What is a sofa?

The word ‘sofa’ originates from the Arabic ‘soffah’, which first entered use over two thousand years ago. It originally meant a raised piece of the floor meant for sitting on, which would be adorned with soft furnishings such as ornate cushions and lavish carpets. The first use in English came in 1625, when cleric Samuel Purchas wrote about his travels to Arabia, and described “a sofa with sumptuous carpets of gold”.

Nowadays, the Oxford English Dictionary describes a sofa as “a wide upholstered seat large enough for two or more people to sit on, having a back and typically an arm at one or both sides”. Many people use the word interchangeably with ‘couch’ or ‘settee’, but these words have their own implications.

Modern sofas are hard to define due to the range of shapes, sizes, and builds available. From stylish corner sofas, to traditional designs like the iconic Chesterfield sofa, the furniture we see today is a far cry from the ‘soffah’ that originated in the Middle East. The word originally had high-class connotations and would be used to describe a luxury piece of furniture, but it has now entered British English as the favoured term for any wide, upholstered seat for multiple people.

What is a couch?

Whereas ‘sofa’ originates from Arabic, the word ‘couch’ is from the Old French ‘coucher’, meaning ‘to lie down’. While it’s become the most common term in other varieties of English (e.g. American English) to refer to what the Brits call a sofa, its origins suggest a slightly different design.

What we now call a ‘couch’ probably had more in common with a chaise longue originally, and is now sometimes associated with seats that have a lower back than sofas. You’re more likely to hear about a ‘couch’ in informal settings, such as a family living room, while the word ‘sofa’ might be found in more professional or formal environments.

Some designers would also argue that couches don’t necessarily feature arms, which makes sense given their original design was for lying down. Like with most language, however, this definition has shifted over time, and the line between sofa and couch is more blurred than ever.

What is a settee?

The word ‘settee’ comes from Old English, where the word ‘setl’ was used to refer to a wooden bench with a bespoke, ornately carved back. It continued to refer to benches throughout the Victorian era, until eventually becoming synonymous with the upholstered sofas we know today.

Even the Oxford English Dictionary views a settee and a sofa as the same thing, giving them the same definition, but noting that ‘settee’ is more likely to be used in British English than in other regions.

Why is it important to know the difference between a sofa, couch, and settee?

Most people will understand what you’re describing if you use any of the words ‘sofa’, ‘couch’ or ‘settee’, but if you want to be more specific, knowing the differences can give you an edge when styling a living room or seating area.

As per our definitions, sofas are typically more structured with larger backs and armrests, making them a useful primary piece in a living room, and giving them a more formal feel. Meanwhile, couches can be used as spare seating with a more relaxed, informal feel. You can use a couch like a sofa in a small living room, but they’re typically viewed as a secondary piece of furniture.

The most common word for a wide upholstered seat also varies depending on where in the world you are. While you’re likely to get the point across no matter which word you use, knowing the most common word in a specific dialect can help you sound more like a native speaker. For example, ‘settee’ is more commonly used in the north of England than the south.

In summary, sofas and couches refer to similar pieces of furniture with differing designs, while settee is a regional word that can apply to either design.