18 Types and Styles of Sofas and Couches Explained [With Photos]

Modular Couches

Made up of a number of individual pieces, modular couches are versatile and adjustable. Each moveable part (often called sections or modules), can be arranged into a shape to fit in most living spaces. 

And with a modular, you can rest easy with the knowledge that your couch can adapt and expand with your needs. Whether you need to accommodate a growing family, or just want to rearrange your living room and mix things up, modular sofas can be easily extended or downsized.

Modular couches tend to be arranged into L or U-shaped layouts, though sometimes individual sections can also be used as standalone pieces such as footstools. 

Essentially when you buy a modular couch, you’re buying flexibility. Your sofa can adapt and change as your needs do. And often, once you have the base sections of your sofa, you can add to it as and when you need to by purchasing new sections/modules. 

The popularity of modular couches has increased in recent years due to the sheer volume of great options available now.

From our expert anne kokoskie:

Modular couch examples

Sectional Couches

So what makes a couch a sectional? Essentially, a sectional is made up of at least two pieces (or sections) that combine to create L or U shaped sofas.

Sectionals tend to work best in larger living spaces or in apartment-style, open plan spaces where the back of the sofa can act as a divider between the kitchen and living room. Like modular couches, many sectionals can also be divided into separate pieces or rearranged into slightly different configurations.

Modular vs. sectional: What’s the difference?

Modular and sectional couches can appear very similar. And, honestly, that’s because they are. But there are slight differences. A modular couch can be added to and rearranged at any time. Whereas sectionals tend to be sofas that are built with multiple sections (but only one or two configurations). For example, a sofa or loveseat (define loveseat)with an added chaise.

from living cozy's contributor molly machmer-wessels:

Sectional couch examples

Loveseat

The perfect type of sofa for small spaces and couples, a loveseat is a couch designed to seat two people.

The main difference between a loveseat and normal sofa is simply its size. Traditionally, sofas are designed as three-seaters, and a loveseat is just a smaller version of that (and can sometimes simply be called a “two-seater”). Loveseats tend to be between 50 and 72 inches in length.

When purchasing a loveseat it’s important to think about how it’ll be used. If it’s a secondary seating option for two people, that’s perfect. But if you might want more space for guests, or a sofa that’s great for napping, then a loveseat might not be the best choice.

Loveseats are prominent in living rooms across the world because they are super stylish and offer extra seating without taking up too much space. Loveseats are often used to complete a room and offer supplementary seating (as opposed to being the only seating in a space). Due to their smaller size, they are also more versatile than other sofa styles and can make great extra seating options in a bedroom or study.

living cozy's Expert Kendall Severson says:

Loveseat examples

Sleeper Sofas / Sofa Beds

As the name suggests, a sofa bed  is a sofa that can be converted into bed. It’s pretty straightforward, but there are numerous styles of sleepers. Including:

Sleeper Sofa: A sleeper sofa bed is a bed that’s inside a sofa. Sleeper sofas tend to house a foldable bed frame inside of them that can be rolled out to form a bed once the sofa cushions have been removed:

 Futon: A futon is essentially a mattress that can fold into a sofa-like shape for seating and they lay flat to form a bed ready for sleeping on.

So typically, sofa beds are designed to lay flat to create a mattress to sleep on. Whereas a sleeper sofa has a bed frame or mattress concealed within it.

from Our contributor vera jaye:

Sleeper / Sofa Bed Examples

Lawson

First designed for financier Thomas Lawson near the turn of the 20th century, the Lawson couch features back cushions that are separate from the frame. It was crafted in this way due to Lawson’s desire to create a couch that was more comfortable than the traditional, ornate Victorian styles that were popular at the time.

As well as the detached back cushions, Lawson couches tend to be recognized by their straight lines and will often have seat depth that’s equal to the height of the sofa back above the seat, and the arms tend to be lower than the back.

The Lawson style is perfect for people who enjoy a nap due to the lower arms, and its construction also tends to make the Lawson a super comfortable sofa.

our contributor andrea with ash interiors, says:

Lawson Examples

Chesterfield

Thought to have originated back in the 18th century, Chesterfield sofas unique style makes them instantly recognizable. Key features of a Chesterfield include rolled arms that are the same height as the back, deep button tufted upholstery, and nailhead trim.

Chesterfield’s are traditionally covered in darker leather. But more modern Chesterfield’s can feature velvet or other cloth upholstery, with taller legs, and a slimmer back and arms.  

living cozy's contributor, anne kokoskie says:

Chesterfield Examples

Bridgewater

Bridgewater sofas help to create a casual and friendly atmosphere in a room. Their design is simple and classic, and defined by having a low profile and arms that are set back from the front of the sofa.

Bridgewater sofas tend to feature loose seat and back cushions and the arms are usually lower than the sofa back.

Bridgewater Examples

Tuxedo

A product of the Art Deco era, and like the formal attire named after Tuxedo Park, New York, Tuxedo sofas are smart and elegant.

