Sofas Without Arms

While sofas without armrests aren’t as common as one with arms, they serve a useful and stylish purpose. Doing without an armrest on either end of the sofa lets you seat more people as the arms take up more room than you might imagine. They have the look of a slimmer profile and visually take up less space in a smaller room. Sofas without arms are also called a settee or a sofette, and these six examples prove they can look just as stylish as ones with arms.

Sofas Without Arms

Buying Guide

Caroline Patterson Interior Design Expert

Caroline is a New York-based interior designer and home decor writer with a strong focus on textiles and designer furniture. Drawing on rigorous training and a deep understanding of material quality and fabric care, she helps readers choose pieces that are both durable and visually refined, turning everyday rooms into cohesive, practical spaces.

More and more homeowners are choosing armless sofas and couches for their homes as they’re versatile and they can easily be converted into several different shapes. With an armless sofa’s versatile nature, it can be utilized as different types of furniture. To get the one that works best for your space and situation, here are some buying tips to remember:

How to select the best type of sofa upholstery?

Choosing the right fabric and upholstery is crucial. So, plan how you’ll be using the piece. More specifically, the wear and tear you think it will have to endure. This way, you will determine the type of fabric and upholstery that makes more sense. Upholstery’s durability, as well as ease of maintenance, should be proportionate to the use your new seating solution is likely to obtain when it’s added into your home.

A home that has children won’t be best added with an armless sofa upholstered using an expensive fabric as it’s not capable of holding up to wear and tear caused by children. Remember this when you decide on your new sofa. Don't be tempted even if it’s visually pleasing as it’s not your optimal choice. If you don’t have kids and your home is filled with adults only, then upholstery won’t be one of your driving factors.

What sofa shape will work best for your space?

Do you prefer the standard sofa? If not, then maybe an L-shaped couch is more optimal. Do you think an angular shape is better for your living room or a rounded profile? Choose the one that will complement the shape and size of your living spaces. Also, would a low-profile armless couch make more sense? If you answered no, then consider a sumptuously upholstered sofa.

The shape of your armless sofa will determine your living space’s overall attractiveness and usability. Measure your space and determine its layout before you make a final decision. Do so and you’ll avert the common mistake homeowners commit when choosing the size and shape of their sofas.

What color sofa should you choose?

When considering an armless sofa, think about the existing décor and furniture in the room. We know you don’t want to match fabrics, but determining the room’s color palette will give you a clearer idea of whether it’s best if you choose the color that matches or complements.

Injecting a pop of color through your armless sofa will create a contrast. However, a bold color or print can easily get old and boring, especially if you see it every day.

If you want a sofa that you’ll love for years, pick a more neutral hue. By choosing a less striking color, you’ll be able to have a furniture piece that you can easily work with when you’re redecorating your space.

What budget do you need to allocate for a sofa?

The budget you’ve allocated for your sofa will have an impact on your fabric choices. A leather sofa is very attractive; however, it’s expensive, costing three to four times more compared to its fabric equivalent.

But, before you dismiss fabric options based on the cost, consider the longevity of the materials. There are cheap fabrics but they are less durable, which means you’ll end up requiring a replacement much sooner.