Is that a sofa or couch? A couch or sofa? How can I tell the difference? These are easily some of the most frequently asked questions we get from customers. The truth is, many in the furniture industry, particularly in North America, use the terms interchangeably with “sofa” being the more professional term. However, there are a couple slight differences between sofas and couches. Sofas are more formal and have prominent backs and armrests. Sofas are for sitting. On the other hand, couches are less formal and are more often used for lying on.
Our goal for today is to cut through the industry jargon, and provide you with a better knowledge of something we’re passionate about here at WFMO – furniture! Below, we’ll dig into the definitions for each term and their history of usage. Once we understand where these words come from, it’s easier to understand the differences between them.
What is a Sofa?
The term “sofa” is a Turkish transliteration of the Arabic noun “suffah”, which is a bench or raised platform meant for sitting or reclining. Traditionally, a suffah would be draped in fabric and adorned with cushions.
True to its origin as a bench-like piece of furniture, sofas have well-defined arms and back. In addition, sofas are usually upholstered. While you can certainly recline on a sofa, they are primarily meant for sitting. As such, sofas tend to be more formal and are perfect for the living room.
What is a Couch?
To be honest, there aren’t too many differences between sofas and couches; the biggest difference is their intended use. The term “couch” is a derivative of the French verb “coucher”, which means to go to bed or lay down. Based on this early definition, couches are clearly meant for lounging about. In other words, sofas are meant for sitting while couches are equally meant for lying down.
Lastly, while a couch may indeed have a defined back and two armrests like a sofa, it doesn’t always. A couch may have only one arm, or none at all! Given this fact, couches have a less formal appearance and are most at home in the den, bonus room, or “man-cave”.
WFMO: Where North Georgia Shops for Sofas and Couches
Hopefully we’ve answered all your questions about how sofas and couches are different! As we discussed above, most people use “sofa” and “couch” interchangeably. As a result, we’ve listed sofas & couchestogether on the WFMO website. Whether you’re shopping for a sofa, couch, loveseat, sectional or recliner, you’ll find a wide variety of brands priced for any budget at Woodstock Furniture & Mattress Outlet!
FAQs, Glossary of Terms, and Related Materials Coming Soon!
In the near future, we’ll be starting an archive on our website just for users like you! This collection of articles and blog posts will include answers to our customers’ most frequently asked questions, a glossary of common furniture terms, and posts like this one teaching about furniture and decor topics. As always, check our blog again soon for updates!
FAQs
Sofas are for sitting. On the other hand, couches are less formal and are more often used for lying on. Our goal for today is to cut through the industry jargon, and provide you with a better knowledge of something we're passionate about here at WFMO – furniture!
What is difference between a sofa and a couch? ›
The term "couch," believed to be derived from the French word "couche," is used to describe "a piece of furniture with no arms used for lying." On the other hand, Merriam-Webster defines a "sofa" as "a long, upholstered seat usually with arms and a back, and often convertible into a bed."
Why do Americans say couch instead of sofa? ›
Couch is predominantly used in North America, Australia, South Africa, and Ireland, whereas the terms sofa and settee (U and non-U) are most commonly used in the United Kingdom and India. The word couch originated in Middle English from the Old French noun couche, which derived from the verb meaning "to lie down".
Is a sofa bigger than a couch? ›
Couches are typically smaller, designed to seat two to three people. Sofas are larger than couches and are designed to accommodate four or more persons. It is very likely that you've also seen a two seater sofa, which is appropriately referred to as a loveseat.
What is the difference between a sofa and a couch and a davenport? ›
In the Tug Hill and Adirondack regions in New York, a davenport may refer especially to a couch which, like a modern futon lounge, converts on pivoting hinges from a sofa to a bed. In other areas of North America, the word davenport is used for a futon-style sofa with storage under the seat area.
Who says sofa vs couch? ›
Today, the American public uses either word, whether or not the piece of furniture has arms. However, some people consider the word “couch” to be less formal than “sofa.” And sofas might sound as though they are more costly and refined than couches.
How much does a nice couch cost? ›
The cost of a quality sofa can vary significantly, ranging from $500 to over $10,000 or more, depending on factors such as style, construction, and brand. For a well-designed, mid-range sofa that will provide years of comfort, a budget between $1,000 and $3,000 is recommended.
What is American slang for sofa? ›
COUCH: The word couch comes from the french word “coucher”, which means to lay down or go to sleep.
Do British call it a sofa or a couch? ›
Americans tend to use the word couch, alongside Australians, and South Africans. While sofa is generally used across the UK, and the word 'settee' tends to be used a bit more in the North of England.
What is the posh way of saying sofa? ›
An upholstered seat for two or more people can be called a settee. The word chesterfield can specifically refer to a large, overstuffed sofa with a tall back and arms.
Sofas tend to be slightly bigger than couches, so they're typically better for larger spaces. "If your space is more formal, and the seating will be used for entertaining, conversation, and in various types of gatherings in formal but comfortable arrangements, a sofa may suit your needs," says O'Connor.
What is the most popular sofa size? ›
Sofa Length: Though sofas can be anywhere between 70" and 96" long, standard three-person sofas tend to be between 70" and 87" long, and the most common length is 84".
Is a 72 inch sofa too small? ›
In general, the width of a small sofa (A) is 72 inches or less, the width of a standard sofa (B) is 84-88 inches and the width of a grand sofa (C) is 96 inches or more. Once you've chosen a sofa style and size, you can get an even better idea of what the presence of the sofa will be like in your space.
What is the old name for a couch? ›
It was called a 'sopha' for a long time still, but the word 'sofa' was settled upon when a dedicated item of furniture came to wealthy homes in England via France in the 17h century.
Why is it called a divan? ›
Divans received this name because they were generally found along the walls in Middle Eastern council chambers of a bureau called divan or diwan (from Persian, meaning a government council or office, from the bundles of papers they processed, and next their council chambers).
Is a sofa a couch or loveseat? ›
A sofa, often referred to as a couch, is a larger seating option, typically designed to accommodate three or more people. With widths usually exceeding 72 inches, it's the go-to choice for larger living spaces or households with multiple members.
What's the difference between a couch a loveseat and a sofa? ›
A couch, a divan, and a sofa are the same thing, a seating piece that seats 3 or more people, depending on the length. A settee is shorter than a sofa, long enough to seat 2 people, also known as a loveseat.
Which is British sofa or couch? ›
Sofa is the preferred variant throughout the UK, followed by settee, and finally couch. However, there is variation in the degree to which this variant is preferred in each of these major regions.
