10 Types Of Sofa Armrests: Which One Should You Buy?

Sofa armrests are a defining part of how your sofa looks. In this article, we will look at 10 types of sofa armrests.

Sofas add elegance to your living room and provide adequate space to sit comfortably with your family members or guests. But did you know that sofas have been around since the 7th Century BCE?

Over the years, sofas have reinvented themselves many times to cater to the look, feel and requirements of the day and age. The most defining feature of these changes has been the humble armrest. You may not realize it, but the armrest is usually what makes or breaks the decor of the sofa as well as your living room.

Now sofas come with many styles of armrests, and without proper guidance, it can become exceedingly confusing to buy the right one for your home.

That is why, I will help you understand the common names for the various types of sofa armrests in this article, along with when to use what, so that you can purchase a sofa that fits your style and needs. 

Types Of Sofa Armrests

#1.Track Arm

The track arm sofas are straight from top to bottom, which gives the sofa a clean look in your living room. They are available in various colors and materials like leather, linen, velvet, and numerous others. Track arms are one of the most common types of sofa armrests.

If anyone stands on the side of this sofa, you will observe that the arms of this sofa are wholly square, and the front, if you observe the track arm sofa, will look perfectly L-shaped.

The modern look of this sofa will surely enhance the beauty of your living room. One great advantage of these sofas is that they take little space in your living room. You can easily fit them anywhere you like. So, if your living room is not spacious, you can choose the track arm sofas to beautify your dwelling.

Another great benefit is that the track arm sofas provide good support for pillows. It allows the pillows to stand upright. They are versatile, and you can use them in any space you like.

When should you use it?

• Compact shape. So easily fits in any corners
• Allow pillows to stand upright.
• Great for a modern look to your living room

When should you not use it?

• Not suitable to rest your head.
• The corner space between the armrest and the seat may be a bit difficult to clean
• Limits the seating space for the person sitting on the corner

#2.Rolled Arm

The rolled arm sofas are the second most common types of sofa armrests. You will observe that their arms are round in shape and fold inwards. They will indeed create a friendly, inviting atmosphere in your living room.

They are available in different materials but if you want something luxurious, then prefer to buy leather rolled arm sofas.

The advantage of this sofa is that you can not only sit on this sofa and gossip with your friends or any guest, but also they are good to take naps.

But the roll arm sofas take some extra space in your living room. So if your living room is not that spacious, you should not buy these sofas.

When should you use it?

• The armrests give an antique look to your sofa and living room.
• These sofa are very comfortable and have extra space if you are a big and tall person.

When should you not use it?

• The arms take up a lot of extra space beyond the length of the seating area.

#2a. Panel Arm

Panel arm sofas are similar to rolled arm sofas, but you will notice a panel on the front of these sofas that emphasize the curves of the sofa.

These sofas are traditional but will never vanish from the market. The panel shape on the arms of the sofa adds an opportunity of adding any decorative feature near the panel. It provides an option of taking a short nap for a while but takes a lot of space in your living room.

#2b. Sock Arm

Rolled arm couches come in many style options like ruched, panel, and various others. But if you want a simple roll arm sofa with no additional folds, purchase a sock arm sofa.

The arms of this sofa look like socks with no pleating. They are smooth and plain. They will give an elegant look to your living space. Despite being a rolled arm type, sock arms can fit very well in a living room with a modern theme.

#2c. Pleated Arm

They look like roll-arm sofas, but you will see pleats on the arms of the sofas. They will look good if you have an enlarged living space, but they don’t have a separate outline.

#2d. Ruched Arm

They are a type of roll arm sofas, but the arms slightly protrude and roll over, giving you comfortable armrests that are sleek and space saving.

#2e. Pad Arm

In pad arm sofas, you will find that the arms have a double roll structure with an additional panel on the center. The extra padding is done on this sofa to give you extra comfort while placing your arms.

#3. Key Sofa Arm

Key sofa arm gives an elegant look to your living space. The arm sofa looks like a key shape, i.e., the sidearm slightly protrudes outward rather than straight.

When should you use it?

• The arms are straight which makes this sofa compact while still offering support to the arms

When should you not use it?

