Best High Sofas for the Elderly: Making it Easier to Sit Down and Stand!

A high sofa is a great way to make your living room a bit more accessible and usable for the elderly with mobility impairments. But what are the best high sofas on the market? It all depends on your seniors’ needs, but there’s no shortage of options available.

We’ll take a look at some of the top-rated high sofas in this article and discuss their features, benefits, and drawbacks.

But first, let’s talk about why seniors benefit so much from higher sitting sofas and examine some of the core features for any sofa perfect for the elderly!

Why Do the Elderly Benefit From a Higher Sofa?

High sitting sofas and chairs have become increasingly popular in recent years with elderly seniors.

Why is this?

Well, high-seated sofas make it much easier for elderly people to get up from the couch without assistance- especially if they have mobility impairments. This is because getting up from low sitting couches requires a lot of muscle strength, as one must use their hands and arms to push and lift themselves upwards.

With a high sofas, an elderly person will have an easier time scooting to the end of the sofa and gently pushing themselves off. Since the sofa seat is higher off the ground, the senior won’t have to fight against gravity quite as much.

In addition, these high-backed sofas and chairs are often more comfortable than regular sofas, which means that seniors will be much more comfortable and supported while watching television or reading a book.

What to Consider When Shopping for a High Sofa

Seat Height

While the height of couches can vary a fair amount, oftentimes 16-19 inches is considered an average height for sofas. Any sofa that’s higher than 18 inches is on the higher end of couch seats, but usually, it’s 19 or 20-inch seats and higher that are considered a “high seat” design and the best choice for senior adults.

Cushion Support & Firmness

When buying a high sofa for the elderly, you’ll want to look for thick, high-density cushioning that is comfortable while still being supportive. This will provide support for your joints without compromising comfort. Given this, you’ll want to avoid couches that are too soft, as a firm cushion base is essential for support.

Look for a sofa with supportive springs to prevent sinking and to help the user sit upright with good posture, preventing slouching that may injure one’s back over time.

A good test to see if a sofa is comfortable enough before you buy it is to sit on the sofa and then get up. If you can’t get up easily and it’s hard to leave the sofa, the cushions might not be supportive enough!

Armrests

Another thing to look for is the height of the armrests on a sofa. Many higher sitting sofas have tall arms, which are perfect for the elderly because they provide extra support while sitting upright. Some sofas feature built-in pillows or arm cushions that add even more comfort and support.

There are several different styles of armrests, such as rolled armrests, pillow armrests, among others to choose from when shopping for a sofa with supportive arms.

Frame

Opt for a sofa frame made of something sturdy, like hardwood or metal, to ensure that the sofa will be able to withstand years of daily wear.

Adjustability

Adjustable and reclining sofa seats are perfect for seniors who have trouble getting in and out of a seated position and could use a little extra assistance. Just keep in mind that many adjustable sofas tend to come at a higher price point since there are more moving parts or even electronic parts involved.

Material

Sofa fabrics can vary a lot from microfiber to leather or polyester blends. Look for durable, easy-to-clean materials that are stain-resistant and come in neutral colors that don’t fade easily while offering comfortable seating and still staying soft to the touch.

Also consider how easy or difficult it will be to clean the material. Leather is easy to clean, but fabric couches tend to be more affordable. The best material to use in a sofa really depends on the senior’s preferences!

Seat Depth

In addition to paying attention to a couch’s seat height, you’ll also want to keep the sofa’s seat depth in mind as well when looking for the best choice for your senior. Shallow seats are great for seniors if they have difficulty getting up from a sitting position or worry about sinking too deep into them. Shallow sofa seats don’t require a senior to distribute their weight as drastically or scoot forward as far in order to sit up and get out of the sofa.

Length

Many consider longer sofas to be more comfortable, with more room to stretch out. Ultimately though, you’ll need to choose a couch, be it a sophisticated loveseat sofa or a larger sectional sofa, based on what fits into your room’s space and how it compliments any other pieces.

Assembly Required

While some sofas arrive already assembled, many others require at least some degree of assembly. This may be a problem for seniors who have arthritis or aren’t as mobile, so consider enlisting the help of a friend. Ideally, you’ll want to purchase a high sofa that comes pre-assembled and avoid the extra work altogether! If you do opt for a high sitting sofa that needs some assembly, read up on what exactly needs to be assembled. Sometimes it’s just a matter of screwing on some leg pieces, while other times you’ll have more of your work cut out for you.

