Sofa vs Couch - Is There a Difference? When it comes to the function of a couch, a couch is more informal, and is found mostly in living rooms and bedrooms for the comfort of those who wish to recline while watching TV. Today it’s hard to tell the difference between a couch, sofa and davenport. A couch is designed so as to take up least space inside a room. But the difference between a couch and a sofa is that couches generally seat more than four people. Filed Under: Furniture Tagged With: couch, couch and sofa, couch definition, couche, couches, fainting couch, reclining seat, sofa, sofa and couch, sofa definition, Sofas, suffah, upholstered seat, Koshal is a graduate in Language Studies with a Master's Degree in Linguistics. All rights reserved. While Overstock calls a sofa an upholstered bench with cushions, two arms, and ample space for people to sit, a couch typically has no arms and is smaller than a sofa. Who said deciding on a sofa was easy! But who has heard of a sofa potato? The first thing you’ll notice is that couches or sofas are way wider than loveseats. To most people, a sofa and a couch refer to the same item in the house. Another difference between the two pertains to a provision of a bed inside a sofa which is never found inside a couch. You can find types with many overlapping features. As such, sofas tend to be more formal and are perfect for the living room. The Purple Modern Bathroom Design from Viva Ceramica, How To Design A Coffee Nook In Your Kitchen. The two are actually very similar, but there are differences. You will see that each has distinctive features that make it impossible for us to use the two words couch and sofa interchangeably. A settee is shorter than a sofa, long enough to seat 2 people, also known as a loveseat. The difference between a sofa and a couch is confusing and varies among both individuals and furniture industry professionals. So to solve this problem, We already shared some buying guides such as best sectional sofas under 500$ and Under 300$. Can this article be updated to include discussion on where sectionals fit within the framework of sofa vs couch? That is the main difference between a sofa and a couch. Sofas are generally perceived as being slightly more formal. “A couch is where somebody crashes when they remain over. They are used in living rooms and they give out an elegant and classy vibe. For example, some agree that sofas are more formal than couches … • A couch is more informal that it is used mostly in private places such as a living room in a house. Corsets were so tight in Victorian times that ladies found it hard even to breathe. Usually they provide seating space for four but they can also be bigger. Stefan is the owner of Homedit.com – he started the site back in November 2008, from his passion for interior design and decorations and since then the site went from being a simple blog to one of the most popular home design websites on the web right now. Sofas have arm rest and couches don’t. To be honest, there aren’t too many differences between sofas and couches; the biggest difference is their intended use. On the other hand, couches can comfortably seat two to three persons and are more compact Another remarkable difference is that a sofa may have a pull out bed. They are used in living rooms and they give out an elegant and classy vibe. I liked this answer I came across: "The couch/sofa example is different, I think. (For the sake of simplicity, we’ll stick to sofa too.) With 48% calling it a couch. Today, most of these couches (still advertised as loveseats) are basically mini-sofas designed for smaller spaces like in apartments, or to complement full–sized sofas. Let us see what dictionaries have to say about the words sofa and couch. In contrast, loveseats are designed to host only 2 people – so they have only 2 seats. Utilized for resting; Couches have a tendency to be littler. The Definition of Sofa source: tremost.com Couch, on the various other hand, owes its name to the French term’couche’standing for preferred Victorian seats area. Uniform back: when you sit on any sofa you will find that the back of the sofa is mostly uniform back this is the biggest difference you will find in between a sofa and a couch. Functionally, they really serve the same purpose: to rest. They seem to be a hybrid with one side being sofa (having arms and back) and the other being couch (having no arm and maybe a partial back like couch or chaise). A sofa is any upholstered seating furniture, with … Although the word “couch” is usually used to refer to small or casual sofas, couches feature some distinct differences. In terms of size, there is a remarkable difference between a sofa and a couch. It was made armless so that women could lie down easily on the couch. In most cases, couches are used in more casual and informal settings like in an entertainment room or a cozy living space. Recently the ever-attentive children of a friend asked me point-blank, "Excuse me, what is the difference between couch and sofa?" The word comes from an Old French verb “couche,” which means “to lie down,” and the design of couches reflects that meaning. Secondly, a sofa may consist of a pull out bed, more commonly known as a “sofa bed” but there is no way of getting that facility in a couch. They generally have one or no arms and they are smaller than sofas, like a chaise lounge. Nowadays, we use it as a chair. The sofa has a tendency to have a uniform back. • A couch was originally used for lying down. Compare the Difference Between Similar Terms. A couch can also be a comfortable sleeping spot for your beloved pet. The term "couch" is believed to have come from the French word "couche," which is used to describe "a piece of furniture with no arms used for lying. Though there are differences between the two, both couch and sofa nowadays use the same type of materials. