A Guide to Sofa Styles: From Modern Sofa Designs to Luxury Sofas

Your living room isn’t complete without the right sofa or lounge suite. Whether you are looking for modern sofa styles for a family or are looking for a luxury sofa for your classic décor, there are enough options out there. From classic sofa designs like the Chaise to a contemporary leather sofa like the Chesterfield, each style boasts unique characteristics, historical roots, and design sensibilities. We’ve put together a guide to seven of our favourite sofa styles, offering insights into their origins, defining features and the best upholstery materials to incorporate them into your home décor.

1. The Chesterfield Sofa

Named after the Earl of Chesterfield, this sofa became popular in 18^th-Century England. With it’s deeply buttoned back and arms this sofa offer a unique elegant touch, while its rolled arms guarantee support and comfort.

• Style Suitability: Timeless elegance, perfect for traditional, Victorian, and even contemporary settings with a touch of classicism.
• Material Recommendations: Leather is the traditional choice, but velvet, linen, and even faux leather can add a modern twist.
• Pro Tip: Choose a light coloured material with soft textures to give it a softer look for a modern touch.

2. Sectional Sofa

The sectional sofa is one of the most popular modern sofa styles out there. The modular design consisting of multiple pieces can be arranged in different ways to fit your décor and room size. This is one of the most adaptable sofas out there and even works well in small living rooms.

• Style Suitability: Fits seamlessly into contemporary, modern, and even eclectic homes.
• Material Recommendations: Leather, microfiber, and durable fabrics like polyester blends are common choices.
• Pro Tip: Add soft puffy scatter cushions to give modern sectional sofas a homely and more comfortable look and feel.

3. English Roll Arm Sofa

First seen in 19^th Century Britain, this traditional sofa has gently sloping arms that roll inwards towards the seat. These sofas are versatile and can be found in a variety of styles from antique to modern.

• Style Suitability: Adapt this luxury sofa to your style and make it suitable for traditional, transitional, and contemporary rooms with your choice of fabrics.

• Material Recommendations: Leather, linen, cotton and velvet are popular choices, allowing for various color palettes and textures.
• Pro Tip: Enhance the classic look of an English Roll Arm sofa by opting for elegant tapered legs in brass or wood. For a modern twist, consider a sleek metal frame and upholster in a contemporary fabric like velvet or linen.

4. Chaise Lounge

The Chaise Lounge is characterised by its elongated style and raised footrest. This is the ultimate classic luxury sofa style and adds something special to any décor. It dates back to ancient Egypt but it became most popular in Europe during the 18^th Century.

• Style Suitability: Adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to any room, from bedrooms and living rooms to sunrooms and libraries.
• Material Recommendations: Velvet, silk, and linen offer sumptuous comfort and enhance the chaise lounge’s luxurious appeal.
• Pro Tip: There are a variety of styles of Chaise Lounge available, so be sure to choose something that will not just be comfortable but will suit your decor needs.

5. Futon

The modern version of the Futon is modelled after the traditional Japanese floor bed and became popular in the early 90’s and 2000’s. It easily converts from a sofa to a bed and is usually quite low to the ground and smaller than a conventional sofa. It’s the perfect solution for small spaces.

• Style Suitability: Great as a space saver in smaller rooms and apartments. Can seamlessly fit into minimalist, bohemian, and even traditional settings.
• Material Recommendations: Durable fabrics like cotton, linen, and denim are ideal for withstanding frequent use. You could also consider genuine leather or artificial leathers like vinyl for the outer parts.
• Pro Tip: Be sure to check your space when adding a Futon to ensure you can open it when needed. Add some soft scatter cushions and a throw blanket that can be used for décor and to sleep. 

6. Camelback Sofa

With its distinctive arch in the centre of the backrest, the Camelback is strongly influenced by French Rococo design and was made popular during the 18^th Century in England.

• Style Suitability: Adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to traditional, transitional, and even eclectic interiors.
• Material Recommendations: Velvet, silk, and linen are classic choices, while textured fabrics can add a modern edge.
• Pro Tip: Mix and match plain and printed material to add a touch of class or whimsy to your décor.

7. Recliner

Believe it or not, the modern recliner comes from a 19^th Century design initially used for medical purposes. Today it is the most popular modern sofa on the market. With its adjustable back and footrest it offer the ultimate comfort and relaxation.

• Style Suitability: Fits perfectly into home theaters, family rooms, and any space where comfort is paramount.
• Material Recommendations: Leather, microfiber, and durable fabrics that can withstand wear and tear are recommended.
• Pro Tip: Recliners take a lot of wear and tear so it is best to consider leather or a very sturdy synthetic alternative. To add a little more style to your recliner pair with pretty scatter cushions and a throw blanket.

The Options of Sofa Styles are Endless

With so many options to choose from, it really comes down to what your needs are. The same can be said when you choose the material that your sofa of choice is upholstered in. You may be influenced by your living style, your family or the aesthetic you have in mind for your décor. But one thing you should always put first is comfort. So whether you’re leaning towards a more antique classic style or a modern sofa style, don’t be afraid to choose what suits you most.

If you’re looking to reupholster an existing sofa or add a touch of luxury to your new purchase, explore our wide selection of high-quality upholstery materials at Sonpra Superstore. We offer a diverse range of fabrics, genuine leather and vinyls to help you achieve the perfect look for your home.