Just like me, i had no idea that "couch" and "sofa" are different. I was guilty of calling all seats in the home sofas.
What Is a Sofa?
As designers say, though, a sofa is a more formal piece primarily placed in a living room or family room.
What Is a Couch?
Contrary to the more formal sofa, a couch is a casual, lounge-friendly piece that belongs in the bedroom, office, or library.
When to Say Sofa vs. Couch
Sofa
Term is more commonly used in the design industry
Piece is seen as more formal
Term refers to a piece placed in a main living area or family room
Couch
Term is used more colloquially
Piece is seen as more informal and for lounging
Term refers to a piece placed in a bedroom, office, or library.
Historically speaking, a couch and a sofa are two different things. The term "couch," believed to be derived from the French word "couche," is used to describe "a piece of furniture with no arms used for lying." On the other hand, Merriam-Webster defines a "sofa" as "a long, upholstered seat usually with arms and a back, and often convertible into a bed."
In the old days, the difference between a couch and a sofa seemed to be arms—or lack thereof, meaning "sofa" is technically the correct term.
Design
As the above distinctions regarding formality may suggest, couches are designed for comfort.
"They may have more relaxed and softer designs, sometimes with overstuffed cushions and a more casual appearance.
Sofas often have a more structured and polished look with cleaner lines and a more tailored design.
Of course, even within these two categories, there are plenty of key distinctions to consider when evaluating one piece versus another.
Jessica Green, director of upholstery at Four Hands, explains that all shoppers should think about their household and family habits, noting that performance fabric is best for those who are concerned about spills or pet hair.
Placement
If you're wondering whether sofas and couches should be styled interchangeably, Sofas are generally used in the main living area of the family room when you're sitting with a group of people.
"A couch would be used in a bedroom, office or library where you'd like to lounge, read a book or sit less formally, usually alone and not in a group setting.
It isn't a surprise that couches are generally tucked away. After all, the French verb "coucher" refers to lying down and sleeping.
Fun Facts
Now that you know the similarities and differences between a sofa vs. couch, you may wonder what defines a settee, loveseat, or divan. Here's the scoop:
A settee is a smaller version of a sofa/couch with a high back on raised legs and is not meant for lounging.
A loveseat is a smaller version of a sofa/couch that fits two people and can be meant for lounging.
A divan is a sofa/couch without a back, usually set against a wall, and possibly with an arm or two, and depending on the comfort level of this upholstered "bench," it can be used for lounging.
How to Determine Which Piece is Right for You
Determining whether a sofa or couch is most suitable for you simply depends on the type of space you are furnishing. A sofa is best for a formal living room while a couch or an informal sectional sofa would be ideal for the basement or playroom.
Additionally, a sofa is ideal for a room with more limited square footage—and vice versa for a couch.
"In smaller spaces, a sofa with a sleeker design can be more suitable as it typically offers a more compact footprint, making it easier to fit without overwhelming the room.
When it comes to larger spaces, a couch, especially a sectional, might be preferable due to its ability to provide more seating and better fill the room proportionately.
Note that when you are shopping online, retailers may still use these terms differently than how the designers above do, so it will be helpful to search both words. Before determining whether to order a sofa versus a couch, ask yourself the following questions:
How large is my space?
How formal is my space?
Where would I like to place this piece of furniture within my space?
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