Home / Decor 8 years ago

Our Four Favorite Sofa Silhouettes

Watching tv, eating dinner, drinking your morning coffee, a lot of things happen on the couch! But with so many different silhouettes out there- how do you know which one to pick? I’m so happy to have Kathy Kuo back on the blog today to go through our four favorite sofa silhouettes. Be sure to check out her previous posts here and here! Enjoy!

left image via Veranda Magazine
right image via Linda McDougald Design
bottom image via Linda McDougald Design
featured image via kathykuohome.com

1. The Chesterfield
The chesterfield is a common sofa silhouette that will always continue to be popular due to its elegant and sophisticated look. It is known for its all-over tufted style, often upholstered in a luxe leather. We love the chesterfield in regal or traditional spaces where the dramatic rolling arms really make a statement. Chesterfields also work perfectly in masculine spaces or rooms that have a studious atmosphere—like an office or library. If your personal style is a bit more modern, you can also try a tuxedo sofa: a sofa style that has the pomp of the chesterfield but carries a sleek and squared modern shape.

image via kathykuohome.com

2. The Camelback
The camelback silhouette is an original design by the historic Thomas Chippendale, and it’s named for its main feature—an elegant slope that is high in the middle that then lowers to the height of its gently sloped arms. The seats are completely upholstered while the wooden legs are exposed. Camelback sofas add a classic, refined, and stunning silhouette to your home. It is beautiful from all angles, and it works for multiple design styles, from French country to traditional to modern classic.

image via kathykuohome.com

3. The Cabriole
Named after the sinuous curve of its back, the cabriole sofa is a very graceful and distinct choice. The sofa back is often an exposed wood frame carved with gorgeous detailing, and it originated as a fixture in French salons, so it fits well in modern French style designs. The cabriole typically has no back cushions, and the curved arms can limit seating, so we recommend this refined silhouette for a kitchen nook, sunroom, parlor, or bedroom as opposed to the living or family room.

left image via Universal Blueprint
right image via kathykuohome.com
bottom image via Architectural Digest

4. The Chaise Lounge
One of our absolute favorite silhouettes is the stunning chaise lounge. Gaining popularity informal French salons, the chaise was thought of as a work of art and is used more for reclining than it is for sitting. We love them in the master bedroom suite, but they also make a lovely addition to a parlor, study, sitting room, or any space where you may lay down to read a book or take a nap. If you want to add a glamorous edge to you home, you can also opt for a récamier style chaise—the most recognizable style because of its asymmetrical build.

Which sofa silhouette is your favorite? Let us know in the comment section below.