What Style Is Rounded Arms on a Sofa?

Traditional

• Traditional sofas are based on designs predating 1900. Types with rounded arms include the camel-back or Chippendale sofa, which features a highly curved back. Another example is the Chesterfield sofa, which features button-tufted upholstery with rounded arms and a rounded back of the same height. Other design elements of traditional sofas may include heavy fabric, cording, kick-pleat skirts, button tufting, nail-head trim, or exposed legs.

Victorian

• Victorian sofas have an unmistakeably elaborate style. They feature rounded arms, intricately carved frames, luxurious floral upholstery, exposed curved legs and a medallion back. Victorian sofas are based on designs popular from 1837 to 1901, during the reign of Great Britain's Queen Victoria. The arms are often partially upholstered with elaborate wood carvings on the edges. Victorian sofas have a romantic, feminine quality.

Country

• Country-style sofas have a rustic, casual quality. Large rolled arms are often a design feature, along with ruffled skirts, pillows, plaid or checked fabric and homespun details. American and European country style differ somewhat, but share an unpretentious look.

Transitional

• Transitional sofas usually fall somewhere between traditional and modern in design. This genre is typically a mix of styles and can included rounded arms. Transitional sofas lack the stark, hard edges of modern or contemporary design, but are not as elaborate as Victorian or Federal styles. A typical transitional sofa would feature two or three back and seat cushions and rounded or straight arms that are lower than the back.