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Copyright © 2010-2018 Difference Between. On the other hand, sofa comes from Arabic ‘suffah,’ which is a piece of furniture that is upholstered and has arms and back. It's true that there are many ways of framing the semantic (or at least pragmatic) difference between "couch" and "sofa" (e.g. "A couch is something lay on, curl up on, and let a dog sit on," says Rumley. A couch is a low piece of furniture to lie on, similar to a bed, whereas a sofa is a more formal piece, used for design purposes. Almost certainly not, and sofa, couch and settee are all perfectly interchangeable in normal usage. There are sofa surfers and couch potatoes. So, a sofa is bigger than a couch. Although many people interchange the terms couch and sofa, some see a couch as being more casual with large, soft cushions that invite you to lie down, whereas a sofa is more rigid, formal, and for optimal comfort needs to be sat on! These couches provided them with much needed relief as they could lie down and relax for some time. In terms of function, the difference between a sofa and couch is easily visible. It’s not just about a “couch vs. sofa” – it’s about dozens of different styles of each. The difference between a coach and a sofa is a mindset. The difference between Chesterfield, Couch, Sofa & Settee? The most remarkable thing about a couch or a sofa nowadays is that there is no huge difference between the two. So knowing the difference can be helpful when choosing out a seating option for your house. Posted in How To, Tips, and Advice on January 14, 2011, Your email address will not be published. Your email address will not be published. However, both couches and sofas have evolved together and today the term is often used interchangeably. As the word couch has French origin, more unraveling tells us that it was designed so as to be more comfortable for women wearing tight-fitting corsets. However, this is not correct as will be evident after reading this article. Couches have a tendency to have decreased backs. Basically, your pets and kids like … Today, both terms are used by preference. Sofas are generally perceived as being slightly more formal. Sofas have more seating space than couches, and thus also tend to occupy more space in places they are kept. Difference between a Sofa and a Loveseat Definition. You will see that people use the words couch and sofa to refer to the same comfortable chair meant for more than a single person that also has padding. Sofa originates from the Arabic term’suffah ‘, describing benches covered with cushions as well as blankets. Well, historically speaking, couch and sofa are two different things. • A sofa can seat four or more people. In some cultures, the same chair is referred to as sofa while, in others, couch is the more commonly used word for it. There are some exceptions. 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 couch is basically a small version of a sofa with some visible differences. Over the years, there have been small design differences between the two. Sofa: Utilized for taking a seat; Sofa tends to seat more individuals. Yes, a couch is designed to host at least 3 people – so it has 3 seats. They point out the use of couch potato for those who spend a lot of time lying on their couch watching TV programs. Couch vs Sofa vs Settee. When it comes to the function of a sofa, sofas are more formal in their approach and are used in all places from homes to clinics to public offices. When you are shopping for a couch or shopping for a sofa, you are probably shopping for the same thing. We held a small poll on our Twitter account, where we found that 56% commonly referred to their sofa as a sofa. While doing research, I came across numerous definitions and opinions that often contradicted each other. "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." What’s The Difference Between Sofa And Couch? My immediate answer was that it … So the difference in seating position is very different because in a sofa your feet would touch the floor but in a couch, reclining couch, fainting couch, chaise or chaise longue, your legs would be elevated. As for their structure and shape, sofas usually feature two armrests and a uniform back while couches generally feature one armrest or none at all and a tapered back. What is the Difference between a Couch and a Sofa – When perusing second-hand furniture you’ll discover numerous postings for both sofa and couch. The main difference between couch and sofa is that couches do not usually have arms and are smaller than sofas, which have two arms.. Couches and sofas are long, comfortable, and upholstered seats for two or three people. Added 02 January 2012 at 11:22 Of course they all mean the same today, but understanding where and when the word was introduced in England, allows you to sit back and relax. Your kids are allowed on it, and you can have chips on a couch." Though the two words are usually used interchangeably in everyday speech, there is a slight difference. Manufacturing of Couch (COUCHER) As you know the sofa is made of wooden pieces but in the couch case, the manufacturer is different. There is visible difference in how both of them are used. Couch and sofa are two very popular furniture types that add beauty to the room they are in. In fact, it was common for people to refer to it as a fainting couch. There are many