Sofas

Sofas are arguably the most used item of furniture in the house. Choosing the right one will depend largely on style, space, budget, and who will be using it.

There are plenty of sofa and couch styles available. In fact, there are over twenty standard sofa styles to choose from. When selecting a style, you will need to consider the various design features available. Specifically, you should look into the sofa back height, the curvature of the arm, comfort vs design, size, material and functionality.

The most traditional is the 3 seater sofa where the slightly curved arm is lower than the high back. In larger spaces 3 seater sofas are usually used in combination with a 2 seater sofa, which is also called a loveseat. The slightly higher back and plush cushions provide ample comfort.

Another popular sofa for large areas is the sectional sofa, also known as a modular sofa. As the name suggests, this couch is divided into sections which are placed together, so they are really easy to move around. The most popular sectional is the L-shaped sofa which has space to recline. Yet you could piece together as many sections as you wish depending on your space. Get to know them better with our guide.

For something a bit more classy, the Chesterfield (also quilted or tufted) sofa is a good option for bachelors. Usually made as a leather sofa, the Chesterfield is a tufted design (buttons sewn in) where the back and arms are at the same length. These are what you will find at swanky cigar lounges.

If you are looking to add versatility to and sculpt your living area to your needs, a chaise sofa would be perfect for you.

When browsing antique stores, you may come across the exposed wooden lined Camelback or Settee sofa. Yet for a more modern touch, the mid-century modern sofa provides a minimalist design that is very boxy in shape. Additional cushions are usually needed for extra comfort.

Other styles include the Japanese-inspired futon sofa, the convertible sofa bed or sleeper, and the high back and armed Tuxedo, which looks particularly classy in velvet. Just like recliner armchairs meant for single person use, there are now recliner sofas for the most comfortable option where the lever-controlled footrest pops up when needed.

Sofa sizes are usually referred to by the number of people they can sit. Typically, sofas are either two-seater or three-seater and when purchasing a sofa, you should make sure to measure your space thoroughly so you know what sofa size your space can accommodate. There’s no use in purchasing a plush modern sectional you found online for sale when it won’t even fit through the door.

If you live in a smaller space, a sofa set consisting of a 2 seater in combination with an ottoman should fit really nicely to create a complete living room set. Small sofas provide effective use of space in your modern living room without compromising on functionality.

Or make the most of the space available by opting for an L-shape sofa that can fit in a corner and sit more people. Large sofas would enhance the grandeur of your modern living room.

Your sofa can be made of several different kinds of materials and the most common ones are: leather, velvet, polyester fabric and linen. These are usually paired with wood or metal for the legs. If you are looking for a unique textured finish, do consider going for a bouclé sofa or a bouclé chair.

While standard classic sofa materials like velvet or leather may be nice, if you have kids or pets then a modern polyester fabric may be your best choice for a sofa material. If sticky fingers and accidental spills are a concern for you, do go for a sofa with removable covers which makes cleaning up a breeze.

Families will want something stain resistant and easy to clean, especially with animals that constantly shed.

It may seem like a given, but color choice is as important as material. As the largest item of furniture, you can turn your sofa into a feature with brighter greens, yellows or pinks. You may be more minimalistic in your approach, selecting something common like the generic black, white, gray, brown or blue.

The color you select will depend on how much space you have, your decor, additional furniture and personal style. You may also choose to reupholster an older sofa with a new sofa cover. Jazzing up your sofa with cushions is always a good idea, too!

For Ready To Ship styles, browse our Ready To Ship selection.

For cushy seats at great savings, browse our sofa sale collection.

Castlery is a direct-to-consumer online furniture retailer that delivers stand-out furniture that fit right in. Thoughtfully crafted and made for the long haul, our modern designs set the scene for redefining how home looks and feels like for you. Founded in Singapore by a group of design aficionados, we now deliver to 50 cities in the United States – including Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, and more.