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Upholstery Style Guide
A Better Understanding of the Different Upholstery Styles
When deciding which furniture style is right for you, there are many different features to take into consideration. The right
combination of arm, skirt and back style along with the proper spring type, frame type, and upholstery can truly improve the
look of your space. Your first step should be deciding what purpose the room and the furniture in it will serve. It is important
to understand the difference between furniture styles, builds, and frames in order to find the right one that will not only look
great but last as long as possible. There are plenty of choices but only one that will be the right fit depending on the
environment you want in that particular room.
What Is Your Style?
Style is a vehicle through which you are able to express your imagination and individuality. Here are some common style themes that are useful to consider when purchasing furniture for your home:
Traditional Style: Calm, orderly, and conventional. Traditional
style is functional and uncomplicated. Traditional furniture pieces tend to accommodate a busy lifestyle, by being easy to
maintain and child-friendly. However, there are many traditional pieces that adhere to the non-trendy design principle, while
still being appropriate for a formal space.
Style is a vehicle through which you are able to express your imagination and individuality. Here are some common style themes that are useful to consider when purchasing furniture for your home:
Traditional Style: Calm, orderly, and conventional. Traditional
style is functional and uncomplicated. Traditional furniture pieces tend to accommodate a busy lifestyle, by being easy to
maintain and child-friendly. However, there are many traditional pieces that adhere to the non-trendy design principle, while
still being appropriate for a formal space.
Transitional Style: Transitional style is the synthesis of traditional and contemporary furniture. Finishes, materials
and fabrics are combined to create a timeless and versatile design. Transitional
furniture lines are simple yet sophisticated and utilize straight lines and very carefully balanced proportions. Fabric choices
range from geometric and graphic patterns to classic textured solids.
Modern Style: Modern style boasts clean lines and unique shapes. You will notice neutral elements
accentuated by bold colors and geometric patterns. Modern
style holds both casual and formal appeal.
Casual Style: Homey, warm, comfortable and inviting.
Casual style is defined by simple details and neutral colors.
Textured elements of fabrics, along with softer choices of fabrics, create a comfortable atmosphere. You may notice accent
details on these pieces such as ruffles, pleats, and buttons.
Arm Style
When decorating a room it is important to keep in mind the amount of comfort and type of style you are looking for. There are a wide variety of arm styles, some providing better comfort while others are much more stylish. Here are some arm styles you will come across when searching through upholstered furniture:
Curved Arm: An arm style in which the arms are turned outward, making a half circle shape on either side of the piece. Some arms in this style are so curved that they create a scroll shape. Curved arm styles can be seen in both casual and formal pieces.
Traditional Arm: Traditionally styled arms provide a straightforward, timeless approach to decorating. All aspects of traditional arms are relatively basic, including arm height, shape, and width. Traditional style arms are sure to fit in any style of room, as they are predominantly functional, and do not distract attention from other decorating elements that may be in place.
Armless: An armless style is an upholstered piece without any arms. Armless pieces are mostly seen in more modern decor. This style also focuses more on style than comfort, and would be a good fit in a more formal entertaining space.
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When decorating a room it is important to keep in mind the amount of comfort and type of style you are looking for. There are a wide variety of arm styles, some providing better comfort while others are much more stylish. Here are some arm styles you will come across when searching through upholstered furniture:
Curved Arm: An arm style in which the arms are turned outward, making a half circle shape on either side of the piece. Some arms in this style are so curved that they create a scroll shape. Curved arm styles can be seen in both casual and formal pieces.
Traditional Arm: Traditionally styled arms provide a straightforward, timeless approach to decorating. All aspects of traditional arms are relatively basic, including arm height, shape, and width. Traditional style arms are sure to fit in any style of room, as they are predominantly functional, and do not distract attention from other decorating elements that may be in place.
Armless: An armless style is an upholstered piece without any arms. Armless pieces are mostly seen in more modern decor. This style also focuses more on style than comfort, and would be a good fit in a more formal entertaining space.
Back Style
A few things to keep in mind when choosing the proper back style are comfort, decorating style, and the function the room will serve. Here are a few styles you will come across when deciding which type is right for you:
Loose Back:
The loose back style consists of back pillows that are
not attached to the upholstered piece. They can be removed and usually unzipped for re-stuffing if necessary. Loose back
pillows require more organizing and fluffing since they can easily be moved around.
A few things to keep in mind when choosing the proper back style are comfort, decorating style, and the function the room will serve. Here are a few styles you will come across when deciding which type is right for you:
Loose Back:
The loose back style consists of back pillows that are
not attached to the upholstered piece. They can be removed and usually unzipped for re-stuffing if necessary. Loose back
pillows require more organizing and fluffing since they can easily be moved around.
Attached Back:
An attached back entails back pillows that cannot be removed
from the upholstered piece. Some attached back pillows can be unzipped to remove the pillow, but most attached back sofas do not
have this feature. Attached back makes it much easier to keep your living room looking tidy.
An attached back entails back pillows that cannot be removed
from the upholstered piece. Some attached back pillows can be unzipped to remove the pillow, but most attached back sofas do not
have this feature. Attached back makes it much easier to keep your living room looking tidy.
