All About Couches and Sofas

Posted on October 22nd, 2018 by Hannah.

Chances are you’re sitting on one at this very moment, but have you given it much thought? We’re talking about your couch, which just may be the hardest-working piece of furniture in your home. Despite the omnipresence of couches and sofas, many people don’t give theirs much thought — until it’s time to buy a new one, that is. If you’re in the market for a new couch or sofa, here’s what you need to know in order to find the perfect piece.

The Couch Vs. Sofa Question

Is the word “couch” just a synonym for “sofa”? While the two terms have become somewhat interchangeable, experts say there are subtle differences between the two.

For starters, the words have two different origins: The word “couch” derives from the French word “couche,” a popular piece of furniture during the Victorian era. Meanwhile, the word “sofa,” derives from the Arabic for “suffah,” meaning a bench with blankets and cushions.

The difference between a couch and a sofa may extend beyond semantics, however. According to home decor website homedit, couches tend to be more compact while sofas are larger, seat more people, and may include pull-out beds.

“In terms of function, the difference between a sofa and couch is easily visible. In most cases, couches are used in more casual and informal settings like in an entertainment room or a cozy living space,” homedit continues.

Tips for Buying Couches and Sofas

The good news? You don’t have to be able to encapsulate the precise difference between a couch and a sofa in order to buy one. Whether you’re looking for a cushy seating option for a man-cave or a more formal piece for entertaining, a sublime seating option is just waiting to be discovered — if you follow these tips.

• Think before you shop.

Before heading to the store or clicking through the many couch and sofa choices on the internet, take a moment to assess your own needs. What is your personal style, and what type of couch or sofa are you looking for you? Determining these factors in advance can help you make the optimal choice.

For example, “If it is in a room where you watch television, make sure you have a lower arm and you are able to curl up and get comfortable,” suggests Amanda Teal of Amanda Teal Designs for Curbed. Conversely, if the couch is for a room where you plan to entertain guests, “A taller arm you can lean on while chatting with a friend might be more appropriate,” Teal continues.

• Know your space.

Even the world’s most amazing couch or sofa won’t work if it’s too big or too small for your space. Remember: a piece of furniture looks very different in a showroom or online than it does in a room. Both size and scale matter when buying couches and sofas. Not sure whether a couch or sofa is right for your space? Use our handy Room Planner to visualize its placement.

• Consider all of your options.

Today’s couches and sofas are anything but one-size-fits-all. Rather, they come in a dizzying array of shapes, sizes, colors and upholstery fabric. In addition to aesthetic variables, some colors and fabrics are more durable than others. Educating yourself is essential to choosing a couch or sofa that best suits your lifestyle and your space.

For example, if you’re looking for an elegance, but durability is a concern, a leather couch may be a smart choice. Or, if you’re looking for an adaptable option that can be customized to your unique specifications, consider a sectional.

• Keep quality at the forefront.

Paying more upfront for a well-made option not only means you won’t have to replace it in a few years, but also that it will maintain its attractive look and feel over years of everyday wear and tear. Higher quality couches and sofas are also more comfortable than cheaply made alternatives. Says Dallas interior designer Joshua Rice, “If you buy a quality sofa, you could be lounging on it for the next decade.”

Speaking of comfort, it’s paramount in all cases. Designer Arthur McLaughlin of Arthur McLaughlin + Associates tells Curbed, “It needs to look great, but if it’s not comfortable it really doesn’t work. Remember: A sofa is not just something to look at; it’s piece that you use every day. So don’t sacrifice comfort—you can have that and style.”

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