Purchasing a sofa isn’t a joke. It’s pricey, particularly in case you want one that will last. And, given that the amount of space it takes up (visual and physical ), frequently sets the tone to your space. There are so many different styles — and hybrids — that settling one is hardest, particularly in this era of eclectic, eclectic and gathered decor. Let us check out a couple of styles with deep historic routes that are easily (and beautifully) incorporated into contemporary homes.
This settee feels just a tiny bit Queen Anne-ish (1700-1745), with its graceful, dainty wrapped arms and high back. Velvet upholstery, as seen here, was typical, as were appropriate damasks and brocades, with chintz and taffetas coming in at a close second. The straight tapered legs of the settee indicate a much more Neoclassical style popular from the late 1700s through the mid-1840s.
Valerie pasquiou insides + design, inc
This seat, which evokes Spanish, or Colonial/Mission-style furniture of the 18th century, is the original sofa style. Most were upholstered in leather. The heavy, rugged proportions talk to the Spanish influences, but the simple, functional silhouette with geometric patterns give it a simplified, Santa Fe bent popularized in the 1920s through 1940s. It works beautifully as a landing pad in this entry.
Alison Giese Interiors
The canape featured in this photo is reminiscent of Louis XVI (1774-1793), with its tasteful, graceful silhouette and stained timber frame (which were often gilded, painted or lacquered).
The style is extremely flexible, as it coordinates beautifully with this traditional-modern inside, complete with contemporary artwork and earthy lighting.
Belsey & Mahla Architects
The camelback sofa, a mainstay of the Chippendale furniture fro the mid- to late-1700s, was influenced greatly by the Queen Anne-era furnishings, but has a more masculine form. Still, it’s quite elaborate, with detailed carvings, cabriole legs featuring leaf or shell motifs, along with a distinctive hump (or even humps) on the backrest.
Warmington & North
Marie Antoinette, Louis XVI’s main squeeze, lent a feminine flavor to the rectangular forms in favor during her time. The Chaise Longue pictured here elicits the Louis XVI style (1774-1793), using its oval back (like that of the bergere chair), and straight, tapered legs.
Liz Williams Interiors
The early 1800s attracted French Empire furniture to vogue. It’s generally characterized by massiveness plus a rectangularity that favorite form over function, but I believe that this Meridienne Sofa, a chaise-like daybed with one end higher than the other, looks pretty comfortable for a few high-end relaxation!
Crisp Architects
Among my personal favorites, the Chesterfield, is a deep buttoned sofa, with arms and back of the exact same height, typically made of leather. Chesterfield sofas evoke dark, gentlemanly smoking chambers of the 1900s, but might appear new in less traditional settings — and in exceptionally vibrant ones, as architect James Crisp reveals here.
More: How to Choose the Right Sofa
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