20 Popular Sofa Styles, Explained
Tight back, slipcovered, skirted, tufted... Whether you’re shopping for an affordable sofa online or planning to hit the furniture stores live and in-person, the first—and hardest!—step when buying a sofa is deciding what type is best for your room and your lifestyle. Luckily, we’re here to take the guesswork out of the process. When it comes to choosing the right sofa for your room, there are two main things to consider—size and style:
Size of Sofa
Before you start shopping, take note of your living room or family room’s dimensions—length, width, and height. Most standard three-seat sofas range in length from 70 to 96 inches, with 84 inches being the most common length. Sofa depths range from 32 to 40 inches and often vary based on the sofa style. Also note that even if a sofa fits in the space, the scale may be all wrong. (Scale refers to how the piece looks in relation to the entire space and all the other pieces in it.)
If your room is smaller in size and scale, a loveseat (consider it a shrunken version of the larger standard sofa) makes a great option. And, if you have a big family and the square footage to match, go ahead and say “yes” to the more-the-merrier sectional sofa. Gone are the days of the bulky sectional sofa being banished to only the basement. Today’s sectionals are streamlined and stylish enough to even earn a place in the upstairs family room.
Style of Sofa
If size isn’t an issue, then the style of sofa you choose is strictly a personal choice. For a classic looks-good-in-every-setting sofa, look to styles like the Bridgewater and track arm. A tailored camelback sofa feels right at home in an historic Colonial, while a more relaxed English roll-arm sofa works perfectly for a cottage. A tufted Chesterfield (a common choice for leather) skews more macsculine, while a skirted slipcover sofa has feminine flair. Of course, you can also look to complement your furnishings, especially if your look is period-specific, like Midcentury.
For examples and descriptions on 20 types of sofas, keep reading below:
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Chaise Sectional
This smaller sectional style provides the best of both worlds—a three-seated sofa + a comfy chaise lounge—without taking up much extra floor space. This is a great option for modest size rooms or when you want the comfort of a stretch-out sectional but only have one available wall in the room.
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Upholstered Settee
Similar to a loveseat but slimmer in stature, a stately upholstered settee (which literally means a long seat with a back) makes a good choice for narrow spaces such as at the end of kitchen, an entryway, or in a bedroom.
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Curved Sofa
If you have a large room, think outside the box—literally. Here, in this Alabama cottage, a custom curved sofa covered in greenish-gold performance velvet is paired with a more traditional tuxedo ar sofa. “The curve in the sofa allowed us to keep the central space a little open,” says designer Jensen Killen.
Sofa Swing
Okay, sure it’s a little unconventional, but who says a sofa has to sit on legs. Nothing reinforces a relaxed, we’re-in-the-country feel like a porch swing, so why not bring the concept of the porch swing indoors with a custom hanging sofa swing, like Thomas Rhett and Lauren Akins did in their Tennessee party barn. (Find upholstered swings on chairloom.com.)
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English Roll Arm Sofa
If your idea of a perfect Sunday involves a good book and a cup of tea, then the tight-backed English roll arm is the sofa for you. Its deep seat, soft curves, and low-rolled arms make this the sink-in, curl-up sofa that still delivers plenty of style thanks to detailing such as exposed turned legs, pleating around the arms, and optional tufting.
These sofas due tend to be a bit deeper than standard sofas, so be sure to check your dimensions to see if your room (and the doorways the sofa needs to travel through!) can accommodate the size.
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Slipcovered Sofa
For a farmhouse or cottage look, a slipcovered sofa is a win-win. Win No. 1: The relaxed construction delivers a comfortable, welcoming look that invites all to sit down and kick back. Win No. 2: Because slipcovers can be easily removed and laundered, you don’t have to worry about messy kids and pets—especially if you choose a durable fabric such as cotton duck or twill.
Don’t be afraid to go with white upholstery. It's the best choice for longevity, as you can easily—and affordably—change out throw pillows when your tastes change. And thanks to the magic of bleach, that white will remain crisp and fresh for years to come.
Bridgewater Sofa
Simple in shape and modest in scale, you can’t go wrong with a classic Bridgewater sofa. With details like low arms, a softly rolled back, and tailored skirt, this sofa delivers a pretty, inviting seat that’s ready-made for both easy conversation and a night of binge-watching.
Customize the look with the cushion configuration—two is more relaxed and casual, while three is more traditional. The Bridgewater is also a great sofa for introducing some pattern, such as a bold stripe or floral.
Leather Sofa
A soft-as-butter leather sofa is the go-to choice for bringing warmth and texture to a family room or den. While leather sofas of the past may have been oversized and bulky, today’s choices offer frames in all shapes and sizes. And much like a well-loved farm table, these sofas only get better with age and use. Leather is a great material for a busy household with lots of traffic, but you need to appreciate the character of a well-loved patina.
