Cozy Meets Conscious: Why the Medley Rio Plush Sofa Is Worth It (Review)
Reviewing the Medley Rio Plush Sofa’s Eco-Conscious Construction and Lasting Appeal
By
Heather Bien
Updated
October 2, 2025
Plush & Supportive: The Medley Rio Plush Sofa delivers luxurious comfort with soft yet structured cushions—perfect for relaxing in style.
Eco-Friendly Build: Made with natural latex, wool, and FSC-certified wood, it’s a sustainable choice with no harsh chemicals.
Design Meets Function: Sophisticated in look, but the light fabric and wide arms may require extra care in high-traffic homes.
When it comes to creating a cozy, design-forward living space, the Medley Rio Plush Sofa is a standout. We recently welcomed the 88" version in Huckleberry Chenille – Marshmallow fabric with Café legs into our home, along with the matching 41" Rio Plush Ottoman. From the moment it arrived, I could tell this piece was something special.
What we love about the Medley Rio Plush Sofa is how it instantly made our living room feel like home. From the first time we sat down, we could tell this wasn’t just another sofa—it’s genuinely cozy, with deep, plush cushions that invite you to curl up and stay awhile. The natural latex and wool filling give it a supportive, “sink-in” comfort that feels both luxurious and healthy. We also can’t get enough of the Huckleberry Chenille fabric—it’s bright, fresh, and makes the whole space feel lighter. There’s something really special about relaxing on a piece that’s not only beautiful but also thoughtfully made with the environment in mind. It’s become our favorite spot to unwind, read, and spend time together.
Pros
Eco-friendly comfort: I really appreciate that the sofa uses natural latex and wool instead of synthetic materials—it feels good knowing it’s healthier for my home and the planet.
Super comfy: The cushions are plush and supportive, making it my favorite spot to relax.
Beautiful design: The Huckleberry Chenille - Marshmallow fabric and Cafe legs look stunning and elevate my living room.
Custom options: I liked being able to choose the fabric and finish to match my style.
Handy ottoman: The matching ottoman is perfect for putting my feet up or offering extra seating.
Cons
Less seating than expected: Even though the sofa is 88", the wide arms mean there’s only about 72" of actual seating space.
Light fabric is high-maintenance: The Huckleberry color is gorgeous, but it shows every little mark—probably not the best choice if you have kids or pets.
Ottoman slides around: On my hardwood floor, the ottoman tends to shift. I had to get a non-slip mat to keep it in place.
At first glance, the Rio Plush Sofa radiates modern elegance. The Huckleberry Chenille in its creamy Marshmallow shade is both sophisticated and inviting. Its soft texture adds warmth and dimension to the room, making it the kind of piece that draws you in.
However, as beautiful as the light color is, it’s worth considering your household dynamics. Homes with young children or pets might find the bright hue more high-maintenance, as it tends to show stains and dirt easily.
Exceptional Comfort
The name says it all—this sofa is plush. The cushions are luxuriously soft yet supportive, offering a seat that feels like a gentle embrace at the end of a long day. That said, the wide side arms slightly reduce the usable seating space to about 72 inches, which may be a factor for those who frequently host guests.
The matching ottoman adds both comfort and versatility—perfect as a footrest, coffee table alternative, or extra seating. However, it can shift on slick surfaces like hardwood or tile, so I recommend adding a non-slip pad underneath for better stability.
Natural, Thoughtful Materials
One of the Rio Plush Sofa’s biggest strengths is its construction. Medley opts for natural latex and wool over conventional synthetic foams, which not only enhances comfort but also boosts durability and breathability. These materials are a refreshing change from the typical poly-fill options and align with a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle.
Medley's cushion fillers feature:
GOLS-Certified Natural Latex Foam: Sourced from the sap of rubber trees, this latex is breathable, mold-resistant, and antimicrobial. It's also biodegradable and renewable, ensuring a comfortable and eco-friendly seating experience.
OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 Certified Wool: This wool is hypoallergenic, antibacterial, and temperature-regulating. It's also biodegradable and renewable, adding to the sofa's sustainability credentials.
FSC-Certified Solid Wood Frame: The sofa's frame is constructed from responsibly sourced wood, ensuring durability and supporting sustainable forestry practices.
A quick note for first-time buyers of natural furniture: when the sofa initially arrived, there was a noticeable smell from the natural materials. While it wasn’t harsh or chemical-like, it was still present and lingered for about three weeks. After that, the odor completely dissipated. If you're sensitive to smells or expecting instant freshness, it’s an important consideration—but also a reassuring sign that no harsh synthetic chemicals are used in the construction.
At 88 inches wide, the sofa offers a generous footprint without overpowering my space. It’s well-proportioned for both lounging and socializing. The ottoman’s 41-inch width complements the sofa beautifully, creating a cohesive and practical setup for everyday use and entertaining.
A Commitment to Sustainability
Medley’s sustainability ethos is more than a marketing tagline. From responsibly sourced materials to timeless craftsmanship, their dedication to environmentally friendly practices is evident in every detail. Knowing that this piece supports both my comfort and my values is a major plus.
Medley crafts timeless, comfortable furniture by hand in the USA, using natural, eco-friendly materials like certified latex, wool, and FSC-certified wood. Every piece is made to order with a focus on durability, sustainability, and lasting comfort—so you can feel good about what’s in your home and how it’s made.
"Since our pieces are made-to-order and not focused on cheaper pricing, a high level of care is needed to ensure people get something they are truly happy with for many years."
Medley is dedicated to crafting high-quality, customizable furniture that’s as good for your home as it is for the planet. Rooted in American craftsmanship, Medley uses sustainable, non-toxic materials—like FSC-certified wood, natural latex, and organic fabrics—to create durable, timeless pieces. Their ethos centers on environmental responsibility, transparency, and empowering customers to design furniture that reflects their values and style, all while minimizing environmental impact and supporting local artisans.
The Medley Rio Plush Sofa has truly elevated my home. It strikes the perfect balance between beauty, comfort, and conscious living. The thoughtful use of natural materials reinforces its quality and eco-minded design. If you're searching for a sofa that combines timeless aesthetics with sustainable comfort, the Rio Plush is a top-tier choice.
Just keep in mind the lighter fabric’s sensitivity in busy households, the ottoman’s need for a non-slip pad, and the brief adjustment period while the natural materials settle. Otherwise, it’s a fantastic investment that feels as good as it looks.
Heather Bien is a Washington, DC-based writer whose work appears on Apartment Therapy, MyDomaine, Martha Stewart Weddings, mindbodygreen, and more. She previously worked in interior design and still can't resist redecorating every chance she gets.
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