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Historically speaking, a couch and a sofa are two different things. The term couch, believed to be derived from the French word couche, was 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.”
In the past, the distinction mainly came down to the presence or absence of arms — meaning sofa is technically the more accurate term. However, over time, the lines between these two words have become increasingly blurred.
Fortunately, the only people who really care about the distinction tend to be designers and furniture professionals, where “sofa” remains the standard term. Colloquially, though, both terms are widely accepted and used interchangeably.
Skip Rumley, vice president of design and creative direction at Heritage Home Group, explained in an interview with Elle Decor:
“They’re readily interchangeable, but I call everything a sofa because I’ve been in the industry for so long. But if I saw a big, fluffy, overstuffed piece of furniture that could recline and was in, say, a man cave, that’s a couch.”
Couch is often seen as more casual — a word you might use when asking your teenager to get up or describing a comfy place to binge your favourite series. Sofa, by contrast, feels more refined. You might picture it in a formal sitting room, where guests are invited for afternoon tea.
Nowadays, many homes use a single space for both relaxing and entertaining. This makes it even more important to consider how your furniture will function day to day.
For example, if you’re looking for something soft and inviting for movie nights or naps, a relaxed couch might be ideal. On the other hand, if your living space is more formal and primarily used for sitting or hosting guests, then a tailored sofa could be a better fit.
Ultimately, there is no wrong answer. It all depends on your lifestyle and preferences. When shopping, furniture specialists can help guide you toward the perfect piece based on how you intend to use your space.
Interestingly, the word sofa originates from the Turkish transliteration of the Arabic word suffah, which referred to a bench or raised platform designed for sitting or reclining. Traditionally, a suffah would be draped in fabric and decorated with cushions.
True to its origins, a modern sofa usually has defined arms and a back, along with plush upholstery. While you can certainly lie down on a sofa, its main purpose remains sitting. For this reason, sofas are often associated with formality and are frequently found in main living areas.
Although couches can look very similar to sofas, their origins and use are slightly different. The word couch comes from the French verb coucher, meaning “to lie down.”
Couches are typically designed for lounging. They may have both armrests and a back, just like a sofa. However, it’s also common for a couch to have only one armrest or none at all. This design gives couches a more relaxed, informal look. As a result, couches are often found in casual spaces such as dens, bonus rooms, or home theatres.
So, is it a sofa or a couch? The answer is both. While the terms are often used interchangeably, they do carry slightly different connotations depending on the context.
Here’s a quick comparison:
Sofa
Couch
Whether you prefer the term sofa or couch, what truly matters is how it fits into your home and lifestyle. The design world may favour the term sofa, but in reality, most people use both words without much thought.
At the end of the day, both sofas and couches provide comfort, function, and style. Choose the one that best matches your space, your needs, and how you live your life. And if you’re still unsure which term to use — don’t worry. Just focus on finding the perfect piece for your home.
