The Guide to Luxury Sofas

17th century

A descendant of the original 17th century sofa (which can still be found in Knole House in Kent, England), the knole sofa is one which has been admired by furniture fans for its unique look. Characterised by its arms which are actually sides which drop down like leaves, it was originally designed as a throne-like sofa for the monarch.

The version shown here is a little more traditional with finials, corded ties and fringe in tact but these elements are often forgone for a modern interpretation.

18th century

Timeless and refined, the Louis XV settee is a delicate piece to include in an interior, particularly for classical or classic contemporary spaces. Its elegance and grandeur are thanks to its exposed wood frame (a standout feature which is visually lighter), intricate carvings and arm pads. Sinuous lines and shell carvings set the style apart from the earlier Louis XIV designs.

Upholstered in a traditional brocade or damask, the result is one of rich opulence but a neutral linen or modern velvet is equally chic. Nailhead trim was a common choice of original designs but piping is frequently used nowadays.

18th century

Also described as a baguette-shaped canapé, the Louis XV canapé is, like the settee, defined by its grand Rococo design. Again, notable for an exposed wooden frame, this design uses an enveloping shape which curves at the ends, merging the backrest with the sloped arms in one unbroken silhouette. The back is not only upholstered on the inside but on the outside, also, which creates a sense of luxury as the rich wood is contrasted with opulent upholstery.

Original 18th century; shown here 20th century

The appropriately named sofa was a style born of the 18th century made famous by master furniture designer Thomas Chippendale. The original design was distinguished by fitted scroll arms and a wooden carved base complete with cabriole legs and scroll or ball-and-claw feet. The sofa can feature one backrest hump or two and can be subtly shaped or more pronounced.

This modern version takes the traditional feature and sharpens it with the addition of bracket accents, loose seat cushion and sloped arm.

20th century

The club sofa is a classic of traditional British interiors with its pleated, rolled arms set back from the front of the seat, turned wooden legs on casters and softened lines. Casual yet sophisticated, its two seat cushions and a split backrest add to its heritage appeal.

The club is particularly well suited to traditional and country settings and offers a quaint aesthetic especially when enhanced with a charming fabric. A beautiful block colour linen sits well in a coastal environment and a plush velvet gives it an unexpected luxury.

18th century

Ask anyone to name a sofa style and, chances are, they’d name a Chesterfield. Such is the power of the design – in fact, in certain parts of North America the term has become a synonym for sofa. It denotes a deeply button-tufted leather sofa with even-height arms and backrest which are tightly rolled and accented with nailhead trim.

The iconic design is of 18th century origin but apparently its recognisable modern-day counterpart wasn’t around until it was commissioned by Phillips Stanhope, 4th Earl of Chesterfield, in the 1700s. Nowadays, the sofa is often upholstered in materials other than leather which gives it a comfortable appeal.

18th century

Ideal for a smaller space, a love seat is a sofa which can seat two sitters. Despite its name, reports suggest that it was originally designed in the 18th century to permit ladies of the time to sit comfortably whilst dressed in their ample gowns.

Here, the love seat is shown in a modern incarnation with simple legs and a single seat cushion, however, oftentimes the style features two seat cushions and has more of a traditional sofa shape.

20th century

This sofa is a fine example of Art Deco’s use of curved lines and flattened planes. Piped edges keep the style crisp whilst its simple block feet are significant of the movement’s divergence from ornamental to streamlined motifs.

Again, this is a statement sofa which is best used in a formal space – probably not suitable for a space destined for lounging. Due to its curved ends, a sofa like this does require a larger footprint so this should be borne in mind when arranging a furniture arrangement.

20th century

This design (represented here in a circa 1950 Edward Wormley design) has become a favourite in recent years. Mid-century Modern (like its antecedent, the game-changing Modernist movement) replaced traditional ornamentation for streamlined shapes.

Loved for their playful but forward-thinking style, Midcentury sofas are recognisable by shallow button tufting (often a precise, single row), blocky silhouette and simple frame. The addition of bolster end cushions gives it that identifiable retro aesthetic.

20th century

Fitted, scroll arms, plush cushions and masses of space make the Lawson sofa a comfortable addition to a room. Its generous proportions make it ideal for lounging and its smart-casual look is preferred by many homeowners.

Shown here, the design is imagined with a three-part fitted back and loose seat cushions. A kick-pleat skirt is often included for a rustic feel but this design opts for a simple block foot. Metal sabots are an easy way to add luxury to this staple.

20th century

With its fitted, square and even-height arm and backrests, a tuxedo is an eternally sophisticated silhouette and the equivalent of a tailored suit to the furniture world. Even the nailhead trim (shown here although this isn’t a necessity) reinforces the sharp lines.

Proportions and precise upholstery are everything and give it the refined appeal it has become known for. Characterised by clean lines, the style is one of the slickest you could choose and instead of drawing attention due to elaborate features, it draws attention thanks to its strong visual aesthetic.

Its inherently structured form encourages the sitter to sit upright making it perfect for a formal furniture arrangement.

20th century

A corner sofa is a mainstay of modern interiors which was designed not only for comfort but for flexibility. Thanks to many composite elements – left-facing chaise, right-facing chaise, open-ended, corner, armless – the style can be customised to suit any space.

Typically consisting of at least two sections, a corner sofa’s elements are placed together to elongate and wrap around a corner usually with a minimum of a 90 degree join. Chaise longues and closed-end pieces can also be included to keep the design self-contained. A barely-there structure (which usually means slender metal legs) are one of the modern design’s defining feature although built-in designs are popular too.