa factory This guide only includes the tried-and-trusted brands I've worked with and only mentions specific sofas if I have testing evidence from trusted friends and family or scouted excellent first-person reviews online Buying a sofa is an incredibly personal choice you'll take my buying mastery (and soon yours) into account We'll be shopping only the best sofa brands — and only the sofas I can hand-on-heart recommend you might have noticed that this specific page looks quite different than before What used to be a list of our favorite sofas selected for aesthetics and from some of our most trusted couch brands one I hope improves the already-stressful process of online sofa buying instead of reading 15-20 different articles about sofa height and cushion fill everything you need to find your perfect couch is right here — and served to you through an omnipresent lens of aesthetics (because this wouldn’t be Livingetc if it weren’t) This piece was first updated at the start of October It was then I added in information regarding the best sofa brands I've expanded upon the previously provided retailer information and shared my top product recommendations for the curious shopper I added a table of brands to make reading that easier including illustrations to show the breadth of what's on offer The Livingetc newsletters are your inside source for what’s shaping interiors now - and what’s next and curated shopping inspiration that brings design to life Subscribe today and stay ahead of the curve Print Multifaceted sleeper sofas can serve as an instant guest room — or as close to one as you might get if you don’t have enough beds to accommodate overnight guests And even though hide-a-beds used to get a bad rap for saggy mattresses and uncomfortable bars and springs the good news is that the latest sleeper sofas are not only easy on the eyes From sleek futon-style daybeds to modern king-sized sleeper sofas with Tempur-Pedic mattresses we share 11 new designs just in time for holiday guests Expand your small living space with the modular Puzzle Wood Sofa Bed from Innovation USA a Danish-inspired convertible sofa that folds easily into a bed Interior designers repeatedly tell us that American Leather manufactures the most comfortable sleeper sofas on the market. Its latest design, the Noah, features clean modern styling with a platform system that includes Tempur-Pedic, gel and premier mattress choices. Pricing varies based on the size, upholstery, and the mattress selected. As shown, $5,085. www.americanleather.com The sleeper version of CB2’s popular Movie Queen Sofa measures 80 inches wide by 40 inches deep by 27 inches high and includes a spacious queen bed inside Slipcovered for easy machine washing, this affordable light pink confection from IKEA converts easily to a bed and includes storage underneath the seat cushion. $549. ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/S89048659/ Very modern, the Mono Sleeper from Blu Dot ($1,999) includes one cushion, three throw pillows and a queen-size sleeper mattress. Available in gray, orange and sand upholstery. www.bludot.com/mono-sleeper-sofa.html Brushed pewter nailheads give the Dryden Queen Sleeper Sofa from Crate & Barrel a tailored look. Available in diamond-textured weave or velvety-soft microfiber. $1,999. Opens to a queen sleeper sofa featuring a bi-fold 51/2 -inch innerspring mattress with an air cushion layer. www.crateandbarrel.com/dryden-queen-sleeper-sofa-with-nailheads/s488745 The leather Vesper King Sleeper Sofa from Design Within Reach ($8,945) features an easy-to-fold-out bed that rests entirely on a wooden platform, which means you won’t feel the sturdy crossbar underneath. www.dwr.com/product/vesper-king-sleeper-sofa-in-leather.do?sortby=ourPicks The simple Mid-Century Futon from West Elm ($999) seats three when upright and sleeps two when flat. www.westelm.com/products/mid-century-futon-h1472 The Bedford Sleeper Lounge from Gus Modern has removable back cushions, which allows it to transform into a twin sized bed for overnight guests. $1,950. https://gusmodern.com/collections/sofas-sleepers/products/bedford-sleeper-lounge Button tufting and nailheads give the Fiona Super Luxe Queen Sleeper from Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams an elegant look. Starts at $3,992. www.mgbwhome.com/FIONA-SUPER-LUXE-QUEEN-SLEEPERBRavailable-online-and-in-stores-P11236.aspx Small-space living: 13 interiors to inspire Holiday gift guides for everyone (and pet!) on your list Photos: Plaid explodes this fall beyond clothes racks and onto lamps, sofas, even Listerine bottles Lisa Boone is a features writer for the Los Angeles Times Subscribe for unlimited accessSite Map Stockholm: Swedish-flagged cement carrier Sunnanvik (9,060 dwt built 1978) ran aground late last night around 3 nm off Holmsund According to local reports the vessel was laden with 2,500 tons of cement and ran aground at Lillbådans lighthouse due to a technical failure The vessel suffered damage to a ballast tank and was taking on water when rescue crews arrived at 10:30pm last night The 17 crew members were unharmed in the incident is expected to be refloated by a salvage team today Don't have an account? The country of Sweden is a Scandinavian nation located in Northern Europe Sweden is most known for being one of the countries that Vikings come from In terms of its environment and landscape the country is known for its inland lakes An often overlooked factor in Sweden's landscape is its rivers and that is what this article will discuss The Ume River is the third longest in Sweden having a total length of 292 miles (470 kilometers) The Ume River runs across Västerbotten County in the northern part of the country The source of the river is the Överuman Lake that sits on the border between Norway and Sweden and from there it flows southeast until it reaches its mouth at the town of Holmsund where it drains into in the Kvarken region of the Gulf of Bothnia The river passes through the Vindelfjällen Nature Reserve on its path In the 1950s hydroelectric reservoirs and dams started to be built throughout the country but there were concerns about the impact this had on the environment This led to the 1961 Peace of Sarek agreement that prevented development of some part of the Vindel but allowed development of hydroelectricity on the Ume and other rivers Before hydroelectricity came to the river the 1830s saw the development of water powered sawmills which started on the Ume by 1884 the last water powered saw mill closed on the Ume as they had all been replaced by steam powered mills The Dalälven River is the second longest in Sweden and the longest river wholly in Sweden having a total length of 323 miles (470 kilometers) The Ume River runs across Dalarna County and Uppsala County in the central part of the country The source of the river is at the confluence of the Västerdalälven River and the Österdalälven River at the locality of Djurås The flow of the river goes southeast until it starts to go back north until it reaches its mouth at the Gulf of Bothnia Today the river is tapped into to make use of about two-thirds of its hydroelectric power potential with the largest of these power plants being at the Trängslet Dam the area along the river has been used as a raft transport route as well as a location for the iron and steel industries The environment along the river has a high biodiversity barely beating out the Dalälven River by having a total length of 324 miles (470 kilometers) The Ume River runs across Norrbotten County in the very northern part of the country The source of the river is Torneträsk Lake and its main affluent that sits near the border with Norway and from there it flows southeast At the half way point the river flows right along the border that Sweden shares with Finland until it reaches its mouth at the Gulf of Bothnia right between the cross border Swedish city of Haparanda and Finnish city of Tornio The Torne River making up part of the border between Sweden and Finland goes back to the 1809 Treaty of Fredrikshamn which concluded the Finnish War between the Kingdom of Sweden and the Russian Empire It was decided in the treaty that the river along with the Muonio and Könkämä Rivers would make up the border between Sweden and the Russian Grand Duchy of Finland Despite the country often going without fame and renown for its rivers we hope that this article has highlighted some of the historic and cultural reasons why Sweden's rivers are so significant Sweden's rivers have been important in the past for various industry transportation and for settling border disputes Sweden's rivers have helped to usher in a new era of using renewable sources of electricity such as energy produced via hydroelectric power in these rivers' dams photos and original descriptions © 2025 worldatlas.com “I’m driving down a street with your head stuck in my window what do you think I’m doing?” It was so unnaturally natural for Vinnie Jones to be stepping on the accelerator with Ewen Bremner’s neck jammed between the car window and roof But just how had this hero of 1990s British football gone from being a player-coach for Queens Park Rangers in the 1998/99 season to starring in a Guy Ritchie movie a year later Snatch wasn’t actually Jones’ first foray into acting he’d been Big Chris in another Ritchie film It was thanks to his hard-man attitude on the pitch that he’d been selected for these early roles launching an acting career that’s still going today and that’ll someday soon see him earn his 100th credit While he might not have known it at the time Jones’ gnarling performances at Plough Lane and Selhurst Park were the auditions for his later career Yet whenever he stepped past the white lines the only objective in mind was to win football matches Jones hoped a career in football could start out at his local side but Watford Boys rejected him for being too small Non-league Wealdstone benefitted from Jones’ new-found physicality as did the building sites he worked on by day as a hod carrier marched on to lift the cup by conquering the mighty Liverpool and Luton had set up this David and Goliath clash at Wembley With Liverpool having just won the league title and with Wimbledon having finished seventh just 11 years after being admitted to the Football League many expected this match to be a procession for the Reds on their way to a double Yet this David didn’t merely have a slingshot. This David had heart, bravery, aggression and the studs of a pair of football boots – and this David wasn’t afraid to use them. “At 3.01pm, Vinnie went in for a tackle with Steve McMahon and that was the key moment,” John Fashanu “The tackle started at his throat and ended at his ankle Original Series  |  Names of the Nineties Even if Fashanu’s theory was slightly exaggerated, and not completely factually correct, as Jones’ first bad foul came a few minutes later, there was still something to it. Of course, there was also a lot more to the victory overall, as