Sofa descriptions are full of terms that can make two very similar pieces sound completely different. This glossary explains the words you are most likely to meet when choosing a sofa, grouped by what they describe: shapes and styles, frames and suspension, cushions and fillings, upholstery, and sizes and configurations. Read it once and product pages become much easier to compare, because you will know exactly what you are being told and which details matter for your home.
Keep it open while you browse our full range of modern sofas UK, and you will find it quicker to spot the differences between one design and the next. Many of the same words also appear across our wider living room furniture UK sale collection, particularly on armchairs and footstools.
An older British word for a sofa, still widely used. In everyday speech there is no real difference between a settee and a sofa.
A compact two seater, sized for two people sitting close together. Useful in smaller rooms, bay windows or as a partner to a larger sofa.
Also called a cuddle chair or love chair. It sits between an armchair and a two seater in width, wide enough for one person to curl up or two to sit closely.
A classic British design with deep buttoned upholstery and rolled arms that are the same height as the back. Traditionally covered in leather, though fabric versions are common.
A relaxed, comfortable style where the arms sit noticeably lower than the back, usually with separate back cushions. It is one of the most familiar sofa shapes in British homes.
A neat, boxy design with arms and back at the same height, creating a clean rectangular outline. It looks tailored and suits both period and contemporary rooms.
A sofa whose back rises to a curved hump in the centre, then dips towards the arms. A traditional shape, often seen in more formal rooms.
A historic English design with high sides that can be lowered or tied back. Rarely seen now, but the name still appears in period inspired collections.
A traditional British style with low, slightly rolled arms set back from the front of the seat, often with a skirt. It has a soft, homely feel.
Describes sofas inspired by design from the middle of the last century: slim arms, tight backs and tapered wooden legs that lift the body off the floor.
A sofa with a continuous curve along its length. Best in larger rooms where it can sit away from walls and be seen from several angles.
Sofa configuration matters as much as style, particularly in the compact rooms common in UK homes.
A loose guide to how many people can sit comfortably. Seat widths vary, so always check the overall width rather than relying on the number alone.
An L shaped sofa that fits into or around a corner. Our corner sofas UK come in various sizes and handings for different layouts.
An extended seat at one end of the sofa, long enough to put your legs up. It gives lounging space without the full footprint of a corner sofa.
Often shortened to LHF and RHF. This describes which side the chaise or corner is on when you stand facing the sofa. It is the term most people get wrong, so double check before ordering.
A sofa made of separate sections that can be arranged in different shapes. Useful if you move house often or want to rearrange.
Largely interchangeable with modular, though some brands use it for a corner sofa that arrives in several parts.
A sofa with a mattress that unfolds or pulls out. Our modern sofa beds UK show the range of mechanisms available, from fold out to click clack designs.
A sofa bed where the backrest folds flat to meet the seat, creating a sleeping surface. Usually armless or with slim arms.
The internal structure of the sofa. It is usually made from hardwood, softwood, plywood, engineered board or a combination. The frame decides how long the sofa will keep its shape.
Timber that has been dried in a kiln to reduce moisture before use. It is less likely to warp or crack over time.
Also called sinuous or zigzag springs. S shaped steel wires running from front to back of the seat, offering firm, even support.
Individual coil springs sewn into fabric pockets. Each spring moves independently, giving a more responsive feel. Often found in seat cushions or the base of more substantial sofas.
Strong elastic or woven straps stretched across the frame to support the seat. Good quality webbing gives a soft, comfortable sit; lower grade versions can sag over time.
A solid base that sits directly on the floor, rather than legs. It gives a grounded, contemporary look and stops things rolling underneath.
Also called a tight back. The back is upholstered directly onto the frame with no loose cushions. It gives a neat, structured look and needs little plumping.
The back is made up of loose cushions that you arrange yourself. More relaxed, but needs regular plumping to stay tidy.
Large, loose back cushions that sit against a fixed frame. A middle ground between fixed and scatter backs.
The most common filling. Higher density foam is firmer and holds its shape longer. Lower density foam feels softer but may flatten sooner.
A foam core wrapped in a layer of polyester fibre. It softens the edges and gives a plumper look while keeping support.
A blend of feathers and synthetic fibre, giving a soft, sink in feel. It looks relaxed and needs regular plumping.
Foam that responds to body heat and pressure, moulding to your shape. More common in sofa bed mattresses than in seat cushions. Our guide to sofa bed open dimensions for UK rooms is helpful if you are considering one for guests.
Seat or back cushions upholstered on both sides, so you can turn them over to spread wear.
The outermost layer of the hide, with the natural grain intact. It is the most durable leather and develops a patina over time.
Leather that has been lightly sanded to remove surface marks, then finished. Smoother and more uniform than full grain.
Leather dyed throughout with no protective surface coating. Very soft and natural looking, but more prone to marks.
Aniline leather with a light protective coating, combining a natural look with better resistance to spills.
Leather whose surface has been sanded and embossed with an artificial grain pattern. More uniform and generally easier to care for.
A material made from leather fibres bonded together with a backing. It looks like leather but behaves differently over time.
A fabric made from looped yarn, giving a soft, nubbly texture. Associated with curved and sculptural designs.
A soft, tufted fabric with a slight sheen. Warm and comfortable, often used for family sofas.
A dense, short pile fabric with a rich, light catching surface. Shows colour beautifully and can mark when brushed the wrong way.
Fabric treated or woven to resist stains and spills. A practical choice for homes with children or pets.
A measure of how well a fabric resists abrasion. A higher figure indicates a fabric that will stand up better to regular use.
Upholstered furniture sold in the UK must meet fire safety regulations, and a permanent label confirming this should be attached to the sofa.
A narrow cord covered in fabric, sewn into seams to define edges. It gives a tailored, finished look.
A strip of fabric running around the base of the sofa, hiding the legs. More common on traditional designs.
Buttons pulled firmly into the upholstery to create diamond shaped pleats. Characteristic of Chesterfield sofas.
The distance from the front of the seat to the back cushion. Deeper seats suit lounging; shallower seats suit upright sitting.
The distance from the floor to the top of the seat cushion. Lower seats look more contemporary; higher seats are easier to get in and out of.
The same language applies across the rest of the living room. If you are also choosing tables, our explainer on side, end and lamp table terms explained for UK buyers clears up another set of often confused names. When you compare sofas, read the configuration and dimensions first, then the frame and suspension, then the cushions and upholstery. That order tells you whether the sofa will fit, how long it will last and how it will feel, in that sequence.
You can browse every style mentioned here at Furniture in Fashion, with free delivery to most UK mainland postcodes.
There is no practical difference. Settee is an older British word, and both describe the same piece of furniture.
It depends on your preference. Fixed backs look tidy and need little maintenance. Scatter backs feel more relaxed but need regular plumping.
Left hand facing. It means the chaise or corner is on the left when you stand in front of the sofa looking at it.
Higher density foam, especially when wrapped in fibre, generally holds its shape well. Feather blends are softer but need regular plumping.
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