Sofas

A sofa is a long upholstered seat designed to accommodate multiple people, typically with a back and arms. It is a central piece of furniture in living rooms, offered in various sizes, styles, and materials to suit different interiors.

Historically, seating similar to a sofa appears in ancient civilizations, evolving from couches and settees used for reclining. The terms sofa and settee became common in Europe during the 18th century, with mass production and new upholstery techniques shaping the modern sofa in the 19th and 20th centuries.

Most sofas have a rigid frame, usually made of hardwood or engineered wood, supported by springs or flexible bands. Cushions are filled with foam, down, or blends, and the upholstery fabric can be natural or synthetic. Legs and silhouettes vary by style.

Common styles include the traditional Chesterfield with deep buttoning and rolled arms, the loose-back sofa, and contemporary modular sectionals. Variants such as sofa beds and reclining sofas add sleeping or reclining functions, while sofa shapes range from compact loveseats to oversized sectionals.

Choosing a sofa involves size, layout, traffic, and comfort preferences, plus fabric performance: durable textiles for households with pets or children, leather for easy cleaning, and blends for balance. Care typically includes regular vacuuming, prompt stain treatment, and avoiding prolonged sun exposure.

Sofas are manufactured worldwide by craftspeople and mass producers, with markets emphasizing durability, warranty terms, and sustainability, including responsibly sourced wood and low-emission finishes where available.