• Straight arms means they are not great if you try to sleep on them.
• The space in the corner is difficult to clean

#4.Saddle Arm

The saddle arm sofas have an arm that looks it has been added separately on top of the arm, similar to placing a saddle on a horse. As the padding is placed separately on these arms, they usually have very plush armrests, and therefore are very comfortable.

When should you use it?

• The padding added separately on the top of the armrest means that these are one of the plushest looking sofas for your living room
• They go exceedingly well in leather sofas.
• Great for resting your head if you want to take a nap.

When should you not use it?

• The armrest takes up extra space on the couch, thus reducing the seating area.

#5. Shelter Arm

The shelter arm sofas are a combination of track and sock arm sofas. The armrests are straight without a curved top but slightly protrude outwards at an angle to the seat. These arms give an elegant look to your living room.

When should you use it?

• Suitable for a mid-century modern or minimalistic look in your living room.

When should you not use it?

• The corner space is difficult to clean in these armrests

#6. Track with Nails

These are similar to track arms, but you will observe nails on the edges of the arm. This additional nail will give a tailored look to your living room. They are perfect if you are going for an antique look in your living room but do not have too much space.

When should you use it?

• The nails give an elegant look to the armrests. You can blend these sofas into an antique look.
• It takes lesser space than other armrests in your living space.

When should you not use it?

• The nails may be unsuitable for homes with kids and pets, since they hid the sofa’s soft fabric upholstery.

#7.Paris Club

The Paris club arm is quite commonly seen in leather sofas. They neither roll nor angle from the sides. In some Paris club arms, you will observe a panel, but it may not be true in all. Paris club arms look great with nails as well.

When should you use it?

• They need limited space since the armrests are not protruding outwards

When should you not use it?

• The curved armrests have limited surface area. If you have big arms you may not be able to place your hands comfortably on them.

#8. Tuxedo

They look pretty similar to shelter arm sofas. But you will not notice any roll on their arms. Instead, they are straight from the sides. These sofas will create a modern look in your living room.

When should you use it?

• If you have a modern or mid-century modern theme in your living room
• It is usually difficult to find these sofas with a tall backrest so they may not be suitable for a big and tall person

When should you not use it?

• The straight armrests may not be as comfortable as curved ones.
• The person sitting in the corner may find them uncomfortable due to limited space
• Difficult to clean out the corners unless you have removable cushions and backrest.

#9. Modern Scroll

The modern scroll arms are similar to track arm sofas, but the arm is sloped downwards initially and then flattens towards the hand. They have smooth rounded corners instead of flat corners like track arm sofas.

When should you use it?

• It gives you the benefit of using up little space while also giving an antique look
• The curved armrests are more comfortable and ergonomically designed than straight ones
• Suitable for children too

When should you not use it?

• The armrest is upright, so this sofa is not perfect for sleeping on it
• The space in the corner is difficult to clean

#10. Modern Slope

The modern slope sofas extend from the back portion of the sofa and slope downward.

When should you use it?

• The sloping shape is the most comfortable way to place your arms because it is the ergonomically correct position for your arm.
• These armrests give you both a modern and antique look for your home. They are very versatile and can pair with almost any sort of decor.

When should you not use it?

• Sharp corners means difficult to clean.
• These armrests are usually not padded a lot, so it may not be comfortable to sit very long on them.

Should You Choose Rolled Armrest Or Straight?

When Should You Choose Rolled Armrests

• Rolled armrests are usually very plush and comfortable
• They are perfect if you have an antique theme to your living room
• If you find yourself often sleeping on the couch, or having guests over, rolled armrests are perfect
• Rolled armrests are easier to clean in the corners
• Typically rolled armrests have a bit of padding on them, whereas straight ones may not.

When Should You Choose Straight Armrests

• They are perfect if you have a modern or mid centry modern theme to your living room
• Straight armrests are compact. If you are crunched for space, choose straight armrests
• Straight armrests are perfect for big and tall people, since they are usually taller than rolled ones

How To Choose The Right Arm Height?

You need first to decide how you want to use your sofa before choosing the right arm style.

