Choosing the Right Sofa

October 16, 2025
I’ve tried to make it easier by breaking down the most popular types since there are so many terms for sofas that people often mix up (like daybed and divan).
1. Mid-Century: Sleek decor. Midcentury modern sofas are a favorite choice for many because of their sleek and stylish designs, which fit in with just about any decor! You’ll usually find them featuring a snug back—sometimes with charming tufting—and lovely legs made of warm wood. Plus, they’re often covered in soft, cozy tweed fabrics that perfectly balance comfort and style.
2. Tuxedo: Formal spaces. A tuxedo couch is an excellent option to create a more formal vibe in your space! Designer Kristina Phillips mentions that these couches often have a classy feel, usually featuring leather upholstery and stylish tufting. Just remember to consider how it will fit with your other furniture pieces to keep everything cohesive and inviting!
3. CamelBack: Camelback sofas get their name from the lovely hump in the middle of the backrest, which provides extra support for sitting or napping. This comfy hump is usually filled with soft foam or a down-filled pad for added comfort.
4. Chesterfield: Wears leather well. Chesterfields are beautiful and comfy sofas that originated in Britain in the mid-1700s. With their rolled armrests and deep-button tufting, they exude elegance. Leather versions with nailhead trim add a stylish touch, and they come in various sizes, from cozy 70 inches to spacious over 100 inches!
5. Lawson: Versatility mainly works well with contemporary, modern, and mid-century modern styles. Lawson couches are a wonderful mix of comfort and style! Initially made for business tycoon Thomas Lawson in the early 20th century, they feature deep seats, plush removable cushions, and an angled back for good posture. The armrests are lower than the back and have a sleek design. Typically ranging from 88 to 96 inches, these sofas are excellent for large families or anyone who likes to stretch out—plus, some can even convert into sleeper sofas for guests!
6. English Roll-Arm: Customizing to the look and style you want. According to designer Lacy Hughes from Julian Designs, this type of sofa is a classic and traditional choice. She emphasizes that there’s nothing wrong with a reliable option. These versatile sofas fit well in various living room styles, and different upholstery choices allow you to customize them for any space.
7. Art Deco Style: Art Deco furniture is all about eye-catching, symmetrical, clean, and straight lines. It beautifully merges the best of traditional craftsmanship with the modern touches of today’s materials and machinery, making it a unique and stylish choice for any space!
8. 1970s Style: These sofas are upholstered in various colors and patterns. You can make them into a statement piece or choose a neutral one.
9. Modular: The seats, backrests, and arms unhook easily, letting you mix and match to create fun combinations. This design is perfect for a modern, minimalist space!
10. Sectional: Lounging. “Sectionals have become increasingly popular, thanks to our modern lifestyles,” says designer Georgia. They’re comfy for lounging and can even serve as beds for guests, with some featuring pullout options. Plus, today’s sectionals come in beautiful, durable styles far from the old-fashioned look!

Different Types of Sofa

March 16, 2023

There are many different types of sofas; it boggles the mind. But we can narrow it down to 11 design styles. From these styles are many variations. Understanding these styles may help you select the best design for your home.

1. Chesterfield Sofa – This style is defined by its rolled arm. The back is the same height as the arms. It has tufting or quilting but no cushions. He dated back to the 18th century and was commissioned by the Earl of Chesterfield, England. The sofa was commissioned so that it would allow men to sit on the sofa upright and not wrinkle their suits.

 

2. Cabriole Sofa – This style is characterized by its “S” shaped legs and exposed wood frame. It also has arms that are slightly lower than the back, and it has no back cushions. Cabriole goes back to the 18th century.

 

3. Camelback Sofa – It has an arched back, similar to a camel, hence the name!! This style has rolled or square arms, usually no back cushions, and the legs are exposed.

 

 

 

4. Lawson Sofa – Created by Thomas W. Lawson, an American businessman. The first Lawson sofa came with pillows, and it was overstuffed. Very different than the traditional sofas. There are many variations of this sofa, but you can recognize this style by its three cushions and rolled or square arms.

5. Tuxedo Sofa – Starting the modernism movement in the 1920s. It got its name from the town of Tuxedo Park in New York. The arms define this style; they are the same height as the back. Most of the Tuxedo sofa does not come with back cushions. Legs are exposed. This style differs from Chesterfield. Chesterfield has rolled arm; Tuxedo does not.

 

 

6. English Rolled Arm Sofa – Considered one of the coziest sofas. Sometimes called the Club Sofa. It dates back to the turn of the century. It has a tight back but generously sized cushions. The arms are recessed.

7. Knole Sofa – Dates back to the early 1600s. Back then, sofas did not exist. Instead, they used settee. This style has a straight high back and angled adjustable arms. Cords were used to connecting back to constituents. This style has decreased in popularity, but it can still be found in some homes.

8. Bridgewater Sofa – This style is defined by its softly rolled back, low set-back arms, and padded cushions. It can also be called birch-arm or English three-seater.

9. Mid-Century Modern Sofa – Started in the mid-1930s to 1965. They have a retro appearance. They come in many variations. This style has a streamlined form with square legs.

10. Sectional Sofa – Promoted by modernism, this sofa style has modular components. It has corner units ottoman and sometimes comes with chaise or recliners.

 

11. Futon Sofa – Dates back to 17th century Japan. The back folds down to create a large bed. This is perfect in a space where it can not accommodate a bed.

 

There are many variations to the styles of sofas mentioned here. Knowing what form best fits your space can significantly help to select the couch you want.

And if you need help, you can always reach out to me.