Literally, every home has one, however, their names are usually used interchangeably by different people mostly depending on the country of origin. Some may call them a couch, sofa, or a lounge but there is a substantial difference between them in terms of seating capacity and the spaces they each suit/fit perfectly.
Although a couch and a sofa look almost identical, it is quite easy to differentiate them given the fact that a sofa is more formal, it has a backrest, both armrests and is entirely used for sitting. However, a couch may or may not have arms making then informal and suitable for informal places like the living room, lounger, or the guest room for sitting or lying down (mostly used for lying). On the other hand, a lounge is a type of long chair that provides more seating than sofas and couches and are mostly found in homes with large families, balcony, or lounging areas in a social place.
To make it easier for you to differentiate between the three and minimize the “is that a couch, or, a lounge, or a sofa?” questions, here is detailed information about the three. This will help you get broader information to enable you to settle for one that suits your personality and preference and even be able to explain their differences to someone who is on the fence about them.
What Is a Couch?
The term couch derives from the French verb “coucher” which means to lie down. Therefore, a couch is a type of furniture meant for lying down rather than just sitting when you are tired as compared to sofas which are meant for sitting.
Characteristic of Couches
- Couches may or may not have armrests
- They can feature different fabric upholstery
- Couches have tapered backrests for support
- Couches have a seating capacity of three to four people
- They are usually constructed with frames and some with springs
- Couches usually have an informal appearance
What Is a Sofa?
The term sofa derives from an Arabic noun “suffah” which means a type of bench (it can be wooden or stone bench) upholstered with fabric and has back and seat cushions for sitting entirely.
Generally, sofas are very similar to couches only that sofas have both armrests and have a comfortable backrest for maximum support while sitting. However, a couch would be a great option if you have a large family since they seat more people than sofas.
Couches are cozy and attract a large audience mostly because they give that “I’m tired and this looks like a perfect spot to lie down vibe” while sofas are more formal and are perfect for formal settings like offices for specifically sitting on.
Characteristics of a Sofa
- Sofas have both armrests
- Sofas have a formal appearance
- Sofas are entirely meant for seating
- Sofas are upholstered with fabric
- Sofas have backrests for back support
What Is a Lounge?
The term lounge comes from the word “chaise lounge” therefore, a lounge is a long chair or sofa that seats more people usually 6 or 7 and would be perfect for large families. However, there are types of sofas that come with a chaise when you buy like the corner sofas and modular sofas. Plus, there are also accent chairs with a chaise if you don’t like the big ones.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Lounge and a Couch the Same Thing?
It is easier to tell the difference between a couch and a lounge. A lounge is longer and provides more seating than a couch and is suitable for lounging. Deriving from the term chaise lounge, there are different types of sofas with a chaise lounge including modular sofas, corner sofas, and armchairs with chaise.
What Is the Difference Between a Sofa and a Chaise Lounge?
If you come across the two you will easily be able to tell the difference between a sofa and a chaise lounge. while a sofa has the whole back covered from one end to another, a chaise lounge is partially covered at the back.
Can Two People Sit On a Chaise Lounge?
A chaise lounge is very long and can seat two or more people depending on its size. An armchair with a chaise can seat at least 2 people while there are wide chaise lounges that` can seat four or more people.
