Are you confused about how your sofa actually fits together? Or perhaps you’re taking it apart and need to be up to date on the language used in the manual. In this article, I’ll take you through the main parts of a sofa.
In This Article We'll Discuss
What Are The Parts of a Sofa?
A standard sofa contains over 30 parts that all come together to give you maximum comfort.
Arm Panel
An Arm panel is a small cloth panel that covers the front of the armrest. This hides the internal parts of the arm from the exterior.
Arm
An arm is on the side of the sofa, a place where you can rest your arms when sitting. These give support to the sitter and provide comfort.
Back Pillows
The back pillows are at the back of the sofa where you sit. These support your back and ensure you are comfy when sat down.
Corner Skirt Panel
You’ll find the corner skirt panel in the bottom four corners of your sofa. This is a pleated fabric that covers the foot of the sofa. Normally, you can lift this to see anything underneath the sofa.
Cushion Boxing
Cushion boxing is the cushions you’re going to be sitting on. These normally are two or three main pillows. These distribute the weight of the sitter and provide support.
Cushion Reverse
The cushion reverse is the final cushion of the cushion boxing. It will be near the center of the sofa when moving from top to bottom. It is firmer than the other cushions and provides extra support.
Front Skirt Panel
Each front skirt panel is one unit that makes up the front skirt. You’ll be able to distinguish between each one as the edge will be slightly pleated. This gives the front skirt a slight separation in places.
Front Skirt
Much like the corner skirt panel, you can find this at the bottom of the sofa. The front skirt panel runs all the way around the sofa, apart from at the corners. It covers the internal mechanism and shields the ground from view.
High rebound sponge
High rebound sponge is a very dense (more than 45%) material. This is inside the cushion boxing. It provides extra support and comfort when sat on.
Inside arm
The inside arm is, you’ve guessed it, inside the main arms. They make this from a firm material and provides support.
Inside Back
The inside back encompasses everything from the top of the seat cushion to the base. This is what the back cushions rest against.
Leather or fabric
Leather or fabric is what covers the sofa. This is the material used when making the sofa.
Outside Arm
The outside arm is the part of the armrest which has upholstery on it. It will be the part covered in material.
Outside Back
The outside back is the outside of the sofa, top to base, which they cover in fabric. This upholstery will be easy to spot and will cover the whole sofa.
Seat Cushion
The seat cushion sits upon the cushion reverse. These are the main cushions you will be sitting on. They give support and comfort.
Side Skirt
The side skirt is a section of fabric that covers the sides of the sofa. It will run around the sides and has upholstery in the material.
‘T’ Seat Cushion
When taking apart your sofa, the ‘T’ seat cushion will be the cushion that looks like a big ‘T’. The extended part of the cushion will often cover a part of the arm.
Throw Pillow
A smaller pillow that is mainly for decorative purposes. It is normally placed ontop of the sofa cushions for aesthetic purposes.
Top Cushion
The top cushion is the first layer you’ll be sitting on. It is the cushion structure you will actually make contact with.
Welt
The welt is a decorative fabric that they stitch along the middle of the sofa. This appears to give the sofa some separation and is a common source of design in couches.
Interior Parts of the Sofa:
These are underneath the main layers of the sofa.
Composite Splint
The composite splint is the framework of the side and arm of the sofa. It provides a structure upon which the rest lays.
Crest Rail
The crest rail is the top structure in the chair back.
Density Sponge
The density sponge is a firm sponge used under and in the cushions. It provides support and comfort.
Doll Cotton
A doll cotton is simply cotton that has been spray-bonded. It is typically dyed or colored.
Fixed Sponge
Fixed sponge is at the bottom level of the sofa, it forms the complete base.
High Density Resilient Sponge
High density resilient sponge is normally placed under the cushion reverse. It is a comfortable material that gives the sofa bounce.
Mid-Soft sponge
Mid-soft sponge is a dense sponge at the back of the sofa. It is not particularly comfortable and therefore is not used in the base.
Parallel Hardware
The parallel hardware is steelwork that is under the base of the sofa. It provides a hard base to put everything else on top of.
Parallel Net
The parallel net is a webbed netting that goes along the food frame. This provides support and reduces friction.
Serpentine Spring
The serpentine spring is the structure that runs from the front to the back and then from the bottom to the top.
Stainless Steel Foot
A stainless steel foot is the most common material used to create the feet of the sofa. These feet are in all four corners and provide stability. They also reduce friction on the floor.
Webbing Bridge
This bridge is a clip that allows the parallel net to attach to other surfaces.
Wood Frame
The wood frame is the skeleton of your couch. It is the internal structure and shape to which everything you attach everything.
What Are The Parts of a Sectional Sofa?
A sectional sofa is essentially a shaped sofa. Due to this, they have almost all of the same parts. On top of this, there are a few extras that we’ll go through now.
Here is more information about different shapes and styles of sectional sofas.
Handle
Some sectional sofas have a handle on the side of them. You use these to disconnect different parts of the sofa.
Hooks and clips
Hooks and clips are one way in which two distinct parts of a sectional sofa can connect. You can locate them on the inside of the sofa, where two pieces of couch connect. These clip into one another and ensure the sofa is stable.
Sliding connector pins
Sliding connector pins is another way in which two pieces of sofa connect. Either sideways or vertical, these will allow two pieces to slot together.
Where can you find and buy sofa replacement parts?
Sofa replacement parts can be incredibly model specific. The best thing you can do is to get in contact with your retailer. Whoever sold you the sofa will know more about if you have a warranty or any part guarantees.
If you don’t have a warranty, you can buy parts from your closest retailer. Alternatively, you can search for the part you need on Amazon and find lots of good options.