The array of sofa styles that exist can seem overwhelming. But although there are many iterations, there are only three main points of difference that define sofa types: arm and cushion style, back cushion style, and base style. Some of the most popular are:
Loveseat:
A loveseat is any two-person sofa, with a back and arms. They’re very comfortable, but not the most roomy – they’re for sitting, not lying down.
Divan:
A divan is a sofa without a back, designed to rest against a bare wall that provides support for sitters. For comfort, divans are usually equipped with a large number of cushions.
Sectional:
A sectional comes in two or more parts that can be rearranged to fit the room, usually at a right angle. Sectional pieces will typically have either a right-facing or left-facing arm. They provide plenty of space and flexibility, but the downside is that sectionals, especially u-shaped ones, can take up a lot of space, so they’re best suited for large rooms.
As the largest piece of furniture, your sofa will anchor your living room, setting the visual tone for the whole. So it’s important to find one that’s exactly right for you. When choosing upholstery, consider your lifestyle and the kind of stresses it’s going to be exposed to. White and pale neutrals look great, but, as with area rugs, it’s wise to opt for patterns or darker colors if you have pets or young kids. And, although it sounds obvious, remember to measure any sofa or sectional you’re considering, as well as the space it’s intended for! The best sofa in the world won’t benefit you if you can’t fit it into the room.
Here at Sklar, we’re especially enamored with the Super Roy by Italian designers Il Loft. This head-turning piece is our best-selling sofa and with good reason. Its diagonally cut back cushions overlap, while the unique concave armrests add to the impression of dynamism. It can be custom-made in a wide range of fabrics, from an icy white to boldly colored and patterned upholstery that will withstand family life. The Super Roy is available as either a sofa or a sectional, which means you can enjoy the flexibility of one or the space savings of the other.
