Discover The Actual Difference Between a Couch and a Sofa

We frequently see clients in our showroom use both these terms, and we’ve never felt the need to correct any of them - nor do we believe anyone should.

However, if, for your own knowledge, you need clarification on how these two words are used, read on.

What is the difference between a couch and sofa - are they interchangeable terms, or do they have different meanings?

In American English, the terms "couch" and "sofa" are used interchangeably. They are after all both long, cushioned pieces of furniture designed for relaxing. Are they not?

Interestingly, the terms couch and sofa were not the same historically.

The word "couch," which means "a piece of furniture without arms that is used for lying down," is thought to have originated from the French word "couche."

A "sofa," on the other hand, is described by Merriam-Webster as "a long, upholstered seat typically having arms and a back, and frequently convertible into a bed."

It appears that in the past, the presence or absence of arms distinguished a couch from a sofa. Therefore, technically speaking, the correct phrase is "sofa".

As the interior design industry continued to grow and evolve, somehow, over time, it became a norm to consider sofa as a formal term while ‘couch’ became the more casual one.

For instance, most people would imagine a couch as a seater in a man cave or perhaps a teenager’s game room, but sofa would be the term used when you’re referring to the setup for a formal tea party. 

Luckily, not many people seem to care which term you use, including designers and industry professionals like us, so we would say you’re free to use whichever term you want to. 

How did the sofa come to be used in interior design, and why is it such a popular choice today?

Ancient Egyptian, Greek pharaohs and even the high class Athenians weren't relaxing on anything like the tufted sectionals with chaise lounges we see today, despite the fact that sofas have been around for a long time. Up to the 16th century, "couches" were little more than robust wooden benches. It was in the  1680s, when the first padded chair arrived in Versailles that people finally got the concept that a sofa can actually be used for relaxation. 

Over the years, sofas have become synonymous with comfort and one can not imagine a home without a sofa. They’re no longer limited to the living rooms but have made their way into the bedrooms, offices and even restaurants. 

There are also many different variations of sofas today, that one can always find something that suits their taste and style. Some popular options include reclining sofas, sofabeds and chaise lounges. 

According to our senior interior designer, Cristina Chirila, love seats and sofas with bolster cushions will continue to be some of our bestsellers this year because of their functional yet unusual look. 

What are some of the benefits of buying a luxury sofa?

• Longlasting: A luxury sofa will last you for many decades or perhaps even a lifetime. We hear from many of our returning clients, years after they’ve purchased a sofa as they report that it still looks good as new. This is because luxury sofas are made from high-quality materials, especially leather and wood sofas, so they’re much more durable and long-lasting. 
• Unique: High-end clients almost always want something unique and bespoke for their homes and this is easily possible with luxury sofas because of the unlimited customisation options. Moreover, at FCI London, we’re incredibly choosy about the brands and sofas that we showcase, so the products available with us are hardly seen anywhere else in the UK. 
• Versatile: Most high-end Italian furniture brands, such as Gamma and Dandy or Porada, release collections instead of products. So if you like a sofa, you can usually find it in different shapes and sizes in the same collection to furnish your whole room and all too often, you’ll also find complementing coffee tables, footstools, benches, console tables and accent chairs from the same collection. 
• Sustainable: When you invest in high-end luxury furniture, you’re usually prioritising quality over quantity as these eco-friendly brands put the planet first and their raw materials are ethically sourced. And as we said above, you’re less likely to make another sofa purchase for many years once you invest in a luxury sofa, while a poor-quality sofa would not last for more than five years in a busy family home. 

VIEW OUR LUXURY SOFA COLLECTION

How can you find the right sofa for your needs, and what should you look for when shopping around for one?

Undoubtedly, the two most important factors to consider when buying a new sofa are how you will use it and where you’ll be placing it.

If you’re planning on buying a new sofa, I would recommend you go through our detailed guide with tips for buying a new sofa and rookie mistakes to avoid.  

What are some tips for styling a sofa in your home, and how can you make it feel like your own personal space?

Styling a sofa is so much more than adding some cushions and a throw - you definitely need to put in much more effort if you want your sofa to be the focal point of the room.

According to Cristina, “You need to create a balance and understand that everything around the sofa plays its part - be it the rug, the planters or the accessories that you’ve chosen to display on the coffee table.” 

Plants, floor lamp, rug and side tables near the sofa will help bring it to life while making your room feel warm and welcoming. 

The coffee table too plays a very important role, so play around with geometry by using multiple coffee tables but don’t over-accessorise to avoid a cluttered look. 

Final Thoughts

Whether you call it a sofa or a couch, it is undoubtedly an essential part of modern homes and the living room, in particular, can not be complete without it. 

Our design team recommends investing in a luxury sofa that will last a lifetime because of its high-quality and timeless design. 

Moreover, your sofa is the piece of furniture that you’ll be spending most of your time on, it will be affecting your comfort and posture, so if you need to cut costs, do it with the coffee table, side table or other furniture and accessories but make sure that you go for a good quality and comfortable sofa. 

If you need any more assistance in choosing a sofa for your home, book an appointment with our award-winning interior design team today.