As early as 2020, My colleague Scott Gilbertson tried Joybird Eliot Sofa. He hates it. Since then, the Joybird Eliot has been the only option in the “avoid” section of our sofa buying guide. When Joybird reached out to explain that it had transformed Elliott (and its customer service – to go back later), I was skeptical about the attempt. But I did it for you, readers, and I am happy to report that this improved sofa has passed the exam in my book after three months of testing.
From the color palette to the completion
Photo: Louryn Strampe
Every Joybird Eliot Couch is a custom, ordering thing. Elliot comes in a variety of styles and configurations. I chose to try a sleeper sofa as I’ve been looking for a good sofa with a built-in bed for our purchase guide. Joybird sent me a swatch kit with a small fabric square with a rainbow. (Customers can also get this kit for free.) There are nearly 80 different fabrics to choose from, including pet-friendly options and lush velvet business. Some of these fabrics add charges.
After a few days of screening, I chose Royale Berry, a durable and plush pink velvet that was marked as pet friendly and stain resistant. There are two options for the mattress – standard or tempur-respons memory foam (yes, from tempur-pedic). The website has useful tools such as AR visualization, as well as specific sizes, so you can do it for space or delivery.
This process has some benefits and some disadvantages. Since the sofa is custom made, the manufacturing process can take several weeks. But on the positive side, these couches have delivery of face-to-face white gloves, and one of the teams will come in and put your new couch where you need it. This adds an extra fee, which depends on where you get the sofa in terms of pricing. Once the sofa is ready, you can set the delivery date. Make sure the area where the sofa will live is clear and the team will handle the rest. My sofa was delivered within 10 minutes and the team carried the packaging materials with them.
The sofa looks better than I thought, with good cushions and even stitched. It has two seat cushions and two back cushions and comes with a pull-out sofa bed. I love the modern style of the mid-century, which blends well with the rest of my home, while the hot berry pink velvet fabric is soft and plush. It is also durable and stain resistant and leaks well. I love how it looks in the living room and I have a lot of tenants saying the same thing.
From sitting to sleep
Photo: Louryn Strampe
One of Scott’s biggest complaints about the sofa was uneven filling fabrics, which Joybird has since redesigned. The company said it redesigned the corner blocks, adjusted the buffering, and worked with suppliers to improve the tufted buttons. Some specific Elliot models have undergone further adjustments, such as additional support beams. My sofa even has a full cloth, and even though I’m the type of person who sits in the same place on the sofa every day (I usually work from the living room), mine is still fine and keeps comfortable. The side I like on the couch is a little firm – I don’t have that sinking, stuck feeling with some of the couches I’ve tested.
