When you think about relaxing at home, the first thing that probably crosses your mind is your comfortable couch. Different types of couches and sofas have been around for centuries, with the ancient Egyptians and Romans using them for lounging in their homes.
According to Wiktionary, the English language borrowed the word sofa from the Arabic word ‘suffa,’ which translates to a long seat made from stone or brick. Over the years, people have modernised the look, adding cushioning to make the sofa more comfortable.
Modern versions of sofas come in many designs and styles, including contemporary designs, mid-century modern style and traditional sofas. This post delves into some of the different sofa styles and couch types available on the market today.
Lawson
The design of the Lawson sofa is reasonably new to the market compared to other styles. It first appeared in the home of Thomas W. Lawson early in the 20th century, hence the name. Lawson himself requested designers to create a casual look sofa that maximises comfort, personified by the large cushions that don’t fit too snugly in the couch frame.
Some may say that the design was rooted in the tuxedo sofa style with a straight back and higher armrests. However, there are distinct differences that still make the Lawson style sofa popular today. Searching for this kind of sofa online won’t be difficult, as many furniture suppliers showcase their collections on official web pages like bubulandhome.com.au.
Cabriole
Original cabriole seating consisted of a wooden frame with the arms and back at the same height. Often, the armrests will curve towards the seat or the middle of the sofa. The back would have a cushion for support. At the same time, the arms would consist only of the wood trim (some with ornate carvings) but with comfortable cushioning fixed to the frame as a seat.
Nowadays, the cabriole sofa may have an updated look with solid wood or steel panels wrapping around from the back towards the front, giving a curved look for the armrests. Padding is added on the inside for maximum back support, and the seating may have more padding than the original design. Whether old or new, this popular choice sofa design will look stylish and classic in the right setting.
Bridgewater
Although this design has lost some popularity over the years, it’s known to suit most settings in the home or office. While some still consider it a staple, other more modern designs have taken over the market due to their aesthetic. However, the Bridgewater sofa may still trump them in comfort.
With a slightly slanted backrest, shorter, rolled armrests, and ample seating cushions, Bridgewater sofas invite owners of a sunken lounge to stay in their deep seat for longer. According to Home Edit, this traditional sofa lounge seating seems to be a trend that resurfaces now and then in homes.
Sectional
Just as the name implies, sectional sofas are a sofa style made from various pieces that are modular enough to move into multiple configurations according to the needs of the space. Modern homes usually have L-shaped or U-shaped sectional pieces, with each part fitting together perfectly. However, this wasn’t the case for the early Victorian versions.
Back in the day, the design of modular sofas originated from the moving together of two or more pieces of separate furniture to create a larger seating area in a Victorian home. Modernising the idea of modular seating resulted in the sectional sofa sets we know and love today, available in various colours, materials, and designs. It’s a great option of modern look sofa design for larger families or people who like entertaining, so everyone has somewhere to sit.
Chesterfield
These sofas may remind you of a quilted blanket with its backrest (and sometimes seating) containing many buttons holding the outer material and padding to the frame. Perhaps this is why these sofas appeal to those seeking comfort and sophistication.
During the 18th century, Lord Philip Stanhope, the Earl of Chesterfield, wanted a seating option for gentlemen that wouldn’t affect their stature or cause wrinkles in their clothes. Thus, the Chesterfield sofa was born. For those Chesterfield sofas covered in leather, Martha Stewart recommends using ‘professional grade’ products for cleaning and keeping the leather supple.
English
English sofas have characteristically high backrests while having very low profile armrests in relation. The covering may make the cushioning seem firm and taut. However, it provides an entirely comfortable seating experience with sufficient padding underneath an exterior appearance.
Large, lavish, loose cushions make it the perfect addition for a more formal setting like an office. Still, it also neatly fits most modern home designs. Choosing a suitable fabric as a cover may make all the difference to the ambience. So, if you’re planning to get this kind of sofa, you’ll have to consider the room’s interior design to find the perfect match.
Futon
Often combined with a sectional seating option or modular couches, these sleeper couches convert into a bed with enough space for two adults to get a comfortable night’s sleep. Even if the seating cushions aren’t thick compared to other designs, it provides an extra bed for guests should they need it, thus offering the freedom to arrange your space accordingly.
The seat cushions become the bed’s mattress, meaning no extra padding is necessary, and the bed is ready within seconds. All that’s left to do is to add comfortable bedding, and the Japanese-style futon is prepared for the night.
Divan
Closely resembling single beds, these traditional look sofas generally won’t have a backrest or back cushions, making them sleigh beds. The divan sofa may have comfortable cushioning for the seating. Unfortunately, these armless sofas provide no support for the back unless moved next to a wall with loose scatter cushions to use.
Most people enjoy the lush look a divan could add to a hallway as a focus piece in a lounge area or as a seating option at the foot end of a bed in their room.
Settee
Not the most comfortable sofas in the world, settee sofas are commonly used as accent pieces in a room since they’re relatively small in design. It may seem like two people can sit on a settee, but sometimes it can be too small.
Settees are similar to larger chairs or a loveseat sofa rather than couches. However, some still prefer the settee sofa for their homes, especially when they want to create a specific look and and design style. They can be the best option for smaller rooms or where you want to achieve a classic look.
Camelback
Camelback sofas are relatively easy to spot, with their distinct higher backrest in the centre of the seating that flows down into the armrests. The hump on the backrest of a camelback sofa compares to that of a camel. With the earth-toned wooden finish most of these sofas have, it does resemble the animal.
Chaise
Likening these sofas to a hybrid between a divan and Chesterfield style can be the most accurate description of chaise sofas. They’re featured in many movies and television shows, especially those depicting ancient Egypt or Greece. Egyptians and Greeks usually relax on these sofas, enjoying a glass of their favourite drink with some snacks while chatting with friends and family.
Today, many contemporary styles of chaise lounge allow them to be used for the same purpose, but they’re also a piece of furniture that allows you to curl up with a book. Chaise lounges are available in various different styles, with clean lines and traditional looks.
Final thoughts
Choosing the right seating option for your home or office may be challenging, especially with many designs and styles to consider. However, keeping the functionality and décor of the space in mind will make it easier to pick the right one that will bring the perfect balance of comfort, aesthetics, and usability to the room.
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