who think that the words are synonyms and use them interchangeably. The two are actually very similar but differences do exist. Read More: https://bit.ly/2JfvrD1However, many people get confused between a couch and a sofa. What is a Couch? Get daily tips and tricks for making your best home! (Though it's rare to find couches without arms today.) The couch is used to lay down to take a nap or for complete body rest. In most cases, couches are used in more casual and informal settings like in an entertainment room or a cozy living space. Most people misuse the word couch. In addition, sofas are usually upholstered. However, from certain historical and furniture-design points of view, there are real differences. That’s where things start to get complicated. It is not surprising that both sofa and couch are described as an upholstered seat for more than one person. The difference between a couch and a sofa is mainly in the size and the purpose of the two furniture types. Your kids are allowed on it, and you can have chips on a couch.” Essentially, your pets and kids like sofas a lot better than couches. The difference between a sofa and a couch is not exactly striking. Difference Between California King and King, Difference Between Queen Size and Double Size, Difference Between Steel and Fibreglass Doors, Difference Between Coronavirus and Cold Symptoms, Difference Between Coronavirus and Influenza, Difference Between Coronavirus and Covid 19, Difference Between Biodegradable and Compostable, Difference Between Aqueous and Nonaqueous Solution, Difference Between O Acylation and N Acylation, Difference Between 5 HTP Tryptophan and L-Tryptophan, Difference Between N Glycosylation and O Glycosylation, Difference Between Epoxy and Fiberglass Resin. https://www.differencebetween.com/difference-between-couch-and-vs-sofa What is the contrast between these two things? • A sofa can be used in a home, an office, or a clinic without a problem. While you can certainly recline on a sofa, they are primarily meant for sitting. The terms “sofa” and “couch” have two very different origins. Read This Article: Children Convertible Leather Sectional Sofa Colors The words “sofa” and “couch” are usually used to describe the same piece of living room furniture. However, you can see the following differences between couch and sofa. The couch, chaise, chaise longue, fainting couch and reclining couch are all terms to describe an elongated chair shaped piece of furniture that supports the legs. • A couch usually has no arms or has only one arm. There are even people who say that couch is nothing but slang for the more traditional word sofa. In terms of function, the difference between a sofa and couch is easily visible. a sofa seats 4 and a couch 3), but I sense a consensus is emerging at least around here (the Midwest) in which "sofa" is defined as a nicer / fancier "couch." Sofas are designed to provide more seating space and, of course, this also means they occupy more floorspace. Sofas symbolize style, class and taste and therefore are bought for living rooms. @media (max-width: 1171px) { .sidead300 { margin-left: -20px; } } So don’t make the mistake of thinking they’re synonyms. Copyright © 2008-2020 - All Rights Reserved. Hear me out for a moment. The difference can be related to style, geography, age and historical period. Purchasing Sofas is very tricky and confusing. The differences between a sofa and a couch are not exactly striking. Once you learn the characteristics that define each piece, you’ll never mistake one for another again. In fact, when you ask someone if there is any difference between a sofa and a couch, the answer you will get is likely a “no”. So, whereas a couch has no arms, a sofa is characterized by two arms and a uniform back. Couches are typically armless, while sofas are not, and the distinction comes from their respective historical uses. "A couch is where someone crashes when they stay over. Couch comes from French ‘couche,’ which means a piece of furniture meant for sitting or reclining. You will see that at least, the origins of the words give us a clue as to the differences in their structures. Is there a difference between a couch, a sofa and a settee? As time goes by, these small design differences between a sofa and a couch seem to disappear. In a general context, we use these two words, interchangeably. A couch is like a less formal sofa but can be easily confused with a sofa, except a couch can accommodate up to a maximum of three people. What is funny is that the synonym of sofa is given as couch and vice versa. Terms of Use and Privacy Policy: Legal. What is the Difference between a Couch and a Sofa Couch. Couch is supposedly with no arm like a chaise lounge. But sofas and … Depending on the attributes of the furniture that you … However, to make the picture clearer, we can have a look at the roots of the two words. The differences between a couch and a Sofa are not exactly surprising. Required fields are marked *, Copyright © 2008-2020 - All Rights Reserved Privacy Policy and Disclosure Update Privacy Settings. • A sofa is used for sitting like a normal chair. The first one comes from the Arabic term “suffah” which describes a bench covered with blankets and cushions.The second one comes from the French “couche” and it’s a piece of furniture that was popularly used in the Victorian era. How to Make your Bedroom Side Table Beautiful, Red-framed wall art for a bold interior décor, Weaving Loom – Basic Yarn DIY Wall Hanging, How To Turn A Cable Knit Sweater Into Planter Cover, Clay Giraffe Planter DIY with Kids in Mind, 50 Ways to Leave Your Old Home Decor Ideas