PhotobucketPhotobucketPhotobucketPhotobucketPhotobucketPhotobucket

3.22.2013

Armless Sofas & Where to Use Them

I love the look of armless sofas. So clean, elegant, and streamlined. The arms on sofas can really create a lot of visual bulk, so this is a good option if you want a lighter look.
via MMR Interiors
via Joe Nye Inc.
For me, it's all about using these beautiful pieces in the right setting because there are some situations where I feel armless is just not the way to go.

Firstly, I would avoid using one as your only sofa option in a TV area. Speaking from personal experience, they are not very comfortable to sprawl out on to watch TV. There is no where to rest your head if you want to lay down, and if you try to pile up pillows for the head rest they end up slipping off eventually. I, for one, have a very difficult time watching TV in an upright position. Bring on the cuddling, blankets and popcorn puh-lease!

 An armless sofa can also cause problems when multiple people are sitting on it because you can't lean away from each other! Arms allow you to lean away from the person next to you, giving you your personal space and allowing you to comfortably look and chat with eachother. With nowhere to lean, this is only achieved with the uncomfortable neck turn.

For me, it's all about using these beautiful pieces in the right setting, such as a more formal seating area, a dining space, and smaller areas like a foyer. They are also great as a secondary seating option in any room.
via Elle Decor
via Habitually Chic
via Lonny
What's your take on armless sofas? I'm personally lusting over the first and last examples!
xox
Photobucket

13 comments:

Amy | Love On Sunday said...[Reply]

I love the last one! It looks so comfortable and chic :)

Patty Day @Pattys Epiphanies said...[Reply]

I agree, they have their "place"! They can be perfect as sitting at a long table.
Actually in a living space, I would use slipper chairs rather than an armless small sofa. The chairs would allow for "private" space to the sitter!

Kim@Chattafabulous said...[Reply]

Truthfully I haven't thought much about them but I do love them in all of these images. I have to pin now!

www.chattafabulous.blogspot.com

Laura Collins said...[Reply]

I LOVE the leopard print!! I would really like to have one live at the end of our bed one day!! Have a great weekend. xoxo

Laura

Jenny @ Simcoe Street said...[Reply]

They totally have their place -- though I agree not as a TV watching spot. Such pretty images!

Jenny
www.simcoestreet.blogspot.ca

Elisa of Fancy Free Me said...[Reply]

Love your examples! It's a shame not everyone appreciates the armless. I think they are brilliant.

Hannah said...[Reply]

I love them as a banquet seating or in a formal living room!

Champagne Lifestyle on a Beer Budget

jackie jade said...[Reply]

these are lovely, but agree that they work better in a more formal space. i definitely like to lay down and be comfy when i'm watching tv too!
-- jackiejade.blogspot.com

Brooke @ Inside-Out Design said...[Reply]

I would love to have that last one!! What a great look, and I love your tips for using this type of sofa.

Linda {Calling it Home} said...[Reply]

I could go either way on this one. I agree, not in a tv viewing space. It feels more formal. I love the images you put up.

Sean said...[Reply]

I agree you need to be careful because in the wrong place armless couches can be frightening.

Holly Foxen Wells of Glamour Mash said...[Reply]

I totally agree with your thoughts about armless sofas. They are great as secondary pieces but shouldn't be the main attraction in the room for ll the reasons you listed! I love the option of the small armless sofa in the last photo too!

xx

Holly Foxen Wells

GlamourMash

Julia@Cuckoo4Design said...[Reply]

I love the first one! So pretty with that green wall color!
I wouldn't buy one for my house since I love resting my arms or head ;) Or hold on, I might buy one for my dining room instead of banquet seating.