Weight Capacity

Most high sitting sofas can support a weight of 300-500 pounds or more. However, if you have a larger senior, you’ll want to choose a sturdy sofa that can support their weight without breaking or feeling too wobbly.

Best High Sofas for Elderly Adults

1. Celestia 56.3” Flared Arm Loveseat

This sturdy, affordable sofa has a slightly higher seat height than average at 19 inches. With a wood frame and microfiber fabric, it offers a nice blend of comfort, stability and style. Although it requires some light assembly, it does not seem to be extensive. This loveseat is also available in two colors: a dark gray or coffee. This functional sofa is a great choice for living room or a small space.

Product Details:

• Seat Height (inches): 19
• Seat Depth: Shallow (Under 21″)
• Length: 56.3″
• Leg Material: Plastic
• Couch Frame: Wood
• Cushion Construction: Foam
• Weight Capacity: 300 lb.
• Number of Seats: 2

2. 86” Pillow Top Arm Sofa

The 86” Pillow Top Arm Sofa is a great addition to any living room where seniors like to sit and lounge. This microfiber and microsuede sofa is 86-inches long with a 24-inch seat height – one of the higher seat options on our list!

This high sofa features comfortable foam seat fill, cushioned backing, and soft pillow-top armrests. Fans remark that this sofa offers great lumbar support while still being very comfortable.

It’s definitely on the firmer side, but this can be a plus for seniors who need extra support and aren’t looking for anything too soft. Plus, no assembly is required! This supportive sofa comes in several more unique color options including cobalt blue, cinnamon, burgundy, and others.

Product Specifications:

• Seat Height (inches): 24″
• Seat Depth: Shallow (Under 21″)
• Length: 86″
• Leg Material: Plastic
• Couch Frame: Wood
• Weight Capacity: 300 lb.
• Number of Seats: 3

3. Gatlin 88” Rolled Arm Sofa with Reversible Cushions

The Gatlin 88″ Rolled Arm Sofa is a unique longer-sized couch with a 22-inch seat height and even reversible cushions!

This sofa labels itself as having a coastal farmhouse style with its light Heather gray upholstery and rolled armrests. The fabric claims to be stain-resistant, c, lightweight, yet durable. It also has no chemical treatments, eliminating any risk of weird smells. Additionally, it doubles as a sleeper and can turn into a queen-sized bed for any guests.

The back and foam-filled cushions are not just removable for easy cleaning – they’re also reversible, allowing the cushions to last twice as long!

This high sofa is proudly made in the USA from a blend of solid and features engineered wood with a coffee finish and tapered legs.

Product Specifications:

• Seat Height (inches): 22
• Seat Depth: Standard (21″-28″)
• Leg Material: Solid Wood
• Number of Seats: 3

4. Orchard 63” Leather Loveseat

The Orchard Leather Loveseat is high-end sophisticated loveseat sofa made of high-quality top-grain brown leather upholstery with brass nailhead trim, providing an elegant touch to any living room or bedroom nook.

This stylish sofa also features a kiln-dried hardwood frame that ensures durability. The couch’s cushions are removable and use high-density foam for cozy support. It has rolled armrests, and a seat height of 19.5-inches with a 500lb weight capacity.

Product Specifications:

• Seat Depth: Standard (21″-28″)
• Seat Height (inches): 19.5
• Length: 63″
• Weight Capacity (lbs): 500
• Number of Seats: 2

5. Larissa 66” Chenille Rolled Arm Loveseat with Reversible Cushions

The Larissa 66” Chenille Rolled Arm Loveseat is a traditionally-styled loveseat sofa with reversible cushions that are a breeze to remove and clean, plus a nice 19.5-inch seat height.

This sofa features a durable wood frame and duracoil seat cushions that provide plenty of TV-watching comfort with a 600lb weight capacity. It’s made of FSC lumber and soy-based foam, offering a somewhat more sustainable option than others.

This loveseat features stain-resistant chenille fabric upholstery, and brass nailhead trim along the arms, and dark wood turned legs.

