The Arhaus Tahoe and RH Cloud are two of the most popular luxury sofas on the market, but they are designed for very different lifestyles. The Tahoe offers structured, deep-seated comfort with the major advantage of removable slipcovers, making it practical and family-friendly, while the Cloud is the standard for unstructured, "sink-in" plushness thanks to its goose-down fill, prioritizing feel over maintenance.
Here’s a complete look at these two iconic sofas from Arhaus and RH to help you decide which belongs in your living room.
Arhaus Tahoe Sofa
The Tahoe collection from Arhaus is designed to be the ultimate in "livable luxury." It balances a relaxed, deep-seated design with a supportive core and practical features like removable slipcovers. It has become a go-to for designers and families who want a sophisticated, comfortable sofa that can stand up to real life.
- What it is: A slipcovered, deep-seated luxury sofa known for its durable construction and family-friendly practicality.
- Key features: Removable and professionally-cleanable slipcovers, reversible back cushions, frames made from sustainable hardwood, generous seat depth.
- Price: Approximately $4,000 - $10,000+, depending on size, configuration, and fabric choice.
- Style: Casual and versatile with a clean, transitional aesthetic that fits a wide range of decor styles from modern farmhouse to coastal and contemporary.
- Materials/Construction: The frame is made of solid, sustainably-sourced hardwood. Cushions feature a foam core wrapped in a blend of polyester fibers, feathers, and down, providing a mix of softness and support.
- Pros: Slipcovers make it incredibly easy to clean and even change up the style. A supportive-yet-plush feel makes it comfortable but easy to get out of. Versatile styling fits many homes. Built with sustainable and durable materials.
- Cons: A higher price point compared to mass-market furniture. Slipcovers can sometimes look wrinkled or require adjusting to stay neat. The deep seats might be less comfortable for shorter individuals.
The Tahoe is the ideal choice for households that don't want to sacrifice style for practicality, especially those with kids, pets, or a love for entertaining.
Shop this product: arhaus.com/products/tahoe-custom-slipcovered-sofa
RH Cloud Sofa
The RH Cloud is an icon and the sofa that started the "cloud couch" trend. Famous for its exceptionally soft, sink-in comfort, it's filled with 100% goose down and feathers, creating an unmatched lounge experience. It's the ultimate statement of casual luxury for those who prioritize a plush feel above all else.
- What it is: An ultra-plush, unstructured, and deep-seated sofa famous for its feather-and-down-filled cushions that create a "sink-in" sit.
- Key features: Extreme seat depth (up to 45"), cushions filled with 100% goose feathers and down, low-profile minimalist design, and offered in a wide range of luxurious RH fabrics.
- Price: Premium, starting around $5,000 - $6,000 for a small sofa and reaching upwards of $20,000 for larger sectionals.
- Style: Minimalist, California-cool, and contemporary luxury. Its relaxed, unstructured slouch is its defining aesthetic feature.
- Materials/Construction: Built with a kiln-dried hardwood frame and filled with pure goose down and feathers. Upholstery options include high-end linens, velvets, and leathers.
- Pros: Arguably one of the most comfortable sofas for lounging and napping. The luxurious materials and iconic design make a major style statement. Its deep seats are perfect for movie nights.
- Cons: Very expensive, both upfront and in terms of upkeep. Requires constant, daily fluffing to look presentable and avoid looking sloppy. The feather fill offers little support, which some find uncomfortable. The unstructured form isn't for everyone.
This sofa is for those whose top priority is an overwhelmingly plush feel, who have a spacious room to accommodate its scale, and who don't mind the required daily maintenance.
Shop this product: rh.com/catalog/product/the-cloud
Arhaus Tahoe vs. RH Cloud Comparison
Comfort & Feel
This is the most significant difference between the two sofas. The RH Cloud is built for completely unstructured comfort, you sink into its feather-and-down fill. It’s an enveloping experience that’s amazing for lounging but lacks all support, which can make it hard to get out of and may not be comfortable for extended sitting or for those with back issues.
The Arhaus Tahoe offers a more balanced comfort. Its foam-core cushions provide underlying support, while the down-blend wrap gives it a soft surface cushion. It’s still very deep and cozy, but you sit *on* it more than you sink *into* it. For most people, the Tahoe's feel is more practical for everyday living.
Maintenance & Durability
The Tahoe is the clear winner for ease of maintenance. Its removable slipcovers can be professionally dry-cleaned, which is a lifesaver for spills or just for a seasonal refresh. The sofa's structured cushions also hold their shape significantly better with minimal effort.
