I recently moved into a new apartment with no couch and spent a long time deciding which brand to choose. I wanted a PFAS-free option and, having reviewed Medley’s natural sofa before, I was curious about a more affordable alternative.
I ultimately chose 7th Avenue because of its modular design and washable covers. I’d never owned a light-colored couch before, but their stain resistance without PFAS gave me confidence to go for a pale shade.
After living with the sofa for a couple of months, here is my full, candid review, including pros and cons.
This guide contains product recommendations and we may receive compensation if you purchase through certain links. This article was not sponsored, though the couch was gifted. As always, recommendations reflect my honest opinion.
PFAS in Upholstered Furniture
For decades, PFAS “forever chemicals” have been added to upholstery to provide water and stain resistance. These chemicals are associated with various health concerns and can migrate off fabrics over time, contaminating household dust and air.
Until recently, manufacturers rarely disclosed PFAS use on furniture, and labeling has been inconsistent. However, several states are now restricting intentionally added PFAS in textiles. California, for example, banned certain uses of intentionally added PFAS in consumer textiles beginning in January 2025.
State-level regulations often prompt manufacturers to change products nationwide rather than make separate lines for different jurisdictions. That means more upholstered furniture in the U.S. is likely to be PFAS-free in the coming years.
7th Ave has consistently marketed PFAS-free stain resistance since launching in 2022, so they didn’t need to change course when regulations shifted.
Materials & Safety Considerations
If your priority is a fully natural or organic couch, 7th Ave is not that. The brand uses synthetic materials in fabric and cushions. That said, it represents a reasonable middle ground: several low-tox features, practical durability, and a lower price point than fully natural sofas.
Low-Tox Features
PFAS-Free Stain Resistance: 7th Ave uses a treatment they call C0 instead of PFAS to achieve water and stain resistance. While I couldn’t find a full material breakdown for C0 (it may involve silicone or other synthetic components), it still feels like a safer alternative to PFAS-based finishes.
OEKO-TEX Certified Fabrics: All of 7th Ave’s fabric options are OEKO-TEX certified, a third-party verification that screens for a wide range of potentially harmful substances, including many dyes, flame retardants, formaldehyde, and heavy metals.
Transparency: 7th Ave provides detailed FAQs and documentation on materials and certifications, including lab testing that shows undetectable levels of PFOA and PFOS for certain fabrics. That level of transparency is uncommon in furniture brands and was reassuring.
FSC Certified Wood: The frame combines solid Indonesian hardwood (FSC certified) with furniture-grade plywood for reinforcement. While plywood uses adhesive, the brand avoids MDF and composite woods, and the plywood helps prevent warping and improve long-term durability.
Allergy- and Vegan-Friendly Options: Cushions use a down alternative and PU foam. That makes this sofa suitable for people with latex allergies and for those who prefer non-down fillings.
Modularity as a Sustainability Feature
One of the features I wanted from a sofa was flexibility: a modular couch that can be reconfigured, expanded, or reduced over time. Removable, washable covers can extend a sofa’s useful life and reduce the chance it ends up in a landfill prematurely. The ability to swap fabric colors or replace individual modules feels inherently more sustainable than a fixed, single-purpose piece that’s hard to adapt.
Price
The 4-seat chaise sectional with ottoman I chose cost $4,680. That’s not cheap, but it’s also well below the price of some high-end or fully natural sofas. Comparable mass-market sectionals from retailers like IKEA or Wayfair can be significantly cheaper but typically won’t last as long. High-end natural or designer cloud sofas can run into the $9,000–$15,000 range, so 7th Ave sits comfortably in a middle ground for quality, durability, and lower-tox finishes.
Financing is available through Klarna, Shop Pay, or Affirm for those who want monthly payments.
Customer Service Details
30-Day Fabric Exchange: You can change the cover color within 30 days at no extra cost.
10-Day Returns: Returns are accepted within 10 days of delivery (shipping or assembly fees may apply).
Virtual Appointments: If you don’t have a local showroom, you can schedule a virtual appointment to review fabric swatches and modular layouts.
