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The terms sofa and couch are often used interchangeably today, but they originally had different meanings. Traditionally, a sofa was a more structured, formal piece of furniture with defined arms and a full back, while a couch was considered a more casual piece designed for lounging.

According to Mary Lee Smyth, Interior Designer at La-Z-Boy Kingston, most homeowners today use the terms interchangeably. "When customers visit our Ottawa, Gatineau, and Kingston showrooms, they'll often use both words in the same conversation. In modern furniture shopping, the difference is much less important than finding a piece that fits your space and lifestyle."

In the furniture industry, however, the term sofa is used more frequently, which is why you'll see it used throughout La-Z-Boy's product collections.

Key Takeaways:

• Sofa and couch generally mean the same thing today.
• Historically, a sofa was considered more formal, while a couch was associated with lounging.
• Most furniture retailers, including La-Z-Boy, use the word sofa in product names and catalogues.
• Modern furniture combines comfort and structure, making the distinction between them less important than it once was.
• Canadians commonly use both terms in everyday conversation.

In This Article...

• What Is the Difference Between a Sofa and a Couch?
• The History Behind the Words
• Sofa vs. Couch Comparison Table
• Why Does La-Z-Boy Use the Word Sofa?
• Does It Matter When Shopping?
• FAQs About Sofas and Couches

What Is the Difference Between a Sofa and a Couch?

Today, there is very little functional difference between a sofa and a couch. Both terms describe an upholstered seating piece designed for multiple people.

Historically, however, the two words had distinct meanings.

The word sofa comes from the Arabic word suffah, which referred to a raised platform covered with cushions and carpets. Over time, the term became associated with more structured furniture featuring defined arms, a full back, and a more formal appearance.

The word couch comes from the French word coucher, meaning "to lie down." Traditionally, couches were designed for lounging and relaxation and were often less formal than sofas.

According to Mary Lee, those historical differences rarely affect modern furniture shopping. "Most furniture manufacturers today design seating that blends comfort and structure together. It's common to find sofas that are perfect for movie nights and couches that look elegant enough for formal living rooms."

Sofa vs. Couch: Quick Comparison

A Quick History of the Words

The distinction between sofas and couches dates back centuries.

The word sofa entered English through Arabic and Turkish influences and eventually came to be associated with upholstered seating designed for entertaining guests. Because of these origins, sofas were often considered more formal pieces of furniture.

Meanwhile, the word couch evolved from the French verb coucher, which means "to lie down." As a result, couches developed a reputation for comfort, relaxation, and casual living.

Over time, furniture design evolved. Modern seating now blends the structure traditionally associated with sofas with the comfort of couches.

Mary Lee notes that many La-Z-Boy furniture families are excellent examples of this combination. "Many of our reclining sofas offer the polished appearance people expect from a traditional sofa while providing the comfort most people associate with a couch."

To see some of our Top-Selling La-Z-Boy Sofas, take a look at this article.

Why Does La-Z-Boy Use the Word "Sofa"?

In the furniture industry, "sofa" is the standard term used by most manufacturers and retailers.

That is why you'll see products listed as sofas throughout La-Z-Boy's collections, even though many customers may casually refer to them as couches.

At La-Z-Boy Ottawa, Gatineau & Kingston, our sofa collection includes everything from contemporary stationary designs to power reclining models and large sectionals.

Most collections can be customized with hundreds of fabric and leather options, allowing homeowners to create a piece that suits both their comfort preferences and personal style.

Does It Matter When Shopping?

For most homeowners, the answer is no.

Whether you call it a sofa or a couch, the more important considerations are the furniture's size, comfort, style, functionality, and how well it fits your space.

According to Mary Lee, focusing on the furniture itself is far more important than focusing on terminology. "Customers are usually much better served by thinking about how they plan to use the furniture rather than whether they should call it a sofa or a couch."

If you're furnishing a formal living room, you may naturally gravitate toward more structured styles. If comfort and relaxation are your priorities, you may prefer deeper seats, reclining features, or sectional configurations.

The good news is that modern La-Z-Boy furniture offers both.

FAQs About Sofas vs. Couches

What’s Next?

Now that you can tell the difference between a sofa and a couch, you’re basically fluent in furniture speak! Whether you’re a fan of cozy movie nights or elegant entertaining, La-Z-Boy has a sofa (or couch) that fits your lifestyle.

Ready to find your perfect fit? Our Ottawa, Gatineau and Kingston showrooms feature a wide variety of sofas in all sizes and styles. From reclining options to sectional setups and everything in between.

Our expert design consultants are happy to help you explore our sofa collection, match it to your home’s layout, and personalize it to your comfort needs. And don’t forget, La-Z-Boy’s complimentary design services make it easy to coordinate your new furniture with your overall space.

To learn more about La-Z-Boy's sofa selection, take a look at our comprehensive Sofa Buyer’s Guide.