the final was also won thanks to Lawrie Sanchez’s header, the disallowing of Peter Beardsley’s goal and captain Dave Beasant’s penalty save from John Aldridge All of this combined to earn a 1-0 victory for the underdogs the moment Jones considers his happiest ever in football and one he celebrated with a tattoo on his right leg “The Crazy Gang have beaten the Culture Club,” gasped John Motson at the full-time whistle and Wimbledon’s mythical nickname properly took hold from that moment onwards moving north in 1989 and helping the side win the Second Division in his only season at Elland Road A reunion with former Wimbledon manager Bassett at Sheffield United followed Yet he was back where he belonged before long with a 1992 return to Wimbledon for the first-ever Premier League season even if the Dons were ever so slightly less crazy than before Jones remained one of the toughest players in the league He became one of the faces of English football during those years in the mid-Nineties In one match against Manchester City in 1992 he picked up the quickest yellow card in an English football match for a barge just five seconds after kick-off These were the kinds of incidents he became notorious for While most players’ disciplinary history could be recorded on a couple of pages of paper Jones would have had an entire filing cabinet dedicated to him at the FA’s headquarters while there’s more chance of correctly guessing the number of jelly beans in a candy shop’s jar than accurately stating the number of times Jones was shown a yellow While some labelled him as a mere thug and likened his role to that of an enforcer in ice hockey You can’t spend over a decade in the Premier League without it “I never played in training like I did in games,” he recalled in an interview after retirement “I didn’t smash anyone in training and loved pinging it about I had a chemical imbalance that kicked in.” He was considered enough of a talent to be called up to play for the Wales national team qualifying through a grandfather and making his first appearance in 1994 Jones had already been promoted to captain after the rest of the squad members voted him as their leader “I haven’t been so emotional for a long time but that’s how it makes you feel when your fellow professionals vote you their captain and leader,” said Jones who has a Welsh dragon tattooed across his chest who already knew Jones from Wimbledon and who labelled the midfielder “underrated” Jones only made nine appearances for Wales having had to wait until the age of 29 for his first call-up and having retired just a few years later and he never tasted victory during his international career in both penalty areas and in the gritty heart of midfield he even went in goal for over half an hour “Never a man to shirk a challenge,” the commentary stated as he walked towards goal bowing before the St James’ Park crowd before taking his place he relished it and was the focal point of the match in his big shiny green jersey That may just be the best summary of Jones’ playing career: he was the focal point you couldn’t take your eyes off him and it’s little surprise that he moved from the little screen to the big screen While he initially seemed keen to move into management and joined QPR as assistant to Ray Harford in 1998 he was overlooked for the top job after Harford’s departure and eventually decided it was time to hang up his boots and to move into the world of acting on a full-time basis “I’ve been backed into a corner too often and been on a downward spiral for too long but now I’ve got a chance to get out and I’m taking it,” he said he has put together an impressive movie career and the twists and turns of his life in Hollywood remain another story for another day his acting career is the bigger story of his life and Jones himself admits that his footballing successes have become more of a footnote “I speak to kids today and I’m not Vinnie Jones the footballer but Vinnie Jones the film star,” he recently admitted “I have to make them watch YouTube to find out what I used to do.” a lengthy YouTube session reminiscing over Jones’ antics from the 90s deserves to be screened at Leicester Square as much as any of his movies By Euan McTear @emctear and many find the ability to break through into the senior level of the game a step too far to take this wasn’t the case for Newport youngster Ben Chilcott who managed to climb his way into the footballing world in a rather unconventional fashion West Bromwich Albion and Oxford’s youth systems Chilcott found himself looking for a new club at the age of 18 That club happened to be in the form of IFK Holmsund in the Swedish third division a club that former Wales international Vinnie Jones played for The differences in the style of football were obvious straight away to Chilcott Chilcott said: “The big difference for me was the physical side of the game In England you’ve always got to be quick with your body be quick and strong to deal with bigger players whereas in Sweden it was much more of a technical game “You wouldn’t be looking at your opponents thinking you’ll have a physical advantage over their smaller players it’s more thinking about how good they’re going to be on the ball So it’s a lot more technical as they wanted to keep the ball “In England you often look to play the ball over the top or play channel balls for your striker to run in behind but in Sweden you want to keep the ball and draw players out of position and then play round and through