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The best sofas in a box that are guaranteed to fit through the door
Can a flat pack sofa replace a traditional design? Our experts found out
Tested by Blossom BoothroydHomes Testing Manager
Sofas are one of life’s big purchases; not only do they need to be comfortable enough for curling up on, but they also have to fit in with all your other living room décor choices for years to come.
And there’s nothing more frustrating than when you’ve settled on The One, only to discover it's going to take months to arrive, or its measurements mean it won’t fit through your front door. That's where the best sofas in a box come in.
Unlike a standard design (we've rounded up our best sofas as well if you don't have any challenges with access!), a sofa in a box is like flat pack furniture – it comes in separate parts ready for you to assemble in-situ, making it easier to manoeuvre if needed. You don’t have to wait around either – every sofa we tried was built in 15 minutes or less.
At the Good Housekeeping Institute, we wanted to know how sofas in a box compare to their traditional counterparts, so we called in models from a range of market-leading brands and got testing. These are our best buys:
Best sofas in a box 2025, tried and tested
Next Plush Chenille Dark Moss Green Large Delia Compact Sofa in a Box
Read review
Are sofas in a box any good?
In a word, yes. But as with traditional sofas, the best style for your home will vary according to how where you plan to put it, what sort of firmness you like and your design preferences.
These are the factors to consider when shopping for a sofa in a box.
Comfort level
Think about whether you want a firm or soft sofa and then use the brand’s description to see where your preferred model sits on that scale. We found most of the sofas we tried came down on the firm side, so it’s worth seeing if there’s a showroom or a store where you can test them in real life.
Size
Measure your space and check it against the sofa’s online specifications. Then, make sure the doorframe and box sizes line up, just to be sure it will fit comfortably into your home.
Instructions and assembly
While sofas in a box all arrive in separate pieces, the level of assembly can vary by brand. They should all be simple to build, but we found some were quicker than others, so check any website advice before ordering.
Design
This goes without saying, but make sure you're happy with the fabric and colour before you buy!
Return policy or guarantees
All the products on our list, bar one, come with a guarantee, but most won’t let you return them once assembled, unless you find a fault. Check the retailer’s terms and conditions before you buy and, again, seeing them in real life will help if you’re nervous about committing.
How we test sofas in a box
To find the best sofas in a box, our experts start by analysing the instructions and building the sofa in our lab. They time the process and score how easy it is to assemble, taking into account how many pairs of hands are needed to finish the job.
Then they look at how well the cushions bounce back by leaving weights on them for a set period, then seeing how they react. They carry out stain removal tests on the fabric, marking the sofa with the likes of coffee and makeup before seeing how easy it is to clean. They also replicate pet scratches up to 500 times, to see if the fabric damages easily. Finally, if a sofa claims to be water resistant, they pour a set amount of water onto the cushions to see if it runs off or is absorbed.
They also enlist the help of the Good Housekeeping reader panel, who test each sofa at home to judge how easy it is to assemble in a real-life setting, and whether it’s comfortable to sit on over time.
These are their top picks for easy delivery and cosy nights in. As stock is low on some of our tested designs, we've also included some of our homes editor's alternative picks from our top-rated furniture brands below, to give you a wider range to shop from.
Score: 87/100
What we liked
With no tools needed and clear instructions, testers found this sofa easy to assemble, completing it within 10 minutes. Overall, it's well made, and our panel declared its firm cushions comfortable. The fabric was soft to touch and repelled water, while stains were easy to remove when dealt with quickly.
Things to note
There’s not a lot of give with this sofa, so you won’t get a sink-in sensation. When we replicated the effect of pet scratching, we also noticed slight damage to the fabric after a while.
Who we’d recommend it for
Coming with a lifetime guarantee, this is a great buy for peace of mind. The compact design would suit smaller spaces, but if you like a plumper couch, either invest in extra cushions or consider an alternative.
Key specifications
| Dimensions | H 84 x W 140 x D 79 cm |
|---|---|
| Box dimensions | Unspecified |
| Weight | Unspecified |
| Fabric options | Chenille, velvet, faux leather |
| Guarantee | Lifetime guarantee |
Swyft Model 03 2-Seater Sofa
Score: 82/100
What we liked
We tested the two-seater, but Swyft’s Modular Model 03 sofa is designed so you can configure it to suit your room, even combining modules to create a corner sofa. Its tool-free assembly is easy (although best done with two people) and the cosy velvet fabric proved resistant to both stains and pet scratches on test.
Take note
If you like a tall back or high arm rests, bear in mind that the Model 03 design is fairly low., however, the cushions are well-stuffed, which gives them a bouncy-feel and slightly domed look. Finally, the short sofa legs create a low profile, meaning you won't be able to vacuum underneath.
Who we’d recommend it for
This investment sofa gives great flexibility and the potential to expand if you move in the future, just by adding another module. It’s not one for fans of squishy cushions, but of all the two-seaters we tested, it is the biggest, making it handy for busy households.
Key specifications
| Dimensions | H 71 x W 184 x D 92cm |
|---|---|
| Box dimensions | Unspecified but 209cm is the diagonal access measurement required to get the product in |
| Weight | 69kg |
| Fabric options | Velvet or linen |
| Guarantee | 15-year frame guarantee |
Score: 78/100
What we liked
Another well-priced design, testers praised the ease of assembly and the helpful Velcro that keeps cushions tidily in place. They found the fabric soft and comfortable and were impressed with its stain removal and durability against consistent scratching.
Take note
This sofa didn’t come with any instructions, so if you’re wary of DIY, it may be best to avoid. That said, testers found its six parts simple to assemble, no tools were needed and only one person was required. Note that fire safety information was provided. Its cushions weren’t that snuggly, though.
