Historically built for esteemed guests to sit apart from government councils, sofas in the eighteenth century were simply a raised section of the floor, padded with pillows and mats. Originally existing solely for the elite, couches became more common in middle and lower class houses after the nineteenth-century Industrial Revolution. Here and now in the twenty-first century, sofas are the hub of home activity. Families spend hours together in living rooms, which makes purchasing the right sofa an important task. When choosing a sofa, comfort is key, but just as important is fashion, style and quality.

The word "sofa" covers a broad range of furniture pieces from regular two or three seat couches to loveseats, recliners, sectionals, and sleeper sofas. Each brings its own features and unique functions to a living room.

Regular sofas, or couches, are always upholstered and can seat several people. Available in an array of materials, most sofas have room for at least three people to sit comfortably, though smaller sofas only have two cushioned spots. However, the sheer size of a sofa sets it apart from a loveseat.

The loveseat – or love seat – was originally designed in the eighteenth century to accommodate a woman with a large dress, but as time progressed and for obvious reasons, the smallness of these two-seater couches led them to be called loveseats. Able to seat two, loveseats are a great choice for a small space, or as an additional sofa for a living room set. These conversation couches can be intimate, but their small size does not take away from their comfort.

Sectionals have it all. Mixing different sizes of couches together, sectionals allow you to personalize your living room for ultimate luxury. Sofa sectionals can accommodate anywhere from two to six people comfortably. Some sofa sectionals are designed as home theatre units; these particular sectionals have features such as arm rests between each seat and drink holders. Many sofa sectionals have reclining chairs built into the structure, allowing one person to recline back while another has a choice to sit upright. The configuration possibilities of sectionals are endless, and the comfort of a sectional is everlasting. Sectionals are perfect for big families, or families that entertain often.

Another feature of sectionals and some sofas is a chaise section. The chaise allows you to stretch out your legs while on the couch, without having to use a foot stool or ottoman. A chaise lounge can be long enough to feel like a bed, and just as comfortable as one too.

Another trend in living room design is to add a recliner to the mix of furniture. Recliners offer comfort, quality and durability. Recliners are designed with leading innovation and creativity in mind. Different types of recliners keep coming out and the designs keep getting better. There are modern recliners, traditional recliners, massage recliners, and even recliners with built in stereo systems that are compatible with mp3 players and other electronic devices, making your video game, music, or movie that much more fun.

Finally, sleeper sofas are dual-purpose items that also continue to develop in design. Sleeper sofas are a very economical way of combining the casual comfort of a living room couch with the soothing security of a bedroom mattress. They are also the answer to the eternal lack-of-space problem, as they are able to function as two items in a small space. Perfect for overnight guests too, sleeper sofas are now being designed so that comfort does not have to be sacrificed for style. They look good, feel good, and are a great investment for any home.

All of these types of sofas come in a variety of materials, from leather to suede to micro-fiber to cloth and more. Keep in mind the durability of materials, especially if you have pets or small children. Also to keep in mind are the colors you choose for your sofa. These colors should fit in with the color scheme of your walls, floors and other furniture in the room. Luckily there are plenty of options to choose from, and hopefully now, you have a better idea of what you are looking for.