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12 Classic Sofa Styles for Your Living Room

May 2, 2022

Overwhelmed trying to find the perfect sofa for your living room that you won’t regret buying in a few years? Learn four characteristics to look for and see the best 12 classic couches available online that are perfect for any space and will withstand the test of time.



DESIGN + STYLE   |   Updated March 24, 2023




Cozy and Rustic Living Room with Cream English Roll Arm Sofa









Sofas are a costly investment and likely the dominant piece of furniture in your living room.


That means they aren’t something you want to regret purchasing a few years down the road.


Between online shops and brick and mortar furniture stores there are thousands of options out there in different shapes, sizes, and fabrics, not to mention price points. That can be pretty overwhelming and leads you to wonder where to even begin making a decision about which is right for you.





Ideally, you’ll want to limit your search to classic sofas – ones that don’t lend themselves to a specific style or trend and are neutral enough to fit in with your ever-changing décor and tastes.


Continue reading for a few helpful tips about choosing a long-lasting sofa design that is right for your home. Plus, see twelve classic sofas you can buy directly from this post and have shipped to your home!



Brown leather Wessex sofa from Arhaus






THINGS TO LOOK FOR WHEN SHOPPING FOR A CLASSIC COUCH






No two sofas are alike, so you’ll have to first decide on the basics like whether you like the look of exposed or skirted legs, how many cushions would be most comfortable, and if you’d like an attached or loose back.


You’ll also need to consider how the sofa will be used. Do you need a seating place for entertaining adults or for curling up with the family to watch TV? How many people need to fit on this sofa?


Be sure to measure both the length of space you have for the sofa as well as the depth. There is nothing more frustrating than thinking you found the perfect piece of furniture only to realize after delivery that it is overwhelming in the room.


While you will always have to consider your budget, comfort level, and the desired longevity for the sofa you choose, there are four specific characteristics to consider when shopping for a classic couch or sofa.






| Choose Neutral Colors


This is one area where you don’t want to follow the trends. Choose something neutral like a cream, navy, or gray, and add pops of color and style to your living room through pillows, throws, and more inexpensive furniture like coffee tables.


You also want to stay away from bold patterns like large floral prints that will look dated well before the sofa is worn and limit your future redecorating of the space.



| Look for a Classic Shape


Features like a flare arm or curved frames normally lean toward a specific decorating style, and more often than not, your sofa will outlast the popularity of that look.


Opt instead for classic features like a traditional rolled or square arm and an overall shape of straight lines or gentle sloping curves.





| Consider Timeless Fabrics


Fabrics like boucle are popular on upholstery at the moment, but if you want your sofa to still be stylish in the future, choose a classic textile. Leather, linen, and wool (or blends like look like the natural fabrics) are timeless choices that will last for many years if properly cared for. Even velvet is a good choice if you’d like a bit of luxurious texture.


Spend a little time researching the pros and cons of different upholstery options to find the one that is right for your family and circumstances. And stay away from fabrics like silk which doesn’t wear well and blends that can pill quickly.



| Add Some Details


Just because you are choosing an ordinary shape, color, and fabric for your sofa doesn’t mean you can’t add a detail or two to personalize the furniture that you choose. Things like nail head trim, tufting, or exposed decorative legs can all keep your couch from looking boring.



READ NEXT: Learn How to Update the Look of Your Sofa for Less than $30 Just by Changing the Legs







Cream Kipton Sofa from Arhaus This post contains affiliate links which means I receive a small commission if you choose to make a purchase using the link, but there is no additional cost to you. For more information, you can view my disclosure policy.







12 CLASSIC SOFAS TO BUY ONLINE RIGHT NOW






Here are twelve sofa options that are classic styles and will last for quite some time as the trends change. Some are plain, while others have timeless details like tufting, nail head trim, and turned wood feet to make them a bit more special.


All options are available for delivery right to your door, many with white glove delivery and set up in your living room.

Interested in learning more about a particular sofa you see? Click on the image or sofa's name to see more details including different size options (many include sectionals or various lengths), number of cushions, custom fabric options, or to purchase one for your home.



Ashby Sofa by Arhaus


ASHBY SOFA by Arhaus


Suave and sophisticated, the modern Ashby sofa is handcrafted by American upholstery artisans with classic, midcentury-inspired silhouettes. Inset feet make each piece appear to float above your floor. Generously upholstered, deep seating is hand-fitted in chic, menswear-inspired performance fabrics—which are incredibly durable and virtually unstainable.





Navy Fraiser Sofa from Safavieh


FRAISER SOFA by Safavieh


Designer styling characterizes the beautiful lines of the transitional Frasier Sofa. With sloping arms, two dramatic seat cushions and loose pillow back, this piece is sculptural and dynamic. Covered in navy blue linen, the Frasier Sofa sits on natural-colored oak legs.





Giovanni Sofa by Furniture of America


GIOVANNI SOFA by Furniture of America


Grace your home with the beauty and elegance of this classically structured Giovanni Sofa. Fitted back and seat cushions create a comforting seating environment while surrounded by nailhead trim. Rolled arms add emphasis to the timeless design while drawing attention to the tapered wood block legs below.