Who we’d recommend it for
If you need something ultra-affordable and you’re confident with DIY, assembling this sofa should be a doddle. Given it’s a two-seater, testers found it a decent size, too. But, if the lack of instructions concerns you, we recommend spending a little bit more on one of our other models.
Key specifications
| Dimensions | H 80 x W 130W x D 80 cm |
|---|---|
| Box dimensions | Unspecified |
| Weight | 40kg |
| Fabric options | Velvet |
| Guarantee | None |
Editor's picks
Another option from our winning brand, this trendy dark green coloured sofa is a three-seater, offering slightly more space than the Mila model at the top of our list.
The cushions are made of a plush, chenille fabric and the design is available as either an armchair or two-seater sofa as well. You’ll also get a 15-year structural guarantee for peace of mind.
Key specifications
| Dimensions | H 80 x W 180 x D 85 cm |
|---|---|
| Box dimensions | Unspecified |
| Weight | Unspecified |
| Fabric options | Chenille |
| Guarantee | 15-year |
This model is slightly different to the others on our list, but we think it deserves some recognition. The Isla sofa is referred to as a “breakdownable sofa”, which means that if the delivery team can’t get it into your home fully-assembled, they can break it down into pieces to fit it inside – clever! They’ll also reassemble it for you and take away any packaging for a truly fuss-free experience.
We also love that it’s available in four sizes and a whole host of colours, fabrics and wooden sofa legs, so you can find the perfect fit for your home.
| Dimensions | H 92 x W 176 x D 104 cm |
|---|---|
| Box dimensions | N/A |
| Weight | Unspecified |
| Fabric options | Chenille, cotton, linen, leather, velvet and more |
| Guarantee | Lifetime (frame only) |
This affordably priced sofa is made with FSC-certified, responsibly sourced materials and comes with a two-year guarantee. The design has a contemporary feel to it so will create a laid-back but chic look in your home.
It’s available in a navy or cream colourway and you can order a free fabric sample online.
Key specifications
| Dimensions | H 72 x W 148 x D 80 cm |
|---|---|
| Box dimensions | H 40.5 x W 150 x D 82 cm |
| Weight | 19kg |
| Fabric options | Polyester |
| Guarantee | Two-years |
All of Dusk’s sofas are delivered in a box and we love the elegant design of the Hampshire collection. Its silhouette is simple, yet the scrunching on the arms adds a premium touch. The seats are pocket-sprung for comfort, while the back cushions have a firmer feel for better support.
Delivery-wise, the sofa comes without legs and will be placed in your room of choice – all you need to do is pop the legs on, sit back and relax.
Key specifications
| Dimensions | H 86 x W 206 x D 90 cm |
|---|---|
| Box dimensions | H 56.5 x W 210 x D 92 cm |
| Weight | Unspecified |
| Fabric options | Polyester |
| Guarantee | Unspecified |
Verdict on the best sofas in a box
If you're after an easy-to-assemble sofa for a smaller space, Next's Mila Compact 2-seater sofa should serve you well. It's also a practical pick, thanks to its soft, water-repellant fabric and lifetime guarantee.
However, if you want a sofa you can expand in the future if you move to a larger home, the Swyft Model 03 sofa offers plenty of flexibility.
Why trust the Good Housekeeping Institute
We've been reviewing products at the Good Housekeeping Institute for over 100 years, from the best mattress toppers to the best vacuum cleaners, so we know what we're looking for. As well as performing rigorous tests in the lab, from stain removal to replicating pet scratches, we sent each sofa out to our reader panel to see how easy they were to build and how the designs worked in the real world.
Our homes testing manager, Blossom Boothroyd, analysed all the results and scored them based on feedback to help you find the very best sofa for your home.
Our homes editor, Hannah Mendelsohn, and our senior homes and lifestyle writer, Megan Geall, have written reviews on hundreds of household products, so know exactly what to look for when analysing results, and how to turn the feedback into easy-to-follow reviews you can trust.
Hannah is our homes editor, specialising in reviewing the latest kitchen appliances, cleaning products, mattresses and bedding, and crafting equipment. Hannah has written about hundreds of products, from air fryers to smoothie makers to pillows, and is committed to finding the most reliable and best value for money buys.
Hannah is also interested in sustainability in the home and has completed a course with the University of the Arts London in sustainable textiles, so she can help cut through the noise on what’s green and what’s not. Hannah has an MA in Magazine Journalism and has previously worked as a freelance lifestyle and women’s sports journalist, working for Stylist, Sky Sports and more.
Hannah has also previously worked in a florist and can normally be found caring for her house plants or sewing something new for her home or wardrobe.
Megan is the Good Housekeeping Institute’s homes writer. She loves diving into the latest product releases to find the very best buys on the market. When she’s not writing about the newest gadgets and gizmos for your home and garden, you’ll find her cooking, running and exploring London’s foodie hotspots – or trying to make friends with every dog she passes. Megan has an MA in Magazine Journalism and has previously written for Stylist, Glamour, TimeOut, SquareMeal, and YOU magazine. You can find Megan on Instagram @meganlouisegeall and on X @megan_geall
Blossom is passionate about finding the best home products and appliances for GH readers. As head of the homes testing team, she has led reviews across multiple categories, from pizza ovens, and smart plugs to portable fans and hobs. She enjoys delving into the intricacies of products and refining testing protocols to ensure we’re testing them against their claims. Her aim is to find the top-performing products on the market, to help take the hard work out of housework. Blossom’s most notable accomplishment in the lab has been toasting 528 slices of bread in her quest to find the best toasters money can buy. In her free time, she openly admits to being a music geek and indulges her creative side through crocheting, baking, singing and writing.
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