The most prominent accessory in your living room, the sofa, comes in dozens - if not hundreds - of styles. You must have surely heard of the popular ones like Chesterfield, Futon and Divan, but there are actually a lot more out there to explore. Here are 9 of the most popular sofa styles one can find in a typical online furniture store.
1. Chesterfield
It’s said that the first Chesterfield sofa was commissioned in the 1700s by Lord Philip Stanhope, Earl of Chesterfield, England. He wanted a sofa which is comfortable to sit on, yet does not wrinkle. This is what has resulted in its well known quilted style.
2. Mid-Century Modern
It may look new, but this style of sofa actually started in the 1930s! It was popular from the 1930s to the 1970s and then made a comeback in the 21st century. Based on minimalist design principles, mid-century modern furniture has stood the test of time and continues to thrive - it’s now called contemporary modern. Slight design changes have taken place in the last decade, especially in the shape of the sofa legs.
3. Futon
These easily unfold into a large flat surface to sleep on. Great for the guests.
4. Divan
Divans are quite popular in India! They don’t have a back and offer a lot of flexibility with pillow placement. They are usually covered with traditional woven prints or patterns.
5. Sectional
The first sectional sofas were conceived in the Victorian era by hurriedly pushing together two to three smaller sofas. In the modern era, sectionals are made using 3 to 5 pieces or sections. They’re possibly the most heavily customized furniture out there. Usually, they are built in an L-shape to fit in the corner. Sometimes they may also be made in a U-shape.
6. Bridgewater
Designed to seat three, the Bridgewater is a traditional design from England. It’s made in a way that it looks elegant, yet does not overpower any other elements of the room. It has slightly rolled arms, a softly rolled back and a ‘skirt’ that hides the legs. The preferred material is fabric rather than leather.
7. Chaise-Lounge
The first chaise-lounges were used in Ancient Greece and Ancient Egypt - it was common for nobility to relax with a glass of wine or a bowl of fruit in a semi-reclined fashion, rather than be seated at a table. They made a comeback in 16th century Europe serving the same purpose - facilitating casual social interactions. Modern chaise-lounges aren’t part of the main living room furniture; rather they can be kept as an accessory in another room.
8. Loveseat
'Loveseat' is an umbrella term for any 2 seater sofa, and not a specific type of sofa.
9. Cabriole
These sofas combine the back and arms into one beautiful curve. They can be made with a traditional or a modern look.
Final Words
So, why does the style of sofa matter so much? Simply because the entire look of the room is made by a sofa! For example, the slight difference between a Chesterfield and a Bridgewater, in truth, is not slight at all. A Chesterfield is a eye-catching statement that becomes the centrepiece around which other elements are designed, while a Bridgewater is a more subtle piece of furniture that allows other elements of the room to stand out.
When you browse through our online furniture store, it's vital to keep the look of the whole room in mind. And if you're facing the slightest confusion, give us a call - we are ready to help you out!