Sofas are designed with quality and comfort in mind. As more modern seating becomes available the more types and names are brought into the market. In the outdoor patio furniture arena people are starting to transition over to sofa/loveseat combos for their furniture instead of the traditional table and chairs. What is the difference between a loveseat and a settee? Is there a difference between a chaise longue and a chaise lounge? Read below for all your answers on sofas.
Couches and Sofas
Sofas will usually sit at least three people comfortable at a time. The word sofa is actually a derivation of the Arabic word “suffah,” meaning bench. The word couch, on the other hand, comes from the French word “coucher,” meaning to lie down.
Davenport – What is it?
This is a large couch that may be upholstered. This sofa came about in the late 1897s. With these being upholstered you will not find these type of sofas outside, but good info to know nonetheless.
Chesterfield
The Chesterfield is a couch with arms as high as its backrest, named after the Earl of Chesterfield in 1900.
Loveseats – What is it?
Loveseats are simply couches meant for two people, although some two-seater couches are still considered couches and not loveseats. Loveseats and full sized couches go hand and hand. Where a full sized couch fits three people loveseats fit two people and go together well. An outdoor seating variation of the loveseat is the tete-a-tete. They are made to be intimate two seaters.Many of the nicest outdoor loveseats are made for resin outdoor furniture.
Settees – What is it?
Did you know that the word settee is a broad term for all couches? Most people will know it as a two seater bench that has armrests and a back.
Chaise Lounge – What is it?
The chaise lounge was derived from the frech word chaise longue which translated to long chair. This chair is also referred to as a chaise or sun lounger. Also known as the fainting couch in the early England times as it allowed people to fully lay down on it. Chaises will usually have two arms and a backrest with an extended seat for people to stretch out on.
Sectionals – What are they?
These couches combine multiple sizes to create a big couch that is usually L shaped. What you will find with sectionals is that they have a lot of extra features over regular sofas. Some have armrests, drink holders, footrests or a chaise. They are normally composed of 3-4 pieces that connect at a curved or 90 degree angle, forming a characteristic L shape.
Sleeper Sofas – What is it?
These have cushions that remove from the couch and then a bed inside of it that pulls out. They have been in use for about the last 60 years, and are great space-saving items of furniture.
Sofas come in a number of flavors. You will need to go out and see what you like before making a decsion as they come in different shapes, colors, sizes, materials and patterns. Indoors couches are usually made from plush fabrics, micro-suede, leather and more. Outdoor sofa seating is made from durable materials like wood, metal or resin, often with the addition of waterproof cushions. Deep-seating is one particularly popular style, in which chairs and sofas are set lower to the ground and have doubly thick cushions for added comfort.
