Our guide to sofa shapes for furniture manufacturers

When it comes to sofas, there’s a huge array of choice out there in terms of shape, function and style. But, whatever the design, one thing’s for sure. Many of the world’s leading furniture manufacturers turn to FibreGuard for our highly durable, PFAS-free upholstery fabrics.

In this blog post, we explore why choosing the right sofa shape is crucially important, and why FibreGuard is the obvious fabric partner for many leading sofa designers.

Understanding the importance of sofa shapes to consumers

A sofa is often one of the most significant purchases we make for our home. Not only is it the centrepiece of the living room, it’s also one of the most expensive items of furniture we’re likely to buy.

So, when consumers are deciding which type of sofa to invest in, the pressure is on to make the right decision. The shape and configuration of their chosen sofa has a big role to play here. A sectional sofa, for example, might be the best choice for those who like to stretch out while relaxing in the living room. Or a cosy love seat might be the right option for a couple who like to cuddle up and watch box sets together.

The shape and feel of someone’s favourite sofa will often come down to personal taste as well as function. Some people love the thought of sinking into a sea of plump, feather-filled cushions, while others prefer a firmer landing when they kick off their shoes at the end of a long day.

Exploring 9 different types of sofa shape

A sofa can be defined as a long, upholstered seat with a back that’s big enough to fit two or more people. But, of course, sofa design is a lot more complex than that!

There are a vast array of choices when it comes to shape and style of sofa. Here, we run you through some of the most common sofa shapes produced by leading furniture manufacturers…

1. Traditional sofa – Typically with three back cushions, this sofa shape has rolled ams that sit lower in height than the back of the sofa.
2. Modular or sectional sofa – A versatile choice made up of separate sections that can be configured in a variety of different ways.
3. Chesterfield – Button backed style with back and arms at the same height. Typically upholstered in leather and synonymous with gentleman’s clubs.
4. Knole – An elegant sofa with hinged arms that can be dropped down to create a day bed.
5. Camel back – A domed back with high, flared arms.
6. Mid-century modern – Characterised by clean lines and a boxy shape. Might include wooden elements such as teak arms and legs.
7. L-shaped or corner sofa – This right-angled sofa design is perfect for maximising space and creating a cosy, sociable feel.
8. Loveseat – A giant armchair sofa style designed for two people to fit snugly, or for one person to spread out in comfort.
9. Sleeper sofa or sofa bed – A versatile small sofa that transforms into a double bed via a hidden, foldout mattress.

Related read: Global inspiration: How three businesses achieved their vision with FibreGuard upholstery fabrics

Why do furniture manufacturers choose FibreGuard upholstery fabrics?

To create sofas that will be aesthetically appealing as well as practical and durable, the choice of upholstery fabric is absolutely crucial. Regardless of the shape or style of sofa, FibreGuard’s stain-resistant upholstery fabrics help create industry-leading results. Here are just some of benefits of using FibreGuard’s PFAS-free upholstery for sofa design…

• Our fabrics are easy to clean because of FibreGuard’s embedded stain-resistant technology
• Superlative quality and luxuriously soft
• Highly durable because of the fabric’s inherent quality and stain resistance
• FibreGuard's OEKO-TEX® certification confirms that our fabrics are eco-friendly and free of VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) and PFAS ‘forever’ chemicals.
• Our performance upholstery fabrics are available in a wide variety of colours, patterns and textures. They can be used for all types of upholstered furniture and cushions.

Many furniture manufacturers rely on FibreGuard fabrics to create high quality sofas.

Cozy Furn, a Filipino company specialising in high-quality custom furniture, for example, combines our stain-resistant upholstery fabrics with beautiful African walnut to create striking sofa designs. And in South Africa, Zorora joined forces with FibreGuard fabrics to make their elegant, eco-friendly sofas. With an emphasis on hard-wearing, high quality pieces, this partnership was a match made in heaven!

On top of this, both Abide Interiors and CosyCribs in Australia have chosen FibreGuard fabrics for their contemporary sofa designs. These elegant pieces of furniture combine sustainably sourced teak and American oak with our easy-clean upholstery in shades such as cream and ecru. Pale shades become super practical with FibreGuard fabrics – even in busy households with kids and pets. Any spills or stains can be easily wiped away because of the fabric’s stain-resistant qualities.

Practicality was at the heart of STIMLIG Design Furniture’s decision to partner with FibreGuard. The Taiwanese sofa company was operating in a market in which leather upholstery was popular because of its durability in a hot and humid climate.

Opting for FibreGuard’s stain-resistant upholstery fabrics allowed STIMLIG to offer original designs in a variety of touchably soft textiles. Their exquisitely crafted sofas are now easy to clean as well as comfortable and long lasting.

Related Read: Why eco-conscious furniture manufacturers use FibreGuard fabrics

5 things consumers consider when selecting sofa shapes

So, we’ve established that sofas come in a myriad of different shapes and sizes, and that the right fabric choice is crucially important. But how do you match a particular sofa type to your client’s requirements?

Here are some aspects to consider when weighing up which sofa style to choose for a particular project …

1. Access– First and foremost, think about practicalities. Will the sofa fit up the stairs, through door openings, etc? Sectional sofas are a great choice for spaces with limited access because they can be transported in pieces and then reassembled in situ.
2. Existing décor – It’s important to choose a sofa shape that will complement any existing décor. A chesterfield works well with a dark-hued library vibe, for example, or a corner sofa is perfect for a cosy family space.
3. Proportions – The sofa shape you select needs to complement the size and scale of the space. A love seat or boxy Mid-century sofa would work well in a smaller space, whereas a large modular sofa can look amazing in a spacious living room.
4. Comfort – Texture plays a big part in creating comfortable seating. A sofa with sinkably soft cushions will be even more alluring if its upholstered in a luxurious fabric such as velvet or chenille.
5. Practicality – Aesthetic considerations are clearly important, but if your sofa fabric isn’t practical, it won’t stand the test of time. FibreGuard’s performance upholstery is highly durable and easy to wipe clean, meaning it will look good for many years to come.

Find out more about FibreGuard upholstery fabrics

Want to find out more about FibreGuard’s performance upholstery fabrics? Our specialist team is here to help. Get in touch with us today.

To sum up, sofas come in a wide range of shapes and styles, and the right choice depends on a number of factors including function, aesthetics and practicalities. Partnering with FibreGuard’s stain-resistant upholstery fabrics opens up a world of stylish options without having to compromise on looks, quality or performance.