Sofa listings use a mix of upholstery, construction and design terms that are rarely explained. This glossary defines the words you will see most often, grouped by shape, frame, filling, fabric, features and measurements, so you can compare sofas accurately and know exactly what you are buying. Keep it open while you browse and the product descriptions will make far more sense.
Whether you are looking through our modern sofas UK range or planning a whole room with our modern living room furniture UK collection, understanding the language helps you ask better questions and avoid surprises once the sofa arrives. We have kept each definition short and practical.
Two seater, three seater, four seater: A guide to how many adults can sit comfortably side by side. Actual widths vary between designs, so always check the measurements rather than relying on the label alone.
Loveseat: A compact sofa for two people, often slightly smaller than a standard two seater. Useful in snugs, bedrooms and studies.
Corner sofa: An L shaped sofa that wraps around a corner, providing more seats within the same wall space. Our modern corner sofas UK collection shows the range of sizes available.
Left hand facing and right hand facing: These describe which side the longer section or chaise sits on. The direction is judged while standing in front of the sofa and looking at it, not while sitting on it. This is one of the most common sources of confusion.
Reversible corner: A corner sofa that can be assembled with the chaise or longer section on either side, which is useful if you might move home.
U shaped sofa: A sofa with returns on both ends, forming a U. It needs a large room but provides generous seating.
Chaise or chaise end: An extended seat section that lets you stretch your legs out, usually attached at one end of a sofa.
Modular sofa: A sofa made of separate units that can be arranged in different configurations and added to later.
Sofa bed: A sofa with a built in mattress that unfolds to create a bed. Our sofa beds UK sale range covers several mechanisms and sizes.
Settee: An older British word for sofa. You will still see it in some descriptions and it means the same thing.
Track arm: A straight, squared arm with clean lines. Common on modern and minimal designs.
Rolled arm: An arm that curves outwards at the top. Associated with traditional styles such as the chesterfield and Howard sofa.
Slope arm: An arm that angles gently outwards from the seat, giving a relaxed, open look.
Pillow back: Back cushions that are loose and plump, sitting against the frame. Soft and relaxed but need regular plumping.
Fixed back or tight back: The back upholstery is attached to the frame rather than made of loose cushions. Keeps a tailored outline and needs less maintenance.
Scatter back: A back made of several smaller loose cushions arranged casually against the frame.
High back and low back: Describe the height of the backrest. High backs support the head, while low backs feel lighter and more contemporary.
Deep buttoning: Buttons pulled firmly into the upholstery to create a quilted, diamond pattern, as on a chesterfield.
Channel tufting: Vertical or horizontal stitched channels across the back or seat. A popular detail on contemporary and retro inspired sofas.
Hardwood frame: A frame made from dense timbers such as beech or oak. Generally strong and long lasting.
Kiln dried timber: Wood dried in a controlled environment to reduce moisture, which helps prevent warping and cracking.
Engineered wood: Panels such as plywood or MDF made by bonding wood layers or fibres. Plywood in particular can be very stable when used well.
Doweled, glued and screwed joints: Common methods for joining frame parts. Many quality sofas combine several methods for strength.
Serpentine springs: Also called sinuous or zigzag springs, these run from front to back across the seat and provide even support.
Pocket springs: Individually wrapped springs that move independently, often used in seat cushions for a supportive feel.
Webbing: Elastic or woven straps stretched across the frame to support the cushions. Often used in slimmer, modern designs.
Plinth base: A solid base that sits directly on the floor with no visible legs. Hides dust underneath but can make a sofa appear heavier.
High density foam: Firm, resilient foam that holds its shape well and suits seat cushions.
Memory foam: Foam that softens with body heat and moulds to your shape, then slowly returns. Occasionally used in seats for a sink in feel.
Fibre fill: Polyester fibres that feel soft and springy. Common in back cushions and scatter cushions.
Feather and fibre: A blend that feels relaxed and luxurious but needs regular plumping to keep its shape.
Foam wrap: A foam core wrapped in a softer layer of fibre or feather for a comfortable but structured sit.
Reversible cushions: Cushions upholstered on both sides that can be turned over to spread wear evenly.
Bench seat: A single long seat cushion running the width of the sofa rather than separate cushions. Gives a clean look with no gaps.
Martindale rub test: A standard test that measures how well a fabric resists abrasion. Higher figures indicate a more hardwearing fabric for everyday domestic use.
Weave: How the threads are interlaced. Tight weaves resist snagging, while loose or looped weaves feel textured but can catch.
Bouclé: A looped, nubbly fabric with a soft, cloud like texture.
Chenille: A soft fabric with a short, fuzzy pile that feels warm to the touch.
Velvet: A fabric with a dense, short pile that has a rich sheen and deep colour.
Top grain leather: Leather from the outer layer of the hide, lightly finished for durability and a uniform appearance.
Aniline and semi aniline leather: Aniline leather is dyed without a heavy surface coating, so it feels natural and develops patina. Semi aniline has a light protective coat for easier care.
Faux leather: A synthetic material designed to look like leather. Easy to wipe clean and available in many colours.
Piping: A fabric covered cord sewn into seams to define edges and add a tailored finish.
Removable covers: Covers that unzip or slip off for cleaning. Always check the care label before washing.
Fire label: A permanent label on new UK upholstered furniture confirming it meets the fire safety regulations for domestic furniture.
Manual recliner and power recliner: Recliners operated by a lever or handle, or by an electric motor and button.
Wall hugger: A recliner that needs less space behind it because the seat slides forward as it reclines.
Storage chaise: A chaise with a lifting seat that reveals storage space underneath.
Adjustable headrests: Headrests that tilt or lift to support your head and neck.
USB ports: Built in charging points, usually set into an arm or console.
Cup holders and consoles: Integrated arm features often found on recliner and home cinema sofas.
Overall width, depth and height: The full external dimensions of the sofa. Use these to check it fits the room.
Seat height: The distance from the floor to the top of the seat cushion. Affects how easy the sofa is to sit down on and stand up from.
Seat depth: The distance from the front edge of the seat to the back cushion. Deeper seats suit lounging and taller people.
Arm height: Useful when choosing side tables, which usually sit at or slightly below arm height.
Diagonal depth: The measurement used to check whether a sofa will tilt through a doorway. Always compare it with your narrowest door.
Open length: For sofa beds, the full length when opened as a bed.
Once you know the language, comparing sofas becomes much simpler. Start with shape and size, then look at frame, filling and fabric, and finish with features. If you are weighing up an L shaped design, our practical checklist for choosing a corner sofa in the UK walks you through each decision step by step.
Many of the same terms apply to the furniture around your sofa too. Our guide to side table, end table and lamp table UK terms explained clears up the common confusion between those pieces.
At Furniture in Fashion, every sofa listing includes full dimensions and material details, so you can apply this glossary as you browse. There is free delivery to most UK mainland postcodes, and Returns are available up to 30 days.
It means the longer section or chaise is on your left when you stand facing the sofa. Always judge the direction from the front, not while seated.
Fabrics with higher Martindale results are generally better suited to heavy everyday use. Check the product details and choose a fabric described as suitable for general domestic or heavy use.
A fixed back is easier because it holds its shape without plumping. Pillow backs look softer but need regular attention to stay neat.
There is no practical difference today. Settee is a traditional British term, while sofa is the more common modern word.
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