High Back vs Low Back Sofas: Comfort, Style & How to Choose the Right Sofa for Your Home

January 19 2026, by Ruth Wilbur, 4 min reading time

Choosing the perfect sofa is about more than just colour or fabric — the height of the backrest plays a huge role in how a sofa looks, feels, and functions in your space. One of the most common questions we hear is whether a high back or low back sofa is the better choice.

At Vintage Sofa Co., our sofas are vintage-inspired, combining classic design cues with considered comfort and craftsmanship. Whether your home leans traditional, eclectic, or character-led, understanding the difference between high back and low back sofas will help you find the right fit.

Explore our full sofa collection here:
👉 https://vintagesofa.co.uk/collections/sofas

What’s the Difference Between High Back and Low Back Sofas?

The distinction is simple but impactful:

High back sofas feature taller backrests that offer additional support for the upper back, shoulders, and neck.

Low back sofas have shorter backs, allowing the design details and proportions to take centre stage.

Both styles appear throughout our vintage-inspired sofa collection, each suited to different interiors and lifestyles.

Why Choose a High Back Sofa?

Supportive Comfort
High back sofas are ideal if comfort is a top priority. The taller backrest provides a more upright, supported sit, making them perfect for relaxing in the evenings, reading, or watching TV.

Timeless Character
High back designs often draw inspiration from classic British furniture styles. In our collection, these sofas balance traditional proportions with thoughtful upholstery and cushioning, giving you the charm of heritage design without feeling dated.

Best for Larger or Cosier Rooms
Because they create a strong visual presence, high back sofas work particularly well in rooms with higher ceilings or where you want a cosy, grounded feel.

Great choice if you want:

A comfortable, supportive seat
A sofa that feels inviting and substantial
A design that nods to classic styling while remaining current and liveable

Why Choose a Low Back Sofa?

Some of the most iconic traditional designs, including the Chesterfield, are classically low back. Rather than fading into the background, these sofas rely on deep buttoning, rolled arms, rich fabrics, and bold colour to make a statement.

Their lower back height allows the design details to shine, creating a sense of openness without sacrificing presence. In rooms filled with layered textures, artwork, and personality, a low back sofa provides balance — grounding the space while letting expressive styling take centre stage.

Low back sofas are especially well-suited to homes that favour bold interiors, confident colour palettes, and timeless design, offering a refined silhouette that complements rather than competes with the rest of the room.

Perfect for Smaller or Open-Plan Spaces
If you’re working with limited space or an open-plan layout, a low back sofa won’t dominate the room or block sightlines.

Style-Led Comfort
Many low back sofas in our range combine vintage-inspired shapes with generous seat depth and supportive cushioning, offering a relaxed, sink-in sit that’s ideal for lounging and socialising.

Great choice if you want:

A sofa with strong character and timeless appeal
Design details like deep buttoning, rolled arms, and rich upholstery
A lower profile that complements artwork, textures, and statement décor
A sofa designed for lounging as well as socialising

How to Choose Between High Back and Low Back

Think about how you’ll use your sofa

If you enjoy sitting upright for longer periods, reading, watching TV, or simply relaxing with good back support — a high back sofa can offer a more supportive feel. Low back sofas are designed for a relaxed, sink-in sit, often with generous seat depth that makes them just as comfortable for stretching out, lounging, and long conversations.

Consider your room size and layout

High back sofas help anchor a space, while low back sofas allow rooms to feel open and visually balanced.

Match your interior style

High back sofas sit beautifully in classic, characterful, or cosy interiors, adding comfort and presence. Low back sofas work just as well in eclectic, expressive, or design-confident spaces, where their proportions allow bold colours, textures, and styling to take centre stage.

Vintage-Inspired Design, Refined for Today’s Living

Every sofa at Vintage Sofa Co. is vintage-inspired at its core, drawing on classic silhouettes and time-honoured detailing, carefully refined and beautifully built for lasting comfort and presence.

Upholstered in sumptuous velvets, tactile leathers, and richly saturated colours, each sofa is created to feel indulgent as well as enduring. These are pieces designed not just to be admired, but to be lived with, bringing confidence, character, and comfort into interiors that value individuality and quality.

👉 Explore the full sofa collection here:
https://vintagesofa.co.uk/collections/sofas