Sofa Styles and Characteristics

Sofa Styles and Definitions

1. Bridgewater Sofa

  • Description: Characterized by low, set-back arms and an elegant profile.
  • Features:
      - Usually skirted.
      - Softly rolled back is a common variation.

2. Cabriole Sofa

  • Description: A Louis X-style sofa.
  • Design: Features a back that curves into the arms in a down-swept continuous line.
  • Materials: Typically includes wood trim and carved wood legs, which may be curved.

3. Camelback Sofa

  • Description: Named for its back, which resembles a camel's hump.
  • Characteristics:
      - Features straight lines.
      - Usually includes a long individual cushion for the seat.
      - Innovated by Thomas Chippendale.

4. Chesterfield Sofa

  • Historical Background: Dates back to the 18th Century.
  • Design: Deep-buttoned or tufted sofa with arms and back of the same height.
  • Material: Often made of leather.
  • Meaning in the UK: Refers to any sofa that features buttons and quilting.
  • Cushion Design: Typically, seat cushions are fixed.

5. English or Club Sofa

  • Features:
      - Scrolled arms with curved backs that are higher than the arms.
      - Visible legs are a common characteristic.

6. Fainting Sofa

  • Description: Characterized by a back with one raised end.
  • History: Dates from the 19th century.
  • Purpose: Typically used by women to lie down when fainting, often located near staircases.

7. Futon

  • Functionality: A type of sofa that can be folded down into a bed.
  • Design: In certain models, a futon mat acts as both a mattress and seat cushion.

8. Knole Sofa

  • Historical Reference: Based on an early to mid-17th century design for the Knole house in Kent, England.
  • Design Features:
      - Straight high back.
      - Angled arms that can be adjusted to open out or stand up straight to keep out drafts.
      - Back and arms traditionally connected with finials wrapped in cords.

9. Lawson Sofa

  • Design: Features a low, squarish back with arms that are lower than the back.
  • Variations: Can have square or rolled arms.

10. Mid-Century Modern Sofa

  • Characteristics:
      - Has straight, squared lines and a streamlined form.
      - Often features low, square legs.

11. Sectional Sofa

  • Description: Modular seating designed from multiple components.
  • Components: Includes armless sofas, end and corner units, ottomans, recliners, or chaises.
  • Style: Typically clean-lined and modern.

12. Tuxedo Sofa

  • Design Features: Arms are the same height as the back.
  • Cushion Options: The back may have one, two, or three cushions.
  • Origin of Name: Derived from Tuxedo Park in New York; earlier versions featured arms that curved outward.