Types of Couches

Types

• A couch can be a two-seater (love seat) or three seater; a divan or a corner couch and can be made of suede, leather, cotton, silk, twill, micro fiber or cotton blend. The term "couch" comes from the French word "couche," which means bed or coucher or to lie down. Different people use different terms for this piece of furniture, including sofa, which comes from the Arabic word "suffah" or bench; or Chesterfield, taken from its inventor, the Earl of Chesterfield, or davenport. A davenport is considered a formal sofa.

Divan

• Couch styles include a divan, which is comparable to a twin-sized mattress, flanked with a decorative railing and pillows used for back support, according to Movingapartmentguide.com. The divan derived its name from the Persian word "diwan," which means a government office or chamber, because this type of couch was routinely found situated along the walls in Middle Eastern council chambers.

Chaise

• Another type of couch is a chaise, which is a long sofa that has one armrest. A chaise has a half back and a raised end. Furnitureforlivingroom.com describes a chaise as an elongated chair with back slants that recline for comfort. A chaise can be used as a patio seat outside or an indoor recliner. It was an essential piece of living room furniture in France during the 16th century.

Lofabed and Love Seat

• A lofabed is a couch that unfolds to form a futon mattress. A love seat is a version of a couch. It's smaller and called a British two-seater.

Sectionals

• A sectional sofa has multiple sections that join at a 90-degree angle.

Double As Beds

• Sitonthecouch.com explains that there are sofa beds and sleeper sofas, which double as beds for your guests.

Leather

• Some people like leather couches, which are rather masculine looking. This type of couch is considered elegant and sleek and is often found in business offices.