Publications
Partners
The word couch is derived from the French word coucher, which means "to lie down" and that’s exactly what we use couches for nowadays.
A couch is often also the focal point of a living room, so choose something that suits your style and personality.
Read more: 5 couches we'd love to own
The style of a couch is shaped by its arms, the back and the legs or skirt. Here are some of the main style options that are hot at the moment.
Contemporary
A sofa with straight lines looks contemporary. The softer the cushions the more relaxed it feels and looks. The oversized nature of corner units and modular couches (couches divided into sections) give a dramatic and uncluttered feel to a contemporary interior.
Retro
Retro refers to mid-century modern furniture from the 1940s to 1970s. It is easily identifiable by its minimalist design and clean lines – usually straight, but sometimes curved.
Read more: 10 things worth saving for in your new home
The sofas’ cushions are always firm and the legs dainty in either steel or wood.
The look is very popular at the moment and reupholstered originals, replicas or contemporary pieces inspired by the era, fit perfectly in a young, trendy interior.
Scandinavian
The Scandinavian look is a contemporary take on mid-century modern design.
Legs are delicate and cushions firm, but not as stiff as retro furniture’s cushions. Shades of grey give it a neutral, calming and elegant look.
Slip covers
Loose covers over roll arm couches give a relaxed country feel.
Covers are usually made in plain coloured linens or floral prints. The couches usually have slightly slanted backs and turned legs on castor wheels.
Classical
Classical sofas are curvaceous with firm upholstered cushions.
It has made a comeback in steam punk interiors and works well to counterbalance rustic and industrial interiors.
Old pieces are reupholstered for a fresher look. There are many different variations of classical couches; some only have slight curves, while others are very ornate.
Chesterfield sofa
The classic cigar bar look is easily achieved with the timeless Chesterfield sofa.
It’s characterised by its deep buttoned (tufted back) and high rolled arms that are the same height as the back. Sometimes the seat is also tufted.
It is often upholstered in dark leather, but it gets a more feminine feel when covered in light chenille fabric.
Chaise lounge
The perfect piece to add drama to a theatrical, romantic room.
In French, this literally means a “long chair”. Originally, these were very ornate chairs with an extended sideways seat to put your feet up, but they are now also available in contemporary lines.
Read more:
