Types of Sofas: 10 Sofa Styles and How to Tell Them Apart
Chesterfield, Tuxedo, Lawson, Knole and six more: how to recognise each sofa by its arms, back and cushions.
Two boxy sofas stand side by side in a store. Both have high, straight arms, but one label says "Tuxedo" and the other says "Lawson". One detail tells them apart. Below are ten common types of sofas and the details that tell each one apart, so you can learn to see them in a few minutes.
What are the different types of sofas?
Ten common styles, listed below. Most differ in the arms, the back and the cushions.
Types of couches: is a couch different from a sofa?
No. Both words name the same furniture.
Which classic sofa style names are easy to mix up?
Chesterfield, Tuxedo, Lawson and Knole: check the arms and the back.
Chesterfield
Look for: a tufted backrest and rolled arms at the same height as the back. The style dates from the 18th century.
Tuxedo
Look for: a boxy shape with arms level with the back. It is one of the classic styles.
Lawson
Look for: back cushions that are separate from the frame. A Lawson is a more comfortable version of the Tuxedo. In the store from the opening, the cushions give it away.
Knole
Look for: angled side armrests that rise almost to the height of the back and work as side backs.
English Rolled Arm (or Bridgewater)
Look for: a high back and low arms tucked into the sides. The upholstery is tight but soft.
Compact and multi-use sofas
Mid-century Modern
Transitional in style, these sofas follow the clean lines of minimal design and combine a compact size with function.
Settee
Traditionally a wooden bench with a backrest: an upgraded seat from the 18th century. As a rule, it seats only two.
Futon
In Japanese, "futon" means bedding. A futon sofa has a sofa frame, but a mattress instead of upholstery, and you can roll the mattress out on the floor to sleep. Usually it has no armrests.
Recliner
Reclining sofas are a recent type. A push-button or a lever tilts the sofa back, so you can lean back and rest.
Sectional
Simple sectional sofas were in use as early as the Victorian age, but the modern form appeared in the 1950s. A sectional can be straight, L-shaped or U-shaped.
See a sofa style in your own room
A sofa that looks right in a photo can still be wrong for your wall. Measure your space in Home Planner, draw a 2D floor plan and see it in 3D, furnish it with furniture from world-famous brands and make visualisations of the result. Ready-made layouts for a bedroom, bathroom or living room help you start.
Try two sofa styles on your own plan before you buy one.
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