5 Sofa Styles To Consider When Shopping For A New Couch

On The Couch

Thinking of buying a new couch and not sure which sofa styles to consider? Whether it’s Netflix bingeing, napping, chatting, smooching, reading a book or cheering on your team, the sofa is the most communal piece of furniture in the house. It needs to be robust, comfy and look great, all of the time! Exhausting…

So, let’s dive into what you should know to make a sofa choice you won’t regret.

Sofa With Fixed Seats

This sofa style seat cushions are stitched into place, they can’t be flipped or rotated, and they won’t creep out of place. This expresses a more tailored or structured look and can give firmer support. 

What you need to know is that extra fabric is used to upholster, which limits the strain on the seams when compressed during sitting. So, while there’s no fussing about with fluffing you will find that the fabric moves (looks like stretching) and requires “dressing”, which means smoothing out the fabric after you’ve taken a seat.  Skip this step, and over time you’ll up with some permanent creases.

Sofa With Loose Cushioned Seats

The cushions are individually wrapped and are free to adjust when you settle in. It’s more of a relaxed vibe. Go for feather-filled cushions if you’re into a cosy setup. Just remember, they need plenty of fluffing to keep them plump. If fluffing isn’t your thing, there are synthetic options like Ergofill. It’s like the hybrid of a duvet and foam.

Also, be aware that cheaper suppliers may not upholster the underside of the cushion meaning you cannot flip them to manage wear and tear and longevity.

Sofa With Slipcovers

Slip-covered sofas are generally made from linen and evoke a laid-back look and feel. These are popular with those who love the look of a light-coloured sofa but want the ability to launder and replace as necessary. There’s also the added advantage of having a couple of options on hand to change up your look. Due to their loose fit, there is a tendency to wrinkle mostly around the skirt, so if you don’t like a lived-in look this is not the style for you.

Legs or no legs?

Grounded sofas are strong and sturdy-looking and, as the name suggests, are low-slung to the floor. This sofa style is perfect for family hangouts and, dare I say, a bit of jumping. Their visual weight is perfect for filling large spaces.

On the flip side, sofas with legs can be elegant or even edgy. Hovering above the ground they create a sense of openness which is perfect for smaller spaces. And for those with asthma and allergies, it is easy to clean under regularly. 

Armrests

Armrests are primarily functional but also define the style, so it’s important to consider how you’ll most use the sofa and what the priority is. Higher armrests are better for leaning although too high and you may not comfortably reach the side table. Low armrest styles are great for laying around and perching, but you need to compensate with a cushion if you feel like sitting in a leaning position.

So, that’s the lowdown on sofas. Of course, there is correct fabric selection, pattern and colour that I could bang on about but that’s a whole other post. There’s so much more than aesthetics – it’s about compatibility, sustainability and everyday comfort. An experienced designer considers all of this and more when selecting this most important piece in the design puzzle.