There is no doubt about it, in any room with a sofa in it, the sofa should be the star of the show. So today, I thought I’d share a few favorite classic styles with you, styles you can say “Sofa, so good!” about, because “Sofa, so bad” are words no one wants to hear! And yes, you may call it a “couch,” but the industry term is sofa. Either way, here are fabulous styles that will be stars in your home:

In my University project family room, I used a pair of classic Chesterfield sofas from Kravet. Chesterfield sofas are defined by arms and back the same height, tufted backs, and ample roll arms. They have been design staples for over a century, and deservedly so. Distinctive and oh-so-comfy-cozy, I covered these in a hard-wearing, soil- and stain-resistant fabric since this is an all-ages-welcome room!

In the same project’s formal living room (above 2 photos), I used a classic tuxedo sofa. Tuxedo sofas are also defined by arms and backs that are the same height, but they are more tailored and sit atop long, graceful legs. They are also defined by cylindrical bolsters next to the arms. I added a lumbar bolster in a contrasting fabric, for interest, but it’s optional. And why are they named tuxedo sofas? I’d imagine because people in tuxedos, holding small stemmed glasses of glamorous cocktails, perched upon them. But that is probably a romantic notion! Maybe they were popular in 1920s homes in Tuxedo Park, NY, a haven for stock market millionaires. Someone out there probably knows, so educate us all in the comments, please!

This style of sofa from Century Furniture is actually a hybrid. It has the low arms of an English roll arm (without the roll), and the high back of a Lawson sofa. Whatever style it is, I love it. The self-upholstered foot was hugely popular in the 1970s, so it’s due for a comeback. I’m loving the high back - again, a retro feature we don’t see a lot of anymore, and maybe we should. Last, who doesn’t love a nailhead trim?

This style of sofa is is a variation of a Gondola sofa, so named because the arms sweep up and the backs dips down, slightly reminiscent of an Venetian gondola. Classic and intimate, I love this version from CR Laine!

Now you might think this one is just a generic sofa, right? The design is so ubiquitous, it belies its unique origins. Designed by Jean Michel Frank in 1930, its classic cubic design is defined by the feet being the same width as the arms, and the cushions, too. This sofa style is now like Kleenex - the style is now basically synonymous with sofa, but it was created by the man who singlehandedly invented the style we now just call “modern.” Buy a book on the work of Jean-Michel Frank and I guarantee you won’t be disappointed. The man was a genius!

Which of these iconic sofa styles is your favorite? Please let me know in the comments!

Warmly,

Beth