8 Basic Types of Sofas and Couches – Sofa Buying Guide

When you feel like lying down to relax at home, you need a couch. It is different from a bed, where you normally fall asleep in. A couch or a sofa is a place where you can rest for a while and just be lazy. For that, you need the right one from many types of couches.

However, choosing the right one of many is rather tricky. From a lounge couch to a couch with a bed, each person has their own preferences. Check out some of these options before you choose the right one – just for you. Here they are:

1. The Sectional Sofa

Before this sofa has become popular, the original version was created in the 1950s. It was inspired by the mid-century furniture design, with sectionals from the Victorian era. It started off as a couple of smaller sofas joined together to become a larger one.

Of course, to make a sectional sofa like this one, you need at least three to five smaller ones. You can either arrange it into an L-shaped or a U-shaped kind. This is one of the most efficient sofa styles because you get to either put the small ones together or separate them.

When you separate the smaller ones, each is definitely a one-person-couch.

2. The Ottoman

What makes an ottoman everybody’s favorite? First of all, it is compact and just the right size. Secondly, it is also efficient and multi-functional. Some ottomans do not take up so much space. Just thrust them under your coffee table or big couches.

Speaking of coffee tables, an ottoman can function as that as well. Named after Ottoman Empire, this furniture piece is perfect if you live in a smaller living space, like a studio apartment. If it is lower than the other chairs and couches, you can have one to relax your feet on.

3. The Loveseat

Looking for something more modern and compact, but not too small? The Loveseat is the answer. As one of the fancy types of sofas, this one also does not take up so much space. It is also perfect for smaller living spaces like apartments.

The era of The Loveseat began in the 1700s. That was the time when upholstered chairs were made to give ladies in full skirts to sit. When the skirts and dresses were modified to be shorter and not that wide anymore, The Loveseat was also turned into the modern sofa like what we see today.

4. The Chesterfield

If you are into classic styles, you probably have one like this at home. This fancy couch is believed to have been commissioned by Lord Philip Stanhope. He was the fourth Earl in Chesterfield during the 18th century. The sofa was originally made for gentlemen in those days, so they would not wrinkle their garment as they sat.

As one of the long couches, the Chesterfield is enough for plenty of people to sit together. Of course, they have to crowd in a little bit. Family photos and wedding shots often use this piece of furniture to gather a group of people. Unfortunately, this sofa is not suitable for smaller living spaces.

5. The Armchair

Nowadays, it is common to see people sitting on armchairs while watching TV. Some armchairs are equipped with a place to hold your snack packages or/and drinking cups/soda cans.

Originally, it started reaching its fame in the 16th century. That was the era when benches, stools, and chests were added. Then the recliner (also known as “La-Z-Boy”) was invented in 1928. This is one of the cool couches anyone would like at home – in front of their huge, flat screen TV.

6. The Sofa Beds and Futons

These types of couches are often seen in smaller living spaces like studio apartments. Futons are more comfortable than sofa beds. Just lower their backs if you feel like sleeping. The good thing is, it saves you some money to buy a decent bed. The not-so-good part, you have to rearrange the back position all the time.

With a sofa bed, you can just unfold or re-fold it once you are done sleeping. As emergency furniture, each can be used when your guest sleeps over while you sleep in your bedroom. These couch styles are definitely part of the modern times.

7. The Lawson-style Sofa

This is one of the long couches that you might like too. Relatively new, the Lawson-style sofa was created by Thomas W. Lawson, a financier in the 20th century. It is modern and made to be comfortable for anyone. Added with pillows, this soft, cushioned sofa is still around for those seeking modernity and comfort.

There are many sizes, colors, and materials for Lawson-style sofas. If you happen to fall asleep on one, no one will blame you for that. It is comfortable with a capital C.

8. The Wingback Sofas

Although they are starting to disappear in modern times, there are still people who keep at least one at home. Classic, elegant, and luxurious, the wingback sofas are usually paired with their matching ottomans. Of course, the ottomans are there, so they can prop their feet up and just relax.

If not, the matching ottomans can also be used as coffee-tables or for playing cards and boardgames on. On another occasion, you can sit on this wingback sofa with a book to read and a lamp nearby on. Put this on your most favorite and comfortable corner at home. Enjoy it.

These are just the eight (8) basic types of couches and sofas for you. Knowing how many creative minds have been around, there are other combinations and modified versions of these basics. Even the armchairs have plenty of variations, from the English-rolled armchairs, retro-squared armchairs, hard-wedged arm sofas, and more.

Before you decide on one, doing research must come first. In fact, when you go to the store, test the sofas and couches that you like (of course without breaking them). After trying on a variety of types of couches, which do you prefer best? Then you can buy one and take it home.