Why One Sofa Costs More Than Another (And When It’s Worth It)

They Look Similar. So Why the Big Price Difference?

You’re looking at two sofas. Same size, same general style, maybe even the same color. But one’s $1,399 and the other is $2,899.

What gives?

It’s one of the most common—and most important—questions we hear at Fly By Night. Because once you understand what goes into a well-made sofa, it’s a lot easier to spot real value.

Let’s start with the part you can’t see: the frame. Lower-cost sofas are often built with particleboard, softwood, or even cardboard corner blocks. If it ships in pieces and you assemble it at home, that’s usually a red flag. Well-built sofas arrive fully assembled and use kiln-dried hardwood and reinforced joinery like mortise and tenon or double dowels. A cheap frame might start creaking or breaking in a few years. A hardwood frame can last decades—and even be reupholstered down the line.

Then there’s the comfort factor. Most sofas feel great in the showroom. The question is, how long will they stay that way? Budget cushions rely on low-density foam and polyester batting that flatten out quickly. Higher-end sofas use high-resilience foam, coil inserts, or down-wrapped cushions that hold their shape and support over time. Look for cushions that are reversible or replaceable—those are the keepers.

Fabric and leather matter, too. Lower-priced sofas often use thin polyester or bonded leather. The better ones use top-grain leather, performance fabrics, and durable natural fibers like wool or linen blends. At Fly By Night, our sofas come with hundreds of fabric options, not just the usual gray or beige.

Where the sofa is made also plays a big role. American- and European-made pieces typically cost more than mass-market imports—but that cost reflects better materials, skilled labor, shorter lead times, and easier service or repairs. We proudly carry American brands like American Leather, CR Laine, Norwalk, Halligan, and Younger, along with European-made Vilmers—not because they’re trendy, but because they consistently deliver quality we can stand behind.

It’s also the little details that add up. Solid wood legs instead of plastic. Platform bases instead of webbing. Custom sizing, stitching, and even the ability to replace parts later on. These might not jump out at first glance, but they can account for hundreds of dollars—and years of added comfort and durability.

So when should you spend more? We usually tell customers to invest in the best sofa they can afford if they plan to keep it for 10 to 20 years, want to customize it, or use it daily. It’s also the smart choice if you want long-term support, comfort, and lower environmental impact. On the other hand, a less expensive sofa might make sense if you just need something temporary or for a room that doesn’t get much use.

Still not sure? Come in and do the sit test.

At our Northampton showroom—or soon, in Maynard—we’ll walk you through the real differences. You can see the frames, feel the cushions, and compare options without pressure or upsell. Just solid information to help you make the right call.

We carry sofas starting around $1,300—and every one of them is something we believe in. Let’s help you find the one that’s truly worth it.