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Chesterfield Sofa
The hunky Chesterfield sofa always makes a strong statement. Characterized by its high arms, deep seat, and diamond-tufted back and arms, its wraparound design provides a cozy seat ample enough for the whole family to pile on. Keep in mind that its generous scale means this sofa needs a room with some size to help maintain balance.
As seen in this living room, a Chesterfield sofa doesn’t have to always to feel masculine. While there is nothing more inviting than a tufted leather Chesterfield sofa sitting in a book-filled study, the tailored shape looks equally appealing—and quite sophisticated—in a pretty fabric.
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Modern Chippendale Sofa
This streamlined bench-style sofa is a modern take on the classic Chippendale sofa. Its simplified lines deliver the signature thin arms and high, curved back but without some of the fuss, which makes it a solid choice for a smaller library or sitting room.
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Track Arm Sofa
With its squared arms and clean lines, a track arm sofa lends a modern-yet-traditional look to a room. Soften the angular sofa’s straight lines by finishing it with a tailored skirt and unpiped cushions, but lose the skirt and expose the legs if you prefer a more streamlined, contemporary style.
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Camelback Sofa
Appropriately named, the camelback sofa is distinguished by its gracefully arched back. Thanks to exposed legs (and those iconic ball and claw carved feet) and scrolled arms, this stately sofa shape remains as popular today as it was when Thomas Chippendale first introduced the design during the 18th century. Its more upright structure makes this a top choice for a room used more for conversation than lounging.
If you’re a purist living in an older Colonial or Georgian home, then this sofa style will looks right at home amongst your stately brown case goods. But, you can also bring this historic shape up-to-date by upholstering or slipcovering it in a solid fabric.
Rattan Sofa
Natural woven furniture isn’t just for porches and patios! Bring a rattan sofa inside to give your family room a casual, laid-back vibe. Keep the finish natural for a more rustic setting, or choose a crisp white paint finish to bring in a hint of coastal cottage charm.
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Tuxedo Sofa
Like the Chesterfield, the hot tuxedo sofa’s arms and back are the same height, which creates an upright, boxy shape. While tuxedo sofas are often tufted, skipping the tufts and adding loose cushions makes this modern shape feel more relaxed, as seen in this cozy farmhouse.
Upholstered Loveseat
If you’re tight on space, head straight to the cute and petite loveseat! Available in many of the same frame styles as full-size softs, loveseats deliver all the look and comfort of a full-size sofa in a slimmed down scale that is perfect for a bedroom, office, or anywhere you want to add a little comfy landing spot.
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French Cabriole Sofa
Bring on the romance with a curvy French cabriole sofa. Its exposed wood frame often boasts pretty carvings, which look great painted for a more feminine feel or left natural for a French Country vibe. Keep the back upholstery tight and choose a single bench cushion for a modern look that reads way more chic than shabby.
Midcentury Sofa
If your style leans to the modern, look to midcentury-inspired designs. These low-profile, clean-lined sofas are perfect for smaller scale rooms or even nestled against a stairwell, as shown here.
Finishing details such as tapered legs, piped edges, and shallow button tufting add to a midcentury-style sofa’s tailored appearance. Tip: If you’re pairing it with other furniture, make sure your chairs and side tables are of a similar scaled-back size so everything feels cohesive.
Cane-Back Sofa
Caned furniture is making a big comeback, and a cane-back sofa delivers a sophisticated style that’s the perfect blend of traditional and modern. Soften—figuratively and literally—the structured, woven-wood sofa frame with a loose-filled bench-style seat cushion and piles of pillows to line the back.
Sectional Sofa
Sectionals are like the minivan of sofas—practical with plenty of seating—and it’s also going to become your and your family’s favorite spot in the house. And, with so many options available, you don’t have to sacrifice an ounce of style. Opt for a variety of big, fluffy back cushions and throw pillows, like in this lakeside cabin, to make your sectional even more of a sink-in spot.
For even more flexibility, look for a modular sofa that looks you arrange and rearrange your sofa configuration as desired.
Deconstructed Sofa
If you love the look of drippy chandeliers and chipped finishes, then consider a deconstructed sofa. Literally stripped of its upholstery—hence its name—deconstructed furniture celebrates the beauty of craftsmanship and humble materials like raw wood, natural muslin, and burlap. Be careful not to go too shabby and keep frayed edges short. Layer lots of cushy pillows for added comfort.
Wicker Sofa
Don’t forget about outdoor spaces! Turn your covered porch into a fully functioning living room with a nostalgic wicker sofa.
Many companies make wicker-looking furniture that can easily hold up to the elements. But, if you choose natural-material wicker, just paint the sofa with an indoor/outdoor primer and spray paint for a finish that will stay looking fresh. Cushions and pillows made of indoor-outdoor fabric add even more durability against traffic and outdoor elements.
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