SFGate

TanCalGal I have a 3 cushion sofa and a 1 cushion sofa. I was told it was a matter of design trends: sometimes 2 are more popular and sometimes 3 are more popular. But, you raise an interesting point, maybe there are other factors to consider. I wish I knew the answer.

malbec It's probably a matter of personal taste - I guess we'll just have to "try out" the sofas in the store. How is your one cushion in terms of support?

TanCalGal It's a Sheraton style & one cushion is fine, although I don't sit there for long times: while entertaining and nightly pre-dinner glass of wine :) http://www.hickorychair.com/Furniture/All-Furniture/James-River/i504795-Sheraton-Sofa.aspx

Cynthia Taylor-Luce The larger the seat cushion, the softer the "sit". I prefer the look of the old three-seater length with two cushions instead. It looks more generous and inviting. Sometimes the three-seaters will have a smaller cushion in the centre and L cushions hugging the arms, and it looks unbalanced. As to the ideal size, that depends on your room, but don't be afraid to go big if you can accommodate it. We recently bought a 10'-long sofa, which is made up of a left arm sofa, an armless sofa, and a right arm sofa, all linked together. One can recline at each end and still leave room for someone to comfortably sit in the middle. It's 42" deep, which makes a huge difference--you can really curl up in it. The seat cushions are down-wrapped and the back cushions are a feather/down mixture. It's by Sam Moore (Hooker Furniture) and I've never had anything so comfortable. Many sofas have built-in ottoman extensions, but I'd prefer a separate ottoman since it's more versatile.

malbec Cynthia, that's a good point - the 2-seaters do look more inviting. The sofas in the pictures are the exact same length (88"), but you have a lot more room to spread out if it's just two 40" cushions vs three 30" (or whatever the exact measurements would be). I'm not sure a large sectional would work in my 13x22 room, but I have thought about a smaller one with just a sofa and chaise.

Urban Cabin I am a fan of two over two sofas for casual comfort. If your lifestyle is casual and relaxed a 2 seat sofa would be a great fit. It is nice to lay on a sofa with fewer seams as well...

browniebear Check out the sofa from Kasala on my Discussion tabs. It has a reclining seat on one side and a chaise lounge on the other. It can seat 5 people and is great for husbands who like to sleep on the sofa too like mine

janiedarling Hi, I am just asking myself the same question--but am taking a step further and considering the benchseating style couch. Does anyone have any thoughts on this? I am struggling with all of the options--and I do realize it is a matter of design style--but I do also want a couch that will be practical, comfortable, and look clean and put together. The benchseating certainly seems to look very streamlined. That said, with a 2 seater--you can rotate cushions if they start sinking--vs. benchseat you can't do anything if the cushion breaks down. Thoughts anyone?

Interiors International, Inc. You are correct nobody wants to sit in the middle. When it is that choice or the floor they will usually take the middle seat. I also sleep on the sofa a lot and prefer a 3 seater.

Sarah Yama I've had both with a family and the 3 cushion was used more even with adults. Better use of space, practical, and cost efficient

Sarah Yama I've had both with a family and the 3 cushion was used more even with adults. Better use of space, practical, and cost efficient

calonlan My sofa is about 90" long with 3 equal cushions and tailored (tight) canvas slipcovers. After cleaning, it's not easy to wrestle the covers back onto those three smaller cushions. I think the longer single cushion would be really tough -- maybe something to consider if you plan to have removable covers.

LM Designers The 2 cushion looks better. Make sure your husband lays on it to see how comfortable it will be. The arm rests don't look good for laying against. It looks stiff and not sink in comfy.

Carolina Photo To Go LLC Perhaps no one wants to sit in the middle. But after work or when watching TV we usually lay on the couch so the more room the better.

fabia So, I.I.I. you sleep on the sofa a lot...is that because you've been a bad boy? lol

nking43 I hate the look of two cushions. Even if there is room for three people to sit, they won't.
I thought I hated one cushion, but that is what I ended up with when I got a settee, and now I love it.
Still hate two cushions. Just looks wrong.

susanjwatts Both our love seat and sofa have one seating cushion and I love that about them! The sofa is great for taking a nap, and seating 3 is not a problem. It always looks tidy, as well. I'm looking to replace our 12 year old set and the only thing I'm looking at is single cushion, single attached back.

designideas4me I have almost exactly the same couch. 3 seats. I love long low modern. You can lay on it. much more useful.

beth128 I have one of each and I like both of them, but prefer the 2 cushion for napping on.

Swati Gupta i have a singe bed in my drawing room.. i wnt to to a new 5-6 sofa seater sofa plase give me some useful suggestion.. either should i go for lshape or 3+2 seater