Did you know there are over 20 different types of sofas? Most people don’t realize there’s quite a long list. Most sofa styles are categorized by their size, arm and back shape, and function. From traditional style to mid-century modern, there are plenty of styles and functions to choose from that best fit your comfort needs and interior design taste. Not sure which sofa style is the best for you? We’ll help you navigate the world of sofas and let you know what the most popular sofas styles are so you can find the perfect fit for your living space.
Reclining Sofa
Reclining furniture has come a long way from your dad’s favorite reclining chair. Now, both modern and classic sofa styles can come with reclining features that make these types of sofas so popular. These sofas are perfect for those looking to create a comfortable living room experience perfect for relaxing, watching movies, or socializing. Some even come with cup holders and center consoles to store items such as remotes and wireless chargers.
Mid-Century Modern Sofa
Simple, clean lines are what define the mid-century modern sofa style. This popular sofa style often features tapered legs and minimalist features reminiscent of design from the 1950s and 1960s. On top of adding comfort and function to the room, this classic often works well as a focal point in your space, especially when paired with a bold-colored fabric or with sleek leather.
Traditional Style Sofa
The traditional three-seat sofa is the classic sofa style that comes to mind most often and it’s one of the most popular. These sofas come in a wide array of colors and covers, including leathers, and give you plenty of style options to fit your design preferences. Some have removable cushions and some even have reclining mechanisms! Traditional sofas pair well with two-seat sofas and accent chairs to add extra seating options in the living room.
Camelback Sofa
As the name implies, this sofa style’s main design feature is a “hump” in the center of the back. The back is higher in the center than it is on the sides, adding a bit of elegance to the look of your room. The traditional design of the camelback makes it perfect for a more formal living room. Depending on your living room’s decor, this classic sofa style looks great with a subtle print fabric, neutral colors, or a pop of color with velvet.
Chesterfield Sofa
Perhaps one of the most recognizable classic sofa styles, the Chesterfield sofa suggests elegance and dignity. Defined by its tufted back and large rolled arms that are the height of the back, the Chesterfield design will never go out of style. Choose a luxurious velvet or a strong leather to give your living room an extra boost of comfort and style perfect for reading your favorite novel or sitting by the fireplace.
Sectional Sofa
Sectional sofas are one of the most popular sofa styles. Sectionals are made of multiple independent pieces and can often be arranged in different configurations, making them easy to fit into different room layouts and optimize your space as much as possible. This type of sofa is desirable to people who want a lot of seating. Whether you’re looking to entertain guests or have a troop of children, sectionals are a practical and versatile sofa style.
Cabriole Sofa
This classic sofa style’s most recognizable quality is the exposed, carved wooden frame and legs that give any room a subtle formal look. The arms and back are generally equal-height and the arms curve inward. Cabriole sofas can range from sleek designs to more ornate decorations often found on antique pieces. Recently, the Cabriole sofa style has forgone the exposed frame and adopted a more casual design.
Choosing between different types of sofas might seem overwhelming at first with so many to choose from, but it gets easier once you know the functions, styles, and designs you’re looking for. From casual, everyday sofa styles to more formal and classic sofa styles, you’re now “in the know” about the most popular sofa styles of today. Keep these styles in mind when you’re shopping for your next sofa to create the living room of your dreams!
FAQs
Chesterfield, track arms, curved and modular sofas are in style at the moment. The most popular sofa has to be modular, since custom, shapeable comfort will only continue to grow this decade.
What is the trend in sofas in 2024? ›
In 2024, neutrals continue to dominate with their versatile appeal, with grays, beiges, and soft whites at the forefront. These shades maintain their popularity due to their ease of styling within various decor themes.
What sofa fabric is on trend? ›
Velvet continues to reign supreme, but with a twist. Explore textured velvets that add dimension and tactile appeal to furniture. From subtle patterns to bold embossing, these fabrics invite touch and elevate the overall sensory experience.
What color sofa never goes out of style? ›
It's no secret that blue and gray are the most well-liked color combination. Some people are given a grey couch and a blue rug. A blue sofa with grey accessories is a common choice, though. Sofas with a blue color scheme will always be stylish.
What color couch goes with everything? ›
In Most Cases, Go Neutral
"Neutrals like beige, gray, black, cream, or brown can work well in many spaces," Rizwan explains, as they can easily blend with different color schemes and styles over the years.
What color sofa is timeless? ›
A white sofa is timeless. Plus, you can add whatever accessories suit your mood. This is one look I will never fall out of love with. When selecting white for upholstery, check the stain-resistance rating of the fabric and choose fabrics that can easily be cleaned and bleached if needed.
Are grey sofas out of fashion? ›
Designer Kathy Kuo says gray is just fine, and for sure is still on trend, as long as you use it in moderation. 'If you love gray and you take care with your color scheme and furniture choices, there's no reason you can't have a perfectly stylish home with gray interiors,' says Kathy.
What color furniture is popular now? ›
Neutral tones such as beige, ivory, and taupe continue to dominate the furniture scene. These versatile colors create a sense of calm and sophistication, making them perfect for any room. Whether you opt for a neutral-colored sofa or a set of dining chairs, you can never go wrong with these timeless hues.
Should your sofa be lighter or darker than walls? ›
If Your Walls Have a Light Shade
On the other hand, having a darker sofa can make a stronger impact and serve as an eye-catching focal point in the room. A darker sofa can also be more practical, especially if you have children or pets.
What color sofa makes room look bigger? ›
'A light-toned sofa in neutral colors, such as beige, cream, light gray, or white, can create a sense of openness in any room. These soft hues reflect the natural and artificial light that enters the room, making the space look brighter, airier, and more spacious.
Leather is a leader in this category because cleaning is easy to scrub and can avoid most stains. However, with white, cream, or ivory-hued leather, this stain-resistance is not always the case. We love charcoal, black, and chocolate coloured skins, great for families with kids or messy friends.
What is the most popular couch style? ›
Today, sectionals are an incredibly popular style of couch. Sectionals like the West Elm Harmony Modular Sectional (best sectional couch) provide more seating, making them a good solution for large families or big rooms.
What color couch is popular now? ›
Neutral couches in shades of gray, beige, and brown have dominated the market in recent years. However, based on current color and design trends, as well as psychological factors that influence decor preferences, the most popular couch color in 2024 will be gray.
What fabric lasts the longest on couches? ›
Structured fabrics, microfiber, chenille, and velvet, which are considered to be very durable, will work especially well in the family living room. One of the most durable materials is natural leather, but it is both luxurious and expensive.
What is the most common sofa? ›
Traditional Style Sofa
The traditional three-seat sofa is the classic sofa style that comes to mind most often and it's one of the most popular. These sofas come in a wide array of colors and covers, including leathers, and give you plenty of style options to fit your design preferences.
How do I choose a timeless sofa? ›
The arm of your sofa says a lot about its overall style. Overly styled arm styles like sock, rouched, or pleated can make your sofa look dated while more classic choices such as track, English, tuxedo, or chesterfield arms age more gracefully.
