This couch looks beautiful in our formal living room. I wanted a low profile couch so that it would not block the view of the ocean. People sitting across from the couch can easily see over it to the view. The couch looks just like it does in the photo and very similar to couches that they sell in popular, more expensive furniture companies. We do not use the couch to lay in to watch TV so I cant speak to the comfort of lounging in it. My girls do lay on it to read and they seem fine.