Your search for the perfect sofa, probably begins with you wanting to know: what are the different types of sofas called?

Your couch will be one of the most exciting pieces of furniture to buy. But, with so many options available, where do you start?

If you are shopping for your living room seating, we’ve put together a list of the most popular sofar types - ranging from traditional to contemporary.

After this read, you should feel confident to select a couch that suits both your taste and living room design.

1. Sofa

Sofa is a Turkish translation of the Arabic noun “suffah”, which is a bench meant for sitting or reclining. Suffahs were traditionally draped and decorated with cushions.

Similarly, today, we use the term sofa to refer to an upholstered bench-like piece of furniture with well-defined arms and back.

Unlike a couch which seats two people, a sofa is designed to comfortably seat three or more people. To help you figure out whether you need a couch or a sofa, focus on the intended use.

Sofas are primarily meant for sitting and tend to be more formal, making them ideal for the living room. On the other hand, couches are more informal and can be used for both sitting and lying down, making them perfect for a pyjama lounge or “man cave”.

2. Loveseat

Ideal for small spaces and cozying up, the loveseat is a couch designed to sit two people.

What separates it from a standard sofa is simply its size, with most designs averaging between 150 and 180cm in length.

Also known as a two-seater, the loveseat is perfect if you need secondary seating for two in your living room.

Available in stylish designs, this sofa type has become a common feature in living rooms all over the UK.

Furthermore, their small size means you can add them as supplementary seating in a bedroom or study, or as a piece of furniture to complete a room.

3. Sectional

It’s easy to see why the sectional sofa has become one of the most popular living room seating choices. This multi-piece sofa is comfortable, versatile, and adaptable.

Sectionals are commonly made up of three to five pieces that can be arranged to make an L or U-shaped sofa like this Edward Sofa by Alivar.

The pieces include fixtures that allow you to securely connect them to each other without the risk of them separating.

Smaller sizes work well in an apartment or open plan space where the back of the sofa can act as a separator between the living room and kitchen. Larger versions are a great solution for a big space where they will provide ample seating.

Additionally, sectionals are perfect for small doorways since you can take them apart, unlike solid frame, sofa types.

Not to be confused with a modular sofa which can be rearranged into any configuration, a sectional sofa can generally only be arranged in one or two ways.

4. Chesterfield

An iconic sofa type, the Chesterfield is a sofa made of rich leather and a distinctive, easy-to-recognize deep button tufting.

These sofas have had a stately presence in UK homes for a long period, with a history, dating back to the 18th century.

Other key features that make a Chesterfield instantly recognizable include: rolled arms that are at the same height as the back, and nailhead trim.

Velvet has become a common alternative to the leather traditionally used for this design. The grandeur and sophistication that a Chesterfield brings are well suited to traditional spaces rather than minimalist homes.

 

5. Settee

Basically a wide chair, a settee is designed like a wide dining room chair with arms. This long, narrow sofa is often used for sleeping, while some versions are narrower than a loveseat and will not sit two people comfortably.

They are typically not designed for long periods of seating which make them a good option for a foyer.

Whilst they don’t score high on comfort, settees are great for your posture as they encourage you to sit upright. They are designed with a wooden frame with a firm, straight back and either come fully upholstered or with some patches of visible trim like this  Versailles Sofa by Collection Alexandra.

Because they do not take up a lot of space, settees can be used in a small room or hallway.

6. Davenport - a large, comfortable armchair with either two or three seats

Whilst in the UK, an antique dealer might refer to a Davenport as a writing desk, the term is commonly used in America to refer to a large, comfortable armchair with two or three seats.

The term was first used around 1900 when furniture manufacturer A.H. Davenport Co, created a boxy, now iconic sofa

Since the Davenport sofa was upholstered, large and comfortable to sleep on, the term “Davenport” became synonymous with a sleeper sofa.

Fast forward to today, and the term is used to describe any substantial, chunky couch that is big enough to comfortably lie on, similar to the Eduard Grand Sofa by Silvano Luxury.

Though not commonly used anymore, the term can also be used in reference to higher-end couches used for a formal living room, as opposed to the sofas you would have in a recreation room.

In Conclusion

A sofa is a big investment and choosing the right one requires careful consideration. Once you understand the different types of sofas available, narrow down your choices to the few designs that complement your space and aesthetic.

We recommend visiting furniture showrooms to try out the sofas and also to get expert advice on the customisations available in terms of fabric, finishes, and colour.

Our interior designers are always available for a call, video chat, or in-person discussion, about your living room needs. Let our team help you choose the sofa that will be the perfect anchor for your space.