them on the floor.” Playing in different European leagues is often something many young aspiring footballers want to achieve and Chilcott found the experience to be very beneficial “It was very enjoyable playing out in Sweden there’s many different aspects to it mainly living in a different country which was a massive experience for me and was as helpful as playing football,” he said “My team-mates helped me to learn some Swedish as well which was huge as it helped me to settle there’s massive focus on the technical side of the game so it was a completely new style of coaching that I was getting which helped me to grow as a player “It helped me to learn new skills and tactics and has made me look at the game in a different way you’re very drilled to play how the coach wants you to play whereas there’s more freedom in Sweden.” Chilcott spent a year playing out in Scandinavia and the return to England was a difficult experience The Swedish league runs at a different time of the year compared to the English leagues so clubs were already sorted in terms of players Chilcott added: “It was quite challenging getting back into the game as I arrived back in England around October The season here was already in full flow so now I had to try and break into a team that’s already got a settled squad I went on trials at quite a few places and some worked and some didn’t as teams already had players in my position so it was all about trying to find the right team.” Chilcott finally found a home for his footballing development at Whitchurch Alport Chilcott has spent the last year-and-a-half playing for the club and has massively enjoyed his time at the North West Counties League Premier Division club “I played a few games with Stafford Rangers which was a great experience and then got involved with Whitchurch which was a great set up “It felt much more like a family club which was great for me to get back into the swing of things to help build my confidence back up “They offered me the chance to get back playing again and I was enjoying it so that was huge for me as it offered a place for me to get my feet back on to the ground and playing football again.” Just as Chilcott appeared to getting back into the game and playing regularly but an early red card meant that I came on to help shore things up but in the second half I was shielding the ball out of play and someone came round the side of me and almost took me out Sadly it resulted in a broken leg and broken ankle It required me to go straight to A+E for surgery so now I’ve had to have plates and screws in my leg.” This was a life-changing moment for the 20-year-old and meant a shift in focus away from football something he had never had to considered before “This was a big thing for me as I’ve been playing football all my life,” he added “That’s always been my main focus and to get told that you’re not going to play again is massive and changes your outlook on a lot of things “I’ve now had to go and get myself sorted into another job Luckily I’ve got an apprenticeship now so hopefully I can kick on and get my work career started but I’ve also got to continue with the rehab I’m doing now “You never know what’s going to happen next You think you’re set with what you’re doing and things can just suddenly change but it has toughened me up a bit as you’re having to deal with a life-changing event.” Home   Sport   Article Dick Creasey’s Wisbech Town squad for next season is nearing completion following the arrival of Josh Pike who will kick off their pre-season friendlies at home to Pinchbeck on Tuesday The attacking left-sided player has signed from Briton Ferry in the Welsh League “He’s not a household name but he comes to us with a fairly good pedigree “He is left-footed and although he is predominantly a defender “Technically he is very good and he is very fit and has lots of energy “We’ve just got to sharpen his elbows up a little bit now he’s in the rough and tumble of the United Counties League.” The 22-year-old has played professionally for Swedish Third Division side IFK Holmsund and his previous clubs also include Swansea City and Port Talbot Town is a former Welsh international at Under-17 and 19 level he netted 12 goals in 38 appearances for Briton Ferry and studied at Gloucester University The youngster is expected to provide Wisbech with some quality delivery from set-pieces and is also noted for scoring some spectacular goals Creasey is hoping to bring in one more new face before the Fenmen begin their campaign on August 6 “I’m hoping to bring in a wide player,” admitted the Wisbech chief “We’ve still got three or four lads training with us who we are having a look at.” Wisbech were due to train on Monday and Thursday this week and after their first session last Thursday “It has been hard work but the jigsaw puzzle is slowly coming together but as I’ve said before it doesn’t matter what happens in the next few weeks it’s all about being ready for our first game of the season on August 6.” Creasey revealed that he is likely to play two different sides against Pinchbeck on Tuesday the Fenmen are holding a fans’ forum at the Elgoods Stadium where supporters will be able to put their questions to club chairman Paul Brenchley and manager Creasey The forum will take place in the back bar and will start at 7pm n Wisbech Town Reserve team manager Danny Hughes has added two new players to his squad Hughes has brought in attacking player Curtis Knight and goalkeeper Adam Wright from Wisbech St Mary.