A sofa is more like a family member for most of us. An essential piece in our living, its serviceability is hard to ignore and undermine. It is our companion in those formal and involved conversations with our guests, over a cup of coffee. The couch for us to relax and enjoy popcorns with our favorite tv show, the functional versatility of a sofa is unquestionable.
A sofa is the major component of the furniture layout as far as any interior space is concerned. It is the focal point around which other pieces revolve and get anchored. It is that investment piece that usually stays in a household for about 8-10 years. Therefore It is important to consider a few points before purchasing a sofa. Very briefly, a few primary considerations are:
- Scale – Always consider the size of your room before deciding on the sofa. I suggest if possible make a layout after taking measurements of your space. The size of the sofa should be of the right scale in relation to the room. Wouldn’t it be disappointing to end up with a huge and bulky sofa in a small space or a puny and slender sofa in an expansive space?
- Function – The choice of your sofa would considerably depend on the function it has to serve. Do you want it to be part of a formal living room for guests’ entertainment or you intend to curl on it with your pet? Or is it to be placed in your casual living area where your kids spend most of their time?
- Style – Most important consideration from the interior design point of view. The sofa style must be in sync with the design vocabulary of any space. Once you get an understanding of all the available style options, you can choose your sofa like a pro.
Sofa style is what I am going to explain in this blog. Here I give the 11 most popular sofa styles that you need to consider before purchasing a sofa:
1. chesterfield sofa
All dressed up, the timeless chesterfield is one of my personal favorites. It can be draped in leather or fabric with a tufted back and sometimes the seat is tufted too. Nailheads detailing adds to the rugged look. The arms roll outwards and are of the same height as the back.
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Chesterfield is a statement piece, an absolute attention grabber. With a presence of its own, it works well in both traditional and contemporary styles. Break the monotony of a stark, contemporary space with this timeless piece. It is traditional and yet sophisticated and updated in its looks. Its versatility holds good in a formal as well as a casual setup.
Imagine a traditional English-style library, with rich mahogany paneling and bookshelves furnished with this sophisticated, gentlemanly piece! What about enhancing the formal atmosphere, somewhere in a lawyer’s office, with law books stacked in the backdrop. A chesterfield also works excellently in any space that needs masculine vibes. I can visualize a man’s cave with a leather chesterfield.
2. tuxedo sofa
Next on the list is Tuxedo – a very clean and contemporary looking sofa. Its arms and back of the same height just as in a chesterfield sofa. The rectilinear piece of furniture is less embellished though. You would admire its neat straight lines, boxed form, and unassuming presence.
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This fine and subtle piece of furniture works well in a contemporary setup. A good option for offices and lounges where a clean, uncluttered look is to be embraced. Or place it next to a statement piece in a supportive role.
The version of Tuxedo with quilted back and sides can hold its own though and is more suitable for the transitional style of interiors. Nailhead trim adds to the detailing.
3. lawson sofa
A very functional and conventional-looking sofa. I think if we ask a child to draw a sofa, this is what he or she would draw. A picture that comes to our mind naturally on thinking about a sofa. Arms, rolled or straight, lower than the back provide armrests. The back cushions are loose and separate impart a cozy and comfortable vibe to it. Low arms are also suitable for napping and relaxing.
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I would recommend this sofa for casual, lounging spaces. This versatile classic sofa suits traditional, transitional and contemporary styles. Drape in linen fabric and add some skirting to place it in country or cottage style interiors. Straight and clean lines provide an overall cool and neat look whereas a few details like rolled arms, tufted back cushions, and intricate legs or skirting can easily help it add some charm to a transitional space.
4. English roll arm sofa
This classic English-style sofa has very low and recessed rolled arms. The sofa adds a warm, relaxed, and comfortable feel to the space. It generally has no skirt and is on legs with casters. it is also known as the Bridgewater sofa.
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A classic piece suitable for traditional European style interiors. Works well in the casual, relaxed interior spaces. Imagine one in a farmhouse or country-style interiors. Wouldn’t it look fabulous with some pendant basket lights in a casual living space?
5. camelback sofa
Definitely, on my favorites list, this fine piece of furniture adds a smooth curvaceous feel to space. This sofa has raised, arched back in the center, like the hump of a camel. Hence the name – Camelback. A traditionally styled sofa has arms that roll outwards and has an exposed, wooden base.
