A sofa’s style comes down to the details. When shopping for this living room centerpiece, you might know the general look you like, but not what specific elements are called.

Maybe it’s the deep tufting and rolled arms that catch your attention. Or perhaps you prefer a low profile, clean lines, and tapered legs. That’s where a little furniture vocabulary can come in handy. Knowing the names for different sofa styles makes it easier to explain what you like, compare options, and narrow your choices before you dive into size, upholstery, or configurations.

Below, we’re breaking down the sofa styles you’ll find at Raymour & Flanigan. Think of it as a primer on the names worth knowing, and a starting point for finding the right fit for your space.

The Most Common Sofa Styles

Our most common sofa styles include Chesterfield, Lawson, English roll arm, mid-century modern, and tuxedo. Here’s what makes each one unique:

Chesterfield

A Chesterfield sofa is a traditional style known for its deep button tufting and rolled arms that are typically the same height as the back.

Named after Philip Stanhope, the Earl of Chesterfield in the 18th century, its timeless silhouette makes it perfect for transitional and traditional rooms that skew more traditional. Prominent tufting across the back and often inside the arms, along with substantial rolled arms, are signature details of a Chesterfield. Nailhead trim may be added as another decorative touch. Initially designed for gentlemen’s lounges or libraries, today’s Chesterfields come in a wide variety of fabrics and colors beyond the classic leather look.

Lawson

A Lawson sofa is a relaxed style with loose back and seat cushions, padded arms that sit lower than the back, and a simple, versatile frame.

Designed originally as a more comfortable alternative to formal furniture, the Lawson is still considered one of the most adaptable sofa styles. Arms may be squared, rounded, or subtly rolled. A classic Lawson sofa often has three plush seat cushions.

Because of its easy lines, a Lawson can lean traditional, transitional, or eclectic depending on upholstery and other details. It’s an especially popular choice for casual living rooms and family spaces where comfort is part of the look.

English roll arm

An English roll arm sofa is a heritage-driven sofa with low, curved arms and a relaxed, inviting profile.

The arms are the true giveaway: they gently curve outward and slightly slope downward, creating a slimmer look. A staple of English country manors in the 1800s, this style often has deep cushions, a tight back, and a relatively low profile, giving it a cozy aesthetic.

English roll arm sofas fit easily into traditional, transitional, cottage, and relaxed rooms, but their softer lines can also balance more modern furnishings.

Mid-century modern

A mid-century modern is a streamlined sofa recognized by its sharp lines, a low back and arms, visible tapered legs, and minimal ornamentation.

Many mid-century modern sofas have relatively narrow arms, a tight back, and raised legs that help lighten its visual weight. Wood and metal accents and solid-color upholstery are also common.

It pairs naturally with other mid-century furnishings, but the cool silhouette can be equally at home in contemporary or eclectic rooms.

Tuxedo

The tuxedo sofa style is recognized by its crisp, tailored silhouette with straight arms that are set at the same height as the backrest.

The boxy profile features straight geometric lines and sharp corners created where the arms meet the back and low or exposed legs. This look can include tufting on inside cushions, sleek exposed legs and straightforward track arms.

A tuxedo sofa can be a striking statement piece in a formal living room or bring drama to a modern, minimalistic room.

Contemporary

A contemporary sofa has a current, uncomplicated feel that puts the focus on comfort, clean design, and versatility.

Because contemporary style isn’t defined by a specific silhouette, detail, or aesthetic, its look can evolve with changing design preferences; what is considered contemporary today will look different in several years. Contemporary sofas prioritize comfort and can feature deep seating, plush cushions, and a range of profiles. Upholstery tends to lean neutral or tonal, although color and texture can add personality without overwhelming the design.

A contemporary sofa can fit seamlessly into modern living spaces or bring a fresh, updated element to a room that blends different furniture styles.

Different Sofa Arm Styles

Arm shape factors into sofa design more than most people realize: it can influence a sofa’s appearance, comfort, and even usable seating space. Arm shape is only part of a sofa’s overall style, but it can be one of the easiest details to notice when drawing comparisons.

Roll arms have a rounded profile and a softer, more traditional appearance. Depending on their size and shape, they can make a sofa feel substantial and inviting, and even double as a comfortable headrest.

Track arms are straight, squared arms with sharp, vertical lines, and the slender widths leave more room to sit. Common on contemporary, modern and mid-century sofas, track arms help keep compact rooms from feeling heavy or overwhelmed.

Sock arms are fully upholstered arms with a padded, gently rounded or squared shape, and no pleats or gathers. Similar to a traditional rolled arm, but with the simpler, pared-down look of modern furnishings, a sofa with sock arms works nicely in transitional rooms.

Flared arms angle outward from the base, creating a distinctive silhouette that can feel both vintage and contemporary. The flare allows slightly more elbow and shoulder space, although it adds width without increasing seating space.

Pillow-top arms have a soft, pillow-like cushion attached to the top of the arm. They are a common feature on sectionals and reclining sofas making them well-suited to family rooms, media rooms, or dens.

Other Details That Can Influence a Sofa’s Look

The arms are only part of a sofa’s overall appearance. Here are other parts of the picture:

A tight back has upholstery fitted directly over the frame instead of separate cushions, resulting in a neat, tailored appearance. A loose back means removable cushions that can give a sofa a softer, more lived-in look.

