What Is a Cloud Sofa?

A cloud sofa is a deep-seated, low-profile sofa with oversized, overstuffed cushions that you sink into rather than sit on. The style comes from the RH Cloud Sofa, which went viral on TikTok and Instagram for its plush, down-filled cushions and relaxed, lounge-all-day look. Most cloud sofas come in soft neutrals like cream, ivory and oatmeal, and many are modular. People love how cosy they feel, but the deep seat isn't for everyone. Below, we explain what makes a sofa a cloud sofa, whether it's comfortable for everyday use, how it compares with a standard sofa, and whether one suits your home.

Key Takeaways

• A cloud sofa has an extra-deep seat, a low profile and plush, overstuffed cushions, usually in soft neutral colours.

• The style started with the RH Cloud Sofa, which became a social media favourite for its sink-in, down-filled cushions.

• Cloud sofas are made for lounging. The deep seat is perfect for stretching out, but it can feel less supportive when you want to sit upright.

• The main trade-offs are cushion upkeep, a larger footprint and a higher price, so it's worth weighing them before you buy.

• You can get a similar soft, sink-in feel with foam instead of down, which holds its shape with less fluffing.

What Makes a Sofa a Cloud Sofa

A cloud sofa is defined by its deep seat, low profile and oversized, overstuffed cushions. Together, these create the soft, sink-in feel that gives the style its name.

Deep Seats, Low Arms & Overstuffed Cushions

A few design features set a cloud sofa apart from a standard sofa.

• The seat is extra deep, so you can lean back, tuck your legs up or stretch out.

• The arms are low and wide, or sometimes left off, so the cushions become the focus.

• The seat and back cushions are oversized and overstuffed, traditionally with down or a down blend.

• The sofa sits low to the floor, which gives it a relaxed, grounded look.

• Many cloud sofas are modular, so you can build a larger corner or U-shaped layout.

• Soft neutrals like cream, ivory, oatmeal and warm grey are the most popular colours.

A sofa doesn't need every one of these features to feel cloud-like. Deep seats and plush cushions are what make the biggest difference.

Is a Cloud Sofa Comfortable, or Just a Trend?

A cloud sofa is comfortable for lounging, watching TV and relaxing with family, which is exactly why the style took off. Whether it works for you depends on how you use your sofa every day.

A cloud sofa suits you best if you mostly use your sofa in these ways.

• Lounging and watching TV, since the deep seat invites you to stretch out.

• Movie nights and weekends at home, as there's room for everyone to get comfortable.

• Naps and reading, when you want to sink in and stay a while.

• Relaxed get-togethers where guests can curl up rather than sit upright.

It can feel less comfortable in these situations.

• You often sit upright to work on a laptop or eat at the coffee table, as the deep seat leaves little back support in that position.

• You're shorter, because your feet may not reach the floor when you sit back.

• You find it hard to get up from a low, soft seat.

Part of the appeal is the look, and cloud sofas photograph beautifully. If you lounge on your sofa most days, though, the comfort lives up to the hype.

Cloud Sofa vs a Standard Sofa

The biggest differences between a cloud sofa and a standard sofa are seat depth, how much support you get and how much upkeep the cushions need.

Neither style is better overall. A cloud sofa suits a lounging household, while a standard sofa handles a mix of sitting, working and relaxing more easily.

Downsides of a Cloud Sofa to Consider

The main downsides of a cloud sofa are cushion upkeep, less support for sitting upright, a large footprint and a high price. They're worth thinking through before you commit.

• Down-filled cushions need regular fluffing to keep their shape and can flatten over time.

• The deep seat offers less support when you want to sit upright to work or eat.

• The original RH design can cost around US$12,000 for a full sectional, and many look-alikes are still a big investment.

• A deep sofa takes up more floor space, so measure your room and walkways first.

• Large modular pieces can be heavy and awkward to move.

• Cream and ivory fabric shows marks quickly, so removable, washable covers are a big help.

• Down contains real feathers, which some people prefer to avoid.

Is a Cloud Sofa Right for Your Home?

A cloud sofa suits your home if you have room for a deep footprint, mostly use your sofa for lounging and don't mind a little cushion care. It's a harder fit for a small room or a space where you also work from the sofa.

A cloud sofa is a great fit in these homes.

• Larger living rooms with space for a deep sofa and clear walkways around it.

• Households that love movie nights, lazy weekends and stretching out.

• Contemporary, coastal or minimalist interiors where soft shapes and neutral colours fit right in.

It may be less practical in these situations.

• Smaller living rooms and apartments, where a deep seat takes up valuable floor space.

• Rooms that double as a home office, where you need to sit upright.

• Homes with young kids or pets, unless the covers are removable and washable.

• Anyone who finds it hard to get up from a low, deep seat.

If you love the cloud look but want a sofa that's easier to live with, a foam-cushioned soft modular sofa gives you a similar sink-in feel without the constant fluffing that down needs.

Get the Cloud Sofa Feel With Koala

Our Tamarama Modular Sofa brings the soft, sink-in feel of a cloud sofa to a modular design. Its seat uses our HyperCloud™ Foam, which blends softness with responsive support, over heavy-duty S-spring suspension that helps prevent sagging. You get plush, sink-in cushions with a seat that holds its structure.

It also takes care of the practical downsides of a cloud sofa.

• The seat depth is 84 cm without the back cushion, so you can stretch out, or 64 cm with it, which gives you more support when you sit upright.

• The covers are removable, washable and water-resistant, which helps with lighter colours like Winter Cream.

• Tool-free assembly and Quick-Lock connectors make it easy to add modules, flip the chaise or move house.

• Every Tamarama comes with a 5-year warranty and our 120-day trial.

To keep the cushions looking full, just rotate and plump them regularly.

For more options, browse our modular sofa range, find a chaise sofa for stretching out, or explore all our sofas and couches. You can also read our modular sofa guide and our guide to the best sofas for small spaces.