Sofa Vs Couch – What is the Difference Between Them?
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The terms sofa and couch can be used interchangeably to describe the same piece of furniture; however, there are some technical differences between the two terms. What is the difference between a sofa and couch?
In general, sofas are larger and can accommodate four or more people, whereas couches are smaller and have a seating capacity of two to three people. Typically, the purpose of a sofa is to provide stylish seats for guests, whereas couches are meant for lying down, lounging, and relaxing on.
Again, these are just technical differences based on the origins of the terms. In reality, the terms are used interchangeably. The term sofa tends to be more common in the UK, whereas the term couch tends to be more common in the US.
Read on as we further discuss the differences between a couch and a sofa.
Also, take a look at an excellent sofa couch for your home, the Z-hom 67″ Genuine Leather Sofa. This couch is very comfortable, sturdy and adds elegance to the room.
Couch vs sofa is a common point of confusion for many. The two terms have long been used interchangeably. In this day and age, the difference between couch and a sofa isn’t discernible anymore. Also, it isn’t a big deal anyway. But if you’re fond of home decor and its history, then it will be interesting to know the difference between them.
In general, these two types of furniture have the same features aside from the apparent reason that you can sit on them. They can also effectively make your place attractive, making it look elegant or cozy. In other words, you can have a formal or informal place, depending on the style of your sofa or couch.
But, historically speaking, sofas and couches are unique from each other. If you specifically consider uniqueness, you’ll learn that they are indeed different in terms of size, uses, and comfort, among other things.
Couches are smaller compared to sofas. But you can lie on a couch–which you can’t do on a sofa. The reason is not that you’re prohibited from lying down on a sofa. It’s just that couches are made with built-in comfort for anyone who wants to lie down on them, while sofas are made to bring comfort to those who just want to sit on them.
What Is a Sofa?
The term sofa is a Turkish word that originated from the Aramaic term sippa and the Arabic term suffah. Sippa means mat, and suffah means bench or ledge in English.
The sofa is a common term in the United Kingdom, and most of the time, heard among the upper class. The term settee is often heard among the non-upper class and means the same as the sofa.
A sofa is typically longer than a couch. It can allow four to five people to sit on it. Many years ago, it was a simple upholstered bench covered with cushions, including back and armrests. But as time passed by, sofa manufacturers learned to combine innovation and modernism effectively. Up until now, sofa makers have never failed to impress us with their innovations.
As we all know, this piece of furniture plays a big role in our living room. Since we always entertain our guests in the living room, we want to ensure that it is always presentable. The best way to do it is to decorate the room with a stylish sofa.
An Example of a Sofa
The famous sofa of the late German humorist Vicco von Bulow or Loriot is one example of an old-style sofa. His sofa was exhibited at the Deutsche Kinemathek museum in Berlin, Germany. A bronze replica of this sofa may also be seen at the Radio Bremen Broadcasting Center. This sofa had entertained countless guests, including the late voice actress Evelyn Hamann.
Similar to how we described a sofa earlier, Loriot’s sofa was made of wood and covered with cushions. The textile fabric used for the cushion didn’t have any design and was plainly green in color. But the structure itself was uniquely designed in such a way that it would provide a sophisticated look to a room.
Loriot’s Sofa
What Is a Couch?
The couch is a term primarily used in countries such as Ireland, Australia, South Africa, and North America. It was derived from the old French term couche,which means to lie down in English.
Historically speaking, a couch was mainly innovated as a piece of furniture where one could lie down or sleep. It was not at all meant to have a similar use to that of a sofa.
A couch is typically smaller than a sofa. The reason is that it’s meant to be used by one person at a time only. Unlike a sofa with two armrests, a couch typically has none. However, some couches include one armrest, which mainly serves as the headrest when a person lies down.
Suffice it to say that in older times, the comfort brought about by a couch bordered between that of a sofa and a bed. A couch was more comfortable than a sofa, but it was less comfortable compared to a bed.
Usually, a couch is a piece of upholstered furniture that people place inside the family room. At first, you’ll find yourself lounging on it while watching TV. The next thing you know, you’re already lying down on it. Then, before you even know it, you have already fallen asleep with the TV on.
