Sofa Styles 101: The Design Details That Elevate Each Silhouette
Published
Hi cuties! Having started my career as an industrial designer, you could say I’m a little bit obsessed with the many nuances of product design. Last month, I walked you through everything that goes into crafting the interior of upholstered furniture, from frame construction to cushion fill and so much more.Our second upholstery installment is all about the exterior design details that show up again and again on our favorite sofa styles. These are some of the most common and beloved visual elements in our upholstered furniture collections, arranged in an easy-to-explore glossary.Ready to shop? Explore Kathy Kuo Home custom upholstery collections and find a silhouette you adore.
Sofa Styles: Arm Type
English Roll Arm: A classic, low-profile arm that gently curves outward with a relaxed, tailored look.
Pleated Arm: A traditional arm style featuring fabric pleats for a soft, decorative effect.
Lawson Arm: A simple, square or slightly rounded arm that sits lower than the sofa back for casual comfort.
Shelter Arm: An arm that extends at the same height as the back and bends gently outward for a cozy, chic look.
Track Arm: A clean, straight-edged arm with a modern, boxy silhouette.
Slope Arm: An elegant arm that flows seamlessly from the back in a continuous downward slope.
Tuxedo Arm: A modern arm the same height as the sofa back, lending a formal and tailored appearance.
Key Arm: A squared arm design featuring a “key-like” shape that extends slightly out from the silhouette.
Click the image to shop Kathy Kuo Home Custom Upholstery!
Shop Custom Sofas
Madeline Velvet Sofa
Amelie Slipcovered Sofa
Henri Slipcovered Sofa
Adelle Slipcovered Sofa
Hartwell Sofa
Willett Velvet Sofa
Sofa Styles: Leg Type
Tapered Leg: A sleek leg that narrows gradually toward the floor, offering a mid-century modern look.
Block Leg: A sturdy, square-shaped leg that provides a grounded, contemporary appearance.
Turned Wood Leg: A traditional leg style with turned, rounded detailing that adds elegance and charm.
Caster Leg: A leg fitted with small wheels, often paired with turned wood, for easy movement and vintage appeal.
Cabriole Leg: A curved, ornamental leg that bows outward at the knee and inward at the foot, reflecting classic antique design.
Plinth Base: A solid, recessed base that supports the sofa while giving the illusion of floating.
Hidden Leg: Legs tucked out of sight beneath the frame, creating a clean, low-profile silhouette.
Rail Leg: A simple leg paired with a rail running along the base creates a modern, elongated appearance.
Bun Foot: A short, rounded leg resembling a ball or bun, seen in both modern and traditional styles.
Our bestselling Madeline sofa (click the image to shop!)
Sofa Styles: Cushion Type
Madeline Sofa with Bench Cushions
Bench Cushion: A cushion extending the entire length of the silhouette for a clean, sophisticated appearance and uninterrupted comfort.
Claudie Sofa with Split Cushions
Split Cushion: Two or more separate cushions divided across the frame, offering individualized comfort and a structured look.
Kent Sofa with Tight Seat
Tight Seat: Cushions built into the frame for a tailored, maintenance-free appearance.
Donato Chaise Sectional by Cisco (click the image to shop!)
Shop Custom Sectionals
Hartwell Corner Sectional
Donato Chaise Sectional
McKinley Corner Sectional
Irene Corner Sectional
Weybridge U-Chaise Sectional
Adelle Bumper Sectional
Sofa Styles: Cushion Shape
Knife Edge: A simple cushion with two pieces of fabric sewn together at the edges, creating a clean, crisp seam.
Box Cushion: A cushion with side panels that give it defined edges and a structured, tailored look.
Bullnose Cushion: A cushion with a rounded front edge and no side panels for a softer, seamless appearance.
T-Cushion: A cushion that extends outward in a “T” shape to wrap around the sofa arms, offering a snug fit and classic look.
Our exclusive Amelie sofa (click the image to shop!)
Sofa Styles: Design Accents
Pleating: Fabric gathered into crisp, decorative folds creates a textured, charming look.
Piping: A thin, corded trim sewn along seams to outline and accentuate the silhouette.
Flange: A flat, extended edge of fabric creates a relaxed border on cushions and pillows.
Nailheads: Metal studs applied along the upholstery edges add a decorative, traditional touch.