Hadley Sofa by Arhaus


HADLEY SOFA by Arhaus


An Arhaus classic. With timeless styling and decadent leather upholstery, The Hadley Sofa is designed to frame your space with sophistication. Buttery-soft, aniline-dyed-leather cushions are padded with down and feathers to create sink-into yet supportive seating complemented by a classic silhouette. Craftsman-built by American furniture artisans in North Carolina, this sofa collection’s reinforced, kiln-dried hardwood frames are built to last for years of relaxation.





Kipton Sofa by Arhaus


KIPTON SOFA by Arhaus


The one that feels like it was made for you—because it was. The Kipton Sofa is where clean lines meet maximum comfort, featuring a frame crafted by artisans in North Carolina from sustainably sourced hardwood. Kipton’s thin arms, rounded top, and plush cushions blend seamlessly with classic and contemporary styles.





Landsbury Sofa by Arhaus


LANDSBURY SOFA by Arhaus


Pure comfort wrapped in classic design - The Landsbury Sofa fits living rooms both spacious and small. This transitional yet traditional style features plush, padded cushions, rolled arms, and an abundance of toss pillows—resulting in a versatile foundation for your seating area. Hand-built by dedicated upholstery artisans in North Carolina, these pieces are durably constructed with sustainably sourced hardwoods. Deep and cozy cushions provide long-lasting support and a “sink into” feel.





Paxton Sofa by Arhaus


PAXTON SOFA by Arhaus


Classically styled to create the perfect foundation for your living space, the Paxton Sofa is designed with traditional silhouettes, featuring low profiles and curved lines—all expertly fitted with textured, menswear-inspired fabric or rich, hand-finished leather. Sofas, chairs, and sectional components feature English rolled arms accentuated by pleating. Frames are hand-built using solid, reinforced hardwood and house no-sag sinuous springs, which provide firm yet flexible support. Back cushions are filled with premium memory fiber, while seat cushions are sustained by springs padded with eco-friendly foam, feathers and down for just the right amount of sink.





PB Comfort Roll Arm Sofa by Pottery Barn


PB COMFORT ROLL ARM SOFA by Pottery Barn


Sink into this sofa just once, and you’ll know how it got its name. The Comfort Roll Arm Sofa is designed with extra-deep seats and three layers of thick padding on the arms and back, for unparalleled comfort. This bestselling collection offers the most customizable options, from fabric to fill to cushion style.


Click here for the slipcovered version of the Comfort Roll Arm Sofa.





PB English Arm Sofa by Pottery Barn


PB ENGLISH ARM SOFA by Pottery Barn


The PB English Arm Sofa is designed with traditional English roll arms and extra-deep seats for easy lounging. This best selling collection offers the most customizable options from fabric, to fill to cushion style.





Perry Sofa by Arhaus


PERRY SOFA by Arhaus


Traditional styling with a transitional edge, the Perry Sofa is fitted in a textural, cool, grey fabric and finished with defining features like flared wood legs, soft rolled arms, and a subtle, camelback silhouette. Reinforced frames are thoughtfully crafted in North Carolina, using sustainably sourced hardwood, selected for its superior strength and stability. Luxurious cushions are padded with foam, feathers, and down and are flexibly supported by a no-sag spring system for enduring comfort.





Riley Sofa by Universal Furniture


RILEY SOFA by Universal Furniture


Featuring a plush body draped in reliable performance fabric accented with nailhead trim, the Riley Sofa brings a breezy sophistication to living spaces.





Tate Sofa by Universal Furniture


TATE SOFA by Universal Furniture


The Tate Sofa is built with two plush, oversized seat cushions, dainty armrests, and a clean-lined back, making it the perfect comfort piece for any living space.





Taylor Sofa by Arhaus


TAYLOR SOFA by Arhaus


The Taylor Sofa is thoughtfully designed by upholstery artisans and meticulously handcrafted in the foothills of North Carolina to exude classic style and comfort. Seat cushions are fabulously upholstered with dense, supportive foam encased in durable muslin. This modern living collection showcases a sleek silhouette with deep, generous seating— all covered in soft, stunning fabric or rich, buttery-soft leather for a retro-chic look that’s versatile enough to fit a wide variety of home-décor styles.





Wessex Leather Sofa by Arhaus


WESSEX LEATHER SOFA by Arhaus


Handcrafted in America, the Wessex Sofa embraces classic Old World British style with workbench artistry. Each sturdy frame, crafted from sustainably sourced hardwood, is draped in the rustic beauty of hand-distressed leather, accented with elegant tufting, and highlighted by rows of hand-applied nailheads. Each classic, exquisitely comfortable piece is padded with down, feathers, and eco-friendly foam for sink-into comfort that is evenly sustained by a resilient sinuous support system. With luxurious rolled arms and a low profile, sofa is as comfortable as it is beautiful.




Hopefully this post has guided you through the options to consider when shopping for a classic sofa style that you'll love for years to come and maybe even one of my favorites has caught your eye as well.




CONTINUE READING THESE POSTS IF YOU'RE INTERESTED IN THE HELPFUL SHOPPING GUIDES: A collection of posts walking you step by step through purchasing furniture and decor that is right for your home.

SHOPPING FOR THE RIGHT SIZE RUG for every room

CHOOSING A BREAKFAST NOOK LIGHT FIXTURE plus over 100 options to shop from!









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