Tight Back:
Tight back style is a fully upholstered back designed
without a cushion. Often there is a stitching design sectioning off the upholstery in congruence with the seat cushions. This
style also makes arranging your furniture relatively effortless.
Tight back style is a fully upholstered back designed
without a cushion. Often there is a stitching design sectioning off the upholstery in congruence with the seat cushions. This
style also makes arranging your furniture relatively effortless.
Multi-Pillow Back:
Also referred to as a "scatter back," multi-pillow
backs have more back pillows than seat pillows. The pillows are randomly scattered across the back for a more casual look.
Like loose back pillows, multi-pillow backs take more energy to keep in order.
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Also referred to as a "scatter back," multi-pillow
backs have more back pillows than seat pillows. The pillows are randomly scattered across the back for a more casual look.
Like loose back pillows, multi-pillow backs take more energy to keep in order.
Skirt Style
The skirt style of an upholstered piece is the final accent to complete its style. There are a few styles to choose from, some with a more elegant appeal to them, others with casual charm and some with basic functional style. Here are a few skirt styles to be aware of when purchasing your furniture:
Kick Pleat: Kick pleats are formed by doubling fabric back upon itself and then pressing or stitching into shape.
Box Pleat: A flat double pleat made by folding under the fabric on either side of it.
Plinth Base: A squared base which sits on the floor and is usually recessed from the outermost outlines of the piece. A plinth base can sometimes come in other shapes as well.
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The skirt style of an upholstered piece is the final accent to complete its style. There are a few styles to choose from, some with a more elegant appeal to them, others with casual charm and some with basic functional style. Here are a few skirt styles to be aware of when purchasing your furniture:
Kick Pleat: Kick pleats are formed by doubling fabric back upon itself and then pressing or stitching into shape.
Box Pleat: A flat double pleat made by folding under the fabric on either side of it.
Plinth Base: A squared base which sits on the floor and is usually recessed from the outermost outlines of the piece. A plinth base can sometimes come in other shapes as well.
Spring Type
When shopping for furniture, always make sure that you are fully informed of the type of springs used
in the manufacturing process for that particular piece. The spring type you choose for your sofa will determine its comfort
and durability. Here are some spring types more commonly used for manufacturing furniture.
Eight-Way Hand-Tied: Single coil springs are attached to webbing with metal links, and then "hand tied" to each other and the frame with twine to achieve differing amounts of elasticity in the seat. This method prevents the springs from shifting, sagging and "bottoming-out," regardless of the weight put on it. The more ways the spring is tied, the sturdier the seat is. Eight-way hand-tied springs are mostly used in higher quality pieces.
Sinuous Springs: These are springs that are attached to both the front and back rail of the piece’s frame. They provide softer seating and are less costly to produce. Sinuous springs are one of the most common springs used in upholstery.
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When shopping for furniture, always make sure that you are fully informed of the type of springs used
in the manufacturing process for that particular piece. The spring type you choose for your sofa will determine its comfort
and durability. Here are some spring types more commonly used for manufacturing furniture.
Eight-Way Hand-Tied: Single coil springs are attached to webbing with metal links, and then "hand tied" to each other and the frame with twine to achieve differing amounts of elasticity in the seat. This method prevents the springs from shifting, sagging and "bottoming-out," regardless of the weight put on it. The more ways the spring is tied, the sturdier the seat is. Eight-way hand-tied springs are mostly used in higher quality pieces.
Sinuous Springs: These are springs that are attached to both the front and back rail of the piece’s frame. They provide softer seating and are less costly to produce. Sinuous springs are one of the most common springs used in upholstery.
Frame Type
Choosing the proper frame type is vital to ensuring a lengthy duration for your furniture. A good frame is joined using dowels and corner blocks glued and screwed together. The legs should be connected to the frame and center legs should be used for additional support. Here are the two most commonly used frame types in furniture:
Kiln-Dried Hardwood: Oak, maple and ash are woods commonly used in manufacturing kiln-dried hardwood furniture frames. Kiln drying reduces the moisture content of the lumber, a process which inhibits checking and splitting, and strengthens the finished product.
Metal: Metal frames are most often used in modern furniture, and furniture that has moving parts, such as sofa beds and recliners. Generally made of steel, metal frames will provide durability, and functionality.
Keep in mind that if you still have upholstery style and product questions you can call us at (800) 316-2207. Our trained customer service staff will help to make your online shopping as effortless as possible.
Choosing the proper frame type is vital to ensuring a lengthy duration for your furniture. A good frame is joined using dowels and corner blocks glued and screwed together. The legs should be connected to the frame and center legs should be used for additional support. Here are the two most commonly used frame types in furniture:
Kiln-Dried Hardwood: Oak, maple and ash are woods commonly used in manufacturing kiln-dried hardwood furniture frames. Kiln drying reduces the moisture content of the lumber, a process which inhibits checking and splitting, and strengthens the finished product.
Metal: Metal frames are most often used in modern furniture, and furniture that has moving parts, such as sofa beds and recliners. Generally made of steel, metal frames will provide durability, and functionality.
Keep in mind that if you still have upholstery style and product questions you can call us at (800) 316-2207. Our trained customer service staff will help to make your online shopping as effortless as possible.
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