Despite its name, reports suggest that it was originally designed in the 18th century to permit ladies of the time to sit comfortably whilst dressed in their ample gowns. Ideal for a smaller space, a love seat is a sofa which can seat two sitters. Nowadays, the sofa is often upholstered in materials other than leather which gives it a comfortable appeal. The iconic design is of 18th century origin but apparently its recognisable modern-day counterpart wasn’t around until it was commissioned by Phillips Stanhope, 4th Earl of Chesterfield, in the early 1900s. It denotes a deeply button-tufted leather sofa with even-height arms and backrest which are tightly rolled and accented with nailhead trim. Such is the power of the design – in fact, in certain parts of North America the term has become a synonym for sofa.
A beautiful block colour linen sits well in a coastal environment and a plush velvet gives it an unexpected luxury.Īsk anyone to name a sofa style and, chances are, they’d name a Chesterfield. The club is particularly well suited to traditional and country settings and offers a quaint aesthetic especially when enhanced with a charming fabric. Casual yet sophisticated, its two seat cushions and a split backrest add to its heritage appeal. The club sofa is a classic of traditional British interiors with its pleated, rolled arms set back from the front of the seat, turned wooden legs on casters and softened lines. This modern version takes the traditional feature and sharpens it with the addition of bracket accents, loose seat cushion and sloped arm. The sofa can feature one backrest hump or two and can be subtly shaped or more pronounced. The original design was distinguished by fitted scroll arms and a wooden carved base complete with cabriole legs and scroll or ball-and-claw feet. The appropriately named sofa was a style born of the 18th century made famous by master furniture designer Thomas Chippendale. ORIGINAL 18TH CENTURY SHOWN HERE 20TH CENTURY The back is not only upholstered on the inside but on the outside, also, which creates a sense of luxury as the rich wood is contrasted with opulent upholstery. Again, notable for an exposed wooden frame, this design uses an enveloping shape which curves at the ends, merging the backrest with the sloped arms in one unbroken silhouette. Nailhead trim was a common choice of original designs but piping is frequently used nowadays.Īlso described as a baguette-shaped canapé, the Louis XV canapé is, like the settee, defined by its grand Rococo design.
Upholstered in a traditional brocade or damask, the result is one of rich opulence but a neutral linen or modern velvet is equally chic. Sinuous lines and shell carvings set the style apart from the earlier Louis XIV designs. Its elegance and grandeur are thanks to its exposed wood frame (a standout feature which is visually lighter), intricate carvings and arm pads. Timeless and refined, the Louis XV settee is a delicate piece to include in an interior, particularly for classical or classic contemporary spaces. Illustrations by Anara Mambetova-Finkelstein from The Pattern Book of Upholstery (Bauer and Dean Publishers) The version shown here is a little more traditional with finials, corded ties and fringe in tact but these elements are often forgone for a modern interpretation. Characterised by its arms which are actually sides which drop down like leaves, it was originally designed as a throne-like sofa for the monarch. Discover the 12 sofa styles you need to know about.Ī descendant of the original 17th century sofa (which can still be found in Knole House in Kent, England), the knole sofa is one which has been admired by furniture fans for its unique look.
It may have been deconstructed and reimagined, undone and redone in everything from metal to cardboard but, truth be told, the classics are always in fashion.
With such a detailed past, understanding the distinction between and choosing sofa styles can prove difficult. In fact, often a sofa can be representative of an entire style period – Modernist, Art Deco or Victorian – at first sight. Hundreds of books having been dedicated to the history of this furniture stalwart and just as many tributes have been created by design icons from Le Corbusier to Vladimir Kagan. It’s often the main focal point of a living room – the one space in your home which most commonly serves as a place to both relax and entertain, to gather and to spend time in. A sofa is one of the most important purchases for your home.
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