Product Specifications:

• Seat Height (inches): 19.5
• Seat Depth: Shallow (Under 21″)
• Length: 66″
• Leg Material: Solid Wood
• Frame: Solid Wood
• Weight Capacity: 600 lb.
• Number of Seats: 2

6. Ullery 84” Pillow Top Arm Reclining Sofa

The Ullery 84” Pillow Top Reclining Sofa is a plush 3-seater with a 20-inch seat height and a built-in recliner feature that allows you to kick back and relax.

The cushions of this recliner are made of durable microfiber fabric upholstery that can withstand wear while still feeling comfy and offering plenty of support. The steel base of this sofa keeps it firm and steady, while the pillow-top armrests offer added lounging comfort.

The sofa comes in brown, beige, and grey and while it requires some minimal assembly, many note it’s simple and easy to do.

Product Specifications:

• Seat Height (inches): 20
• Seat Depth: Shallow (Under 21″)
• Length: 84″
• Weight Capacity (lbs): 750 total (250 per seat)
• Number of Seats: 3

7. Allmon 88” Rolled Arm Sofa

The Allmon 88” Rolled Arm Sofa is another great pick for a raised couch, with a 20-inch seat height and a unique style that’s inspired by a Tuscan countryside estate.

This rolled arm sofa set features sinuous spring construction that makes it comfortable and supportive for older adults to sit in. The fabric of the sofa is a polyester blend that gives this sofa provides both durability and softness. This higher sitting sofa also has foam-filled seats, with seat and back cushions that are both removable, making them easier to clean.

Allmon 88” Rolled Arm Sofa comes with a wooden frame as well as wood legs and elegant carved wood embellishments that gives it a classic look and make it a good fit for seniors.

Product Specifications:

• Seat Height (inches): 20
• Seat Depth: Shallow (Under 21″)
• Length: 88″
• Number of Seats: 3

Other Options for Increasing Couch Seat Height

Furniture Risers. Furniture risers are a way to raise up the height of your sofa without forcing you to buy a whole new high sitting sofa ! Plus, furniture risers are a cheap solution that you can test the waters with before committing to a bigger purchase like an entirely new sofa.

• Replace Existing Legs With New, Higher Ones. If you love the feel of your current sofa and it just has legs that are lower than you’d like, you can pick up new, slightly taller legs at any hardware store and screw them right into place on your couch’s original bottom after removing the originals. Not all sofas will have screw-in legs, but many do!
• Change out the Seat Cushions. Need just a bit more of a boost? You could always try buying new, thicker sofa seat cushions that allow you to sit higher and see if that works. If you’re handy, you could even try making your own!
• Casters. Casters are one cheap and easy way to add a bit of extra lift to a sofa, with the added bonus of additional couch mobility, allowing you to swing the sofa out of the way for exercises or other activities. Various caster heights are available, with some options offering as much as 5 inches of elevation, and they can come in various styles that suit the decor of your furniture. Casters often include a locking mechanism that can prevent the sofa from moving- – you’ll probably want to have the casters locked most of the time for your senior!

Other Ways to Help a Senior Get Up and Down From a Couch

Raising a couch’s seat height isn’t your only option. There are other things you can do to make it easier for an elderly individual to get up and down from a standard sofa, such as:

• Transfer Pole. A transfer pole is one classic option to help senior adults who need support for standing up and sitting down. Transfer poles are stability poles that stretch between the floor and the ceiling and offer a stable object for a senior to grab onto and use leverage to lift themselves up off of their furniture.
• Lift Chair. Another option is to not worry about the sofa and instead focus efforts into acquiring a lift assist chair for a senior. Lift-assist chairs are designed to rotate forward, allowing a senior to be pushed up vertically to easily get in and out of the chair. Lift chairs are big, heavy, and expensive devices due to the mechanics involved. But one sturdy lift chair could make all the difference for a senior with mobility issues!

---

We hope this buying guide for elderly people has provided a helpful review on some of the best high sofas that offer plenty of support, allowing seniors to more easily hoist themselves up from their sofa and enjoy their golden years in comfort. Remember to factor in any required assembly, weight capacity, seat depth armrest-style, etc to purchase the best sofa for your senior.