Created for financier Thomas Lawson near the turn of the 20th century, the Lawson sofa has clean lines reflecting his desire for a simpler, more comfortable and more modern construction than the ornate Victorian styles of the time. This sofa suits decors from contemporary to traditional, but the Lawson name is sometimes misapplied to styles that exhibit few if any of its characteristics. Learn to recognize key features of a Lawson sofa if you want to select this versatile classic for your space.