Sofa Design: Types of Sofa Styles

As its name would suggest, the camelback sofa is characterised by a pronounced hump (or two) on its seat back. Slender rolled arms are the traditional choice although modern-day designs often use the more contemporary shelter arm as seen here. Leg styles range from the most traditional of a straight Marlborough or cabriole leg to more modern bracketed options.

Designed in the 18th century by furniture maestro Thomas Chippendale, this sofa has retained its sophistication over the years.

Part sofa, part bed—a daybed sofa is a lasting remnant from the Middle Ages. Modern examples range from occasional-use chaise-like designs to regularly used beds with headboard or backrest-like panels and mattress base. They are often constructed of upholstered, wooden or iron frames.

Trundle daybeds are space-saving workhorses and are often found in kid and teenage rooms to be used when friends come to visit. For an adult-friendly use, daybeds with storage work well for smaller loft spaces.

An instantly recognisable sofa style, the Knole sofa is arguably the most unique sofa shape. Its ingenious design is found in the ability to drop its detached sides in a leaf-like manner. These folding panels are held upright by a system of hinges and decorative corded ties which add a functional beauty to the piece.

Because of their collectability and designer kudos, Knole sofas tend to be used as statement pieces in their truest form and are rarely modernised, however, updated versions do exist with modern materials and accents.

The Lawson is one of the better-known sofa designs but is surprisingly hard to characterise on account of its various makeovers and incarnations in the past. A true Lawson is a well-stuffed sofa design with rolled Lawson or sock arms (which can be either recessed or flush to the front of the sofa) and individual loose back and seat cushions which provide the sofa with its characteristic comfort. It is a favourite choice for family rooms and can be either traditional or modern.

Mid-century sofas have been some of the most popular of late. Whilst there isn’t a one-size-fits-all description for the Mid-century sofa, there are a few distinct design Mid-century design elements to look out for. Boxy shapes or long straight planes with rounded corners, round bolster cushions and splayed legs or a platform base are all classic Mid-century. As is shallow linear button-tufting, pastel shades and exposed wood framing or exotic wood wraps.

This contemporary sofa design is usually constructed as a complete piece (or with perhaps one join) and typically looks like a regular sofa with a long chaise attached at either or both ends. This placement determines whether the sofa would be a considered a left or right hand facing sofa or a U-shaped sofa. Many sofa styles have been given the sectional treatment, meaning there’s a chance you can find your preferred sofa style in this format.