You may know precisely what kind of sofa you want, but you're not sure how to describe it to your salesperson, let alone know the correct name.

Here's the good news, though: There are many specific names for sofas...and the following terms may well help you find the perfect seating piece the next time you set out shopping.

CHESTERFIELD- A sofa in which the scrolled, roll-over back and arms form a single curve.

LAWSON- A simple usually skirted, sofa or loveseat with rolled arms which are typically midway between the seat and the top of the sofa back.

CAMELBACK- A seating piece characteristic of 18th century England's that's distinguished by a serpentine curve along the sofa's back..

TUXEDO- A contemporary style sofa with a square frame in which the arms are the same height as the back.

SHELTER-BACK- Similar to a tuxedo sofa in that arms and back are same height; back and arms are higher, though, creating more of a "sheltered" effect.