The Cloud, on the other hand, is notoriously high-maintenance. The feather cushions need to be fluffed daily - sometimes multiple times a day - to look anywhere near presentable. Neglecting this leaves the sofa looking lumpy and messy. Its high-end fabrics also require delicate care and are not as forgiving with stains.
Materials & Construction
Both brands use high-quality, kiln-dried hardwood frames, ensuring a solid foundation. The primary divergence is in the cushion composition. The Cloud's pure goose-down fill is its luxurious selling point, while the Tahoe’s mix of foam, down, and poly fibers makes it more resilient and supportive. Arhaus also places a greater emphasis on sustainability, using responsibly-sourced wood in its frames.
Price & Value
While both are firmly in the luxury furniture category, the RH Cloud is in a class of its own on price. A standard Cloud sofa often costs thousands more than a comparable Tahoe configuration, and large sectionals can be twice as expensive. The Arhaus Tahoe delivers a similar level of quality, durability, and style at a more accessible luxury price point, offering better overall value for most buyers.
Style & Aesthetics
The aesthetics are distinct. The massive, deeply-slumped profile of the RH Cloud is very specific - it defines a minimalist, California-casual room. Its unstructured look is its entire personality. The sofa demands a large, open space to avoid looking overpowering.
The Arhaus Tahoe is far more versatile. Its cleaner lines and more structured (but still relaxed) silhouette allow it to blend into many decor styles, including farmhouse, transitional, coastal, and classic contemporary. It offers relaxed elegance without dictating the entire room's design.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both are exceptional sofas from a quality standpoint, but they cater to completely different priorities and lifestyles.
Choose the Arhaus Tahoe if:
- You have kids, pets, or simply want a sofa you can truly live on without constant worry.
- Practicality is a priority, and removable, cleanable slipcovers would give you peace of mind.
- You prefer a deep and comfortable seat that still offers excellent support.
- You want a high-end sofa that delivers exceptional value without the absolute top-of-the-market price tag.
- Your home has a versatile style that needs a sofa to match.
Choose the RH Cloud if:
- Your absolute number one priority is a soft, "sink-in" feel for ultimate lounging.
- Budget is not a major factor in your decision.
- You don't mind the daily chore of fluffing cushions to keep your sofa looking neat.
- You have a very large space that can handle the Cloud's massive scale and visual weight.
- You love a minimalist, unstructured look.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the Arhaus Tahoe and the RH Cloud?
The main difference is comfort, feel, and maintenance. The Tahoe has a supportive foam core with a soft feather wrap and practical slipcovers, making it comfy but structured and easy to clean. The Cloud has a pure feather/down fill for an unstructured "sink-in" feel that requires constant fluffing to look good.
Which sofa is better for families or pets?
Hands down, the Arhaus Tahoe is better for families and pets. Its removable and cleanable slipcovers are a game-changer for dealing with spills and messes, and its more supportive structure is better suited for frequent, everyday use.
How do you clean the Arhaus Tahoe?
The fabric slipcovers on the Tahoe are removable and are intended for professional dry cleaning only. For minor spills, many of Arhaus's performance fabrics can be spot-cleaned according to the material's specific care instructions.
Does the RH Cloud need a lot of maintenance?
Yes. To maintain its intended appearance, the RH Cloud needs its cushions fluffed daily. Because there is no internal structure, the feathers and down compress with use, leading to a lumpy and flattened look if not regularly attended to.
Which one is more comfortable?
Comfort is subjective. If "comfort" means a cloud-like, enveloping softness for napping, the RH Cloud is superior. If "comfort" means a supportive place for sitting, conversing, and relaxing that won't strain your back, the Arhaus Tahoe is generally more comfortable for more people.
Is the Arhaus Tahoe just a dupe for the RH Cloud?
No, they are fundamentally different products. While both offer a relaxed, luxury aesthetic, the Tahoe is a structured, slipcovered sofa with a foam core designed for everyday life. The Cloud is an unstructured, pure down-filled sofa designed for a specific "sink-in" experience. The Tahoe is a popular alternative, but it's not a copy.
What size room works best for these sofas?
The Arhaus Tahoe comes in many sizes and is versatile enough for moderate to large living rooms. The RH Cloud, with its extreme depth and scale, truly needs a very spacious room to not look overwhelming and out of proportion.
Is the RH Cloud worth the money?
That depends on your priorities and budget. For those who can afford it and highly value its unique, ultra-plush feel above all other factors (like maintenance and practicality), it can be worth it as an iconic statement piece. For most homeowners, the price difference compared to other high-quality options is difficult to justify.
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