Chaise Lounge Vs. Couch
While our topic focuses on couch vs. sofa, let’s also compare the couch with the chaise lounge.
Like the couch, the chaise lounge is a piece of upholstered furniture where one can comfortably sit or lie down. This type of furniture is believed to have originated from Egypt.
The chaise lounge is a type of reclining chair. There are those made with waterproof materials and are often found at the beach or swimming pools. People don’t usually use a couch on a beach or pool setup. So, the main differences between a chaise lounge and a couch are their functionality and materials used.
Couch Vs. Sofa – Is There a Difference?
Based on what we have discussed, there is indeed a difference between couch and a sofa. But throughout the years, there have been continuous developments in the furniture industry. These developments have brought the functionalities of these two types of furniture closer and closer to each other. It is the reason why the terms couch and sofa are being used interchangeably nowadays.
These days, nobody really notices if the term you use is right or wrong. Whether you say couch or sofa, it is easily understood which type of furniture you’re referring to.
The Best Sofas/Couches – Top 3 Picks
By this time, you already know that you’re not supposed to stress yourself about couch vs. sofa. So, now, let’s look at what sofas or couches look like in modern times.
Here are three of my top picks among the most popular sofas and couches on Amazon:
WXBDD U-Style Upholstery Sectional Sofa with Storage Ottoman
The Zinus Ricardo Contemporary Upholstered Living Room Couch
The Rivet Revolve Modern Upholstered Sofa Couch
1. WXBDD U-Style Upholstery Sectional Sofa with Storage Ottoman
This piece of furniture may seem small, but it is, in fact, comfortable even for a person beyond 6 feet tall.
If you’re looking for durability and practicality, then this couch is for you. It is ideal for people with kids and pets. The fabric is thick and doesn’t get damaged easily. The cushion covers are removable and washable, too.
2. Acme Trislar Button Tufted Sofa with 4 Pillows in Black Velvet
The Acme Trislar Button Tufted Sofa with 4 Pillows in Black Velvet is a sophisticated and stylish addition to your living room, designed to elevate the appeal of your interior space.
This collection is characterized by its eye-catching features, including button-tufting details and mirrored trim accents, adding a touch of luxury to your decor.
Wrapped in a buttery soft black velvet upholstery, the sofa exudes richness and brings a perfect modern glam aesthetic to any room.
The luxurious feel of the velvet adds a layer of comfort and elegance to the overall design. The button-tufting details contribute to the classic and timeless appeal of the piece.
To enhance its refined look, the sofa is supported by sleek chrome legs that not only add an element of sophistication but also provide stability and tranquility.
The combination of the plush velvet upholstery, button-tufting, mirrored trim, and chrome legs creates a harmonious blend of modern glam and classic elegance.
The Trislar collection comes complete with four pillows, enhancing both the comfort and aesthetic value of the sofa.
This piece serves as a focal point in your living room, offering a perfect balance of style and sophistication. Bring a touch of luxury and modern glam to your living space with the Acme Trislar Button Tufted Sofa.
3. The Rivet Revolve Modern Upholstered Sofa Couch
The Z-hom 67″ Genuine Leather Sofa offers a luxurious and comfortable seating solution for your living room, apartment, or lounge.
Upholstered in top-grain cowhide leather, the sofa showcases the natural color variations, wrinkles, and creases that develop a vintage matte black appearance, creating a soft and buttery feel. The sofa’s design features a smooth curve, adding a touch of mid-century modern style to your space.
Designed for durability and comfort, the sofa comes with fluffy back and seat cushions filled with high-resiliency foam cores. The removable leather cover ensures lasting comfort and a soft sitting experience.
The sofa’s frame is constructed from solid wood, providing strength and stability, while the metal legs are covered with an antique matte black and gold finish, adding a stylish touch to the overall design.
Assembly is made easy with the sofa measuring 67″ L x 30.7″ W x 33.5″ H and coming in a space-saving box. The simple assembly process takes about 20 minutes following the instruction manual.
The cushions may be compressed in the package, and you can restore their fluffiness by patting them for 5 minutes or leaving them for 24-48 hours.
Cleaning the sofa is a breeze as it is designed with genuine leather, making it suitable for families with children or pets. Simply wipe the surface with a dry cloth or a wrung-out damp cloth to remove stains.