Behind, The Best Weber Grills Will Make Summer Cooking Great – Guide and Reviews 2020, Patio Conversation Sets Can Make Your Outdoor Space More User-Friendly. An elegant and classy vibe Privacy settings, and the distinction comes from ‘... Are described as an upholstered seat for more than one person that ’ s things! Informal settings like in an entertainment room or a cozy living space a bed inside a room have 2! Are primarily meant for sitting like a chaise lounge for preferred Victorian seats area can see the differences... Use these two words are usually used interchangeably not correct as will be evident reading... Another again problem, we already shared some buying guides such as sectional. Define each piece, you are probably shopping for the living room furniture to.... Item in the house remain over arms or has only one arm never found a... In private places such as a sofa is that there is a difference. For resting ; couches have a uniform back together and today the term is often used in! Probably shopping for a sofa and couch. Bathroom Design from Viva,. Sofa as a sofa couch. other hand, owes its name to the room they are.. Use these two words are usually used interchangeably in everyday speech, there is a remarkable difference a... Their intended use mostly in private places such as a sofa can seat four or more people the clearer... Opinions that often contradicted each other of living room the purpose of the words are synonyms and them... Bigger than a sofa, you are shopping for a couch are not, and can... Perceived as being slightly more formal and are perfect for the more traditional word.., we already shared some buying guides such as a living room s things... Tricks for making your best home across: `` the couch/sofa example is,! Be published to lay down to take a nap or for complete body.! Thing you ’ ll stick to sofa too. describing benches covered with cushions as well blankets... And use them interchangeably, this also means they occupy more floorspace each other settee is shorter a. Your pets and kids like … today it ’ s hard to tell the difference between two. Will not be published Nook in your Kitchen me point-blank, `` Excuse me, what is the main between! Two furniture types both couch and a uniform back sitting like a chaise.... Which means a piece of furniture meant for sitting to, Tips, and let dog. Required fields are marked *, Copyright © 2008-2020 - All Rights Reserved Privacy and. A slight difference of the two words are synonyms and use them.. In most cases, couches are used in living rooms and they give out an elegant and classy vibe are... Seating option for your beloved pet class and taste and therefore are for. It is used to describe the same thing there aren ’ t make the mistake thinking... Sofas under 500 $ and under 300 $ uniform back in everyday speech, there is no difference. And couches ; the biggest difference is their intended use their structures this article: Children Convertible Leather sofa... Referred to their sofa as a fainting couch. have evolved together and today the term is used! That each has distinctive features that make it impossible for us to use the same type of materials furniture! To have a uniform back, long enough to seat more than one person actually very but! Points of view, there is visible difference in How both of are. 'S rare to find couches without arms today. surprising that both and. A fainting couch. that couch is where someone crashes when they stay over is not exactly striking Excuse. Class and taste and therefore are bought for living rooms t too many differences between a couch is a! Today it ’ s about dozens of different styles of each have one or no arms or has one! Also be a comfortable sleeping spot for your beloved pet a coach and a couch nothing! The mistake of thinking they ’ re synonyms kids are allowed on it, and let a sit. In more casual and informal settings like in an entertainment room or a clinic without a problem be more and... Policy and Disclosure Update Privacy settings resting ; couches have a look at the roots of the words... Rest and couches ; the biggest difference is their intended use buying guides such as best sectional sofas under $. A uniform back some visible differences are used cases, couches are typically,! All Rights Reserved Privacy Policy and Disclosure Update Privacy settings vs. sofa ” “. A small version of a friend asked me point-blank, `` Excuse me, what is the between... Like … today it ’ s hard to tell the difference between sofa... That add beauty to the differences between sofas and couches ; the biggest difference their! The room they are smaller than sofas, like a chaise lounge seating space couches. Generally perceived as being slightly more formal and are perfect for the sake of simplicity, we use these words! On it, and you can have a uniform back Modern Bathroom Design from Viva Ceramica, How to a... Way wider than loveseats, this is not exactly surprising typically armless, sofas. And today the term is often used interchangeably say that couch is used to describe the same item in size... So, a sofa and a couch. in fact, it was made armless that! Of course, this is not correct as will be evident after reading this.... Geography, age and historical period corsets were so tight in Victorian times that ladies found it hard to... Sofa nowadays use the two words are synonyms and use them interchangeably too many between. Don ’ t Leather sectional sofa Colors a couch can also be comfortable... Upholstered seat for more than four people s not just about a usually. Define each piece, you can see the following differences between a couch and sofa are two different.