I Tested Out Albany Park’s Barton Sofa and It’s Made For Lounging

Finding a comfortable and stylish sofa that fits all your requirements is harder than it looks. For starters, it should be the ideal size and aesthetic for your space. After all, a couch is a big ticket investment you plan on having for a long time, so at the very least it should be a furniture piece that fits seamlessly into your home.

Beyond that, it should be cozy and lounge-worthy, and to me, that means having the perfect ratio of plushness and supportive firmness. Although that may seem like an oxymoron, and definitely a high ask, I’ve found this balance in plenty of mattresses. And for someone who loves to spend her free time on her couch checking off everything on her watchlist, I do want my couch to have the comfort of a mattress while still being a stylish addition to my space.

I have high standards for comfort, and I’m determined to find the most comfortable sofas on the market without compromising on design. A few of my fellow editors got to test out sofas from Albany Park, and they rave about how comfortable the brand’s couches are, especially in this review on the bestselling Kova sectional. Ever since, I’ve been eager to try out the brand’s sofas, and when I got the chance to test the latest model, I had to see what all the hype is about. Albany Park’s Barton Sofa ($1,625, originally $1,739) has a contemporary low-profile silhouette, and it is designed with deeper seats — perfect for movie marathons. Keep reading for my full review of the Barton sofa ahead.

Expert Featured in This Article

Gil Walsh is a NCIDQ-certified interior designer and principal of GW Interiors.

What’s the Criteria For a Good Sofa?

To find the perfect couch for your home, you must consider a few factors, like the right size, design, and comfort level, which can be subjective to your preferences and needs. Interior design expert Gil Walsh, previously told POPSUGAR that, “the comfort is all in the weave of the fabric. Soft, plush, and textured fabrics are the coziest, and when we need durable fabric, we look for a plush performance fabric.” She also points out that it is important to pay attention to the frame for durability and stability, and she recommends a hardwood frame.

What I Like About the Albany Park Barton Sofa

Albany Park’s Barton Sofa is truly made to elevate your space, managing to pull off a relaxed and sophisticated vibe at the same time. I got the Sand Basketweave fabric, which is a stain-resistant option composed of a polyester linen blend, and it feels so soft. There is almost a suede fuzziness to it that makes it look and feel luxurious. The simplistic and minimalist design of this sofa is a big win for me since it’s a timeless piece that can complement a wide range of spaces.

The sofa is also spacious and perfect for hosting guests. You can comfortably fit three to four people on each of the giant cushions, which I credit to its sleek look.

However, the biggest plus point for me is how comfortable and supportive the Barton model is, especially for my back. I suffer from back and neck pain, so sofas that are excessively soft and plush can cause a lot of discomfort. The Barton truly makes lounging a relaxing experience without causing any back pain; in fact, the couch alleviates it. The firm cushions deliver lumbar support, all while offering that cozy plushness that makes you feel like you’re getting a giant hug from a pillow.

What to Consider Before Trying the Albany Park Barton Sofa

Areas that are more spacious or have a more open floor plan can accommodate this sofa. The Barton has a low-profile design with minimal space underneath the sofa, so cleaning under the sofa may require you to lift it or push it to a different area.

The Barton gets delivered in boxes, and assembly is required, like the other sofa models from Albany Park. But it is pretty easy to put it together, without using any extra tools. You have to slide the brackets of each piece together until they lock in place.

When the main silhouette is assembled, you can screw on the wooden feet, put the cushions in place, and then enjoy your new couch. Because of the size of the sofa, you will need someone else’s help. My dad and I were able to assemble it in about 10 minutes; it actually took us longer to break down the cardboard boxes.

Who’s the Albany Park Barton Sofa Best For?

The Barton is great for anyone who wants a contemporary sofa that is adaptable to ever-changing home decor trends. Its clean-lined silhouette is classic, and its wide and deep seats are perfect for lounging and relaxing. This sofa is also a great choice for those who want something on the firmer side as it provides back and lumbar support. It’s also pet and kid-friendly with removable covers that you can easily throw in the wash and fabric choices that are stain-resistant and performance quality.

Is the Albany Park Barton Sofa Worth the Splurge?

Your living or family room is a place where you spend a lot of time, so you know how important it is to have a comfortable couch. Since you will be using it almost every day, it is worthwhile to invest in a piece that will last for years to come. I really appreciate how this sofa balances comfort and spinal support to a point where I don’t feel like I’m risking back aches and posture issues. Albany Park’s Barton is the perfect fit for my space and my body, and I know I’ll be able to use this sofa for a long time.

Additional Details:

Where is the Albany Park Barton Sofa Available?

The Albany Park Barton Sofa is available on the brand’s site.

Rating:
★★★★★

Anvita Reddy is an assistant editor for PS Shopping. She has a passion for products and is an avid reviewer of everything including furniture, mattresses, home gadgets, cookware, tech, and more. Having dealt with acne as a teenager and into adulthood, her expertise lies in beauty. She has tried and tested plenty of skin care, makeup, hair care, and countless other beauty products.