Article Sven sofa review: Subtle sophistication and super comfy

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The Sven sofa from Article has found its new home in my living room. It’s a perfect size, firmness and style sofa story. The simple design and leather finish add sophistication to my space.

The Sven is ideal for my downtown Toronto condo (read, compact) because it’s large enough to comfortably sit on without taking over the living room.

The sofa comes from Vancouver-based brand Article, which launched in 2013. I was first introduced to the furniture company when I reviewed the Sarek patio set. Article is great at offering pieces that can accommodate different-sized spaces. It also offers different delivery options, from self-assembly to white-glove service. I’m extremely pleased with the Sven sofa and its classic appearance that can complement many home decor styles.

Below I go into a full review of the Sven including making recommendations of who should consider this sofa.

Product: Sven 88″ Tufted Sofa
Price: Starting from $1,699 (fabric), $1,999 (velvet), $2,499 (leather)
Where to buy:Article

Quick facts – Article Sven sofa

Sofa overview: The Sven is a classic style that’s offered in three boldly different finishes, leather, velvet and fabric.
Sofa dimensions: 34″H x 88″W x 38″D
Sofa materials: Kiln-dried solid wood, engineered wood, high-density foam, polyester and semi-aniline leather (for the one I tested).
Sofa firmness: The Sven is soft enough to unwind on but firm enough to keep your chiropractor happy.
Delivery: Basic for $49; “Inside Room” for $119 — to bring your order to whichever room you’d like or “Inside + Assembly” for $199.
Return policy: 30 days once delivered — $49 return shipping fee or $19 for smaller items.

Article Sven sofa review — my experience

Delivery and assembly: The assembly guide is one step: put on legs (which are stored in a zippered compartment under the sofa). It’s a hefty sofa, so you can decide if this is something you want to do or pay for someone else to do. I had the “Inside + Assembly” service, so two friendly men came and carefully placed the sofa exactly where I wanted it — ensuring nothing was damaged (on the couch or the rest of my place) in the process.

How it feels: Each fabric will feel different, but the leather is luxurious — it’s soft and will only soften more over time. It’s around a 7/10 firmness — so it’s comfortable to sit on without getting enveloped by cushion. I deeply appreciate that the pillows don’t slip. I don’t like it when I constantly need to futz with all the pillows mid and post-sit. I can sit comfortably on the Sven longer than I should.

Durability: This is one sturdy sofa — I don’t feel like I need to be gentle with it — I can do a dramatic thump after a long day or an over-reaction. It’s a nice leather that according to the site, “will develop a relaxed vintage look with regular use.” I’m very pleased with the quality and feel of the Sven.

My favourite features: The size and sophistication. It’s bigger than Cozey’s Atlus but smaller than Cozey’s Ciello. Considering I live in a compact condo, each furniture piece needs to hold its weight in style, function and quality. The Sven does all so well and therefore earns its spot in my living room — also, I love the timeless leather finish.

My least favourite features: I’d prefer if I could choose the legs the sofa comes with. The brown walnut legs are subtle and neutral, but I’d prefer if I could select something different, like an edgier metal finish or at least something black.

Recommendation: The Sven sofa could be a perfect addition to many homes. The various fabrics are priced very differently, which could make the Sven accessible for a range of budgets. No matter which fabric you select, the Sven is well-priced — you’re getting a quality couch with a classic style that can stand the test of time. I look forward to spending many years sitting on the Sven, whether it’s munching on a meal, typing an article or watching a flick (read, falling asleep).

Product: Sven 88″ Tufted Sofa
Price: Starting from $1,699 (fabric), $1,999 (velvet), $2,499 (leather)
Where to buy:Article

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