Purchase with confidence, as all Z-hom products come with a 5-year warranty. This genuine leather sofa is not only a stylish addition to your home but also an ideal gift for family or friends. If you have any questions about the product, the service team is available to provide assistance.
Cleaning Tips on Fabric Sofa or Couch Owners
Durability is one of the top priorities of furniture manufacturers when making sofas, couches, or any piece of furniture for that matter. But then, we have to do our part to make our sofas last long, or even longer than expected. One way of taking care of our sofa is by cleaning it regularly.
Reminders Before Cleaning Your Sofa
Before you start cleaning your couch, make sure that you have already read the manufacturer’s instructions. This way, you won’t miss out on any special cleaning instructions. Also, it will prevent you from damaging your couch, especially if it is still under warranty.
Aside from the piece of paper or booklet that carries the manufacturer’s instructions, check the tags, too. Some manufacturers put their cleaning instructions on the tags.
Read and understand the cleaning instructions recommended by the manufacturer. Strictly follow the instructions. Don’t ever attempt a cleaning method that is not endorsed by the manufacturer.
Meaning of Letters Found on Couch Tags
It can be confusing to some to tell the difference between a couch and a sofa; however, what is the same is the tags that are found on them. There is a standard for tags on couches or sofas sold in the United States and many other countries. If you encounter the letters X, WS, S, or W, they are, in fact, cleaning instructions. Below are their meanings:
X – The cleaning method you should use for your couch is vacuum cleaning only.
WS – You are free to use a solvent-based cleaner or water to clean your couch.
S – You cannot use water to clean your couch. You have to use a special solvent-based cleaner for it. It’s not difficult to find this cleaner as it’s readily available in stores.
To clean a fabric couch or sofa with W or WS tags. The materials you need are the following:
Distilled white vinegar
Liquid dishwashing soap
Distilled water
A bucket
Three pieces of white- or pastel-colored microfiber cloth
A vacuum cleaner that has an upholstery attachment
Steps to follow:
To prevent dirt from rubbing on your couch or sofa, you have to start by vacuuming it.
Pour two cups of distilled water, a tablespoon of vinegar, and a tablespoon of liquid dishwashing soap in a bucket.
Using the cleaning mixture you have made, dampen one microfiber cloth.
Blot the stained areas of your couch using the wet microfiber cloth. Make sure not to scrub or rub it to avoid damaging the couch.
Dampen another microfiber cloth using distilled water.
Use this damp cloth to blot and remove soap on the affected areas.
Use the last microfiber cloth to dry the affected areas. Remember to blot the couch and not scrub or rub it.
Continue drying the wet areas using an electric fan.
Steam-cleaning Tips
This cleaning method may only be done if your couch/sofa tag or manual specifically indicates that it is safe to steam clean your couch. In this case, the equipment you need is an upholstery steam cleaner.
A steam cleaner typically has a manual that goes along with it. The instructions indicated in it are easy to follow. But, here are extra tips that can make you more efficient in steam cleaning your couch:
Before using a steam cleaner, make sure that you vacuum your couch first.
Once you’re done vacuuming, steam clean your couch or sofa by following the instructions indicated in its manual.
Once you’re done with steam cleaning, vacuum the couch once again.
It’s best to steam clean on a nice day so you can air out the room by merely opening your windows.
There are steam cleaners that make use of microfiber cloths. If this is the type of steam cleaner you have, you may change the cloth every so often. That way, your cleaner can pick up the dirt effectively.
Use an electric fan to help dry your couch completely.
Before removing the dirt out from your steam cleaner, wait until the water inside cools down.
Conclusion – Couch Vs Sofa
So when it comes to couch vs sofa, there isn’t much difference. Typically, couches tend to be smaller than sofas. Couches also tend to be more for casual lounging and relaxation. Sofas typically tend to be larger than couches. Sofas also tend to be more for a formal or fancy place for guests to sit.
The two terms, couch and sofa, have long been used interchangeably. In this day and age, the difference between couch and a sofa isn’t discernible anymore. Also, it doesn’t matter which term you choose. But if you’re fond of home decor and its history, then it is interesting to know the difference between sofa and couch.
