Couches come in two ways: by shape (how many seats, and whether it turns a corner, reclines or becomes a bed) and by style (the arms, back and legs that give it its look). Pick the shape that fits your room and household first, then the style you love.
Couch vs sofa vs settee: is there a difference?
In everyday American English, couch and sofa mean the same thing: an upholstered seat for two or more people. Traditionally, “sofa” suggested a more formal piece with arms and a back, and “couch” (from the French coucher, to lie down) a more relaxed one. A settee is a small, often more upright two-seater, a term more common in the UK. A loveseat is a sofa sized for two.
Types of couches by shape
| Type | What it is | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Standard sofa | A three-seat sofa, usually 72–96″ wide. | Most living rooms. Shop sofas |
| Loveseat | A two-seat sofa, usually 52–72″ wide. | Small rooms and apartments. Shop loveseats |
| Apartment sofa | A compact sofa with slim arms and a shallow depth. | Studios and tight spaces. Shop small sofas |
| L-shaped sectional | Two sections meeting at a corner. | Corners and family rooms. Shop L-shaped |
| U-shaped sectional | Three sections wrapping around a space. | Large rooms and big families. Shop U-shaped |
| Sofa with chaise | A sofa with an extended seat to put your feet up. | Lounging without a full corner. Shop sofas with chaise |
| Modular sofa | Separate seats and corners you can rearrange. | Changing rooms, tight doorways. Shop modular |
| Sleeper sofa | A sofa with a bed that pulls or folds out. | Guest rooms and small homes. Shop sleeper sofas |
| Futon | A mattress on a frame that folds from sofa to bed. | Budget and occasional sleeping. |
| Reclining sofa | Seats that tilt back with a footrest. | TV and media rooms. Shop reclining sofas |
| Curved sofa | A sofa with a rounded back and arms. | Conversation areas, floating in a room. Shop curved sofas |
| Deep-seat or oversized sofa | Extra seat depth for lounging. | Tall people and nappers. Shop deep-seat sofas |
Types of couches by style
| Style | How to recognize it |
|---|---|
| Cloud couch | Low, deep seat, wide squared arms and thick, soft, overstuffed cushions; often modular. Shop cloud couches |
| Chesterfield | Deep button tufting, rolled arms the same height as the back, often in velvet or leather. |
| Mid-century modern | Clean lines, slim arms, low back and slender tapered wooden legs. Shop mid-century sofas |
| Lawson | Loose back cushions and arms set lower than the back; a relaxed classic. |
| Tuxedo | Arms and back at the same height, forming a clean, boxy outline. |
| English roll arm | Low, tightly rolled arms, a tight back and turned legs. |
| Camelback | A back that rises in a hump in the middle; traditional. |
| Track arm | Straight, squared arms; the most common modern look. |
| Bridgewater | Low arms rolled outward and a skirt; casual and comfortable. |
| Cabriole | An exposed wooden frame and a curved back; formal, antique-inspired. |
Types of couch fabric
Most couches are upholstered in fabric (chenille, velvet, corduroy, linen, microfiber or performance fabric) or leather (genuine or faux). Each wears differently: see fabric vs leather, and the best couch fabric for dogs and cats if you have pets. Shop by fabric: chenille, corduroy, velvet, leather and faux leather.
How to choose the right type
- Measure the room and the route in. Shape follows space. See the sofa size guide.
- Count the seats you need every day, not just for guests. A sleeper or a chaise can cover the occasional extra.
- Decide how you sit. Loungers suit deep seats and cloud styles; upright sitters suit standard depths and tighter backs.
- Then choose the style that suits your room.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most popular type of couch?
The standard three-seat sofa and the L-shaped sectional are the most common choices for living rooms, with modular and cloud-style sectionals growing fast.
What is the difference between a sofa and a sectional?
A sofa is one straight piece; a sectional is made of two or more sections that form an L, U or other shape.
What is a settee?
A settee is a small, often more upright two-seat sofa. In the US the word is used less often than loveseat.