Anyone else feeling ready to leave the gray days of interior decorating behind? Want to make a bold move that speaks to how you’re both grounded and ready to live fearless and free? Bring on the green velvet sofa. 💚
Green is the new gray, a go-to for anchor pieces that can range from a cozy neutral to a jewel-toned showstopper. It’s minimalist, it’s maximalist, and the trend has been growing since celebrities (hey J.Lo and Emily Ratajkowski!) started posting selfies lounging against the luscious, light-catching glow of their green velvet couches.
Go moss green for a low-key relaxed vibe, bold with a lime green à la the Memphis Group, or choose a refined pear for a glamorous I-summer-in-the-Hamptons look. Here’s a quick tip on styling: Green is a versatile color best off-set with other neutrals like black, white, cream, gray-blue, and anything in the copper-colored family. Since oxidized copper goes green over time, the two make a great pair. Honestly, pair it with whatever the heck you want and it will play — it’s nice like that.
As for buttery velvet, there is just one downside: It turns out that many velvet production practices are harmful for the environment. Velvet can be woven from any type of yarn (silk, cotton, wool) but, to cut cost, is most often woven from synthetic fibers like polyester or nylon. These plastics-based materials never biodegrade. And because velvet requires multiple production steps (read: resource-sucking), uses more yarn than most other fabrics, and is often treated with stain repellant, the output can be well, less than green.
So if you love the green velvet sofa but you also love our green earth, we’re here to help.
Our methodology and criteria:
Our editors have personally tested and researched dozens of sustainable furniture brands, and vetted thousands of customer reviews, to select our top picks for green velvet sofas and couches. We’ve chosen our favorite brands that use nontoxic and organic materials (bio-based yarns like 100% organic cotton, bamboo, lyocell, or linen) and use responsible production practices. And, above all, these brands all make beautiful green velvet couches that we love to lounge on.
If you’re searching for the perfect complement to your new green velvet sofa, check out some of our other sustainable favorites for throw pillows and nontoxic rugs.
Best Overall | Most Affordable | Best Sleeper
1. Sabai
Best For | Recycled and upcycled
Ships To | U.S. and Canada
Price Range | $1455–$3395
If you want your sofa to be made in an ethically-run factory in the U.S. with an emphasis on affordable modern design and comprehensive sustainability, then Sabai’s got your back. The brand promises no toxic chemicals, no greenwashing, and minimal environmental impact. There’s even a closed-loop “Repair Don’t Replace” program, as well as a Sabai Revive line where people can sell their Sabai once they’re ready to move on — although we expect that doesn’t happen too often. Their Essential Sofa comes in recycled velvet in moss or seafoam, and can be ordered as a loveseat, a loveseat sectional, a full-size sofa, and a six- or seven-seat corner sectional. There’s also the swanky profile of the Evergreen Sofa and the modern farmhouse Elevate Sofa. All three can be ordered with ottomans and accent chairs to match. Plus, everything ships flat for easy carrying and easy assembly.
Our Editor’s Review | “Sabai has emerged as an excellent choice for those seeking sustainable, sturdy, and life-friendly (aka washable and repairable) furniture. The Elevate sectional and Evergreen chair have not only met but exceeded my expectations — my home is so cozy, and is getting increasingly difficult to leave.” (Read our editor’s full review)
2. Maiden Home
Best For | Handmade to order
Ships To | U.S. and select locations in Canada
Price Range | $2175–$8470
Designed in New York and crafted in North Carolina, each Maiden Home piece is custom made with hand-selected materials sourced from the best leather tanneries and pedigreed textiles mills in the world. Maiden Home’s network of artisans means your sofa is made with technical mastery only generations of craftspeople can ensure. The company’s performance velvet is a cotton and synthetic blend made without flame retardants or other harmful additives (meaning no PFOS and PFOA, VOCs, or phthalates). No fear: Their velvet is still stain resistant, and nontoxic to boot! We love the The Varick in emerald or olive — a design aficionado’s dream come true — though The Chelsea Sofa just might be the most sensuous couch ever made. There’s also the The Muir Sofa which is like if midcentury California was a couch. Take your pick!
Maiden Home Varick Sofa Review | “The quality is second to none and after lounging, the cushions hold their form well. Was able to order swatches before and because I have a dog I took her paws to the materials to see which would withstand, and I’m 5 months in with no wear and tear at all on the couch. So extremely pleased with every aspect of this purchase.” – Cody M. (Read more reviews)
3. Inside Weather
Best For | Customizable modular sofas
Ships To | Contiguous U.S.
Price Range | $1398–$8673
It’s no wonder Inside Weather has been profiled by domino, HouseBeautiful, and The New York Times. The brand makes completely customizable sofas in California (you can customize arm height 🤯), ships them within days using recycled packaging (carbon neutral, we should add), and offers a 365-day at-home trial. For every order placed, a minimum of two trees are planted and they use CertiPUR-US eco-foam made from disposable bottles — for reference, one sofa equals around 200 bottles. Their Modular Bondi Sofa Collection features a kiln-dried solid ash wood frame and can be ordered in a Tuscan Green luxury upcycled velvet upholstery. Not only are these pieces beautiful, Inside Weather’s luxury velvet qualifies in the 70,000 rub count which means it’s super durable too. You can even remove all fabric cushion covers for easy washing. For a cloud-like lounging experience, choose deluxe memory foam; for a bit more support, pick the classic plush blend.
Inside Weather Modular Bondi Review | “The quality is second to none and after lounging, the cushions hold their form well. Was able to order swatches before and because I have a dog I took her paws to the materials to see which would withstand, and I’m 5 months in with no wear and tear at all on the couch. So extremely pleased with every aspect of this purchase.– Margarita S. (Read more reviews.)
4. Albany Park
Best For | Apartment-friendly and affordable
Ships To | Continental U.S.
Price Range | $949–$2999
Albany Park makes buying a sofa a breeze. The company offers free delivery in apartment-friendly boxes with guaranteed assembly in 15 minutes or less, plus you have the convenience of 30-day no-questions-asked returns. AP is budget-friendly, without compromising on sustainability — all of their materials are free of flame retardants and toxic off-gassing. We’re fans of Barton Sofa which has a classic profile and deep cushions that can be ordered in a PFAS-free olive velvet, or upgrade to the Albany Sleeper Sofa, a leggy modern sofa that elevates your traditional sleeper into a thing of beauty. (Note: You can customize those legs to be either gold or walnut!) If you’re in the market for a sectional, check out the Kova Modern Sofa — it has hypoallergenic, 100% vegan cushions, and is their plushest option.
Albany Park Sectional Sofa Review | “This sectional has totally elevated our living room. This was a purchase that took a lot of thought as it was our first ever new couch in our first house and we 100% made the right choice. I would recommend this piece to anyone with pets and anyone with a smaller space. Other sectionals we looked at were too bulky, this one is sleek, gorgeous and fits perfectly in our small home. – Erin G. (Read more reviews.)
5. West Elm
Best For | Three different kinds of velvet
Ships To | 60+ countries
Price Range | $1399–$4398
West Elm works hard to do right by our planet. With the goal of being carbon neutral by 2025, the brand already guarantees that 60% of their product sales support at least one sustainability initiative. They’re also the first-ever home retailer to join Fair Trade USA, and the only home retailer to make it on Barron’s 100 Most Sustainable U.S. Companies for the last four years in a row. Impressive! Choose between three kinds of velvet, all Greenguard Certified. We’re fans of the performance velvet for high-traffic areas — it’s guaranteed up to 100,000 rubs and reads as a short, soft pile with a matte finish. The distressed velvet option uses partly recycled chenille yarns and is a good option for slightly less high-traffic areas if you’d like a brushed texture and shine. Save the deluxe velvet for a low-traffic zone where you want refined lushness. For a roomier option, check out the Harris Skirted Slipcover 2-piece Chaise Sectional, available in all three velvets and three colorways (evergreen, tarragon, and dark olive). If you want a smaller, coastal-inspired sofa with clean lines and a kiln-dried wooden platform, try the Newport Modular.
6. Joybird
Best For | A large variety of designs
Ships To | Continental U.S.
Price Range | $2069 – $5266
Joybird offers high-quality furniture crafted to meet every design style, color, shape, and size you can imagine. The brand specializes in a midcentury modern design aesthetic, but there’s a ton of customizable options for all tastes. Founded in California in 2014, Joybird keeps their production footprint small with headquarters in L.A., warehouse distribution in San Diego, and manufacturing in Tijuana, Mexico. As one of the earliest direct-to-consumer online furniture companies, Joybird has the digital shopping experience dialed in. They’ll send you a free fabric swatch sample kit so you can try out your velvet before you commit. You can get a sense of their soft and nontoxic velvet, and choose your green from evergreen, forest, apple, and peacock. The Preston Reversible Sectional is a versatile, vintage-looking marvel while the Liam Sofa offers a luxurious example of old-school diamond tufting and sumptuous rolled arms — try styling it Jungalow for added appeal.
Joybird Preston Reversible Sectional Review | “This is the softest, most comfortable sofa I have ever sat on. I’m lucky to have it as the centerpiece of my living room.” – Lucinda W (Read more reviews.)
7. Rove Concepts
Best For | High-end luxury
Ships To | Ships to USA and Canada except for Alaska and Hawaii
Price Range | $2198–$5713
Rove Concepts was founded in the Pacific Northwest in 2011 with the desire to bring high-end luxury furniture to the masses. The eco-design house uses sustainable fabrics and ethically sourced materials wherever possible. One of the most admirable initiatives is phasing out all plastics by the end of 2024. For a bit of inspiration, check out their gallery of Rove pieces in celebrity homes. On that note, one of our favorite pieces is the Maria Sharapova-designed Maria Sofa in olive green, a subtle shimmery nod to the clean lines of Japanese architecture. The Milo Sleeper Sofa is a fan-favorite, with many rave reviews for being one of the best sleeper sofas on the market. It comes in a sage vegan suede, if you’re interested in another soft, green option for your living room.
Rove Concept Milo Sleeper Sofa Review | “Gorgeous vintage velvet fabric, beautifully sewn, great shape & length. Love it!!” – Kimberly (see more reviews)
Featured image is from Sabai.
I don’t think the title of your article matches the content lol. Just kidding, mainly because I had some doubts after reading the article.