A living room staple, the sofa is a must-have if you want to comfortably seat more than two people at once. Because these large furniture pieces can be investments, it's a good idea to know exactly what styles you have to choose from before you buy. In this guide, learn about all the different sofa types including popular sofa arm and back styles. Plus, an answer to the sofa vs. couch debate!

In This Guide:

What Is a Sofa? Sofa vs. Couch
Sofa Types
Sofa Styles
Additional Features

What Is a Sofa? Sofa vs. Couch

The terms "sofa" and "couch" are often used interchangeably to refer to large, cushioned pieces of living room furniture that can seat anywhere from two to over 10 people in a wide variety of settings, from casual movie nights to formal evening parties. But are they actually the same?

In short, yes – nowadays, the terms "sofa" and "couch" are commonly understood to be synonymous.

Historically, there was indeed a difference between the two terms. Named after the French word for "to lie down" or "to sleep" ("coucher"), couches were small, comfy, and armless. In contrast, sofas were named after Arabic "suffahs," which were hard wooden benches adorned with cushions and blankets. Typically larger, more formal, and less comfortable than couches, sofas were elegant pieces meant for hosting guests.

Today, some designers abide by those distinctions – sofas are more formal, couches are more casual – but most people ascribe the same meaning to both. Whether you're team sofa or team couch, you're sure to find what you're looking for.

Sofa Types

Standard: A standard sofa consists of a bench that can seat at least two people, arms on either side, and a back. Typically, standard sofas are entirely upholstered and include either sewn-in or removable cushions that rest on the seat of the bench and line the sofa back.

Loveseat: Meant to seat two people – historically, a couple – loveseats are smaller and cozier than standard sofas. A loveseat can otherwise be identical in design to a standard sofa; the only important distinction is its smaller size.

Futon: Futons are sofas that can be reclined flat to be used as beds. Many futons are low to the ground and armless for easier conversion.

Sofa Chaise: One side of a sofa chaise extends forward to allow you to stretch out entirely without the need for an additional ottoman.

Settee: More formal and bench-like in appearance than casual, everyday sofas, settees are meant for more formal settings that see less wear and tear.

Sectional: A sectional is a very large sofa composed of at least two pieces. These sofas can seat anywhere from four to over 10 people and are commonly shaped like an L or U.

Tip!

For more information, check out our Sectional Sofa Buying Guide.

Sofa Styles

Chesterfield: The signature of this vintage sofa style is its full-body tufting. Traditionally made to embody careful craftsmanship and prestige, modern chesterfield sofas invoke timeless elegance. These sofas typically have tuxedo-style rolled arms.

Camelback: Falling on the more formal end of the spectrum, the defining characteristic of the camelback sofa is the curved profile of its back that resembles the humped back of a camel. The flourish of this style's back is often paired with an ornate exposed leg or skirt.

Tuxedo: The arms and back of a tuxedo sofa make up one continuous piece, giving this sofa a clean, retro look. Though many tuxedo sofa styles are tufted to elevate their lavish look, more modern styles forego the tufting in place of a sleek, simple design.

Mid-Century Modern: In comparison with the more decorative, lavish-looking sofas of earlier decades, 1950s-inspired mid-century modern sofas show off clean, straight lines and simple, exposed wood legs. The mid-century modern sofa is often finished with traditionally masculine fabrics, like leather or tweed, with tufting on either the back cushion or the seats.

Bridgewater & Lawson: Broad and ultra comfortable, bridgewater sofas are perfect for hosting cozy movie nights. These sofas are characterized by rolled or flared arms that are shorter than their simple split backs. Lawson sofas are similar in design, though their arms tend to be square and their upholstery tends to be more stuffed.

Cabriole: Fashionable in the 1700s, the cabriole sofa is composed of an ornately carved wooden frame and matching, curved legs. These sofas are often upholstered in light, English-inspired fabrics, like linen and cotton, that evoke the elegance of the time period.

English: A nod to centuries past, the English sofa features a low profile with a deep seat and tight cushioning over recessed arms. English sofas are deceptively comfortable despite their tight, tailored appearance.

Sofa Back Styles

Cushion: These backs are padded by thick, comfortable cushions.

Loose: The cushions on loose-back sofas can be easily removed for cleaning.

Split: Split sofa backs are made up of more than one panel. These panels can have loose or sewn-in cushions, or seamed, tight backs.

Pillow: Pillow-back sofas come with removable pillows. Unlike the cushions on cushion-back sofas, these pillows are smaller and resemble throw pillows in design.

Sewn Pillow: The cushions on sewn-pillow sofa backs are sewn in place and cannot be removed.

Tight: More modern in appearance, tight-back sofas lack cushioning or pillows – their backs are simple, upholstered panels.

Tufted: Tufted sofa backs are vintage in design and highly textured. They are stitched or nailed in repeated arrays, which create a dimpled appearance.

Biscuit: A more modern take on the tufted style, biscuit sofa backs are sewn to create distinct, biscuit-shaped sections. Where the texture of tufted sofa backs is more rounded, biscuit sofa backs tend to have square sections.

Sofa Arm Styles

Square: Often found on Lawson and mid-century modern sofas, square sofa arms are characterized by sharp, geometric lines.

Rolled/Round: Vintage and elegant in appearance, rolled or rounded sofa arms slope outward and curl in on themselves.

Recessed/Charles of London: These sofa arms, characteristic of the English sofa style, are extremely low-set and often have a sloping profile. Charles of London sofa arms are similar to recessed sofa arms, except that they tend to be more traditional in design.

Flared: Flared sofa arms are similar to round sofa arms, except they don't curl in on themselves. Instead, they gently splay outward.

Pillow Top: Thick, arm-shaped cushions pad these sofa arms for extra comfort.

Armless: If you want to make your room look and feel more open or if you favor sleek design, opt for a sofa that foregoes arms altogether.

Additional Sofa Features to Consider

Sofa Bed/Convertible: Like futons, sofa beds can be converted into flat beds. Though the terms are often used interchangeably, the difference between a futon and a convertible sofa bed is that a sofa bed resembles a standard sofa and usually has cushions concealing its inner bed frame that must be removed before conversion.

Reclining: Up your living room's relaxation potential by opting for a sofa with a reclining feature.

Modular: Personalize your living room layout with sofa modules that can be put together and taken apart however you please.