Sofas and Couches
What's the difference between a sofa and a couch?
These days? Not much. Historically, the two words had different origins and indicated slightly different kinds of furniture for sitting or lying on. Today, however, the terms are pretty interchangeable — both describe a long, upholstered piece of furniture with room for several people to sit — though “sofa” may have a more formal connotation and “couch” a more casual one. In the furniture industry we say sofa, but you can use whichever word best suits you and the way you use your piece.
What's the difference between a sofa and a sectional?
A sectional is a type of sofa. Sectionals are larger and offer more seating than a standard sofa or couch, with room for four people or more. Sectionals, sometimes called modular sofas, are made up of several pieces that connect together. Popular configurations include the classic L-shape, the larger U-shape, or the convenient chaise option. You can find all of our sectional sofas here.
Which sofa materials last the longest?
There are many durable options for your sofa fabric. Here are four popular choices:
- Leather: Incredibly durable and only gets better-looking with age.
- Microfiber: Usually made of polyester, microfiber is easy to maintain.
- Cotton: Breathable, easy to clean, and super durable.
- Polyester: Can be woven into a variety of fabric types and is known for its durability.
Which sofa materials are pet-friendly?
Good thing our four-legged friends are so cute, because the messes they can make sure aren’t.
- Leather: Spills are easy to clean up and minor scuffs and scratches can often be buffed out.
- Microfiber: The tight weave of microfiber resists pet hair and scratch marks.
- Cotton: Slipcovers and removable cushion covers are easy to throw into the washing machine, making cotton a great choice for families with kids and pets.
- Polyester: Polyester is known to resist stains better than natural materials, so it’s also a great choice for households with kids and pets.
How long should a good sofa last?
Quality furniture, when well-cared for and routinely cleaned, can last for years.
What are common types of sofas?
There are many kinds of sofas in addition to the standard three- or four-seater and larger sectionals. Other popular sofa and couch styles include reclining sofas, sofa beds, chaise sofas, armless sofas, tight back sofas, and camelback sofas.
