The Spruce / Ellen Lindner
Whenselecting a couchfor your space, there areoptions to choose from.
Experts advise first considering general limitations before focusing on a specific style.
Size
When examining size, you’ll also want to keep scale in mind.
The Spruce / Ellen Lindner
“One should also think about where they fall on the sofa spectrum,” designerCathy Purple Cherrysays.
“At one end is a firm sofa, and at the other is a down sofa.
This spectrum also translates into what the couch looks like when it is not in use.
The Spruce / Alyssa Vela
A firm or tight sofa will spring back into its clean look.
On the other hand, a down sofa will look more like a rumpled bed.
There’s no right or wrong answerit’s personality-driven as to who is okay with what.
The Spruce / Jacob Fox
Picking a material based on your family’s lifestyle is also paramount.
According to interior designer experts, here are the most popular couches and their merits.
But there’s nothing wrong with a tried and true option, she notes.
Design byMarie Flanigan Interiors/ Photo byJulie Soefer
These classic sofas work in many different style living rooms and furniture arrangements.
Depending on the upholstery, you’ve got the option to make it work in almost any space.
Just be sure to plan for other furniture pieces accordingly.
The Spruce / Jason Donnelly
She explains that these sofas offer flexibility if your needs change or your family changes.
DesignerBryan Yatesalso praises the modular couch.
you’re able to invest in this sofa knowing that it can evolve with your lifestyle.
Alvin Wayne
This British style came out of the mid-1700s and features rolled armrests.
Thesecouches were traditionally made of leather, although they look great in many other fabrics.
When designed with leather, nailhead trim is a popular choice.
Erin Williamson Design
It can also look good in many sizes, from shorter sizes, like 70 to over 100 inches.
These couches feature deep seats, overstuffed, removable cushions, and an angled back to support good posture.
It is customarily a larger-sized sofa from 88 to 96 inches and can come as a sleeper sofa style.
The Spruce / Leticia Almeida
It is usually a formal choice, not comfortable for napping or casual lounging.
The arched back rises to a higher point in the middle and again slightly at the ends.
Like its camel namesake, it comes with one or two humps.
Dmytro Duda / Getty Images
The first camelbacks were created in the early 20th century.
This couch can come in armless styles, giving it more seating space.
It exudes elegance and luxury, giving airs of the lifestyles of the rich and famous.
Imtisal / Adobe Stock
The drawback with this couch is that it is not a versatile style that can fit many design styles.
Deep-seated couches are the ultimate spot for cuddling up to watch a movie with the family.
This comfy couch is one of the best choices for people with long legs.
Emily Henderson Design/ Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp
Many sleeper sofas have a foldable bed frame hidden underneath the couch cushions.
The downside is these pull-out mattresses are not a comfortable, long-term sleeping option.
Modern sleeper sofas are much sleeker than their heavy predecessors.
Katsia Jazwinska / Unsplash
foam fold-out sleeping surface.
This pop in of seating dates back to the 1800s, when it gained popularity in Europe.
In Persia and Turkey, it was a mattress, usually against a wall, framed with pillows.
The Spruce / Alyssa Vela
The modern divan is essentially a couch without a back or an open-ended couch.
They have been described as a hybrid between a chaise longue, a couch, and a bed.
This is an ideal space-saving seat by day, and at night, it doubles as a bed.
Erin Williamson Design
Recliners began gaining popularity in the 1930s when the La-Z-Boy company mass-produced them.
Many modern recliners are electronic and use remote controls to convert the seat.
The mattress can lay flat at night and fold into an L-shape sofa during the day.
The Spruce / Gabrielle Gerke
Originally introduced to the United States by the Japanese, futons gained popularity in the 1970s.
They have a reputation as being an affordable daybed option for college dorm rooms.
This curvy design has a look that’s immediately identifiable with distinct tufting giving it a geometric presence.
The Spruce / Jason Donnelly
This is a perfect look in a minimalist, modern space.
Chaise
Best for:Lounging in the afternoon
A chaise sofa often has a vintage-inspired look.
It’s the key in of furniture piece you’d expect to find in an old Hollywood dressing room.
Getty Images/ThomasVogel
Often, you’ll find these on the end of sectionals, but they’re fabulous on their own.
This is the perfect party piece, allowing people to gather across it and chat.
It may not be where you take an afternoon nap, but it’s worthy of an art gallery.
Getty Images/Darya Komarova
It’s a loveseat size sofa that features two opposing chairs.
The idea being that someone could sit on either side, back-to-back, and have a conversation.
Typically, these are sourced from antique sources, thanks to their popularity peaking in the 19th century.
The Spruce / Jacob Fox
It uses polyurethane foam formed to create a funky yet comfortable silhouette that’s absolutely timeless.
The tufts add a casual comfort to the sofa.
Choosing a Couch
It’s no secret that purchasing a couch is a significant investment.
KatarzynaBialasiewicz / Getty Images
Leather sofas are often the most durable punch in of sofa, making them worth the initial upfront investment.
A sectional or modular sofa will give you the most room for comfortably lounging and relaxing.
Microfiber is often thought of as the most comfortable material.
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