• If you want to sit upright for most of the time in your living space, you need to choose the lower height arm, i.e., less than 6 inches. They are not ideal for lounging. Well, you can place a pillow on your sofa, which may be 12 inches taller than your sofa arm, and get support during leaning.
• You can choose a medium height arm, i.e., in between 7 and 9 inches for leaning or for taking rest for some time by keeping your head on the arm.
• You can choose a large height arm, i.e., above 9 inches, if you want good support on your spinal cord. They will provide you a relaxing effect, and you will feel nice when you place your feet above the sofa while sitting in an upright position.
• You need to choose a lower arm sofa if your living space is small, whereas if your living space is ample, then prefer to buy a tall arm sofa.

What Are The Different Types Of Sofas?

Sofas are the center point of your living room, which creates the first and foremost impression of your dwelling. There are various types of sofa. Let me list them one by one.

#1.English Or Club Sofa

The English or club sofa has been available in the market since the 19th century. If you have an idea of enjoying your Sunday by sitting on the sofa and reading novels by having a cup of coffee, then the English sofa is right for you. The seat is deep with tight cushions, and the arms are rolled at a low height.

#2. Slip Covered Sofa

If you want to purchase a sofa for a farmhouse or cottage, the slipcovered sofa is right for you. These sofas are pretty relaxing and give you all the comforts while sitting and kicking back. Another great benefit is that you can easily remove the slipcovers and wash them. So you don’t have to worry about the mess created by your kids or pets.

#3. Leather Sofa

The leather sofa can bring a warm feeling to your dwelling, which is a bit expensive, but it can handle a lot of traffic. Even these sofas last for a more extended period.

#4. Modern Chippendale Sofa

It is a bench-style sofa which has thin arms. The back portion is slightly curved, where you can sit comfortably and read novels.

#5. Bridgewater Sofa

These sofas have low arms and soft rolls at the back. They provide a relaxed atmosphere in your living space.

#6. Camelback Sofa

You will notice a distinguished hump shape on the back of this sofa which characterizes the design of the sofa. They are available in a wide range of designs. These sofas will provide an elegant look to your living space.

#7. Chesterfield Sofa

It has high arms and a deep seat, which provides a cozy feeling while sitting.

#8. Rattan Sofa

Rattan sofas are not meant only for patios or porches. You can also keep them in your living space. They create a casual atmosphere in your living space.

#9. Tuxedo Sofa

The arms and the back portion of the sofa are of equal height. When you add cushions to these sofas, they give your living space a modern and relaxed atmosphere.

#10. Upholstered Settee

If you have limited space in your living room, purchase an upholstered sofa that provides all the style and comfort in your dwelling. You can also place this sofa in your bedroom, office, or anywhere you desire to put it.

#11.Midcentury Sofa

If you want a modern look in your living room but have limited space, purchase the mid-century sofa. The legs are taper, and the edges are piped.

#12. Cane Sofa

They are a mix of traditional and modern style sofa and have a wood frame with bench-style cushions.

Frequently Answered Questions (FAQ)

#1. What are couch buttons called?

Tufted upholstery is the one in which you will observe the buttons to give a perfect geometric pattern. The fabric in it is pulled and secured by buttons. So, the fabric doesn’t move while sitting or creating a mess. They provide a classy look to your dwelling.

#2. What are the arms of a sofa called?

There are various types of sofa arms. They are as follows

• Key arm
• Track arm
• Modern English arm
• Track arm
• Track arm with nails
• Pleated arm
• Ruched arm
• Pad arm

#3. What is the sock arm of a sofa?

Sock arm sofa resembles like roll sofa, but they don’t have extra folds. They look exactly like socks, so they are named sock arm sofa.

There Are Many Types Of Armrests, But All Are Beautiful!

The living area is the heart of your home. You spend most of your time in your living area. The sofa is the focal point of your living area because you sit and read novels or watch television or make your guests sit on the sofa.

So try to purchase a sofa that suits the style of your living space. Well, there are different sofa arms which may confuse you. So in this article, I have discussed various sofa arms with pros and cons so that you can choose the right furniture for your living area.

Please do share your suggestions for this article. I would love to read your suggestions.

Happy furniture!