Alternative Couch

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Couch or Sofa is there a Difference?

Sofa or Couch ?

Some call it couch, some sofa! I call it both because what’s the difference?

Also where i come from it has always been a SOFA.

Let’s go back in time and start with a bit of history about the terms:

Sofa:

The word Sofa sounds elegant.

The origin of the word sofa comes from Arabic “Soffah” or “Suffa” that means floor part raised a foot or two and padded with rich carpets and cushions, and it is usually used for sitting upon made for 3 persons and more.

Sofas are typically associated with hosting a gathering.

Now all you need is a Hookah and you’re in business!

Couch:

The origin of the word comes from old french “couche” or “coucher” mixed with the English word “collocate” which means lay something down or to lie down.

Its function is to sit on it and lay it down usually it is really comfortable with no arms and fits 3 persons and less.

Furthermore a sofa tends be bigger, with arms and more formal looking than a couch. Very modern furniture tends to have couches – no arms, and less stuffed, overall more sleek and simple in its lines.

Nowadays, some people will tell you that a sofa is larger and a couch is smaller and both of them will be cushioned and both of them are good to take a nap or have a gathering with friends and family.

Sofa:

Shape:

There are generally two armrests in the sofas as per their structure and shape.

Size:

Sofas are intended to make more seating space available.

Another hand:

Sofa involves a selection of comfortable seats.

Couch

Shape:

Couches usually have none armrests and a tapered backrest.

Size:

They provide four seats available, but the manufacturer can make it large as well.

Another hand:

Couch can comfortably accommodate 2 to 3 individuals and are more compact.

So why do we call a sofa couch?

The word settee or setee comes from the Old English word setl, which was used to describe long benches with high backs and arms, but is now generally used to describe upholstered seating.

All that being said I often wonder why do we refer to the Sofa bed, here in the USA, as a Sofa Bed rather than a ” Couch bed”?

A sofa bed or sofa–bed (in the US often called a sofabed, hide-a-bed, bed–couch, sleeper–sofa, or pullout sofa) is typically a sofa or couch that, underneath its seating cushions, hides a metal frame and thin mattress that can be unfolded or opened up to make a bed.

So many names but the result is one at the end!

All we want to do at the end of the day, whether it’s Sofa, couch, couchbed or sofabed! We just want to chill, relax, lie down, binge watch our favorite show on that piece of furniture. I mean I call my bed my sanctuary and my bean bag my comfy island. All you have to do is find the right one.