In this series, we’re looking at all different kinds of couches, so people can be informed about what’s out there and the decision can be easier when they come to our showroom to see some sofas in person.
In the first article of this series, we discussed some important considerations you need to think about when you start your search, such as the size of the room in which the couch will live (such as a den, family room, living room, etc.), the overall room decor and house style, as well as who will be using it.
In this article, we’ll take a look at some actual couch styles. Specifically, we’ll look at classic sofas, because you’ll never go wrong with the classics!
Chester or Chesterfield Sofa
This is a classic sofa with curved arms and low back with the same height. Upholstered with a continuous capitonné (quilted upholstery with a series of buttons distributed geometrically), which served as English lounges in the early nineteenth century.
Nowadays, these mythical sofas adapt to any style, giving them a sophisticated and elegant touch. However, they are more suitable for classic or vintage decorative types. Originally they were upholstered with leather, but now we can find Chester sofas in velvet, fabric or leatherette, and different shades.
The downside? It is sturdy and rigid, so sometimes people find them to be a bit uncomfortable. But they are beautiful, indeed.
Tuxedo Sofa
Like the Chesterfield sofa, the arms and back of the Tuxedo Sofa style are the same height.
The Tuxedo is a highly refined sofa design. Its most prominent identifying features are the arms and back, which create a perfectly straight line. Also, the backrest is not padded or cushioned under the upholstery.
Some people think that the Tuxedo sofa reminds them of a Chesterfield, and admittedly, there are many similarities. But the Tuxedo, we think, offers a more elegant and modern look than the heavy Chesterfield.
Like the Chesterfield, the Tuxedo sofa features a button tufting on the back. However, quite often this is just a row of buttons that are more decorative than anything else.
Mid-Century Sofa
Like everything mid-century modern, the Mid-Century Sofa is very classy and elegant. These sofas are upholstered with classic fabrics and are ideal for placing at walls without corners to preside over the room. They usually have three seats or more.
Because the fabric upholstery comes in a wide range of colors and patterns, you should no doubt be able to pick a sofa that perfectly matches the rest of the room’s color scheme.
Chaise Longue Sofa
This class of sofas have an extension in one of the seats so that you can lie down comfortably. Hence its name, “Chaise,” which means “long chair” in French.
When considering a chaise lounge, however, keep in mind that they are large pieces of furniture and will take up a lot of space–so we recommend installing them in larger living rooms. Otherwise they’ll dominate the room and leave little space for people to walk or get comfortable.
All that being said, in recent years, chaise lounge sofas have become favorite places in the house to relax and enjoy with the family. Besides stretching your legs, the sofa can serve as an extra seat when we have lots of guests and can even function as a bed. In short, a sofa that allows us to maximize comfort and give a modern touch to the space.
Cabriole Sofa
This style of sofa typically features a carved wooden frame and a long curve at the back and legs.
The Cabriole sofa is reminiscent of the seats of the old horse-drawn carriages. And this is not a random resemblance. This sofa design is originally from the 18th century and is inspired by the shapes of the seats of the oldest transports.
The characteristic curves of the back and arms of this sofa are what make it identifiable. It is a line of wood without upholstery, which curves and lengthens from the base of one arm to the bottom of the other in a very particular and uninterrupted way.
A Cabriolé sofa may or may not have cabriole style legs. Although its upholstery can be created with various other fabrics, velvet is still the most identifiable. Some designs of a Cabriolé sofa may include decorative elements of non-upholstered wood, both on the backrest and the arms. However, more modern models have eliminated these ornaments to make the sofa more comfortable.
What’s Next?
There’s a lot to consider when thinking about finding the perfect couch, and we’re just getting started! In our next article, we’ll dig into more modern styles of couches.
But if you already know what you want, then come on into our showroom and see our couches for yourself. You won’t be disappointed!
