For anyone trying to create a beautiful living room, choosing the right sofa is key. In part, that’s because it represents one of biggest investments when it comes to furnishing the home. But even more important is that it sets the tone for the entire space, all while providing comfort, style and functionality.
From classic silhouettes to cutting-edge pieces that double as stand-alone sculptures, each sofa style has its own singular character and, ultimately, helps to communicate your idea of a well-lived life.
Here, we explore 11 distinct sofa styles.
1. Sectional Sofa
A modern favorite for larger living spaces, sectional sofas are designed with versatility in mind, composed of multiple independent pieces that can be arranged in various configurations to suit a room’s layout. Whether forming a classic L, a spacious U or an entirely custom shape, sectionals provide ample seating while fostering a cozy, communal atmosphere. Suitable for hosting movie nights or lounging with the family, they’re a practical choice for contemporary homes. And because they’re available in a wide array of materials and colors, they can be tailored to match any decor.
2. Modular Sofa
Similar to the sectional but even more customizable, the modular sofa is a design-forward piece providing maximum flexibility. Each component is freestanding, allowing for endless arrangements. Whether you need a single chaise longue as a reading spot or an expansive setup for entertaining, modular sofas offer the luxury of options. They can adapt to both open-plan spaces and urban apartments (and are ideal for anyone seeking a sofa that will be easy to take with them when they move). With styles ranging from space-age minimalist, like project 213A’s reflective Porto sofa set, to cool mid-century modern, like Mario Bellini’s seminal Camaleonda, modular sofas cater to diverse tastes.
3. Tuxedo Sofa
Elegant and refined, the tuxedo sofa exudes sophistication. Its clean lines, high arms and equally high backrest create a boxy silhouette that is especially compatible with formal or minimalist interiors, bridging the gap between modern and traditional styles. Often upholstered in fabrics like velvet or leather, it is as much a statement piece as a functional element in a room. Accented with metallic legs or bold cushions, the tuxedo sofa is a classic for a reason.
4. Tête-à-tête Sofa
A tête-à-tête, literally “head to head” in French, is a close conversation between two people, and this sofa style is designed for just that. It comprises a pair of seats, often arranged in an S shape, allowing two people to sit facing each other. Tête-à-tête sofas were popular during the Victorian era, and they remain a smart choice for parlors or as a whimsical addition to a modern sitting room. The compact design is also suitable for smaller spaces. And although these sofas are often thought of as more traditional, many modern iterations are available.
5. Cabriole Sofa
The cabriole sofa is a classic, distinguished by its continuous curving back and arms. It often boasts a carved wooden frame and elegant upholstery, reminiscent of opulent 18th-century French design and therefore ideal for more formal settings. Despite its historic roots — its name is derived from cabriolet, the 18th-century term for a type of carriage — its graceful silhouette can complement contemporary interiors when paired with modern fabrics and finishes. Its delicate curves and detail make it stand out in an otherwise simply furnished living room.
6. Loveseat Sofa
The loveseat is made for two: a compact and versatile option for smaller spaces or as a complementary piece in larger rooms. With its cozy dimensions, this sofa is a popular choice for creating intimate seating arrangements. It’s also available in a variety of styles, from sleek and modern to tufted and traditional and everything in between. Often used in pairs or alongside larger sofas, loveseats can add depth and warmth to a living room seating arrangement.
7. Chesterfield Sofa
Richly upholstered in leather and defined by deep button tufting, a Chesterfield is the epitome of old-school British cool. Originating in 18th-century England and instantly recognizable by its rolled arms and patinated look, this sofa style is associated with libraries, stately homes and private clubs. Still, variations exist, and modern interpretations—like a double-sided version—may feature updated shapes. There are also unusual upholstery options, like the mohair covering this sofa, with its nickel-plated bronze feet, and the horsehair adorning this fresh take on a classic.
8. Camelback Sofa
The camelback sofa takes its name from the distinctive hump at its center. The classic silhouette, popularized in the 18th century, is often paired with exposed wooden legs and a tightly upholstered back. Its graceful curves and traditional design make it an appropriate choice for formal living rooms and traditional interiors. Although dating back to the 18th century, the camelback sofa can be reimagined with modern textiles for a fresh take on a classic.
