Are Sofa and Settee Furniture Both The Same

What is the definition of Sofa Sets?

A sofa could be a long, comfortable seat with a back and typically with arms, on which two or three people can sit on. The word ‘sofa’ originated in the eastern Mediterranean with the Arabic ‘soffah’, which was ‘a part of the ground raised a foot or two, covered with rich carpets and cushions, and used for sitting upon.’ Sofas include a spread of comfortable seating options, from sectionals to loveseats. “Sofa” is that the commonly accepted word for the kind of seating that matches this description, but sometimes sofa sets for home are casually spoken as couches reckoning on the dimensions, style, or setting of the sofa.

 

What is the definition of the Settee?

The settee can be a long, soft seat, with a back and often with arms. The settee comes from the word “setl” (or “settle”); an ornately crafted, long wooden bench with a high back popular in the Middle Ages, which eventually evolved to incorporate upholstery on the arms and back to supply comfort. The settle could easily accommodate up to four people. The wooden settee furniture is generally used to describe any upholstered sofa.

 

Different types of settees got names deriving from their function, their style, or someone associated with them. Typical examples are the daybed, a form of elongated chair with an inclined back; the chesterfield, a large, very heavily stuffed and buttoned variety; the hall settee, largely an 18th-century form, usually having an upholstered seat and elaborately carved back, designed to be used with matching chairs during a very hall or gallery; and the daybed, a carved or upholstered piece that originated within the 16th century, with an extended seat and one inclined end.

 

What is the difference between Sofa & Settee?

 

 

The sofa would be found in the sitting room or the drawing-room, not like the settee which would be found in the lounge or living room. Traditionally the couch, sofa, and settee were three very different items of furniture. But in modern English, they have all come to mean the same thing.

A settee, sort of a sofa but unlike a couch, have a back. However, it seems that the ‘settee’ evolved separately to the ‘sofa’, whether or not they ended up being indistinguishable. A settle, historically, is a bench, usually product of oak, popular within the Middle Ages and infrequently ornately carved and decorated.

 

So although the couch, sofa and settee were traditionally quite distinctive from one another, the evolution of the fashionable sofa has swallowed up the initial three original meanings. When someone mentions having either a couch, a settee or a sofa, the three are quite indistinguishable.

 

How to choose the right one for your home sofa or settee?

A settee or sofa for the living room is a large purchase, and choosing wisely means you’ll be investing in a piece of furniture that will last you and your family for many years. Here are a few points to keep in mind -

1. Size matters

In terms of size, there's an interesting difference between a settee and a sofa. Sofas are designed to produce more seating space and so that they occupy more floor space. Usually, they supply seating space for four but they'll even be bigger.

 

2. Function

In terms of function, the difference between a sofa and settee is easily visible. In most cases, a settee is used in more casual and informal settings like in an entertainment room or a cozy living space. Sofas are generally perceived as being slightly more formal. They are used in living rooms and they give out an elegant and classy vibe.

 

3. Variety

Generally, the settee is made from hardwood whereas we have a wide range of options in sofas like leather, wool, cotton, linen, silk, wool or rayon.

 

4. Attractive

Definitely, sofas have their own elegance and are considered more attractive. The settee is soberer in the looks.

 

Conclusion

Everyone has their own taste. Everyone wants their home to look distinct and attractive, and their furnishings should reflect their style and personality. That’s why it’s wise to assess one’s lifestyle before shopping and choosing from many types of sofas in today’s market. Generally, sofas add elegance to any living area whereas the settee is more subtle, but the ultimate choice is yours.