10 practical (and fun) sofa uses

Sofas can be found all over the house, from the living room to the bedroom, to office spaces and dressing areas, which got us thinking about all of the sofa uses. Over the next few paragraphs, we share some of main ways sofas get put to good use by adults, kids, and even, our pets!

The history of the sofa 

Believe it or not, sofas have a long, interesting history and featured in the Arabic world long before they became commonplace in Europe. In fact, word ‘sofa’ actually stems from the word, ‘suffah’, which means ‘bench’ in Arabic.

The invention of fully weatherproof housing in the 16th century meant that upholstered furniture could feature in people’s homes. But it wasn’t until the following century that the type of sofas we’re familiar with now started to arrive on the scene. Back then, they were considered a luxury item that could only be afforded by the wealthiest families.

More notably, the late, great furniture-maker, Thomas Chippendale, was commissioned to make a set of sofas for George III and Queen Charlotte, which pioneered the creation of more decorative and elaborately-upholstered designs.

Moving forward to the 18th century, the iconic Chesterfield was created, which remains a favourite sofa style in this day and age. The Industrial Revolution really ramped up sofa production and design possibilities, paving the way for the Victorians to introduce overstuffed sofas. With every decade, sofa designs have evolved, from more decorative pieces, featuring ornate wooden detailing, to fully-upholstered suites designed with comfort in mind. 

Sofa design has been the source of much fascination and excitement over the years, with designers, including Le Corbusier and Charles Eames, being credited for helping revolutionise modern sofas, thanks to their incredibly beautiful, yet practical pieces. And let’s not forget NASA’s involvement in raising the comfort factor stakes through foam engineering too.

Today’s creations are just as game-changing in their own way. With new fabrics, designs, shapes and intricate detailing, as well as special features coming through every year. For more on current interior trends, read the top interior trends of this year.

10 sofa uses 

Sofas can be used in so many different ways: 

1. Having your tea

At the end of a long, hard day, some people like to eat their tea, sat on their sofa while watching their favourite TV programme or catching up on the evening’s soap action.

They’re also quite partial to enjoying other meals, such as lunch and supper, from the comfort of their sofa too.

2. Making dens

With a few blankets draped over them, sofas make the best dens for highly-imaginative children, who’ll spend hours in their new ‘hidden’ spot. One day they’ll realise we can still see them, even if they can’t see us!

3. Catching some ZZZZs

How many of us have sat down on the sofa for five, only to wake up an hour later after nodding off? Don’t worry, you’re not alone.

In fact, sofas are so comfy these days, it’s no wonder it’s so difficult to stay awake once you’re all nice and settled!

4. Recharging your batteries

Sofas and relaxation go hand-in-hand. Nothing beats that moment when you take the weight off your feet and let out a big sigh as you sit down and snuggle back into your sit.

And if you’ve got a footstool or sofa with recliner functionality, even better!

5. Getting your work done

While working from home may be the new norm, not everybody has the set-up to create a home office or space on the end of their dining room table to create a makeshift office.

But what they most probably do have, is a sofa that’s comfy and has enough room to spread out their laptop, notes and other work-related bits around them.

6. Completing homework

Sofas are also an ideal spot for the kids to complete their homework from too. Just make sure they don’t get pen on the leather/fabric, and don’t get so comfy they end up nodding off before they complete it!

7. Working out 

While it’s not something we may associate with our sofas, exercising from your sofa is actually a thing, and it’s pretty popular form of low impact exercise too. Don’t believe us? Read this, at home sofa exercises.

8. Getting ready

If you’ve got a sofa in your bedroom or dressing area, lucky you. Not only are they a wonderful focal piece, they’re an extra place for you to relax, as well as lay out all of your outfit options so you can clearly see them.

9. Enjoying your hobbies

You could be a keen reader, enjoy a bit of cross stitch, knitting or crocheting; love completing crosswords, spend time meditating or are an avid gamer.

The good news is, it’s possible for you to enjoy all of these hobbies, and many more, from the comfort of your sofa.

10. Chilling with your pets 

Not all pets are allowed up on the sofa, but if they are, nothing beats getting all snuggled up in front of a film or new series with a cuddly cat or dog by your side.

If this describes you to a tee, you may find this article handy, ‘How to remove pet hair from your sofa.’