The terms “sofa” and “couch” are often used interchangeably to refer to large, cushioned pieces of living room furniture that can seat anywhere from two to over ten people in a wide variety of settings, from casual movie nights to formal evening parties. But are they actually the same?
In short, yes – nowadays, the terms “sofa” and “couch” are commonly understood to be synonymous.
Historically, there was indeed a difference between the two terms. Named after the French word for “to lie down” or “to sleep” (“coucher”), couches were small, comfy, and armless. In contrast, sofas were named after Arabic “suffahs,” which were hard wooden benches adorned with cushions and blankets. Typically larger, more formal, and less comfortable than couches, sofas were elegant pieces meant for hosting guests.
Today, some designers abide by those distinctions – sofas are more formal, couches are more casual – but most people ascribe the same meaning to both. Whether you’re team sofa or team couch.
Types Of Sofas
Standard: A standard sofa consists of a bench that can seat at least two people, arms on either side, and a back. Typically, standard sofa styles are entirely upholstered and include either sewn-in or removable cushions that rest on the seat of the bench and line the sofa back.
Settee: More formal and bench-like in appearance than casual, everyday sofas, settees are meant for more formal settings that see less wear and tear.
Sectional: A sectional is a very large sofa composed of at least two pieces. These sofa styles can seat anywhere from four to over ten people and are commonly shaped like an L or U.
Styles of Sofas
Chesterfield: The signature of this vintage sofa style is its full-body tufting. Traditionally made to embody careful craftsmanship and prestige, modern chesterfield sofas invoke timeless elegance. These sofas typically have tuxedo-style rolled arms.
Camelback: Falling on the more formal end of the spectrum, the defining characteristic of the camelback style is the curved profile of its back that resembles the humped back of a camel. The flourish of this sofa style’s back is often paired with an ornate exposed leg or skirt.
Tuxedo: The arms and back of a tuxedo sofa make up one continuous piece, giving this sofa a clean, retro look. Though many tuxedo sofa styles are tufted to elevate their lavish look, more modern styles forego the tufting in place of a sleek, simple design.
Mid-Century Modern: In comparison with the more decorative, lavish-looking sofa styles of earlier decades, 1950s-inspired mid-century modern sofas show off clean, straight lines and simple, exposed wood legs. The mid-century modern sofa is often finished with traditionally masculine fabrics, like leather or tweed, with tufting on either the back cushion or the seats.
Bedside tables: Things you should know before ending up
Bedside tables are meant to be practical and hold the items you’re most likely to reach for while in bed. Bedside tables might not offer as much storage as nightstands and some won’t offer any.
Ideally, the top of the nightstands or bedside tables should be even with the top of your mattress or sleeping surface. This way it is easier to grab your drink, turn on your lamp, or hit the snooze button on your clock or phone when you are in bed. Higher or lower than your sleeping surface can look out of place.
Final Words
Matching furniture helps to pull together the look of the room and provide added balance. Mismatched furniture is adventurous and can contribute to a more casual, eclectic look. Keep in mind, to balance the look of your bedroom, larger beds will look better with larger nightstands and smaller beds will look better with smaller nightstands.