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Surely, you’ve heard the term ‘couch potato.’ Maybe someone called you a couch potato or you could have addressed or referred to somebody by this name. Actually, calling someone a couch potato isn’t an insult by any means. Millions of persons around the world happily label themselves as couch potatoes.

So, who’s a couch potato?

In simplest terms, a couch potato is someone that’s always resting- meaning sitting or reclining or even sleeping on a sofa. They eat, drink, sleep, entertain themselves and also work from the comfort of a couch.

Now, given this definition of a couch potato that does everything from a sofa, wouldn’t it be proper to call such persons as ‘sofa potatoes?’ Actually yes. They could also be called ‘sofa potatoes’ but then it wouldn’t sound so nice. Did you know how and we

Also, there’re a few subtle differences between couch and sofa. Though the terms sofa and couch are often used interchangeably albeit correctly, it’s worthwhile to know the difference between the two. Not that it matters. You can continue calling a sofa a couch or the other way around. Yet, knowing the difference could help you distinguish between the two.

Let’s begin by understanding the origins of the two very common words, couch and sofa.

What is a Sofa? Exploring the Origins of Sofa

The word ‘sofa’ is an anglicized version of the Arabic term ‘Suffah.’ The ‘Suffah’ is said to be the precursor to our modern-day sofa in many ways. Till 1950s and 1960s, the Arab world, especially the six states of the Arabian Gulf including Kingdom of Bahrain, State of Kuwait, Sultanate of Oman, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, State of Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, weren’t as affluent as they’re now. That was before the discovery of massive crude oil reserves in these countries.

In those days, the Arabs welcomed their guests and also sat with family members on a contraption known as the ‘Suffah’. There were two kinds of Suffah.

The first and the basic type of Suffah consisted of a long, thick and rectangular mattress stuffed with camel hair and bright red cloth upholstery with gaudy patterns. This was supplemented by cushions and bolsters, again made of camel hair and similar red, cloth upholstery. The mattress would be placed on the floor in tents for family members to sit or lounge or even sleep or go about their day’s work.

The second type of Suffah in the Arab world was a bit more elaborate. It consisted of a large wooden frame to place the mattress and cushions. The backrest was always straight. The mattress in these cases was narrower and afforded space only for sitting up straight. This humble contraption is generally placed in tents for welcoming guests.

The reason for its narrow mattress and straight backrests is simple: it allows visitors to sit properly after a camel ride. Anyone that has taken a camel ride will testify that dromedaries or Arabian camels sway forward and backward, affecting the backbone of the rider. Sitting straight on the Suffah provides relief from such back stress.

Till date, both these kinds of Suffah can be seen adorning homes of Arabs and expats living in these countries, despite the availability of modern versions. That’s because an Arabian stye Suffah adds to the décor of the house and is quite comfortable, while offering a distinct health benefit. Though camel hair is seldom used nowadays, modern Suffah also come with bright red upholstery and flashy patterns.

What is a Couch? Explore the Origins of Couch

This brings us to the origins of the word ‘Couch’. The term couch is a shortened version of the French word ‘Coucher’ which signifies ‘lying down’ or ‘reclining,’ depending on the context which it’s used. The term is largely used for informal or casual pieces of furniture that’s useful for both, reclining, sleeping, sitting or other activities such as eating and drinking or even working, to name a few.

However, all couches have one distinct feature. They are soft and were originally made of cotton or feathers. Nowadays though, different material such as rubber foam and rubberized coir is used in couches, because they’re soft and comfortable.

Couches were very popular, especially among women in ancient France. Aristocratic women would have expensive couches made to their specifications since it signified wealth and status. As a matter of fact, you can see several old portraits of French women reclining or posing on couches.

All couches have a wooden frame, though metal and sometimes fiberglass or composites are used in modern ones. The frame of a couch can be tailormade. The backrests of couches generally afford a recline. The degree of the recline depended on the person ordering a couch in ancient days and the same is true even now for handcrafted ones.

A lot of modern day couches come with adjustable backrests, meaning you can choose the position and angle of recline, depending on your needs. In fact, couches that’re sold as ‘sofa-beds’ come under the category of couches with adjustable headrests.

So, why is a sofa called a couch or the other way around? Continue reading.

Regional Differences Between Couch and Sofa

Though the word couch and sofa are often used interchangeably, you might come upon some differences on where either of these words is used more. This use depends on the place and country. This is influenced by the language spoken in the country.

In the US and countries where Americanized English is spoken, the word ‘couch’ is prevalent. In places such as India where UK English is taught and spoken, the term ‘sofa’ is common. In the Arab world and places that were once governed by the Ottoman empire, the word sofa is commonly used.

To answer my earlier question, the term ‘couch potato’ originated in the US. It was coined on July 15, 1976, supposedly by a cartoonist named Robert Armstrong, who is also credited with popularizing the concept.

