Question 1

Who says sofa vs. couch?

Accepted Answer

Who says sofa vs. couch comes down to geography and profession. In the United States, many people commonly use the word couch, though some also say sofa. American interior designers and those working in the U.S. furniture industry tend to use the word sofa, which is the preferred term in the UK and Canada. Couch is also the more common name in Ireland, South Africa and Australia. On 1stDibs, explore a wide range of sofas.

Question 2

What's the difference between a couch and a sofa?

Accepted Answer

Today, the words couch and sofa are used interchangeably. In reality, however, a sofa and a couch are different types of furniture. A sofa is defined as an upholstered bench with cushions, two arms, and ample seating space, whereas couches are quite small, armless, and are used to lie down.

Question 3

What is the difference between a couch, a sofa and a lounge?

Accepted Answer

The difference between a couch, a sofa and a lounge is often design. Technically, couch, sofa and lounge are synonyms and can generally be used to describe an upholstered seating solution designed to seat two or more people. However, some people do differentiate between the words. Among those who do, a couch is normally simpler and less formal than a sofa. A lounge can be a longer sofa designed to provide more space for laying down, or a chaise longue, a one-person sofa with a backrest on one end that enables users to sit with their feet elevated. Find a large collection of sofas, couches and lounges on 1stDibs.

Question 4

What is a vinyl couch?

Accepted Answer

A vinyl couch is a couch made from a chemical called polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which gives it a matte finish. Vinyl couches are smooth to the touch and tend to resemble leather but have less luster than a leather sofa. These couches are quite durable, lasting for many years without cracking like leather. Shop vinyl couches on 1stDibs.

Question 5

What are the most comfortable couches?

Accepted Answer

There are many kinds of comfortable couches-- it's really a matter of preference. on 1stDibs, you can find a variety of Modern, Art Deco, Victorian, Regency, among many other styles of couches.

Question 6

What is a camelback couch?

Accepted Answer

A camelback couch is a sofa that features a curvy back with an arch in the middle that resembles the back of a camel. Depending on the design, the hump can be very prominent or very subtle. You'll find a range of camelback couches on 1stDibs.

Question 7

What is an infinity couch?

Accepted Answer

An infinity couch is a sofa that consists of separate pieces that you can arrange in different ways. A modular sofa is another name for this type of seating solution. On 1stDibs, shop a range of modular sofas.

Question 8

How can I identify my couch?

Accepted Answer

To identify your couch, look for the maker's markings. Manufacturers choose different places for markings. Some will sew a label onto a cushion or mark one of the legs. Others place their markings on the underside of the frame, so it may be necessary to turn your couch onto its side to locate the marking. Once you've found it, you can search trusted online resources to find out who made your couch and then review information about that particular manufacturer to learn more about your piece's age, style and other characteristics. If you'd like assistance with the process, use the services of a knowledgeable antique dealer or certified appraiser. Explore a wide range of antique, vintage and contemporary couches on 1stDibs.

Question 9

What is a sectional couch?

Accepted Answer

A sectional couch is comprised of individual pieces that can be arranged in different positions.

Question 10

What is a modular couch?

Accepted Answer

A modular couch differs from traditional couches in that they comprise a series of various moveable sections called modules. They generally include a wide range of options such as moveable arm pieces or chaises longues. These couches offer great flexibility as you can set each module according to your needs. Find a collection of antique and vintage modular couches on 1stDibs today.

Question 11

What is a cloud couch?

Accepted Answer

The terms “cloud couch” or “cloud sofa” may refer to two specific designs — Restoration Hardware‘s Cloud Sofa is a plush white sofa with no hard edges and an oversized seat upholstered with goose-down stuffing. The other design known by this name is Adrian Pearsall’s low-profile Cloud sofa, one of the contributions to mid-century modern furniture design for which Pearsall is recognized today and among the initial concepts for Craft Associates, the now-legendary furniture company he founded. On 1stDibs, you will find a collection of antique, vintage, and contemporary sofas from some of the world’s top dealers.

Question 12

What is a couch table?

Accepted Answer

A couch table is a long, narrow table with storage space below that is placed behind a sofa and stands no higher than its back.

Question 13

What is a studio couch?

Accepted Answer

A studio couch is a multifunctional sofa often used in small spaces, such as single-room studio apartments. It usually features a backless design and an adjustable frame. By sliding the frame, a user can convert the sofa into a double bed, so they can sit and sleep on a single piece of furniture. Find a large selection of sofas on 1stDibs.

