When you have a bad back, the last thing you want is for your sofa, which is supposed to help provide relief, to cause more aches and pains. That's why it's important to take couch construction and design into consideration when purchasing new furniture. The materials and techniques used to craft a couch impact not only the sofa's longevity, but its ability to support your body as well. Here's what to look for while you shop.
What to Look for When Choosing the Best Sofa to Buy Online for Bad Backs
Does your couch help support your back or make your pain worse? Use this guide to find the best ergonomic, living room couch for back pain, that is supportive and good for your body.
Supportive Spring System
A sofa made with an eight-way hand-tied spring system (like the Bowman 82 Inch Small Track Arm Sofa) or well-crafted sinuous springs is an ergonomic couch that’s designed to support your back and prevent it from sinking into the sofa cushions too much. This is important both when you're sitting upright in your couch and are stretched out while taking a nap.
Dense Cushioning
People don’t want a couch that feels hard, but many furniture buyers don't know that a sofa that is too soft can also be problematic. Cushions should add another layer of firm support to your sofa; the best kinds of cushions, like high-density cushions, provide a little give without causing you to sink. A good test to see whether a couch is supportive enough is to sit down, get comfortable and then get up off the couch. If it's difficult to leave the couch, it's likely that the cushions aren't supportive and firm enough.
A Sturdy Frame
A large couch like the Dewey 90 Inch Oversized Rustic Leather Sofa that’s designed with a hand-crafted frame made from quality materials, like hardwood, improves a couch's stability and prevents it from moving while you get situated. Avoid cheap frames that allow you to save money upfront – these types of couches might seem like a steal, but they are bad for your body and wear down much more quickly, forcing you to spend money on a replacement sofa sooner than expected.
A Design That Prevents Slouching
When you sit down on a couch, your knees should be able to bend to a 90-degree angle. If a sofa's too high or too low to the ground, you're instead forced to sit in a slouched position, which puts a lot of stress on your back. This can be a lead causing of back pain. Good posture is important for your health, and while you want to be comfortable, slouching excessively is never the solution. Instead, rely on supportive, firm cushions and soft upholstery to address these problems and provide the comfort you crave.
Check out Club Furniture’s living room sofas to find an ergonomic design that minimizes back pain and matches your home.
The 6 Best Sofas for Back Pain & Support
It can be very difficult finding a couch that’s designed to feel comfortable, support your spine correctly, as well as look great in your home. Club Furniture recognizes this difficulty, which is why we’ve created a list of some of the best sofas for back pain and bad backs to aid you in your search, along with the pros and cons of each.
Dewey Oversized Rustic Leather Sofa
This relaxed style is available in 30 different shades of distressed leather and two finishes on the turned wooden legs. It's a traditional design without being over-the-top on an office vibe.
Pros
- Taller 21" seat makes it easier to stand up without straining your back.
- Supportive seating, with 8-way hand tied springs and high resiliency cushions.
- Solid hand-crafted construction to prevent wobbling that could occur when the frame weakens in cheaply assembled furniture.
Cons
- 25'' seat depth can encourage slouching unless you're long-legged. To maintain an upright posture, place a pillow behind the small of your back.
Vance 80 Inch Fabric Upholstered Studio Sofa
This designer mini sofa is the perfect addition to any room without taking up too much space. It features a stylish studio apartment design that has a smaller footprint. It is available in 100 assorted fabrics to help match your room’s unique style and is built with a sturdy select kiln dried hardwood frame.
Pros
- 23" seat depth so the back can support your lumbar with ease
- Small footprint giving your space more room - Outside Dimensions W80" x D36" x H35"
- 21" seat makes it easier to stand from a sitting position
Cons
- Smaller sized sofa only fits 2 people at a time
Newport Leather Retro Two Seat Apartment Sofa
Perfect for a smaller space, this classic leather couch has sleek lines. The 100% top grain leather is available in 30 colors. The legs are available in either Bombay Coffee Bean or Chestnut Medium Brown finish.
Pros
- 22" seat depth so the back can support your lumbar without needing an extra pillow.
- Upright back encourages a vertical sitting position to maintain healthy curves in the spine.
- No-sag platform with sinuous steel springs for reliable, long-lasting support.
Cons
- Narrow width, so it only seats two people.
Harmon Leather Camel-Back Sofa
Featuring traditional styling in 100% aniline dyed top-grain leather, this sofa has a distinctive curve to the back for a unique look. Classic nail head trim is available in pewter or antique brass, and leather in 30 colors.
Pros
- 22" seat depth and full back pillows for lumbar support.
- Sturdy kiln-dried hardwood frame to prevent instability caused by shifting.
- The 8-way tied spring system, frame, and cushions are all warrantied, promising durable support.
Cons
- The seat cushions may not be firm enough to support your back with the optional plush down upgrade.
Bowman Small Track Arm Leather Sofa
This leather ergonomic couch is a classic design and is proportioned on the smaller side, at 82" wide. The top grain leather upholstery is available in 30 colors, and the turned wooden legs can be either Bombay Coffee Bean or Chestnut Medium Brown finish.
Pros
- Full back cushions offer lumbar support to maintain the natural curves of the spine.
- 22" seat depth to prevent slouching.
Cons
- The moderately sloped back makes it harder to sit upright.
- The plush down wrapped seat cushion upgrade can make the seat too soft.
Macy Fabric Upholstered Track Arm Sofa
This model comes in 2 options and has either 2 cushions or a single bench seat design. Both are tremendous options that are available in 100 assorted fabric choices and two leg colors.
Pros
- 23" seat depth helps support your lumbar
- 2 seat options are available, giving you a choice of a firm cushion or one that is a little softer. (Standard Cushion – Firmer / Down Blend Cushion – Softer)
- 21" seat height makes it easy to sit and stand without straining your back
Cons
- Fabric Upholstery is easier to get dirty, but many of the available fabric options are washable and stain resistant.
Whatever your home's style, you can find a sofa that will support your bad back, minimize back pain and enhance your décor at the same time. We highly recommend that you take a look at our wide range of sofa styles because we’re confident that you’ll be able to find one that works for your needs.