Sofa Buying Guide: Sofa Arm Types
When it comes to choosing the perfect sofa, the arm style is more than just a design detail—it’s a defining feature that sets the tone for your space. From sleek and modern to cozy and traditional, sofa arms impact both aesthetics and comfort.
Let’s explore some of the most popular sofa arm styles to help you find your perfect match!
Sofa Arm Types
Track Arms
- The Look: Simple, sleek, and structured, track arms are defined by their clean, straight lines and square shape. This arm style exudes a modern and minimalist vibe, making it a versatile choice for contemporary spaces.
- Comfort Factor: Medium. While visually crisp, the flat and firm surface may not provide as much cushioning as rounded options.
- Best Pairing: Perfect with tailored upholstery like leather or tightly woven fabrics for a polished look.
Modern Scroll Arms
- The Look: Also known as "scooped arms", modern scroll arms soften the sharpness of track arms with their rounded edges and gentle swooping curves. They strike a balance between modern simplicity and classic charm.
- Comfort Factor: High. The curved design offers a cozy spot to rest your arms or lean against.
- Best Pairing: Work beautifully with soft fabrics like velvet or chenille to enhance its inviting appeal.
Track Arms With Nails
- The Look: A stylish twist on the classic track arm, track arms with nails add nailhead trim for a decorative edge. The metallic accents elevate the sofa’s aesthetic, giving them a touch of sophistication and flair.
- Comfort Factor: Medium. The clean lines remain firm but are enhanced by visual interest from the detailing.
- Best Pairing: Ideal for transitional spaces where modern meets traditional, especially in neutral or rich-toned upholstery.
Modern English Arms
- The Look: A softer take on track arms, modern English arms feature gently curved edges and sometimes slightly outward-sloping lines. They blend elegance with approachability, making them both stylish and functional.
- Comfort Factor: High. The lower height and softened edges make it perfect for lounging comfortably.
- Best Pairing: Pair well with deep-seated sofas in linen or cotton blends for a relaxed yet refined look.
Pleated Arms
- The Look: Pleated arms reimagine the rolled sofa arm with gathered upholstery that creates a puckered or folded fabric effect. This design adds texture and visual interest to the sofa while maintaining a traditional feel.
- Comfort Factor: High. The plush padding under the pleated fabric makes this style as comfortable as it is decorative.
- Best Pairing: Complement oversized sectionals or sofas in luxurious fabrics like velvet or tweed for added dimension.
Pad Arms
- The Look: Essentially double rolled arms, pad arms layer a padded panel over another arm to create depth and dimension. They're both practical and visually appealing, making them ideal for family-friendly spaces.
- Comfort Factor: Very high. The additional padding ensures maximum comfort for lounging or napping.
- Best Pairing: Look great with textured fabrics like boucle or microfiber for added coziness and durability.
Ruched Arms
- The Look: Starting with traditional rolled panel arms, ruched arms incorporate decorative ruching by trimming it with pleated fabric to create delicate ruffles or folds. The ruching can vary from subtle to bold, depending on the design.
- Comfort Factor: High. The extra padding combined with decorative fabric detailing makes this arm both functional and stylish.
- Best Pairing: Perfect for vintage-inspired or cottage interiors, especially when paired with floral patterns or pastel hues.
Key Arms
- The Look: Inspired by geometric shapes, key arms feature clean lines and squared edges that resemble the outline of a key. It’s one of the most modern and stylish sofa arm types available.
- Comfort Factor: Medium. While visually striking, its angular shape prioritizes aesthetics over plushness.
- Best Pairing: Perfect for contemporary interiors when paired with monochromatic upholstery or bold patterns for contrast.
Shelter Arms
- The Look: True to their name, shelter arms curve gently outward from the back of the sofa in an embracing shape. This creates an inviting silhouette that feels cozy yet sophisticated.
- Comfort Factor: Very high. The padded inward curve provides excellent support while creating an intimate seating experience.
- Best Pairing: Work beautifully with tufted designs in luxurious fabrics like velvet or suede for an upscale look.
Saddle Arms
- The Look: Reminiscent of horse saddles, saddle arms are lightly curved in the middle and feature padding that wraps around the entire frame of the arm.
- Comfort Factor: High. Their plush padding makes them perfect for lounging in ultimate comfort.
Final Thoughts
If you enjoyed learning about these sofa arm styles, check out our Sofa Buying Guide series on our blog! Whether you’re drawn to modern track arms or cozy shelter arms, Furniture Row has something to suit every taste. Visit us today to find your perfect fit.
Happy shopping!
