I'm in the process of purchasing a sofa as well. For many, many years I had a traditional three pillow back sofa purchased from Ethan Allen and when I say many years ago, it's been 32 years. I recently purchased a two cushion sofa for my beach house...I like it a lot and I thought that's what I wanted when I went to the store to purchase a replacement for our saggy, baggy 32 year old sofa.

The sales person told me it was my personal choice, of course, but he said that a three cushion sofa allows a seating area for each person; e.g., one cushion seat and one cushion back for three people seated on the sofa. So, I think that's what I'm going to order---still not completely decided but I think that's what I'm going to do.

Also another consideration is what the back cushions are made of. If the cushions are soft and you purchase a two cushion sofa they pillows tend to flop a little toward each other.

It all boils down to personal taste and what appeals to you. What one person loves, another dislikes intensely. A good example is slip covered sofas. Some people love the loose, comfortable look and others would go mad trying to straighten the slip covers out all day!

Also, and I know I'm gabby, but I went with a friend to purchase a sofa for her beach house. She wanted a white, slip covered sofa and was deciding between Crate and Barrel and Pottery Barn. She decided on Crate and Barrel and has been very happy with the sofa and its slipcover. She, too, felt it was a better product that Pottery Barn.

I know I'm not a whole lot of help, but I wish you good luck in your search. I have to place my order by Saturday to take advantage of the sale, and I still don't know what I'm going to do.

When I had my last new sofa custom made, the designer I was working with recommended the two cushion. She thought it was more comfortable for normal use and looked better than the three cushion. I also have an older three cushion, and with a pillow against the arm like I usually have, I end up sitting on the crack even when I'm the only person sitting, so I see her point.
In the end, it comes down to your preference. It doesn't really matter which one you go with as long as the sofa is comfortable.

I just purchased a new sofa after having the Pottery Barn PB Basic (slipcovered, three-cushion) for ten years. A well-made sofa, but it always looked sort of disheveled and sad, no matter how often I straightened the cushions. So, this time I chose a tight-back, two-seat-cushion (slipcovered) version from Lee Industries for a more tailored look.

I agree, it's mostly a matter of personal preference -- good luck!

We really prefer 2 cushion in this house. Exactly for the reason Saypoint points out...with pillows on a 3 cushion we end up sitting on the crack.

The sofa we have now has attached back cushions. It's held up much better than our previous loose cushioned sofa.

Jennifer

I have had a Norwalk 2 cushion sofa for 11 years and for the first 9, it was the only sofa we owned and was used daily.It still looks great and there is no sagging of the pillows. Sitting in the middle has never been a problem. I love it and think it is more modern looking than 3 cushion sofa.

For me, a 3 cushion looks old fashioned and a 2 cushion looks more up to date and more chic. I'm sure you could find many who would say the opposite, but a slipcovered sofa (again for me) looks like it needs two cushions rather than 3.

Depending upon your style, I actually like a 3 cushion. But am a sofa lounger and with 2 it has me laying in a hole. I have 3 taylored slipcovers for this sofa and 2 sets of cushions for the 2 or 3 options. Added my own 3 cushions for seat and back from another sofa let go of. These are down wrapped and couldn't let go of them.

You are right about CB slipcovers. Do not really like the fabric and they can't be washed (their note). Twill gets wrinkled after and linen definitely can't be washed with ease. I have 2 extra Ballards which wear well and JCP, 2 to 5 years old. Their discounts right now are well worth buying an extra.

Addicted to rugs and slipcovers.

well, I wish I could say you all helped, but you didn't!! LOL I'm still just as unsure as I was yesterday. Comfort wise, I personally find the 3 seat sofa more comfortable. I currently have both types, and with a 2 seat cushion - with throw pillows on, I always sit on the crack, which I hate - but that said, I'm looking for LOOKS only, not comfort, because with either style, it all depends on where you sit!

My house is an old, cottage-y, vintage-y home! I really, really like BOTH styles, which makes it very difficult for me to choose!

vote - 2 cushion.

My vote is for 3 cushions. We entertain frequently and it's nice to see everyone on a seat. I'm sure the middle person is more comfortable. It's something to think about.

I vote 2... it's what we have and love.

I have one of each and prefer the three cushion for comfort, but really they are both just fine. Flip a coin!

Another vote for 2 cushions.

I have 2 slipcovered sofas-both 3 cushion.
I think I would prefer 2 seater cushions too though, looks-wise and comfort-wise.

I really like both options at Crate & Barrel and PB...can't recall the arm on the C&B version.

Good luck:)

I should have posted pictures along with my post. Here are the 2 sofa's I have narrowed it down to.

Overall, I though the C&B was very well made, slipcovers were superior to Pottery barn, and maybe a tad better than Ballard Designs.

Ballards was also nice, they offer more slipcovers if I should decide to change them at some point. Again, it was worth the hour trip to see them in person, as I was about to order Pottery Barn's - and I think both Ballard & C & B are nicer, more well fit slipcovers.

I vote three.

I vote 2 - but Iam a lover of bench cushions and always pay extra to change to a bench cushion. the fewer cracks & visual distractions, the better IMO.

after reading the posts all over, it seems that more like the 2 cushions. Since it is the weekend, I may take another day to finalize my decision - I just need to pull the trigger on this!

I much prefer two. Three looks like airline seats to me.
All my sofas are two also.

I had always had 3 cushion sofas until my purchase last spring. I bought a 2 cushion and have an issue with it. When two people sit on the very end next to the arms, the cushions raise in the middle. The sofa does not look nearly as attractive when people are sitting on it. I don't hate it, but if I was making the purchase today, I'd go back to a 3.

I had a two cushion sofa, problem was when I laid down it was not comfortable I would fall in the middle of both cushion. Now I purchased a three cushion sofa and I love it.