He had named his friend, Tom Iacino who led a sedentary life as a ‘couch potato’. Armstrong later went on to launch a series of cartoons under the name ‘Couch Potato,’ which led to the term being widely used worldwide to describe someone that leads a largely sedentary lifestyle.

Surely, you would now like to know about the different styles of couches and sofas in the world. This could help find out which is the best suited for your home.

Different Types of Couches and Sofas

As I mention earlier, the term sofa and couch are used interchangeably. The same holds true for designs of various sofas or couches. Modern day sofas blend the functionality of the Arabian Suffah and the comforts of a French Coucher.

Broadly speaking, there’re 16 different types of sofas or couches around the world. Surely, you would have seen most of these since they’re commonly used in India and abroad.

1. Sectional Sofa

A sectional sofa consists of various sections. These can be usually arranged in the shape of an ‘L’ or ‘U’ or even form a square sometimes. As the name signifies, these sofas consist of different sections that can be arranged according to your needs. Sectional sofas are mainly used at reception rooms at offices since they can sit several persons at the same time. A corner table or wedge table separates the various sections. Sectional sofas also adorn large living rooms at homes. The backrest on these sofas is optional since usually, the sections are placed against a wall.  Generally, the frame consists of boxes over which the seats are placed. This makes it easier for cleaning and maintenance or shifting. Usually, these boxes are hollow and hence, useful for storing stuff too. To keep your sectional sofa looking its best and to protect it from wear and tear, consider using specially designed sectional sofa mats.

2. Sofa Bed

The most common one used nowadays, especially in apartments and compact homes or rooms are sofa beds. As the term signifies, these sofas serve two purposes. They can be folded and used simply as a sofa for seating people. Alternatively, you can draw out the two or three sections of the sofa and convert it into a comfortable bed. A sofa bed combines the functionality of the Suffah and the Coucher. It consists of a wooden frame while the seats or bed are usually made of rubber foam or rubberized coir, among other material, covered in cloth upholstery. Variants with leather and PVC upholstery are also available. In some countries, they’re called Daybed and Futon. These are common among singles and couples everywhere in the world.

3. Loveseat

A loveseat is a type of sofa or couch that’s useful for seating two persons, or a couple at best. They’re small, comfortable and come in various shapes and sizes. In Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, the Philippines and certain other East Asian countries, loveseats are used ceremoniously for marriages. Called ‘Pelamin’ in Bahasa Malaysia, these loveseats are decorated ornately to match the overall theme of the wedding. The upholstery is usually rich and made of velvet or satin while the seats consist of feathers, cotton and in modern times, foam or rubberized coir. A loveseat is also used in modern homes and comes stuffed with Styrofoam beans. Ideal for seating two persons only. They’re also called Sette in some countries.

4. Chesterfield Sofa

Chesterfield Sofas owe their origin to the eponymous city in the UK’s Derbyshire. These sofas come in different shapes and sizes and can be customized according to your needs or available readymade. A Chesterfield sofa is called so because of one major distinguishing characteristic. It has deep button tufted upholstery that’s usually made of dyed leather. This type of sofa or couch is available in different styles and colors, though the upholstery will signify it’s the Chesterfield type. You can buy or have such a sofa made to give a royal ambience to your living room. Generally, you will find a Chesterfield sofa at offices of VIPs in India and a few organizations, including banks.

5. Reclining Sofa

Reclining sofas are an adaptation of the French sofas used by women from royal and aristocratic families in ancient days. They used sofas where a single person could recline and the angle of the headrest could be adjusted using a lever or wheel. In modern times, a reclining sofa is often used at homes and small, family auditoriums. They are a long bench with straight seats and sometimes, a footrest. The angle of the backrest for each can be reclined for comfort, somewhat like an aircraft seat. These sofas are ideal for large offices with auditoriums. At homes, you could install one for family time for watching movies or playing video games. To enhance both comfort and durability, adding a reclining sofa cover can be an excellent choice for keeping your sofa protected while seamlessly blending with your home décor.

6. Camelback Sofa

Buy a Camelback sofa for your home if you or any member of your household has backpain and related issues. This type of sofa is very common in India and abroad because it offers a lot of comfort for stressed spines and waists. The unique feature of a Camelback sofa is its humped backrest. Though the seats are straight, the backrest is usually straight too but comes with a hump. The hump is due to shaping of the stuffing, which could be rubberized coir or synthetic foam, among other materials. The hump makes it possible for persons with back or waist pains to sit comfortably on the sofa. It also provides some degree of relaxation to stressed spinal cords and hipbones.