These sofas are defined by high arms that sit level with the sofa back and have a clean-lined and geometric style. The back and arms also tend to sit higher than most other sofa styles. The Tuxedo style is perfect for a more formal style of room.

from our expert, VINCENTe wolf:

Tuxedo Examples

Low-Seated Sofa

Characterized by their height, the seat height on Low-Seated sofa tends to be below 17″ (the typical height of a sofa seat is 17″ to 18″).

Low Seated sofas tend to have a minimalist aesthetic but can look great in almost any room. Often featuring low backs, and plump, comfortable cushions that are connected to the sofa base, Low Seated couches were popular in the 1950s and '60s and have started to re-emerge as a popular choice for millennials — especially in urban centers like Chicago, New York, Los Angeles and Miami.

Low-Seated Examples

Camelback

Camelback’s are curvaceous. Their main design feature is a back that’s highest point is in the center and curves downwards to meet the arms (similar to a hump on a camel’s back… so the name makes sense, right?).

Every Camelback sofa needs at least one arch (or hump), but sometimes you’ll see sofas with two. These curvy designs can be great to add a traditional, elegant feel to a room, or simply as a way to break up a room filled with straight lines.

Camelback Examples

Cabriole Couch

The Cabriole is a traditional style sofa with a very distinctive look. Cabriole’s key features are its curvaceous, often exposed wooden frame that is typically one flowing line all around the sofa, and equally curvaceous, bowed legs.

This style was popularized by King Louis XV in the first half of the 1700s, and is ideal for breaking up a room dominated by straight lines. Cabriole couches are very ornate and can also work well by windows, overlooking outdoor spaces.

Cabriole Examples

Track Arm

As the name suggests, the key features of a track arm sofa are its straight and square arms.

Track Arm sofas tend to have a Mid-Century Modern style and they can work in almost any living space — especially smaller rooms as the straight arms can take up less room that rolled arms and other sofa styles. The flat arms are also the perfect place to rest your phone or tv remote.

Track Arm Examples

English Roll Arm

English Roll Arm couches were popular in Britain’s country manors at the turn of the 20th century. But possibly the most famous example is the Central Perk sofa in Friends.

This sofa is defined by its rounded arms that are lower than more traditional roll arm sofas. Combined with the low arms, a low seat, short legs and rounded, plump cushions give this sofa its style.

English Roll Arm couches are versatile and can fit with almost any design style and the large, soft cushions make it the perfect choice if you love to sink into your couch for a comfortable, relaxing evening.

our expert's opinion on english roll arm sofas

English Roll Arm Examples

Divan / Day Bed

With roots in Peria, a Divan was originally a long seat formed of a mattress laid against the side of the room. Nowadays, a Divan is fairly similar — it’s essentially a couch without a back or sometimes a party-backed or open-ended couch.

Divans still tend to be placed against a wall, with plenty of pillows to make a seating area during the day and the potential to be used as a small bed at night.

Like divans, daybeds are mattresses that are used to create a seating space — they’re a cross between a chaise lounge, a couch, and a bed. Some daybeds will also have solid backs and sides.

living cozy's contributor vera jaye says:

Divan and Day Bed Examples

Convertible

Much like a sofa bed or futon, a convertible sofa is a multi-purpose sofa that can easily transform into a bed.

our contributor keri feeney loves convertible sofas:

Convertible Sofa Examples

Recliner

Perfect for Sunday afternoon naps or days spent watching sports, a recliner is a type of couch that can tilt back and has a footrest that can rise to enable you to sit in a reclined position. Some recliners need you to pull a lever; others now operate with a separate controller.

from our expert vera jaye:

Recliner Examples

Deep Seat Couches

Deep-seat couches have become increasingly popular over recent years. If you enjoy cuddling up with family or snuggling up with a book, you'll love a deep-seat sofa. When it comes to measurements, the average seat depth is around 28-32" and anything over 34" is considered deep-seated.

Living cozy's contributor KD reid, says:

Deep Seat Couch Examples

Mid-Century Modern

Mid-Century Modern sofas are often defined by clean, curved lines, and tapered legs. The movement was started in the USA in the middle of the 20th century (roughly 1933 to 1965) and remains popular to this day. Mid-Century pieces work incredibly well as a focal point in your living space and can blend with other more contemporary furniture styles easily.

Mid-Century Modern Sofa Examples

Types of Sofa FAQs

What is the difference between couch and sofa?

Today the words sofa and couch are fine to use interchangeably, and essentially mean the same thing. Historically there could have been a slight difference with a couch being a place for sleeping or napping, whereas a sofa was more of a place to sit and read or converse.

What kind of couches are in style?

Two trends that are big right now are Tuxedo sofas and deep-seated sofas. Tuxedo’s are timeless, and beautiful pieces of furniture that can always add a touch of sophistication to space. And deep-seated sofas are perfect for a nap or Netflix binges.

What are traditional sofa styles?

Some sofa styles have been around for hundreds of years, and the styles considered as traditional include: Chesterfield sofas, English Roll Arm sofas, and Camelback sofas.

How are sofas measured?

There are several important measurements to keep in mind when buying a new sofa. The most important parts of a sofa to measure are length/width, height and depth. When it comes to length/width, most standard three-seater sofas will vary from around 72 inches to 96 inches, with loveseats (two-seaters) often measuring between 50 and 72 inches.