Formal Sofas
Ballard Designs (TOP): This cream-colored Chesterfield is ideal for small spaces. What's more: Legs with casters make it easy to move. (74 inches, $991; 800-367-2775)
Kincaid Furniture (MIDDLE): Glam but not stuffy, the off-white Elm Park features flared arms, a curved, tufted back, and a waterfall skirt. (80 inches, $2,400; kincaidfurniture.com)
Poltrona Frau (BOTTOM): The Chester pairs tufting with down cushions. Why it's practical: The leather upholstery wears 11 coats of stain repellent. (82 inches, $11,480; 212-777-7592)
Traditional Sofas
Ethan Allen (TOP): Decorative nailhead trim can be added to the Hepburn—further emphasizing those lovely fluted arms—for only $80 more.(82 inches, $1,699; 888-324-3571)
Century Furniture (MIDDLE): A petite take on the classic camelback, this model from the Elegance line sits atop solid maple legs. (78 inches, $2,865; 800-852-5552)
Baker Furniture (BOTTOM): Extra long, with a down-filled back pad and pillows, the
Sensei's a mighty nice place to stretch out for a nap. (91 inches, $9,775;
800-592-2537)
Soft Sofas
Mitchell Gold + Bob WIlliams (TOP): The Alexa's appeal lies in the easy skirt and deep cushions. Why it's practical: The cover stands up to machine-washing. (83 inches, $1,960; 800-789-5401)
Rachel Ashweel Shabby Chic (MIDDLE): Buyers may swap the Low Arm Modern's down pillows for synthetic ones. Why it's practical: The cover is washable. (84 inches, $3,895; shabbychic.com)
Maxalto Collection (BOTTOM):
The secret to the Simplice's comfort: a thick foam bench. Why it's practical:
The cover can be dry-cleaned. (85 inches, $6,641; Maxalto Collection;
bebitalia.it)
Tailored Sofas
Crate and Barrel (TOP): Inspired by the 1960s, the Petrie is distinguished by button tufting, narrow arms, and sexy little legs. (86 inches, $1,499; 800-967-6696)
Jonathan Adler (MIDDLE): The Lampert's movie-star flavor comes from high—almost boothlike—tufted sides, bolsters, and tight corners. (85 inches, $2,950; jonathanadler.com)
George Smith (BOTTOM): Everything about the Elizabeth is entirely handmade—from the
woven ivory linen fabric to the tapered legs to the frame. (78 inches, $9,230;
georgesmith.com)
Minimalist Sofas
Ikea (TOP): Fit four on this Klippan—whose simple legs are in keeping with the streamlined silhouette. Why it's practical: Feel free to launder the cover. (98 inches, $499; ikea.com)
René Holten/Artifort (MIDDLE): Continuous steel legs support the straight-edged Mare, which is made by hand in the Netherlands. (92.5 inches, $4,275; 312-432-0100)
Moooi (BOTTOM): Marcel Wanders's chic Chameleon rests on ultra-slim legs. Why it's practical: The Teflon-treated cover is dry-cleaner friendly. (86 inches, $6,100; 505-266-5245)
Ultramodern Sofas
Vladimir Kagan/Room and Board (TOP): A piece of designer sculpture for a manageable cost, Kagan's Hahn sofa channels pure mid-century mod. (91 inches, $1,699; roomandboard.com)
BoConcept (MIDDLE): The curvy, futuristic outline of the Alpha makes a serious design statement. Why it's practical: Leather is tough to stain. (98.5 inches, $3,999; boconcept.com)
Isamu Noguchi/Vitro (BOTTOM): Designed by Noguchi in
1946, this cream-colored Free Form Sofa echoes river rocks. Why it's practical:
The cover is dry-cleanable. (118 inches, $9,145; dwr.com)
