Not just for sitting, your sofa can enhance your home’s style through a sense of coziness, comfort, elegance or even sleek, modern vibes. Choosing the perfect sectional or couch for your home can be quite a task: there are dozens of styles, configurations, features, not to mention fabric options, to choose from! Here’s a quick rundown of some of the basic sofa, settee, and sectional options to get you started on your search for the perfect one:

What’s the difference between a sofa and a couch?

While you may think the difference between these two is simply based on regional dialect, you might be surprised to find out there are some more obvious differences between sofas and couches. Sofas generally feature armrests, a uniform back and are typically larger to provide even more seating space for all those guests. They’re also perceived to be slightly more formal than their couch counterparts — for example, pieces like a Chesterfield sofa are perfect for adding a classy vibe to your living room.

Couches and settees were popular in the Victorian era and usually only have one armrest or no armrests at all. Along with a tapered back, they generally seat two to three people comfortably. Thanks to their casual style, they’re perfect for movie marathons and video game sessions.

Sofa Beds

If you’re expecting guests over, a perfect solution for you is the super versatile sofa bed. The cozy sleeper sofa can transform from a two- to three-seater into extra sleeping space for visiting family or friends.

Sectional Sofas

A sectional sofa can be one of the most practical pieces of furniture in your home. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and some even include a sleeper sofa, chaise or loveseat. While you may envision a gigantic corner sofa that takes up a majority of the living room, sectional sofas have evolved into a highly versatile piece of furniture that can accommodate large and even small spaces.

Loveseat

This aptly named piece of furniture gained popularity in the Victorian era and is the perfect mini sofa to cuddle up with a loved one on. If you choose to add a loveseat or settee to your furniture collection, be sure to have additional seating for guests!