Are sofas and couches the same thing? How do you tell the difference between the two? In this guide, we will tell you everything you should know about these two pieces of furniture and, finally, put an end to the long sofa vs couch debate.
The terms sofa and couch are frequently used to describe the same piece of furniture. On the other hand, sofas and couches have a variety of style, construction, and size differences. The terms are used interchangeably by most people. Also, the word you pick to describe your furnishings does not matter either.
However, recognizing the distinction can be important when selecting a sitting solution for your house. In that case, let us take a deeper look at the difference between couch, sofa and chair.
Definition of Sofa
The Egyptian word for ‘sofa’ dates back to around 2000 BC. A ‘suffah’ is a wooden seat covered in cushions and blankets in Arabic. Sofas were a luxury only afforded to the wealthy in those days. Yet, the Romans began using them as chaise lounges.
What is a sofa made of?
Wood is the most common material for sofa frames, but steel, plastic, and laminated boards are all available. Furthermore, a sofa’s upholstery can be made from any material, artificial, natural or a combination.
The arms of a sofa, which also serve as decorative accents and places to rest, often determine its overall design. In fact, several types of sofas are popular for their arm patterns. For example, the chesterfield from Homelegance is a classic with rolled arms that goes nicely with any architectural style.
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Definition of Couch
What is a couch?
‘Couch’ is thought to be derived from the French word ‘couche.’ It is a term for a piece of furniture used for lying down that has no arms. The term ‘couch’ has a more informal connotation. On the other hand, a sofa exudes an air of polished refinement.
Skip Rumley, the creative director of Hickory Chair, says a couch is what you need if you are looking for a place to relax. In addition, it serves as a place for overnight guests to sleep. Moreover, it is fine to bring your kids along. Furthermore, Rumley points out that “your pets and children prefer couches to sofas.”
The frame, springs, padding, and cover are all components of a couch. Wood is the most common material for the frame. Other materials include stainless steel, laminated wood boards, and plastic. Meanwhile, corduroy, leather, or linen are commonly used for upholstery.
Differences between a Sofa and a Couch
So, returning to our original question, how can you tell the difference between a couch and a couch?
It is not hard to pinpoint a sofa vs couch difference.
The most important distinction is how they want to be used. According to the original definition of a couch, it is plainly supposed to be used for relaxing.
Even though couches may have a defined back and two armrests like a sofa, this is not always the case. In fact, a couch can have just one arm or none at all. As a result, couches are most suited for the man cave because of their casual aspect.
How to Determine Whether to Choose One Over the Other
Overall, deciding to buy a couch or a sofa will be based on three factors: room layout, seating amount, and design interior aesthetic.
With a sofa, every space will look more classy and elegant. On the other hand, a couch will appear more welcoming and cozy. Hence, choosing the right piece of furniture for your area begins with determining what will be utilized most of the time.
Even if you live alone and rarely have parties, a sofa is probably unnecessary. An easy way to figure out how many chairs you should have is to look at your dining room table and see how many seats you have in your living room.
Therefore, while a standard sofa or couch can accommodate three people, it may not do so in a manner that is conducive to their comfort. Some people do not want to sit next to one other in a way that makes them feel close to each other.
Ultimately, these are all things to remember while deciding between a sofa and a couch.
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Final Words: Sofa VS Couch
All in all, despite their divergent etymologies, the two words have essentially the same meaning. In that sense, no guy on the street will be pointing fingers at you to use either ‘sofa’ or ‘couch’ to refer to a piece of particular seating furniture in your living room. Unless you are a professional, it is not a big deal.
This explanation should be able to resolve the couch vs sofa conundrum, or vice versa, i.e., the sofa vs couch debate. Now you can call it whatever you want. At the end of the day, a sofa may be a more formal idea than a couch.
