At first glance, the word sofa certainly does not appear to be an English word, and it isn't. Of course, the English has adopted the word, but its origins are not English. In fact, sofa comes from the Arabic word suffa and might have entered the English language around the time of the Crusades, but probably found its way into English during the Moorish occupation of Spain. In Arabic, suffa meant bench, and through assimilation in Turkish, sofa meant a raised section of a floor, covered with carpets and cushions. Hence, we arrive at the English meaning: a long stuffed seat meant for reclining, which seems to combine both the Arabic and Turkish words nicely.
Sofa Style
Typically, sofas consist of three separate cushions (but one- and two-cushion styles exist), two arms, four legs, and a back. All of these components need to be considered before purchasing a sofa as they will affect the most important aspect of the piece, comfort.
Comfort
When it comes to sofas, one size does not fit all. The depth of the seat and the angle of the back will influence how comfortable you feel. How do you know what depth is right for you? If there's a sofa or chair that you find particularly comfortable, measure the distance from the inside of your knee to the spot where your lower back hits the back of the sofa, then buy a sofa that has similar dimensions.
Fabrics
Choose a fabric for your sofa. Chenille is soft and durable, while leather is long-lasting and attractive. Velvets and other fabrics look lovely but may wear out with heavy use over the years. Many furniture manufacturers also offer the option of custom-made slipcovers to give you a seasonal change.