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9. Curved Sofa
Dramatic and sculptural, the curved sofa breaks away from rigid lines and embraces fluidity, its sweeping form creating a sense of movement. A bold statement piece in contemporary interiors — especially open-plan living rooms, where it can serve as a focal point — it makes for a stunning conversation piece in its more unusual iterations, such as the de Sede Nonstop sofa. Masters of the genre include Vladimir Kagan, whose curved three-piece Cloud sofa remains the gold standard.
10. Settee Sofa
A settee is a petite upright sofa, typically with a high back and a slender frame ideal for entryways, bedrooms or small sitting areas. Often featuring intricate details like carved wood or patterned upholstery, settees are especially useful in bringing visual interest to living rooms. Case in point: this restored vintage Paul Laszlo rattan sofa and this 1960s French Provincial settee in cane and wood. Modern variations, blending classic elements with contemporary materials, provide stylish solutions for smaller living rooms.
11. English Roll-Arm Sofa
Known for its plush comfort, the English roll-arm sofa features low rolled arms and a deep cushioned seat. Its relaxed silhouette makes it a great fit for both casual and formal settings, and it is often upholstered in softer fabrics, like velvet or cotton, for a cozy yet stylish look and feel. English roll-arm sofas are often used as statement pieces, upholstered in vibrant patterned textiles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most popular sofa style?
The modular sofa is dominant in today’s interiors, thanks to its versatility and space-maximizing design. Perfect for large families or open-plan living, it adapts easily to almost any room layout. From sleek, minimalist silhouettes to plush, oversize designs, the modular style strikes the ideal balance between function and style, making it an ideal centerpiece in contemporary homes.
What are small sofas called?
Small sofas are called settees. These charming cousins of loveseats are suitable for most spaces. The name derives from settle—a wooden bench with arms and a high back that was a staple of traditional design for centuries. With their slender upright profiles and shallow seating, settees are a great fit for entryways, intimate nooks and narrower spaces.
What is a sofa without a back called?
A backless sofa is generally called a recamier or divan. Similar in appearance to a chaise, with a scrolled headrest and footrest, the recamier is considered slightly more refined than the divan. Both are rooted in neoclassical design and provide a sense of openness in a living room. They’re also useful for dividing spaces or adding sculptural flair.
What is a Chesterfield?
A Chesterfield is a classic sofa design that’s defined by deep, button-tufted upholstery, rolled arms and a low back the same height as the arms. Chesterfields originated in 18th-century England and are traditionally made with leather, providing a warm, clubby look to a living room.
What are the most common types of sofas available?
The sectional sofa, a perennial favorite, is easily configured for modern living rooms, balancing form and flexibility. The Chesterfield, with its signature tufted leather upholstery and stately rolled arms, contributes a feeling of timelessness. The loveseat adds compact elegance to intimate spaces, while the sofa bed offers dual functionality, seamlessly transitioning from daytime to night. The cabriole sofa, nodding to tradition with its exposed wooden frame and graceful curves, is ideal for those looking for a sense of refinement.
Which type of sofa is best for small living spaces?
The loveseat presents one solution for tight urban living spaces, which seem to shrink with each new build; compact and designed for two, it has a small footprint great for cozy areas. Sofa beds, meanwhile, provide day-to-night utility. A sectional with a chaise is also worth considering, hugging walls with precision while offering ample seating. All these pieces can redefine functionality in smaller rooms, while addressing the challenge of furnishing limited square footage.
How do I choose the right sofa for my home decor style?
Start by studying the room’s overarching narrative — its color palette, textures and nuances. A sofa can blend into this story or, with the right design and fabric, provide a deliberate contrast that elevates the entire space. Practicality, too, plays a part: Consider the room’s scale and purpose, ensuring that the piece fits the space without overwhelming or underperforming. Ultimately, a sofa should strike a balance as an aesthetically pleasing object but also one that encourages relaxation and complements the rhythms of your everyday life.
