8 Popular Sofa Styles for Beautiful Living Spaces

When I’m working with a new client, the conversation eventually turns toward sofa styles. Nearly every conversation goes like this…

Client: “I want the sofa that was in the movie, oh I can’t remember the name of it, but that really famous actress was in it. You know, it that has the sides that are [insert sweeping hand gesture], you know, and the cushions are really soft.”

Me, the designer: *blank stare as I try to analyze the hand gestures and vague pop culture references*

After having dozens of these conversations, I’ve realized that we need to establish verbiage around the different types of sofas and explain the design of each one.

Here my top 8 sofa styles for residential interior design:

Lawson

This is the most popular and widely used style. It has a high back and lower arms. The arms are usually rolled but can also be square (track arm). The cushions are overstuffed and square. A skirt can covers the legs and feet or the bottom can be banded.

Bridgewater

As the second most popular sofa style, the Bridgewater has a high back, low and rolled arms, and a skirt that can cover the legs and feet of the frame. The cushions on the back and seat are loose and overstuffed.

Chippendale

A more traditional, formal style made by Thomas Chippendale in the 18th century, a Chippendale sofa is also called a camelback sofa because of the “hump” on the back and the flowing lines. It has a high back and rolled arms with legs that are sometimes exposed.

Tuxedo

A tuxedo sofa has a high back and high arms. Either the seat or the back is made up of one long cushion and the opposite has one, two, or three cushions. The legs are generally exposed and tapered.

Chesterfield

Chesterfield sofas have dramatically rolled arms with tufting on the back and the seat. The seat cushion is generally tight and covered in luxurious leather with lots of nailheads.

Sectional

Sectionals are modular sofa pieces with clean lines. Sectionals are configured from components that include armless sofas, end and corner units, ottomans, and sometimes even recliners. They are generally used in a casual space.

Mid-Century Modern

Mid-century sofas have straight, squared lines and a streamlined form. The arms are low and reach to the front of the seat edge. The back and seat may be either fixed or removable with cushions that are squared and neat. The exposed legs are low and generally square or slightly tapered.

English or Club

An English or club sofa has a low, slightly rounded arm set back from the front of the seat, often with a tight seat and slightly rolled back, no skirt, and low, turned legs on castors. The seat cushions are loose and plump and the back cushions can be tight or loose. It is elegant, yet comfortable.

Choosing furniture doesn’t have to be stressful. Let our experienced design team guide you through the buying process to prevent everything from sticker shock to buyer’s remorse. You deserve a beautiful home and functional furniture. Book a consultation with us today.

Image Sources // This sofas are from Miles Talbot and Universal Furniture which are available through our store waiting for your customization

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