Types of Couches and Sofas

Today, "couch" and "sofa" usually refer to the same items. However, the term “couch” may mean a more casual, small, comfortable, armless piece. Meanwhile, “sofa” may convey a larger, less comfortable, more formal or antique piece used for sitting or hosting guests.

Finding the right couch means balancing comfort, style, and size to fit your space. Measure your room and the couch to make sure it fits, leaves enough space to move around and doesn't block any doorways.

• Three-seat sofas are great for three people and usually measure 72–96 inches long. 84 inches is the average.
• Bigger sofas, around 87–100 inches, work well for taller folks.
• Smaller sofas, or "apartment sofas," are perfect for tight spaces.
• Loveseats fit two people, measuring 48–72 inches long.

Once you’ve narrowed down the type of sofa, it’s helpful to understand key measurements for comfort.

• Sofa depth is the distance from front to back. It usually ranges from 32 to 40 inches, with an average of 35 inches.
• Sofa height measures from the top of the couch to the floor. This typically falls between 26 and 36 inches and affects how your feet rest.
• Seat height is the distance from the top of the cushion to the floor. It ranges from 15 to 20 inches, with an average of 17 to 18 inches.
• Seat depth measures from the front of the seat to its back edge or the sofa back.

Tip: Measure the doorways along the delivery path for your new couch to make sure they are wide and tall enough.

Track-arm sofas, loveseats, and settees are all about clean lines and compact designs, making them perfect for modern spaces or smaller rooms.

• Track-arm sofas have flat, squared arms and a sleek, modern feel. They’re great for tight spaces or corners but might not be the best for neck support if you like to lie down.
• Loveseats can seat 2 to 3 people and are a solid choice for small rooms or homes. They’re comfy for lounging and pair well with bigger sofas.
• Settees are small two-seaters with upright, slim designs. They often have exposed wooden or upholstered frames and work well in hallways or smaller living rooms.

Sectionals, modular couches and recliners are designed to maximize comfort. They’re usually ideal for seating a crowd, adapting to changing layouts, or creating the ultimate spot to relax.

• Sectionals are cozy and come in many colors. Standard-sized, they can seat five or more and even work as beds. They’re perfect for big rooms or hosting. They can limit layout options and additional pieces require an investment.
• Modular couches are a flexible option when seating three or more. Many have a chaise lounge and moveable parts. This allows for different setups based on your space, like straight rows or “L” and “U” shapes.
• Reclining sofas are comfy and durable, available in various sizes and fabrics. Many have footrests and electronic controls. But they’re heavy, hard to move, and their parts may need repairs over time.

If you’re looking for furniture that works as both seating and a bed, sleeper sofas, futons and daybeds are great space-saving options.

• Futons fold into a sofa or lie flat like a mattress. They are a budget-friendly and flexible option for small apartments. Although lightweight and easy to move, the cushions can get uncomfortable over time.
• Sleeper sofas have a hidden pull-out bed. They’re perfect for small spaces and come in many styles, sizes and fabrics. While they often require a higher upfront investment, may include premium mattresses such as memory foam.
• Daybeds combine the best of a sofa and bed. They feature a twin-sized mattress and are perfect for turning any room into a multi-purpose space. While they don’t have a box spring, adding a topper can improve comfort.

Midcentury Modern sofas are known for their bright white or neutral color schemes and sleek rectangular shapes. They sit low to the floor, giving them a distinct profile. Shallow, tufted cushions and unadorned metal add to their minimalist elegance. Sometimes crafted with natural materials like wood, these sofas can require a bit more care and cleaning to maintain their iconic look.

With their vintage-inspired designs, the Chesterfield and Camelback sofas are both timeless. Choose the Chesterfield for a plush, statement piece or the Camelback for a more formal look.

• The Chesterfield is a timeless British-style sofa known for its luxurious leather or velvety upholstery and supportive cushioning. It features rolled armrests, high arms, tufted backs and nailhead trim. Built with a durable structure, these types of sofas often require a higher upfront investment due to their high-quality materials and craftsmanship. It’s worth noting, however, that the suspension may wear down over time, potentially affecting comfort.
• The Camelback, or Humpback, is known for its elegant arched back with a “hump” in the middle and at the ends. It often has exposed wooden frames and graceful curves, making it a great fit for traditional or vintage spaces. Some models skip the arms to create extra seating space and a more open look. While it’s designed for occasional use, its compact seats work well in smaller rooms or cozy corners.

The Lawson is a versatile, popular and comfortable sofa, often referred to as the “classic couch.” It is characterized by low, narrow armrests, angled backs, deep seats, skirts and removable, overstuffed cushions. It seats three people but is especially suited for taller individuals or larger households. Its deep seats provide extra comfort and work best in rooms with ample space.

English-style sofas are loved for their compact yet elegant design. They feature a firm high-back with low, outward-leaning arms. The tight backs and arms set further back to create a sleek, tailored look. However, their deep seats are perfect for sitting back and relaxing. While available in different sizes, they are an ideal way to add sophistication to smaller spaces.

Both the Tuxedo and Cabriole sofas offer a structured, formal look. The Tuxedo has a more sleek, contemporary feel while the Cabriole's ornate features make it perfect for classic interiors.

• The Tuxedo is known for its boxy dimensions and deep button-tufted backs and arms. The armrests are typically the same height as the back, creating a cozy look. Known for its clean lines and sophisticated design, the Tuxedo sofa is a favorite in modern and minimalist interiors.
• The Cabriole is a French-style sofa that gives a modern twist to charming. It’s easy to spot with its signature “S-shaped” wooden legs, exposed armrests and ornate wooden frame back. With high, thin and firm armrests, it’s designed more for style than for lounging.

A chaise lounge sofa is a mix of a chair and ottoman. It features a long, upholstered seat designed for stretching out. A chaise lounge sofa stylishly blends the function of a chair with the comfort of a daybed. With their signature longer length and oversize cushions, they work best in larger rooms. For better stability, it’s best to sit in the middle or near the sides of the chaise lounge. Sitting at the very end can cause it to tip.

The right upholstery fabric should match your style, comfort and durability requirements. For example, homes with pets may prefer durable, stain-resistant materials, while others may want to invest in leather for its sophisticated, modern look.

Here are common fabric options:

• Velvet is luxurious, soft, and durable.
• Suede is stylish, durable but harder to clean.
• Leather sofas are sophisticated, long-lasting and easy to clean. Vinyl can be a budget-friendly alternative.
• Twill is tightly woven, soft and durable.
• Boucle is soft, nubby, low maintenance and casual.
• Textured weave is chunky, strong and natural-looking.
• Linen is soft, cool and easy to clean.
• Cotton has a natural feel and can be stain-resistant when treated.
• Denim is durable but absorbs stains quickly.
• Canvas is casual and relaxed.
• Chenille is plush and soft but may fade in direct sunlight.
• Wool and wool-blends are durable, wrinkle-resistant and easy to take care of.
• Acrylic is a synthetic wool that's fade-resistant and durable.
• Polyester couches are non-allergenic, stain-resistant and durable alternates.

• Measure your space, including the room and sofa placement, and leave room for movement.
• Choose a smaller sofa if needed to maintain flow and ease of movement.
• Account for nearby windows, rugs, furniture, and electronics that may need adjusting.
• Decide on the ideal number of seats and sofa dimensions for your household.
• Research sofa styles and types to match your needs and budget.
• Determine the sofa’s purpose, whether for formal decor or relaxation.
• Consider materials and fabrics for comfort, durability and ease of cleaning.