7. Lawson Sofa

In early 1900s, American furniture crafter, Thomas W. Lawson designed a unique sofa that’s now commonly used in India and worldwide. Known as the Lawson sofa, this sofa comes with a simple seating bench usually stuffed with rubber or synthetic foam or rubberized coir and if you can afford, cotton in some cases. However, what sets it apart is the removable backrest with cushions. You can fix or remove the backrest and add cushions according to needs and sizes. In some cases, people buy the Lawson’s sofa without additional spending on a backrest. Instead, they simply provide a lot of cushions for users to feel comfortable. This is an improvised version of the Charpoy and Lawson is believed to have been influenced by the Indian variant, after he was fed up with the Victorian type sofas.

8. Tuxedo Sofa

The Tuxedo sofa is yet another creation of Thomas W. Watson and originated in the US. This sofa consists of a straight sitting bench. However, the difference is that it’s armrests and backrests are of the same height. This allows for placing several cushions at the back for resting. The armrests are useful for seniors or persons that require some support while sitting or standing up. Tuxedo sofas aren’t very popular in India and the Indian subcontinent. However, they’re fairly in demand in the US. This sofa is quite economical and ideal for persons looking for an affordable option. These sofas could give a facelift to your living room or office, if decorated properly.

9. Japandi Sofa

This word might sound strange to you. Indeed, it is. However, as the name suggests, the first part bears the name of the country where such sofas originated- Japan. The second part stands for Scandinavia. Japandi sofas are a fusion of Japanese functionality and Scandinavian comfort. Japandi sofas are very common in India, though they’re usually sold mainly as sofas. The distinct features of a Japandi sofa are their straightforward and simple design. They are like large wooden frames with legs. On top, you can place a mattress or cushions as seats, backrests and armrests. These sofas are simple and easy to maintain. It’s also easy to put sofa covers of your choice on its cushions and mattresses to match the décor or ambience and mood.

10. Diwans

Another contribution of India to the world of sofas is the much-revered Diwan. In ancient days, a Diwan was used by nobles and their cohorts. It consists of a large wooden bench on which a soft mattress is placed. The wooden bench comes with a long backrest that isn’t adjustable. On some Diwans, you can also find a small, raised footrest. Diwans are made of expensive wood. The frames are carved with intricate designs, usually those ordered by the owner. The backrest is stuffed and in modern days, rubberized coir or synthetic foam is used here. A Diwan is common in India but not used in households and offices since it has a single backrest and allows for only one person to recline. However, you can buy a Diwan for use personally and by your loved ones. It adds a rich and elegant look to your home.

11. Mid-Century Sofas

You might not know it. However, Mid-Century sofas are what most houses and offices will have in India and elsewhere in the world. They get the name Mid-Century sofa because these were created in 1940s and 1950s and their use became widespread after the World War-II. A typical Mid-Century sofa needs no description. It consists of a thick wooden frame with short legs and a backrest. The length of the seats and the height of the backrest are similar. Mid-Century sofas come with two armrests, on each side. A Mid-Century sofa comes with a fixed seat, armrest and backrest. These are made of rubberized coir, synthetic foam or other stuff such as fiberfill, among other materials. These are covered by cloth upholstery though in modern times, other materials such as synthetic leather are used. These sofas are affordable and hence, very common across the world.

12. Imperial Sofa

Imperial sofas are those which come with a luxurious seating space and tall, ornate backrests. The armrests are ample and thick, giving the user an overall feel of richness and luxury. The legs of these Imperial sofas are also carved and designed ornately to signify the feet of lions or other ferocious animals. Usually, an Imperial sofa will be colored silver or gold and have large individual seats on a single bed. The seats are stuffed with feathers, fiber, foam or feathers and each seat is separate from the other, despite being on a single frame. Imperial sofas are not individual pieces but come as a set of three or four, each complimenting the other. The set will also consist of similarly styled chairs and tables. An imperial sofa is ideal if you have a large living room and want to give it that look of a royal court. But these sofas are extremely expensive due to superior quality material they use.

13. Rattan Sofa

If you care about the environment and want to use a sofa made purely of natural materials at home or workplace, I suggest you consider Rattan sofas. These sofas, as the name suggests, are made of Rattan palm that’s dried, cut and polished. These sofas are superb for gardens and outdoors as well as terraces. However, they do blend very well if used indoors too. Rattan sofas are generally sold in sets. These set consist of two or four chairs and a matching table and side tables. Rattan sofas are washable and you can polish them easily with varnish or other wax based stuff. They’re generally resistant to pests and insects, being made of durable, natural materials. Rattan sofas are also fairly inexpensive compared to others. Being lighter in weight, the entire set can be relocated easily.

Wrap Up

The type of sofa that you wish to buy for home or office would depend largely on your budget, dimensions of the room, size of your household and frequency of entertaining guests. Each of these 13 types of sofas or couches are available in India and can be bought both offline and online.

You can have these sofas customized according to your preferences and made to order, depending on how much you wish to spend. While buying sofas is fairly easy, remember that the trick in keeping your sofa looking fresh and new lies in its regular upkeep and maintenance. There’re several resources you could try for maintaining your sofa from any of the above types.