The ultimate guide to sofa styles: Find the best sofa for every room

Sofas come in a wide variety of styles and shapes, each designed to suit different needs, spaces, and aesthetics. Whether you’re looking for a deep, cushioned seat for lounging, a sleek and structured design for a formal living room, or a versatile piece for a family space, there is a style that can be considered the best sofa for your home.

Even contemporary sofas often incorporate design elements that enhance comfort, support, and visual appeal, whether it’s the curve of the arms, the shape of the legs, or the structure of the seat. Understanding the different types of sofas can help you choose the perfect piece for your space, combining style and functionality.

The Chesterfield Sofa

The Chesterfield sofa is one of the most instantly recognisable styles, often associated with Victorian interiors but still widely popular today. Its defining features include a low back with arms of the same height, deep buttoned upholstery, and often leather covering. The design originated in the 18th century, commissioned by the Fourth Earl of Chesterfield, and was intended as a formal yet comfortable seat for gentlemen’s clubs and drawing rooms.

Modern Chesterfields maintain the iconic deep buttoning but often include softer arm curves and bench-style cushions for enhanced comfort. The design remains versatile, fitting both traditional homes and contemporary spaces.

The Howard-style sofa

Developed by Howard & Sons in the nineteenth century, the Howard sofa is celebrated for its comfort. Characterised by low “knuckle” arms, a sprung back, and generous cushioning, it offers a relaxed yet elegant seating option. Feather-filled cushions over a sprung base create a balance of softness and support, making it one of the most enduringly popular sofa styles.

Modern interpretations of the Howard sofa suit a variety of interiors—from grand period houses to modern lofts—demonstrating its timeless versatility.

The Knole sofa

Originating in the first half of the seventeenth century at Knole House in Kent, the Knole sofa is a statement piece. Its most distinctive feature is the high, drop-down sides secured with tasseled ropes around wooden finials, which match the height of the back. Traditionally, large loose cushions added comfort to the otherwise firm structure.

Today, the Knole remains a striking focal point in a room, particularly when upholstered in rich velvet or plain linen, emphasising its enclosing, sculptural shape.

The camel back sofa

The camel back sofa is synonymous with the Georgian period. Its central hump, reminiscent of a camel ’s silhouette, is paired with scroll arms and cabriole or square legs, reflecting formal elegance. Named after Thomas Chippendale’s designs, it was originally intended for drawing rooms, promoting a refined, upright posture.

Later eighteenth-century versions, such as the Katzsic by Max Rollitt, maintain the sculptural form while using traditional horsehair upholstery, offering historical authenticity alongside visual appeal.

The Lawson sofa

The Lawson sofa, named after American industrialist Thomas W. Lawson, was designed in the early nineteenth century with comfort in mind. Its distinguishing features include a straight back, deep seat, and lower square arms, often paired with three loose seat cushions.

Its simple, functional design has made it a favourite in modern interiors, offering a relaxed seating option that blends classic appeal with everyday practicality.

The Tuxedo sofa

The Tuxedo sofa emerged in the early twentieth century, recognised for its sleek lines, arms at the same height as the back, and formal yet minimalist aesthetic. Initially popular in Art Deco interiors, it is often upholstered in leather or fine fabric.

Contemporary Tuxedo sofas may be modular or sectional, adapting the clean, geometric design to modern living spaces while retaining a sense of sophistication.

The Mid-Century Modern sofa

Mid-Century Modern sofas prioritise simplicity, functionality, and lightweight proportions. Designers such as Hans Wegner and Florence Knoll created pieces with low profiles, wooden legs, and minimal ornamentation. Upholstery choices often include wool, tweed, or leather, and colors range from muted neutrals to bold statement shades.

These sofas remain highly popular for their timeless style and versatility, blending seamlessly into both contemporary and retro-inspired interiors.

The sectional and modular sofa

Modern sectional and modular sofas evolved from historic chaise longues and daybeds. These designs provide customisable seating arrangements, offering options for lounging, conversation, and maximising living space.

Corner units, chaise ends, and additional modular pieces make it possible to configure a seating area tailored to any room, combining historic comfort principles with today’s functional demands.