Most times is it very difficult or let me say confusing when it comes to setting up our homes, be it newly built or rented. Things like choosing the colour of paint, style of furniture, and the like, are what I am talking about. It is possible for some people to create a beautiful space but it’s easy to get confused when it comes to choosing the style of sofas. I bet here in Ghana, many people do not know the style of sofa they have in their homes. Let us know in our comment section below if you knew the difference between a chaise longue and a chesterfield, a settee or a love seat before you chanced on this article.
Understanding the endless list of sofa types is a great way to ensure you choose the best option for your personal needs. Sofas can be classified by modern, transitional, and classic designs—each with many options and sub-styles to sort through. Before you let the vast and complicated sofa-sphere scare you away entirely, we’ve put together a comprehensive yet simple guide to understanding the most common sofa styles.
We’ll break down the differences in design so you can not only tell the difference between a cabriole and a camelback, but also understand it.
SECTIONAL
Known as the “family sofa,” sectionals are a great option for people who prefer to customize their sofa configuration and style options. Sectionals are defined as having sections (separate pieces) that can be attached to one another to achieve the desired look. They are made up of more than two pieces. With a sectional, you have many options, including attaching a settee to a chaise, a sofa to a corner seat, etc. The pieces you choose for your sectional will determine the shape and size of the sofa.
Some terminology to know before purchasing a sectional:
1) Right Arm Facing (RAF): When you are facing the “section,” the arm is on your right.
2) Left Arm Facing (LAF): When you are facing the “section,” the arm is on your left.
While sectionals are a very popular option, it’s important to fully assess your floor plan before you begin shopping for this type.
LOVESEAT
Courtesy of Joss and Main
While a love seat and a settee are often used synonymously, there are actually some differences between the two. While a settee traditionally fits two or more people, a love seat is designed to specifically fit two. Unlike settees, loveseats are always sold as an individual piece of furniture, and cannot be attached to sectionals (sectionals use settees).
CHESTERFIELD
The easiest way to know if the sofa in question is a Chesterfield? Check out the deep button tufting on the back. Its arms are rolled, and are the same height as the back. Often made of leather, it’s the sort of piece you would expect in a sophisticated library.
CAMELBACK
The camelback sofa has an arched back that reaches a higher point on either side–just like the animal it’s named after. According to Apartment Therapy, the back typically has one or two humps. It’s a traditional style that creates an elegant look in any home.
LAWSON
Unlike the English Roll Arm sofa, the back cushions of a Lawson are also loose. The arms aren’t necessarily rounded, either. A perfect option for your media room, if we do say so ourselves.
MID-CENTURY
Courtesy of Houzz
Characterized by a clean-lined, rectangular shape, tufted back and seat cushions, and solid, wood legs, the Mid-Century sofa is the ideal choice if you love the “Mad Men” aesthetic.
TUXEDO
Courtesy of Crate & Barrel
Like the Chesterfield sofa, the arms and back of the tuxedo sofa are the same height. Unlike the Chesterfield, the sofa is clean-lined and geometric, and often upholstered with fabric, according to McGrath II. This buttoned-up style is the furniture equivalent of the suit it’s named after: timeless and modern all at once.
ENGLISH ROLL ARM
The rounded arms define this style of sofa, whose loose cushions on the bottom make it a super comfy choice. The back of the seat is typically tight–meaning the cushions aren’t removable
TRACK ARM
A track arm sofa features arms that are straight and square. The straight lines, clean silhouette, and contemporary feel of a track arm sofa make it so popular in modern-style homes. Track arm sofas are popular among apartment-dwellers due to their compact form that comes from their angular, non-curved silhouette. If you’re looking for a more subdued modernity in the style of your sofa, the track arm is a great option.
BRIDGEWATER
A simple and classic sofa, the Bridgewater is defined as having a low profile and low arms that are set back from the frontmost part of the sofa. A traditional Bridgewater sofa features a skirt and a rolled back. The looseness of Bridgewater backs and cushions makes them a great pick for those who want adjustable firmness.
DIVAN
The term divan originated in Persia. Traditionally, a divan refers to a long seat made from a mattress that is placed against a wall with cushions to lean on. The modern-day divan has a mattress-like seat that is tufted and sits on a low-profile frame. Divans are still typically placed against a wall and decorated with pillows, and are often used as a bed for guests. According to Houzz, “think of the divan as the daybed’s older, more lounge-worthy sibling.
SETTEE
The settee is a go-to for small-space dwellers, according to One Kings Lane. It’s defined by a straight back and space for two or more to sit comfortably.