Cathi and Mary Alice put together this guide to basic
sofa components.
Arms designs
• Rolled or scroll: A rolled arm is one that curves out-
ward. It is perhaps the most common arm, particularly
on traditional sofas, and is the most comfortable for
lounging or napping.
• Square, box, or track: A squared arm is more modern
and tailored in appearance. It is not as comfortable for
lounging, but a throw pillow or bolster can soften its
lines.
Sofa back styles
• Loose-cushion back: Cushions are separate from the
sofa back, allowing for a softer, more comfortable back.
• Tight back: The back of the sofa is upholstered, with
no loose cushions. It gives a cleaner, more tailored ap-
pearance and a firmer feel. Throw pillows can be add-
ed for comfort or for people who need more support.
• Pillow back: Multiple pillows are arranged across
the back of the sofa in place of larger cushions. Pil-
low backs require more fluffing and arranging but offer
easily adjustable comfort.
• Channel back: tight back is sewn into tailored seg-
ments or vertical channels to provide definition and
sometimes more cushioning.
• Curved back: The back curves around to form one
piece with the arms. A drawback to this feminine, shel-
tering style is that it doesn’t provide a low armrest.
• Camelback: The back has a humped or serpentine
shape.
Seat options
• Tight: This firmer, more tailored seat has no loose
cushions. It is often used in settees and more formal,
wood-framed sofas.
• Single cushion or bench seat: A single cushion has a
crisp appearance that can still be comfortable.
• Cushioned: The seat has two or three loose cushions,
which may be firmer than back cushions. Covers can
be removed for dry-cleaning. T-cushion seats are de-
signed to wrap in front of setback arms.
Skirts and Legs
Skirted sofas are softer and more traditional in appear-
ance.
Skirts can be detailed with kick pleats, inverted pleats,
button pleats, or box pleats -- across the front or at the
corners only.
Waterfall skirts that drop straight from the seat cushion
have a cleaner, more tailored appearance.
Exposed legs can be square and modern, turned and
on castors, or cabriole (curved) for a more traditional
look. Julianne Pease
Photo