If you are looking for a new sofa, loveseat or sectional, you are aware of all the style options out there. But, then you ask yourself: what style is best for me? To help you with this, let’s look at one of the defining factors: the ARM.

The type of arm is a key factor defining the personality and style of a sofa. See how the arm completely changes the look of this sofa.

Palliser 77506

Palliser Morehouse Leather Sofa

Palliser 77505

Palliser Bakersfield Leather Sofa

Throughout the years, several styles have gained popularity. Each arm style expresses the different trends of the times. Nowadays, the most popular we see around is the track arm. The no-fuss design evokes a sense of simplicity and calmness.

Ashley 24302

Chamberly Fabric Sectional from Signature Design by Ashley

But don’t think that a rolled arm means you are old. Not at all! The type of arm will help add your personality to the room. The rolled arm adds a sense of Old-World charm to the décor.

Palliser 77492

Viceroy Leather Sectional by Palliser

And here, the wide track arms helps create a relaxed atmosphere.

England 2880

Cole Fabric Sectional by England

The low raise arms with a modern slope add to the overall formal décor of this living room.

England 5430

And it doesn’t stop there. Consider adding a little of wow and glam to your arm. There are a couple of options out there for you. A wood insert detail will add class and sophistication to your room. Take into account the colour of other wooden objects. You don’t want to create a clash between colours and wood types.

Ashley 38300

Montgomery Sofa from Signature Design by Ashley

Add some bling to your décor with nail heads accents across the arm. Several manufacturers offer this as an option. Some even give you an option between chrome and matte finish.

england-2r00

England Rondell Fabric Sofa and Loveseat

Ashley 80004

Breville Sofa from Benchcraft by Ashley

If wood and nail head accents are not for you, you can create a delicate accent with the welt. Customize the colour of welt to create a unique item. Pick a contrasting colour for a striking effect or be subtle with a different shade of the same colour family.

See how the contrasting welt brings the sofa from drab to fab.

Decor-Rest 2855

Decor-Rest 2855 Fabric Sofa

Decor-Rest 2855

Decor-Rest 2855 Fabric Sofa with Contrasting Welt

Are you excited with all these options? Well, before making that purchase, make sure you measure your room twice. Arms come in different sizes. Remember that nobody will be seating on the arm, so this space will be just decorative. Do you have enough space for a sofa with large and wide arms? Or, would you rather go with narrow arms to save space? Make sure you know of all the options available to you. Some custom options might include the arm width.

This sofa is offered in two arm width options: wide (as shown) and narrow (same as the chair). Pick an arm width that brings balance to the overall volume of the room.

Jaymar Florence

Florence Leather Loveseat by Jaymar

Here’s a quick and useful guide showing the most popular arm styles out there.

Sofa Arm Styles

Source: Drexel Heritage

Just remember that the arm is one component that defines the sofa. Think about how it works all together with the fabrics, colours, comfort, etc. After all, it’s all about the overall impression and look you want to give to your room.

For more information about buying a sofa, read our previous blog Think Cushion Before Buying A Sofa.

Alex, Your Furniture Expert