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Although this elegant design is more suitable for a traditional setting, however depending on its styling, it can also work beautifully in a transitional space. A camel back sofa adds softness to the sharp angular spaces. A good choice to break the straight, rectilinear lines. Why I like it is because of its slim, feminine appeal. A great choice for a girl’s paradise. Imagine this curvaceous, delicate piece of furniture draped in rich floral fabric with shear curtains flowing in the backdrop…
6. mid-century modern sofa
Much in trend these days is the mid-century modern furniture. Internet is flooded with images of this style. The term mid-century modern refers to the iconic furniture designs of the 1940s to 1970s, by the legends like Charles Eames, Florence Knoll, Le Corbusier, etc. This style is characterized by clean forms, straight lines, and nature-inspired colors. The wooden legs are square or tapering in shape. These comfortable-looking sofas come in a wide range of designs.
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These sofas are ideal for small spaces in apartments where minimal detailing is preferred. Basic forms keep a space from being cluttered and also add a modern, urban vibe that is trending these days. The minimalist designs and retro details suit Scandinavian and modern-styled spaces.
8. sectional sofa
Sectional refers to a set of modular pieces that can be assembled in various forms depending on the space. The most common being L-shape, U-shape, J-shape. They definitely offer the convenience and flexibility of being moved around to suit our requirements.
Max Franke from
Pixabay
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Sectionals are very useful in large open-plan spaces where they help divide the space automatically without cutting on the visual expanse of the space. The in-built corner which can be used as a corner table helps maintain a clean look. A good choice for relaxed, lounge look. Sectionals do appear to take a lot of space. They always look very contemporary and streamlined though. The L-shape is very useful to fill up the corners. I have seen people who just love them and also people who just hate them. There is no in-between usually.
9. settee
A settee is the pared-down version of a sofa. Its purpose is to provide very basic and upright seating which is not necessarily comfortable. In areas where we need not sit for long hours like a doctor’s clinic or areas which are not primarily sitting areas like a bedroom, a settee serves well. Also in areas like an entrance foyer, a settee adds aesthetic value to the whole composition.
DrMedYourRasenn from
Pixabay
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There can be a settee to suit every style. A contemporary bench-like settee to a french style slender sofa-like settee and so on. Suitable for entrance areas, waiting areas, bedrooms etc.
10. cabriole sofa
This classic sofa has a smooth curvaceous back that continues and merges with the arms that are slightly lower in height and are curving inwards. There are no back cushions. The style of this sofa is characteristic of the Queen Anne style of furniture. The serpentine wooden frame may be carved or not. Cabriole popularly refers to a style of legs in furniture. We generally see its more contemporary avatar as a fully upholstered sofa in a similar profile.
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This style gives a very smooth, unobtrusive, and elegant feel as it doesn’t have sharp corners and edges. It is a good option as a complementary sofa. Depending on its styling it can be suitable for a contemporary or a traditional setup. I can imagine it sitting pretty in a French living room with a weathered patina wooden frame. This seamless design is suitable for small areas as it generates a very compact and retreating feel.
11. futon sofa
A futon is a more contemporary take on sofa cum bed idea. The back of this furniture piece snaps open and is foldable. Once opened it can be used as a flatbed. The Japanese word for a traditional bed is a futon. A minimalist, very utilitarian piece of furniture.
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This sleek sleeper sofa is good for rental spaces and bachelor accommodation. Easy to move around and very flexible in usage.
11. chaise
A chaise is like a long ottoman or bench with low, contoured, cut in the back, with single or two arms. It could be such that it is used from both sides. Its objective is more of aesthetics and some additional seating without adding much visual weight.
A contemporary version of a chaise…..
Very similar to a Chaise is the Recamier. It has rolled arms on both the sides. It can be used from both the sides.
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In living rooms as dividers between two seating areas or in front of windows to get an unobtrusive view. Again there are various styles to choose from.
Although there are no rules in interiors and if there are, they are meant to be broken. The whole purpose of knowing these sofa styles is to get your basics right so that you can start from somewhere. Today we have so many sofa designs available in the market. Most of the sofas are derived from these styles or are a hybrid of these styles. Once you are aware of these it would be much easier to select a sofa that suits the styles of your space. You feel confident and prepared for the decision-making process. Also, you can click here to read my blog post on mixing fabric patterns, to select some for your sofas.
Hope you enjoyed reading my blog!
Happy Decorating!!