When British designer Timothy Oulton released “The Cloud” modular couch with Restoration Hardware, there was a social-media frenzy. TikTok was flooded with #cloudcouch talk and Instagram has more than 7,000 hits for this trending home-decor hashtag.
There’s a reason for that: his cloud couch was simple, versatile and — thanks to its feather and down filling and foam core — as soft as, well, a cloud. Low frame construction, deep seats, and natural white, cream or café au lait upholstery are its other defining features.
The final thing that sets this standout couch apart is the price; a singular backed section starts at $2,595. After doing the math, the baseline price for a simple, five-piece L-sectional is $15,395. Change up the fabric, add more modules or order a slip cover, and the cost careens upwards way out of most people’s financial reach.
Enter the cloud-couch dupes. Each one of these budget-friendlier cloud couches showcases design elements from the original, but they won’t bring on instant bankruptcy.
It’s Chai Time
With 16 module combinations, 218 fabrics and three different seat depths to choose from, Crate & Barrel’s Lounge 2-piece sofa definitely checks the “versatility” box. But even with all those options, this thick-weave chenille Chai Mossa fabric would be the winner.
Two-Piece Chaise Sectional Sofa in Chai Mossa Fabric, Crate & Barrel, starting at $4,548.
In Harmony
When on the hunt for the world’s most comfortable couches, always consider seat depth, cushion-fill material, fabric choices, and its fabrication. The frames and fabric of West Elm’s Harmony modular sofas are hand built and finished in the U.S. to the highest manufacturing standards. Its ultra-soft feather-wrapped cushions create a cloud-like layer on its simple, boxy frame. So, already two clear wins for this cloud couch dupe!
Harmony Modular 3-Piece Ottoman Sectional, West Elm, starting at $3,523.
No Sag Time
A truly tough modular sofa, each piece is fully finished and can be moved around to form any configuration (there aren’t any connectors). After 20,000 testing cycles, its smooth platform foundation stood up to sagging three times better than a spring system.
Sophie 5-Piece Modular Sectional in Cocoa, Ashley Home Store, $4,250.
Small-Space Saver
The thriftiest option of the cloud-couch dupes, Wayfair’s Cloud Modular Sofa boasts a sturdy frame and high-quality, memory-foam-and-cotton cushions. Even though this compact couch is less than 2.5 metres in length, there’s enough space to support three people comfortably.
Tetiana L-shape Upholstered Cloud Modular Sofa, Wayfair, $1,600.
Sky’s the Limit
Whether that cloud-couch dupe is for an expansive formal sitting room or a snug reading nook, the Sky Modular Sofa is designed to fit. Customize the most comfortable couch for a specific space from individual sofa sections, chairs and ottomans. The sky truly is the limit!
EM Sky Sofa Single Module, Eternity Modern, starting at $1,449.
Big Bang for Your Buck
This down-and-sponge-filled cloud couch is massive, providing serious seating square footage for the price point. Plus, the cushion covers are all removable and machine washable, so keeping it clean shouldn’t be a big deal… despite its size!
Cloud Modular Sectional Sofa, Bed Bath & Beyond, $3,214.
Cashing In on Comfort
Sink-in seat cushions, down-blend lumbar-support pillows and free rein to choose your ideal arm and seat combo make Pottery Barn’s Westwood sectionals one of the most comfortable couches out there. Add in the option of easy-on-easy-off slip covers and a customized, fabric-matching pet furniture throw, and the higher price per piece may just be worth it.
Westwood Square Arm Sectional, Pottery Barn, starting at $1,499.
Downy Soft
With its puffy, rounded edges and super-soft wool boucle upholstery, the Leigh corner sectional is the most cloud-like cloud couch of the bunch. The low profile and duck-feather-and-dense-foam cushions are just begging for you to fall backwards into its full-on fluffiness.
Leigh Modular Corner Sectional in Ivory Wool Boucle, Article, $5,429.
Wide Open Spaces
Specifically designed for bigger open spaces, the Milo collection‘s modules are made wider than the average sofa. Measuring in at nearly one metre across, it won’t take many sections to successfully set up a substantial seating area.
Milo Modular Sectional, Rove Concepts, $5,332 (member price, $3,999).
Finally, Finnala
There are two features that set IKEA’s Finnala sectional apart as a standout in a sea of cloud-couch dupes. The first is storage — the chaise section safely lifts up to provide ample space to stash guest bedding or extra throws. And the second is IKEA’s 10-year limited warranty, because if you’re going to spend this chunk of change, having some guarantees feels good.
Finnala Sofa with Chaise Lounge in Gunnared Beige, IKEA, $2,049.
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