Couches come in a wide range of styles, each offering something different. To help you choose the right one for your space, here are some of the most popular couch types.
Tuxedo Couch
A tuxedo couch is one where the side arms are the same height as the back. This gives this couch a look of formal symmetry. This type of couch works just as well in modern as in classic and traditional design styles. This style was named after Tuxedo Park, an exclusive town in New York, home to the likes of J.P. Morgan, Dorothy Draper, and William Astor. This sofa originated in the 1920s.
Rolled Arm Couch
A rolled arm couch is a design that features arms that roll back in on themselves. This is a traditional couch design that is comfortable for lounging and for family use. Another version of this sofa is called the English Roll Arm. The traditional style of the English Roll Arm couch has a tight back and a “T” cushion which extends out beyond the arm to form a half “T” shape.
Rolled Arm couches work well in traditional homes design. Some of the more tailored types of this sofa can also look great in more modern and contemporary homes that want to add a touch of luxury.
Chesterfield Couch
The Chesterfield is a traditional couch design that is thought to have originated in the 18th century. It has high rolled arms that have a similar height to the back, similar to the Tuxedo. It has a tufted back and sometimes exposed nailhead trim. It does have a classic look and works well in traditional design, but it also works well blended with modern design.
Camelback Couch
A camelback couch features a design with a hump along the back of the sofa. Camelbacks were designed by Thomas Chippendale. The classic version of this couch features curved arms and wooden legs, though there are many variations of this style. These may feature different style arms and legs but will always include a hump or two along the back of the sofa.
Slope Arm Sofa
A slope arm sofa features arms slope in a continuous line from the back to the front. The arms end at a much lower height than the height of the back of the couch. The continuous line of back and side line gives the couch a sleek, tailored, and streamlined style.
Cabriole Couch
The Cabriole couch is a distinct style that originated in the 18th century. It is named after a cabriolet which was a French carriage. This was a single horse drawn carriage with a seat in the shape of this version of the couch. Classic versions of this sofa have exposed wood along the back and sides of the couch. Modern versions have padding along the arms.
Lawson Couch
The Lawson couch is a basic style couch that works well with a variety of home styles because the Lawson has a form that varies in a slight degree from couch to couch. In general, the Lawson has comfy cushions and a long form, around 88 inches in length.
This couch has an angled back that makes it comfortable for seating. Lawsons can have exposed legs or skirts on the bottom of the couch. They feature slight lines that can appear boxy in shape. Lawsons also feature three movable seat cushions and either squared or rounded arm styles.
Mid Century Couch
Mid century couch designs are noticeable because of their clean lines and simple style. They have a low-slung and rectilinear shape. The type of couch with a mid century design has exposed legs with wooden or metal legs. These couch designs were popular throughout the 1950s and 1960s. Mid century couches are one of the most popular forms of couches today. The slim and spare style works with modern and updated traditional home styles.
Curved Back Couch
A curved back couch features a back that curves around in a circular shape from the back to the front of the sofa. This curved back design became popular in the 1960s and 1970s after the spare and rectilinear mid century couch shapes. This couch style works well to add a touch of romanticism and softness to any room.
Sectional Couch
Sectional couches are one of the best type of couches to modify to your particular needs. Sectional couches are also known as modular couches because you fit them together out of various shaped pieces. Fit them together in traditional “L” shaped forms or add chaise sectionals for stretching your feet out without the use of an ottoman.
While sectional couches are used most often in large rooms, you can modify them to fit into smaller spaces. These couches work well for family spaces so that everyone can sit together while giving each other space.
Pullout Couch
A pullout couch is one that transforms from a couch to a bed. This is one of the best types of couches if you have many overnight guests and no extra space for a guestroom. A pullout couch also works well in an extra room if you want to create a dual purpose guest room that can be used as a hangout space during other times.
Rounded Couch
A rounded couch features a form that is rounded both in terms of the back and the seat form. Like all rounded furniture designs, the rounded couch came of age in the 1960s and 1970s. Just like curved back couches, rounded couches have a glamorous look and feel. They elevate any design style, but work the best with modern and contemporary design.
Loveseat
A loveseat is the ideal couch size for a small room as these are sized for just two people to sit. These are also great options for sunrooms where you want a comfortable seating perch or at the end of a bed to place odds and ends. Loveseats are a size rather than a style. You can find loveseats in both traditional and contemporary styles.
Armless Couch
An armless couch is just what it sounds like, a couch without side arms. Many love this spare-style couch though this can be a hard style to relax in as there are no sides on which to lean. There are some of these types of couches that feature one side. These couches work best in areas where lounging but style is the priority.
