18 Types of Sofas & How to Choose the Best One For You

After buying many sofas I didn't love, I realized you need to know which types of sofas you like best, to narrow down which one to buy. A sofa is a big purchase. So it helps to know the available types of sofa styles.

1. Chesterfield sofa

This traditional sofa has a low, deep seat and usually features deep tufting. The arms are typically rolled and flare out from the sofa.

2. Tuxedo sofa

This is similar to a Chesterfield in that they both have the same height backrest and armrests. The main difference is that the arms on the Tuxed sofa are usually perpendicular to the floor, the silhouette is a little slimmer, and the design is a little cleaner.

The pillows can be attached or loose.

There’s often a tufted back and matching bolster pillows.

Channel tufting on a Tuxedo sofa is popular.

3. Midcentury modern sofa

The key elements of a midcentury modern sofa include the unmistakable tapered legs and clean silhouette.

4. English roll arm

This traditional silhouette looks relaxed and inviting at the same time. It has a deep seat, statement legs (sometimes on casters), sloped arms, and a tight back (the pillow is built into the frame).

5. Lawson

The IKEA sofa, Ektorp, is a Lawson sofa. It features loose back cushions and the back is as high as the seat is deep.

6. Sectionals

First, let’s discuss modular vs. sectional sofas. It’s easy to confuse the two. Modular sofas are flexible and sectionals are inflexible.

7. Modular sofa

Modular sofas are made of independent pieces. You can mix, rotate, and join pieces any way you want or they can stand alone.

8. Chaise longue

Chaise longue (or chaise lounge) in French means “long chair.” It was created in France so the wealthy could rest during the day without returning to their bedrooms. Chaise longues have a back, and zero to two arms.

Some are curved and contoured while others are more upright and contemporary. One-arm chaises are called  Meridiennes or fainting couches.

9. Recamier sofa

This backless sofa has raised, scrolled ends and no back.

10. Daybed

This is a cross between a bed, sofa, and chaise longue, featuring a back and sides with a twin-sized mattress. Sometimes they feature a trundle for extra sleeping room.

11. Love seat

This is a sofa that seats two people. Uncommon love seats with an S shape are called a tete-a-tete, courting bench, kissing bench, gossip’s chair, or conversation bench.

12. Settee

Similar to a love seat, a settee is more upright and slender.

13. Knole settee

Originally from the 1600s, this sofa is like a type of throne for monarchs featuring adjustable sides and back at the same height and a deep seat.

They may be exposed wooden finials in the rear corners. It’s named after Knole House, an English country house in Kent.

14. Cabriole sofa

This sofa from the 18th century has a curved back and arms into the arms. The arms are upholstered with a tight seat and back.

15. Sleeper sofa

This transforms into a bed.

There are also futons, pop-up sleeper sofas, or standard fold-out sofa beds.

16. Camelback sofa

This traditional shape has a curved back.

The backs can have one, two, or three humps and are tight backs.