Sofa legs can also impact the overall impression. Tapered wood legs are a common mid-century modern look, while turned or carved legs can have a more formal feel. Low or concealed legs generally create a more grounded appearance.

Tufting adds texture and visual interest. Deep button tufting is particularly associated with Chesterfield sofas, while shallower tufting can be found across a range of other designs.

Deep seating refers to a deeper-than-average seat that allows you to fully sit back and stretch out or curl up. It can create a relaxed, lounge-friendly feel that is often enhanced with soft cushions and upholstery. There are many deep-seat sofa styles, from contemporary to traditional.

These details don’t belong to just one style. A sofa might combine a track arm with traditional upholstery or pair tapered legs with a more contemporary profile. Looking at the complete shape rather than single features can give you a better sense of its overall design.

How to Choose a Sofa Style for Your Room

The best sofa style is one that works with the room’s architecture, existing furnishings, proportions, and the way you want the space to feel.

Start with the room

Look at the details that are already part of the room. Molding and woodwork naturally work with a more classic or formal sofa style. A room with simple lines and minimal details may be the perfect spot for a more casual or streamlined design.

Remember, not everything needs to match. Mixing pieces can help a room feel interesting and inviting. A traditional sofa can soften a modern space, while a sleeker one can keep a room with more traditional architecture from feeling overly formal.

Consider the furniture you already have

Your sofa doesn’t need to match every piece in the room, but it should feel like it belongs there. Look at the shapes, finishes, and proportions of your existing furniture.

If your room already has substantial, traditional pieces, a similar size may feel more cohesive. If the room is filled with sleeker pieces, a streamlined sofa may be a better complement.

Think about scale & flow

A sofa’s style affects more than appearance. A large rolled arm or heavily upholstered sofa can have a visually significant presence, while a sofa with narrow arms and raised legs may feel airier in the same amount of floor space.

Consider how much room is open for walkways, tables, chairs, and other furniture. A style you love can feel out of place if its proportions overwhelm the room.

Before choosing a sofa, make sure you also have the right dimensions for the space. Our Sofa Size Guide can help with measurements and planning.

Make comfort part of the decision

Two sofas with a similar look can feel very different depending on seat depth, cushion construction, back height, and arm shape.

If you like the appearance of a particular style, start there, then think about how you use your sofa: Someone who likes to sit upright may have different preferences than someone who likes to stretch out, curl up, or nap.

Sofa vs. Loveseat vs. Settee vs. Sectional: What’s the Difference?

A sofa, loveseat, settee, and sectional are all upholstered seating pieces, but they differ primarily in size, seating capacity, and configuration.

A sofa is a larger upholstered piece designed to hold multiple people. Typically constructed with a continuous seat and back, sofas can accommodate three or more people.

Sofas are the most common choice for primary seating and come in a wide range of styles, sizes, arm shapes, and upholstery options.

A loveseat is a compact upholstered sofa designed to comfortably hold two people.

Its smaller footprint makes it a smart choice for apartments, bedrooms, offices, sitting areas, or as a partner to a larger sofa.

For a closer look at the differences, see our sofa vs. loveseat guide.

A settee is a small upholstered seat designed for two people, often with a high back, raised legs, and sometimes a decorative silhouette. Settee and loveseat are sometimes used interchangeably, but a settee often has a more bench-like feel: compact and upright with a shallower seat. They’re common in bedrooms, entryways, nooks, and other spaces where a full-sized sofa would be too much.

A sectional is a sofa made up of independent sections that connect to provide extended seating, typically in an L-shaped or U-shaped configuration.

Because a sectional takes up more floor space than a typical sofa, it’s especially useful for larger living rooms, open floor plans, or areas in need of generous seating.

Putting Sofa Styles Into Perspective

Learning sofa styles gives you the vocabulary to recognize what you like.

Start by noticing details that catch your eye: Maybe it’s the eye-catching tufting of a Chesterfield, the relaxed cushions of a Lawson, the soft curve of an English roll arm, or the clean lines and tapered legs of a mid-century modern sofa. Once you know the style you’re drawn to, you can begin to think about the things that will help narrow your options: size, configuration, upholstery, comfort, and how it will work with the rest of your room while meeting the needs of your family.

When you have the right terms, you're better prepared to move from “I like that sofa” to “This is the sofa style I'm looking for.”

Sofa Style FAQs

Is a sectional a sofa style?

No. A sectional is a sofa configuration rather than a style, so it can come in nearly any design. Sectional or modular sofas are popular choices largely because of their setup flexibility, generous seating, and casual comfort. Made of individual units that lock together, these sofas can be arranged in an L- or U-shape, or a traditional straight line. Sectionals can easily adapt to your needs, from lifestyle changes to a move to a new home.

To learn more about configurations, measurements, and placement, see our guide to buying a sectional sofa.

How do I know which sofa style fits my room?

Start with the room’s architecture and the pieces already in it – carved wood and rich color lean traditional (Chesterfield, roll arm); clean lines and a neutral palette lean modern (track arm, mid-century). Then confirm the scale with our Sofa Size Guide.

What is a settee?

A settee is a small two-seat sofa, usually more upright and formal than a loveseat, often used in an entryway, bedroom, or as extra seating rather than as the main sofa.