The Article Nordby: A Two-Seat Sofa Bed That Punches Above Its Weight

Getting hands-on with the Article Nordby Sofa

Ordering from Article

Article’s website makes it incredibly easy to order and to see which items are in-stock (keep that 2-week delivery goal in mind!). Crisp, clear images toggle through the different options and colors, and many items have user-generated photos to get an idea of what they’ll look like in your own home.

The Nordby Sofa comes in three colors: Lull Blue, Pep Gray, and Henge Gray, and two configurations: the Sofa ($1,499) or the Reversible Sectional ($2,099). While the Reversible Sectional would be incredibly functional, with its built-in storage (perfect for storing a comforter and pillows!), I decided the simple 2-seater Sofa was better for my space. I opted for the Lull Blue, which seemed like a just-slightly-outside-the-box color. It’s almost a denim blue — not too bold, not too light, just somewhere right in between.

Getting to Know the Nordby Sofa

The Nordby Sofa’s seat cushions are high density foam with polyester fiber, while the back cushion is composed of polyester fiber. The fabric is 100% polyester that’s has a 50,000 score on the Martindale test. The legs are solid wood.

Article calls the sofa Scandinavian-inspired, and it’s a versatile style that would go with almost any decor. It feels modern but not too bold, it’s a simple, comfortable look with just enough detail, from the subtle tufting on the seat to the light wood legs.

Living with the Nordby Sofa

Just two weeks after placing my order, I received a note that the warehouse nearby had received the sofa. I was traveling so I had to schedule for a few weeks out, but I was shocked it turned around so quickly. Additionally, scheduling delivery was a breeze. The first date I asked for, they had available, and they showed up (not always the case, if you’re familiar with ordering furniture!).

The delivery workers placed the sofa exactly where I wanted it, and, if you’re not a whiz at assembling furniture, Article is for you (this isn’t going to be a not-to-be-named Swedish furniture situation). The Nordby Sofa came 95% assembled — all I had to do was put on the legs. I will, however, warn you that this sofa is heavy. As the delivery workers told me, “I hope you don’t plan on moving this anytime soon.”

Thankfully, between me and my husband, we were able to lift the sofa enough to put on the legs, nudge it back exactly where we wanted it, and we were set.

I’ve now spent more than a few days sitting on this sofa while I’m WFH or watching TV, and the Nordby sofa is the most well made sleeper sofa I’ve sat on. It feels sturdy and firm, you definitely don’t feel the sleeping mechanism below you. The cushions don’t seem like they will sink in over the long term — this sofa bed feels made to last and to stand up to daily use, not just intermittent guest room usage.

The fabric seems incredibly durable and like it’ll stand up to families, pets, and the occasion. dinner-on-the-couch evening. Plus, Martindale Score of 50,000 indicates that it’s suitable for heavy use (over 40,000 is usually designated as commercial grade). However, Article’s fabrics are not stain resistant, which may be an issue for some shoppers.

While I opted for the Sofa rather than the sectional, the 35” depth is perfect for lounging. The deep seats are ideal for kicking back and relaxing, or curling up with a blanket and a book. And, the 87” width makes this suited for small spaces.

The sleeper mechanism is so easy one person can do it, even if you’ve never used a sleeper sofa before. It simply pulls up and out using two tabs at the front of the sofa, then goes back in exactly the same way. Seriously, it’s so easy you might find yourself pulling it out just for movie night.

Just a note: some people may find the bed a bit firm for sleeping, but it’s typically fine for guests for a night or two. You could add a mattress pad on top when you do have guests if you know they prefer a softer bed.