Reviewer: Sarah Madaus, contributor
Model Tested: Castlery Jonathan Sofa
The details: Castlery is a newish direct-to-consumer (DTC) brand that makes versatile, contemporary furniture pieces for the whole home. The brand prides itself on not being a “fast furniture” company and has some chops when it comes to sustainability measures and craftsmanship. Senior commerce editor Rachel Fletcher also tested out the sectional version of the Jonathan back in 2022.
How much does it cost? Are there payment plans available?
This sofa costs $1,998. The extended three-seater sofa costs $2,697. Both sizes can be purchased with an ottoman, which is $2,369 for the two-seater and $3,039 for the three-seater. You can purchase all options on sale right now. You can pay with Affirm if you qualify for the payment plan, which starts at $214 per month.
What are the upholstery or customization options? Did you choose any?
You can choose from a two- or three-seat sofa plus an ottoman. We went for the two-seat sofa with the ottoman. You can pick from four different fabric options: Dark Granite, Zenith Blue, Carbon Gray, and Performance Creamy White. We chose the latter, because we felt like it was the most sophisticated, expensive-looking option. We also have a dog, so any kind of “performance” fabric was key for us in our search.
What is the lead time for customization, manufacturing, and delivery?
The couch we chose was ready to ship pretty much immediately! My partner and I were traveling, so we had to schedule the delivery for later than we originally planned. It ships from New Jersey, and my partner and I live in New York, so the shipping speed was very fast.
What kind of couch/seating arrangement did you have before and what drew you to your new couch?
Well, my partner and I are moving in together, so we’re starting from scratch! Previously, my roommate and I shared a gorgeous, two-cushion green velvet sectional which was unfortunately lost in the divorce (ha!). He and his roommates shared a ratty, fratty two-cushion gray sofa. We were drawn to the Castlery Jonathan sofa because it’s versatile, which was especially necessary as we’re not totally sure in which direction our interior tastes will take us when decorating our new space. Additionally, we loved the overstuffed but still clean vibe of this sofa. It looks cozy and stately at the same time.
Delivery and assembly
What was the delivery process like?
The delivery process was so simple! We were able to schedule it for when we’d be home. We got a text from the delivery company a few days prior, letting us know the time window, and then we got a text the morning of that told us specifically when they’d arrive. The delivery team brought all of the boxes up for us—all we needed to do was put it together.
What was the assembly process like? How long did it take and how many people?
There’s no white-glove delivery, but that’s totally fine because of how easy it is to put the sofa together. When the boxes were dropped off, I was anticipating an IKEA-like assembly, but nope—everything was assembled for me, all I needed to do was remove the Bubble Wrap and slide the two couch components together. I assembled this by myself with no assistance. My partner got home and said, “Are you freaking kidding me?” But he didn’t realize just how simple it was. The sofa came in three boxes: the left side, right side, and ottoman. I probably could’ve used my partner’s help getting the enormous seats out of the boxes, but I’m stubborn, prideful, and a glutton for pain.
After delivery
What are the dimensions? How does it fit in your space? Would it be better suited for a different type of home?
The dimensions for the sofa are 89.8"W x 39.4"D x H27.6"H. The ottoman’s measurements are 36.6"W x 30.7"D x 15"H. Overall, this fits well in our space! We weren’t too worried just because it’s a very manageable, apartment-friendly size. I think because the configuration we chose is on the smaller side, it may look a little strange in a sprawling living room, but in a space that has smaller rooms and many walls, it’s quite cozy.
Sit Test: Is it comfortable? Does it feel well made? Does the chair have a tendency to sag?
I love a firm couch, and this is a firm couch—but it’s still overstuffed, which not only makes it look warm and welcoming, it feels like a supportive pillow underneath my tush. I think the ugliest thing a sofa can be is saggy, so I certainly appreciate the overstuffed, extra tall cushions. As soon as I put this couch together, I told my partner to please cook dinner so I could keep sitting on it. I spent the entire first night in various positions: Sitting, lying on my back, lying on my belly, and snuggling. Only reluctantly did I get up when it was time for bed.
Lay test: Is it comfortable? Does it feel well made? Does the chair have a tendency to sag?
Like I said, this is a firm couch, so I didn’t sink into it but rather floated on top of it. It’s buoyant and certainly quite comfortable, especially on my back, which tends to hurt more when I lay on soft mattresses or sofas.
Is the chair suitable for particular decor styles and, if so, which?
This is a versatile couch. The creamy sand hue lends it to a Scandi-style home, and it could also be a minimalist’s dream. It is low to the ground and seems to be inspired by midcentury silhouettes.
Is it durable and practical in a modern home?
The durability mostly remains to be seen. I’m hopeful that the performance fabric really is strong and not just marketing. It’s certainly practical for apartment dwellers, especially with the detached ottoman. My partner and I can snuggle on it comfortably, but it can easily seat four when we’re entertaining. It’s a modular sofa too, so you can add seats and configure it any which way.
Is the chair kid- and/or dog-friendly?
So far, so good! I’m a bit concerned about it getting dirty, so I may get Scotchgard or another protector to ensure any stains can be lifted out easily. Our dog’s nails don’t get stuck in the tightly-woven fabric, which is excellent.
What are the care and cleaning instructions? Do you think stains could be easily removed?
Per the website, you can use a brush attachment to vacuum the sofa (which is helpful for dog hair), blot spills with a wet towel, and avoid sitting on it if you’re wearing clothes that can cause color transfer. For tough stains, Castlery recommends professional cleaning. I haven’t stained it yet (where’s my prize?), but I must admit that I’m not looking forward to the day I inevitably do. It’s not that this couch isn’t high-quality, but the creamy white fabric will likely show remnants of everything.
Do the photos do this product justice? Was there anything you were surprised to see IRL?
The photos absolutely do it justice. It looks exactly the same—there were no surprises when I unboxed this beauty. If I may objectify a piece of furniture for a moment, this is a sexy couch. It screams, “I have my life together.” Would swipe right.
Would the couch be easy to move into another room? Would it be easy to move to another apartment/home by yourself?
Yes, it’s surprisingly lightweight! After I set it up, my partner and I moved it all around our space to find the perfect fit, and neither of us woke up with aches and pains. However, because it’s a sizable piece of furniture, the two of us are already dreading the day when we have to move it. Thankfully, the pieces come apart.
Sectional Grades
Comfort: A
Value: B
Delivery and assembly: A
Style: A-
Overall couch rating: A