Blind Tufting: Buttons are pulled deep into the upholstery for a classic, quilted look.
Box Tufting: Square or rectangular stitching in the upholstery creates a structured, grid-like design.
Channel Tufting: Upholstery is stitched into parallel channels or ridges for a modern, linear effect.
Button Tufting: Buttons secure the fabric into indents, adding visual depth and a timeless, decorative detail.
Need design help? Kathy Kuo Studio is a full-service design firm working with clients in the United States and abroad. From warm, timeless interiors to serene outdoor retreats, our talented team of accredited designers creates spaces that feel like home, designed around how you live and what you love. Schedule a free consultation, call (888) 908-3486, or email studio@kathykuohome.com today to get started!
English Roll Arm: A classic, low-profile arm that gently curves outward with a relaxed, tailored look.
Pleated Arm: A traditional arm style featuring fabric pleats for a soft, decorative effect.
Lawson Arm: A simple, square or slightly rounded arm that sits lower than the sofa back for casual comfort.
Shelter Arm: An arm that extends at the same height as the back and bends gently outward for a cozy, chic look.
Track Arm: A clean, straight-edged arm with a modern, boxy silhouette.
Slope Arm: An elegant arm that flows seamlessly from the back in a continuous downward slope.
Tuxedo Arm: A modern arm the same height as the sofa back, lending a formal and tailored appearance.
Key Arm: A squared arm design featuring a “key-like” shape that extends slightly out from the silhouette.
Click the image to shop Kathy Kuo Home Custom Upholstery!
Madeline Velvet Sofa
Amelie Slipcovered Sofa
Henri Slipcovered Sofa
Adelle Slipcovered Sofa
Hartwell Sofa
Willett Velvet Sofa
Tapered Leg: A sleek leg that narrows gradually toward the floor, offering a mid-century modern look.
Block Leg: A sturdy, square-shaped leg that provides a grounded, contemporary appearance.
Turned Wood Leg: A traditional leg style with turned, rounded detailing that adds elegance and charm.
Caster Leg: A leg fitted with small wheels, often paired with turned wood, for easy movement and vintage appeal.
Cabriole Leg: A curved, ornamental leg that bows outward at the knee and inward at the foot, reflecting classic antique design.
Plinth Base: A solid, recessed base that supports the sofa while giving the illusion of floating.
Hidden Leg: Legs tucked out of sight beneath the frame, creating a clean, low-profile silhouette.
Rail Leg: A simple leg paired with a rail running along the base creates a modern, elongated appearance.
Bun Foot: A short, rounded leg resembling a ball or bun, seen in both modern and traditional styles.
Our bestselling Madeline sofa (click the image to shop!)
Madeline Sofa with Bench Cushions
Claudie Sofa with Split Cushions
Kent Sofa with Tight Seat
Donato Chaise Sectional by Cisco (click the image to shop!)
Hartwell Corner Sectional
Donato Chaise Sectional
McKinley Corner Sectional
Irene Corner Sectional
Weybridge U-Chaise Sectional
Adelle Bumper Sectional
Knife Edge: A simple cushion with two pieces of fabric sewn together at the edges, creating a clean, crisp seam.
Box Cushion: A cushion with side panels that give it defined edges and a structured, tailored look.
Bullnose Cushion: A cushion with a rounded front edge and no side panels for a softer, seamless appearance.
T-Cushion: A cushion that extends outward in a “T” shape to wrap around the sofa arms, offering a snug fit and classic look.
Our exclusive Amelie sofa (click the image to shop!)
Pleating: Fabric gathered into crisp, decorative folds creates a textured, charming look.
Piping: A thin, corded trim sewn along seams to outline and accentuate the silhouette.
Flange: A flat, extended edge of fabric creates a relaxed border on cushions and pillows.
Nailheads: Metal studs applied along the upholstery edges add a decorative, traditional touch.
Blind Tufting: Buttons are pulled deep into the upholstery for a classic, quilted look.
Box Tufting: Square or rectangular stitching in the upholstery creates a structured, grid-like design.
Channel Tufting: Upholstery is stitched into parallel channels or ridges for a modern, linear effect.
Button Tufting: Buttons secure the fabric into indents, adding visual depth and a timeless, decorative detail.
