Furniture Types
Sofa
The sofa is the cornerstone of living room furniture—a substantial upholstered seat designed to comfortably accommodate multiple people. As the largest piece in most rooms, the sofa sets the tone for the entire space, influencing color schemes, furniture arrangements, and the overall style direction.
Choosing a sofa requires balancing aesthetics with practical considerations: size relative to the room, durability for your lifestyle, comfort for your body, and style that reflects your taste. A well-chosen sofa becomes the gathering place for family movie nights, conversation with friends, and quiet reading moments.
Key Characteristics
- ✓Seats three or more people
- ✓Upholstered with various fabrics or leather
- ✓Features back and arms (typically)
- ✓Standard lengths 72-96 inches
- ✓Available in countless styles
- ✓Often the room's largest furniture piece
Types & Variations
Lawson sofa (comfortable, rolled arms)
Chesterfield (tufted, rolled arms)
Tuxedo sofa (arms same height as back)
Camelback sofa (arched back)
English roll arm (tight back, low arms)
Common Materials
FabricLeatherVelvetLinenPerformance fabricMicrofiber
Works Well With These Styles
Placement & Usage Tips
Float the sofa away from walls in larger rooms for better conversation flow. In small rooms, place against the longest wall. Always leave 18 inches between sofa and coffee table. Consider traffic patterns when positioning.
💡 Pro Tip
Test sofas by sitting for at least 10 minutes. Sit in your usual position—if you curl up, test that. Seat depth matters: deeper for lounging, shallower for upright sitting. The best sofa supports your lifestyle, not just your decor.