DIFFERENT TYPES OF FURNITURE

Whether an empty house or a big remodel, you’ve got big choices to make. Before you decide how to fill your home, learn about the options you have the types of furniture and the names of furniture pieces to help you make the best decisions to decorate your space.

What’s The Difference Between Couch and Sofa?

Historically speaking: A couch and sofa are very different. The former comes from the French verb “coucher,” which means “to lie down.” Sofa, on the other hand, stems from the Arabic word “suffah,” which is essentially a wooden bench covered in blankets and cushions.

While much of us have a subconscious generalization that ‘couch’ is more casual than ‘sofa,’ couple of individuals, even designers, genuinely understand the difference. Is a couch in fact more laid-back than a sofa?

Although few realize it, there is a very distinct difference between a couch and a sofa.

The quick way to tell the difference between a sofa and a couch is check for the presence of arms. Traditionally, couches do not have arms while sofas include arms. This is the fundamental difference between the two furnishings.

Although these two home furnishings share many commonalities, they diverge on several aspects including size, functional use, and location.

SOFA

>> Sofas have the tendency to be larger than couch.

>> Normally used for taking a seat.

>> Sofas tend to have an uniform back.

In Summary:
This is a broad generalization, however, for the typical consumer, these two ideas will keep it simple.

sofa the Square Decorators

Seating Capacity:

One critical area that defines the difference between the two is seating capacity. Couches are typically smaller, designed to seat two to three people. Sofas are larger than couches and are designed to accommodate four or more persons. It is very likely that you’ve also seen a two seater sofa, which is appropriately referred to as a loveseat.
Loveseats are a smaller version of a standard sofa, designed to accommodate two people instead of four.

Functional Use:

You probably didn’t know this, but couches are actually intended to be lied upon rather than sat on. Conversely, the sofa is designed for seating purposes. This is one of the reasons why genuine couches are armless. The functional use leads us to our next point; location.

COUCH

>> Couches have the tendency to be smaller.

>> Typically used for laying down.

>> Couches have the tendency to have tapered backs.

OTHER DIFFERENT TYPES OF FURNITURE

What is an Ottoman?

>> An ottoman is a piece of furniture that consists of a padded, upholstered seat.

It has no back or arms and is often used as a stool or footstool. Ottomans can also be used as coffee tables. They are often hollow and have storage space under the cushion, making them convenient storage spaces.

Many ottomans have wooden legs, which are not covered by fabric. They are typically sold as the corresponding furniture with gliders or armchairs. Ottomans can be used in any room including bedroom, living room, family room, gaming room, etc.

The history of the ottoman can be traced back to the Ottoman Empire where it was used as a low wooden platform that was intended to be covered with cushions. This style was eventually brought to Europe in the late 18th century.

ottoman the square decorators

Alternative Functions
Sometimes a footstool might be kept by the hearth as something to kneel on when building a fire in the fireplace. They can also be left in the kitchen or laundry room to help with reaching items on high shelves.

What is a Footstool?

>> Footstools are typically made of wood, low to the ground, and primarily used as a foot rest while sitting in a chair.

They may have some fabric or padding, but will never be described as plush. Because they are generally no more than 12 inches high, these pieces are not appropriate for seating. Overall, footstools are simple and utilitarian with more functional than decorative value.

It’s usually placed in front of a chair or sofa in a living space such as living room, family room or in a sitting area in a bedroom.
There is one kind of footstool that is not categorized as any of the others and that is a footstool with no upholstery. For example, an all wood footstool is only a footstool.

What is a Hassock?

>> Hassocks are somewhat similar to ottomans, but they differ in size and shape. Hassocks are thick and hard cushions that are used as footstools or low seats, but they are smaller in size than ottomans and are typically round in shape. They can also be used as side tables in the living room. Unlike ottomans, hassocks are not hollow inside; therefore they cannot be used as storage spaces.

Hassocks may have wooden legs to give it rigidity, but these legs are entirely covered in fabric. Thus, they appear as a large cushion from outside.
Since hassocks are very short and closer to the ground, you can kneel on them or recline against them. They are often used in churches where the congregation kneel on them while in prayer.

Hassock is also known as tuffet or pouffe although pouffes are known to be taller and larger than hassocks.

Hassock is also known as tuffet or pouffe although pouffes are known to be taller and larger than hassocks.

Leather-Pouf the square decorators

What is a Pouf ?

>> A pouf is a large, dense cushion big enough to serve as a footstool. They can be round, square or even rectangle.

Pros

  • Less expensive than a hassock or ottoman.
  • Lighter so easy to move around.
  • Can look great – more casual.
  • Soft.
  • Can serve as a large pillow.

Cons

  • Not as stable as hassock or ottoman.
  • Smaller than most ottomans.
  • Not nearly as nice as a nicely appointed hassock or ottoman.
  • Won’t match your furniture.
  •  They are sold separately.