Best velvet sofas under $800

Top pick: the Mercury Row Perdue convertible sleeper. It's the one that does the most for the money — a full velvet sofa that folds into a bed, so it earns its place in a small living room or guest room. The catch: its rating is middling, so expect a firmer, more budget-feeling seat than a dedicated sofa.

Who the others suit:

• Revive Performance Velvet — the safest everyday choice if you want a proper velvet sofa with a teal colourway and a track-arm look; sold at several stores, so you have options.
• GDF Studio Chesterfield — for anyone who wants the classic tufted, rolled-back look without paying boutique prices.
• Uspridefurniture Feingold rolled-arm — the most traditional, substantial silhouette here if you'd rather spend near the top of the budget on looks.
• Tischa Velvet — the compact pick for a smaller room or apartment.
• Aukfa cloud sectional — if you want a big, low, loungy L-shape instead of a standard three-seater.

Skip the linen and plain-fabric options if velvet is the point — they're not the same thing.