Question 14

What is a chaise on a couch?

Accepted Answer

A chaise is different from a couch or sofa. A comfortable common ground between sofas and daybeds, early iterations of chaise longues were discovered in Ancient Egypt and were later frequently used in both Greece and Rome. The chaise longue is based on a modern French design and is also known as a chaise lounge. This low reclining seat, known in English as a "long chair," has an elongated design with a low back that reaches about half the length of the furniture, allowing a sitter to put their feet up and relax. Shop a range of antique and modern chaise longues and sofas from top sellers and makers around the world.

Question 15

What is a Turkish couch?

Accepted Answer

A Turkish couch is a long, low sofa, usually composed of a very thick mattress-like cushion and a wooden frame. Some styles feature arms like traditional sofas, while others are armless. You may sometimes see this type of furniture referred to as a divan. On 1stDibs, shop a wide range of couches.

Question 16

What is a small couch called?

Accepted Answer

A small couch is called a settee. They’re common in living rooms and other shared areas because they allow you to cozy up to someone and have a conversation with them. Settees are typically small seats that can fit two or more people. Shop a collection of antique, vintage, and contemporary settees from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.

Question 17

What is the best upholstery for a couch?

Accepted Answer

There are various options available for upholstery for a couch – it is a matter of preference. When selecting the upholstery, it is important to be aware of the cleanability, durability, resistance to dirt, and fading. A higher thread count ensures that the upholstery will last longer. Shop a range of antique and vintage upholstered couches on 1stDibs.

Question 18

What is the purpose of a fainting couch?

Accepted Answer

The fainting couch was a seating spot available to women who would faint from having their corsets on too tightly. The silhouette of the couch has a traditional backing like a regular couch with one end open. Browse a selection of fainting couches on 1stDibs.

Question 19

What is a Victorian fainting couch?

Accepted Answer

A Victorian fainting couch is a piece of furniture that has one raised end and one low end. It accommodates one person who rests their back against the high end and stretches their legs out along the seat. Today, this piece of furniture is known as a chaise lounge. Find a selection of fainting couches on 1stDibs.

Question 20

What is the most durable couch fabric?

Accepted Answer

The most durable couch fabrics are cotton and linen.

Couches And Sofas

2010s American Modern Sofas

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

21st Century and Contemporary American Sectional Sofas

Vintage 1980s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

2010s American Modern Sofas

2010s American Modern Sofas

2010s American Modern Sofas

2010s American Modern Sofas

2010s American Modern Sofas

2010s American Modern Sofas

2010s American Modern Sofas

20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Sofas

2010s American Modern Sofas

2010s American Modern Sofas

2010s American Modern Sofas

2010s American Modern Sofas

2010s American Modern Sofas

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Sofas

2010s American Modern Sofas

2010s American Modern Sofas

2010s American Modern Sofas

Vintage 1980s French Sofas

2010s Italian Modern Sofas

2010s American Modern Sofas

Vintage 1960s Italian Sofas

2010s American Modern Sofas

Mid-20th Century British Art Deco Sofas

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

2010s American Modern Sofas

Vintage 1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Antique Late 19th Century Italian Sofas

Antique Early 19th Century Danish Biedermeier Sofas

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

2010s American Modern Sofas

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Sofas

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Sofas

Mid-20th Century French Sofas

2010s Turkish Arts and Crafts Sofas

Late 20th Century American Mission Sofas

Antique 19th Century British Regency Sofa Tables

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Vintage 1980s American Post-Modern Sofas

2010s American Modern Sofas

Late 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Sofas

21st Century and Contemporary British Modern Sofas

21st Century and Contemporary British Modern Sofas

Late 20th Century Swiss Modern Sofas

21st Century and Contemporary French Post-Modern Sofas

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Early 2000s American Modern Sofas

Vintage 1950s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Vintage 1960s English Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Couches And Sofas For Sale on 1stDibs

How Much are Couches And Sofas?

Read More

How Top Designers Are Using Mid-Century Chairs in Today’s Interiors

All the Furniture in This Organic Modern Soho Loft Can Be Yours

20 Inviting Dining Rooms Perfectly Arranged for Entertaining

Nobody Puts This Sunny Sofa in a Corner

The 21 Most Popular Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Fred Rigby’s Modular Seating Can Be Configured in So Many Handy Ways

This Chubby-Chic Quilted Stool Stands on Its Own Two Feet

Is Lionel Jadot the Willy Wonka of Upcycled Belgian Design?

More Ways To Browse