Assembly Add-On: For an additional fee (I paid $100), 7th Ave arranges a professional assembler who puts the couch together in about an hour. If you prefer DIY, the company also provides step-by-step videos.
Choosing My Configuration
It took me a while to decide. I wanted a sectional but had to consider different layouts and the odd shape of my new living room. I selected the 4-Seat Modular Chaise Sectional with Ottoman (Classic depth, not Extra-Deep) in Oatmeal Beige Performance Woven Chenille. I wanted something lighter than our previous dark-gray couch but avoided a stark white.
Delivery & Setup
Delivery arrived via FedEx a couple of days later than expected and required a signature. The couch arrived in 11 boxes (the heaviest box was about 45 lbs), so plan to be home or have someone available to accept and move the parcels. If you purchase professional assembly, the company coordinates an assembler; mine completed the setup efficiently in about an hour.
If you self-assemble, the brand’s online how-to videos are helpful and clear.
Living With the Sofa: My Experience
No off-gassing smell: The sofa arrived with virtually no new-furniture odor, which mattered to me because I’m sensitive to smells.
Fabric and feel: The Performance Woven Chenille is soft with a subtle texture. If you prefer the plushest option, their velvet is softer, but I’m happy with the chenille’s cozy feel.
Depth and comfort: I chose the Classic depth (39″), which suits our space and offers comfortable seating. My husband is 6’4″ and finds it comfortable as well. There’s also an Extra-Deep option if you want an even more lounging-oriented seat.
Firmness and support: The cushions are medium-firm with good resilience; they snap back to shape and require minimal fluffing. The sofa provides adequate support for lounging and sleeping—my husband often naps on it without neck discomfort. The only design preference I don’t love is the relatively low-profile back: the backrests are level with the arms, so leaning back relies more on the cushions than a tall frame.
Customizable firmness: Seat and back cushions unzip so you can add or remove stuffing if you prefer a softer or firmer feel.
Modular fit and gaps: Modules lock together securely and we’ve had no issues with shifting or large gaps between sections.
Noise: There’s been no creaking or squeaking so far.
Easy to clean: The fabric’s water resistance makes staining unlikely. If something does soak in, you can remove cushion covers and machine-wash them on a gentle cycle, and the frame covers can be removed if needed. I spot-cleaned an oil spill with a gentle cleaner and it came out after some scrubbing.
Seating and armrests: The sofa offers plenty of seating and wide armrests that can even double as a makeshift side table for a drink.
Husband-approved: My partner loves the couch for daily lounging, gaming, and sleeping—so it passes the real-life test in our household.
Pros & Cons
PROS:
- Modular, expandable, and flexible for long-term use
- No noticeable smell out of the box
- Removable covers for washing or color changes
- All fabrics OEKO-TEX certified and PFAS-free
- Stain- and water-resistant without PFAS—good for pets and kids
- Suitable for latex allergies and offers down-alternative cushions
- 10-day return policy and 30-day fabric exchange
- Option for professional assembly or DIY
- Firm, low-maintenance cushions that stay in shape
- Comfortable and attractive in real life
CONS:
- Not the cheapest option on the market
- Lead time can be long when items are backordered (8–10 weeks at publication)
- Not made from 100% natural or organic materials
- Low-profile back provides less structural support for leaning
- No full product exchange—only fabric exchange within 30 days
- Currently available only within the contiguous U.S.
Final Verdict & Who This Sofa Is For
Who it’s for:
- People with pets or children who want durability and stain resistance without PFAS
- Those with chemical sensitivities who need a no-smell, lower-tox option but can’t or don’t want to spend on fully natural sofas
- Renters or frequent movers who value modularity and flexibility
- Anyone who wants a balance of aesthetics, comfort, and practical function
- People looking for a cloud-style dupe that requires less frequent fluffing
Who it’s not for:
- Buyers who require a 100% natural or organic sofa
- Shoppers on a very tight budget
- People who need high-back support or prefer a more structured frame
