Types of Loveseats

Exposed Frame

• The French provincial love seat, pictured above, has a charming, feminine style that

  mixes well in furniture groups and can stand on its own, silhouetted before a window, or used in an entrance hall where a fully upholstered piece would not be appropriate. It is an example of the type of love seat designed with a fully exposed, gracefully curved wood frame surrounding the upholstery fabric.

Exposed Base

• Another handsome period love seat is the camelback style, which derives its name for the "hump" rising in the middle of the frame's back. Created in the 18th century in the London workshop of famed furniture maker Thomas Chippendale, this type of love seat is upholstered, with only the base of the wood frame exposed, and features "ball and claw" legs. The camelback love seat is an elegant style that adds a formal touch to any room.

Upholstered with Arms

• The tuxedo style is a classic example of a fully upholstered love seat with arms. It has slim arms slightly tapering at the top that are the same height as the back, one or two seat cushions and back pillows, and a skirted base. A tailored, understated style, the tuxedo love seat blends easily with all styles of furniture.

Upholstered and Armless

• The banquette is an armless type of love seat, a straight-lined style that is fully upholstered with a skirt, or sitting on tapered wooden legs. Tightly upholstered without seat or back cushions, it is often used in facing pairs, separated by a coffee table. The banquette has a sophisticated, uncluttered look.