If you’re asked to think of a sofa, chances are you’ll picture a kind of generic-looking seat with cushions and a comfy shape. But did you know there are over 20 different kinds of sofas – and that’s only the main styles? Many other variations of these main styles make up the entire sofa collection.
The wealth of choice on offer makes choosing your new sofa a tricky prospect. But whether you’re looking for a classic chesterfield sofa or a modern fabric couch, there’s bound to be something here that suits your style. We take a look at the main sofa types in our sofa style rundown.
1. Chesterfield Sofa
Looking for a classic style? One of the most iconic sofas you can buy is the Chesterfield. This type of sofa is known for its tufted or studded design on the arms or on the back of the seat. It is often created in rich leather and is suited to rooms with a timeless appeal.
2. Sectional Sofa
As the name suggests, the sectional sofa is split into a number of different pieces, which can be set into different configurations in order to suit your room. You will commonly recognise the L-shape sofa and the U-shape. These are sectional couches.
3. Mid-Century Sofa
Also known as the mid-century modern, this is a classic design staple that has graced living rooms since the 1930s. This sofa has clean lines and a fresh look. It may not be squishy or overly comfortable, but it will look great in most rooms.
More beautiful than ever: Jaguar Mark 2’s exclusive accessories will appeal to anyone interested in classic cars
Find more hidden gems in our archiveTHE CURATED CALENDAR
Discover the world’s most prestigious gatherings & exhibitions
4. English Sofa
Also known as the Rolled Arm sofa, this style is all about the arms (as you would expect.) It has a high back coupled with relatively low arms, which are cushioned for extra comfort.
5. Bridgewater Sofa
Again, the arms on this popular sofa style are set at a lower position than the back of the sofa. This gives it a classic look. The Bridgewater sofa is a staple rather than a design classic, and while it is not the most imaginative choice it still serves a purpose.
6. Camelback Sofa
The camelback sofa has a distinctive look – the back of the sofa arches up in the centre and then drops in a fluid line to both arms, making the “hump”. It often has wooden legs and may also have a wooden top feature at the back.
7. Chaise Lounge
You’ll probably recognise the chaise lounge if you see it. It is a grand and smart sofa which may or may not have arms. It is the ideal choice for elegantly lounging, whether that’s by the pool (a lot of pool furniture is shaped in a chaise lounge style) or in a classic drawing room.
There are many more sofa styles available, from modern to timeless classics. When buying a sofa take a look around at various retailers in order to get the full picture of what’s on offer. There’s no right or wrong sofa – it’s all a matter of personal taste.
