Sofas and Couches
What's the difference between a sofa and a couch?
These days? Not much. Historically, the two words had different origins and indicated slightly different kinds of furniture for sitting or lying on. Today, however, the terms are pretty interchangeable — both describe a long, upholstered piece of furniture with room for several people to sit — though “sofa” may have a more formal connotation and “couch” a more casual one. In the furniture industry we say sofa, but you can use whichever word best suits you and the way you use your piece.
What's the difference between a sofa and a sectional?
A sectional is a type of sofa. Sectionals are larger and offer more seating than a standard sofa or couch, with room for four people or more. Sectionals, sometimes called modular sofas, are made up of several pieces that connect together. Popular configurations include the classic L-shape, the larger U-shape, or the convenient chaise option. You can find all of our sectional sofas here.
Which sofa materials last the longest?
There are many durable options for your sofa fabric. Here are four popular choices:
- Leather: Incredibly durable and only gets better-looking with age.
- Microfiber: Usually made of polyester, microfiber is easy to maintain.
- Cotton: Breathable, easy to clean, and super durable.
- Polyester: Can be woven into a variety of fabric types and is known for its durability.
Which sofa materials are pet-friendly?
Good thing our four-legged friends are so cute, because the messes they can make sure aren’t.
- Leather: Spills are easy to clean up and minor scuffs and scratches can often be buffed out.
- Microfiber: The tight weave of microfiber resists pet hair and scratch marks.
- Cotton: Slipcovers and removable cushion covers are easy to throw into the washing machine, making cotton a great choice for families with kids and pets.
- Polyester: Polyester is known to resist stains better than natural materials, so it’s also a great choice for households with kids and pets.
How long should a good sofa last?
Quality furniture, when well-cared for and routinely cleaned, can last for years.
What are common types of sofas?
There are many kinds of sofas in addition to the standard three- or four-seater and larger sectionals. Other popular sofa and couch styles include reclining sofas, sofa beds, chaise sofas, armless sofas, tight back sofas, and camelback sofas.
Reclining sofas really let you kick back and relax. Adjustable seat backs tilt backward, allowing you to lounge comfortably. Many reclining sofas also have footrests that raise to support your legs and feet as you lean back, and others feature adjustable headrests for neck support as well. Power recliners let you adjust with the touch of a button; push-back and manual recliners also offer quick and easy adjusting. And any reclining sofa, when properly adjusted for the user, can provide back and lumbar support.
What is a chaise sofa?
A chaise lounge is just the thing you need to relax in style. A chaise lounge, or chaise sofa, combines the comfort and support of an armchair and an ottoman into one sleek piece. Styles can vary — no arms, one arm, two arms, curved shapes, straight lines — and you may find them included with similar pieces like daybeds, recamiers, or fainting couches.
What’s the difference between a chaise lounge and chaise-end sofa?
A chaise lounge is a stand-alone piece, while a chaise-end sofa combines — you guessed it — a chaise lounge and a sofa. The chaise piece is typically inserted at one end of a sofa, creating an L-shape. You may also see these sofas described as sectionals.
Armless sofas are super-sleek with streamlined profiles that complement modern interiors well. Just as cushy as their traditional counterparts, these sofas are a sophisticated choice for lounging.
Is an armless sofa the same as a settee or sofette?
Not exactly, though a settee or sofette can be armless. Settees and sofettes are basically small sofas. You may also see these and similar pieces called “apartment sofas” or loveseats.
What is a tight back sofa?
A tight back sofa is one that has fixed cushioning across its back rather than loose, individual cushions. Whether the upholstery is smooth or tufted, a tight back gives the sofa a sleek, sophisticated feel.
Is a tight back sofa comfortable?
Yes! Tight back sofas tend to be firmer than their squishy, loose cushion counterparts, but they can be just as comfortable.
What is a camel back sofa?
A camel back sofa is one with a curved or “humped” back, like its namesake. A very traditional style that has remained popular throughout the ages, a camel back sofa may have one or two humps and often features more ornate and decorative detailing.
Around here, we call them sleeper sofas. You’ll call them comfortable AND convenient. A sleeper sofa — also known as a sofa bed or pull-out couch — conceals an extendable bedframe and mattress beneath its cushions. By day, it’s a stylish sofa; by night, it transforms into a comfortable bed perfect for guests or small-space dwellers.
