There’s a Very Important Difference Between a Sofa and a Couch
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There’s nothing better than spending a lazy Sunday lounging on your sofa… or is it a couch? Odds are, you’ve been using the terms sofa and couch interchangeably, and understandably so. Furniture brands lump the two pieces into the same seating category, and unless you went to interior design school, you might not think about which term applies. But in the industry, there actually is a difference between a couch and a sofa.
The difference between a couch vs. sofa largely comes down to formality and use. We’re breaking down the differences between the two furniture styles, the subtleties that make them unique from each other, and the models you’ll see in each category.
What Is a Couch?
Merriam-Webster defines the word “couch” as a piece of furniture used for sitting or reclining. When you think of a couch, think about comfort. A plush seat, soft frame, and cozy upholstery are all definable qualities. Relaxation is also in the very etymology of the word—it's derived from the French cucher, which means “to sleep.” A couch is often used in less formal living spaces like dens, family rooms, media rooms, and basements. It's made for kicking back during game nights and binge-watching the new season of Love Is Blind.
What Is a Sofa?
Typically more structured and decorative, a sofa is more for looks than comfort. Picture a formal, Bridgerton-esque, sitting room, or an occasionally used foyer—those seating pieces are more often considered sofas. Though the word “sofa” was first used in Turkish and Italian to describe a raised carpeted area, Merriam-Webster now defines it as “a long-upholstered seat usually with arms and a back and often convertible into a bed.” When shopping for a sofa, you'll often see more structured silhouettes and less cushy fill.
Which Style Is Right for You?
While not every couch is a cloud and every sofa a secret sleeper, it’s important to understand what you’re getting when a retailer distinguishes between the two. If your priority is comfort and having a place to lounge the weekends away, opt for a couch with a plush, foam seat and an equally supportive back cushion. However, if you simply want extra seating for entertaining, or if you prioritize structure and statement over nap-ability, a sofa sounds like the right piece for you.
Types of Couches and Sofas
Love Seat
A love seat is a smaller piece of furniture that can comfortably seat two people. Visually, a love seat will have two distinct seats and back cushions.
Standard
Often with comfortable seating for three to four people, a standard couch or sofa is the most common style you'll see when shopping. A standard sofa is usually between 72 and 100 inches in length.
Sectional
A sectional sofa or couch comprises multiple, modular units to make a larger piece of furniture. You'll often see U-shapes, L-shapes, and sofas with an added chaise on one or both sides.
Sleeper
A sleeper sofa can be converted into a bed. Most often, you'll see models where a folded mattress is hidden in the base of the sofa beneath the seat cushions. Sleeper sofas do not include daybeds or futons.
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