This sofa is recommended by more interior designers than any other. It's also what many designers use in their own home (or so it was said somewhere on the Internet.) The English Roll Arm sofa. Here's why I've also chosen it as my next living room sofa.
The first sofa I ever liked was an English Roll Arm sofa. I didn't know it was called that and I didn't buy it but it was the first one I remember liking.
I didn't buy it as my first sofa because I thought it was too country for me. That was before I realized I really like country. It was also before I realized that the English Roll Arm sofa is more casual classic than it is country. But I probably saw it upholstered in a floral chintz and immediately deemed it Kountry. With a K. Which is worse than regular country.
I'm now 20 years into my sofa buying years and ready to purchase the 3rd sofa of my lifetime. If you're keeping track, your third sofa purchase usually takes place around the same time as your first blood pressure monitor purchase.
Handy.
I assumed when I decided on getting an English Roll Arm sofa my decision had been made. I just had to order one and make sure they sprayed on some of that Scotchgard-like stuff so the fabric wouldn't stain if I happened to accidentally dissect a chicken on it.
I was so very, very wrong.
English roll arm sofas like the one above (from the home of former J Crew President, Jenna Lyons) all look the same at first glance but all have subtle differences. Like noses.
Which is not to say that certain English roll arm sofas have noses, I mean of course that noses are essentially the same but different.
If you look at 10 English roll arm sofas they'll all be a bit different.
The English Roll Arm Sofa
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- The English roll arm sofa became popular in the 1800's. - O.K. If it's been around that long chances are I won't get bored with it.
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- It's characterized by a slightly sloped, tight back, low curved arms and a curved bottom frame to echo the curve of the arms. The seat cushion is a "T" cushion which makes the sofa feel and look a bit smaller than it actually is.
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- Modern versions of the English roll arm sofa might have loose cushions on the back and straighter arms and sides.
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- The style was made popular by furniture designer George Smith and the company still makes it. They call it the Standard Arm Signature Sofa. It starts at around $14,000.
Right.
So I won't be going original then. I go directly into bad body odour smell when my cat throws up on my $1,000 sofa let alone a $14,000 one. My nerves couldn't take it.
I will have to pick one that comes as close to the original as I can find.
Again, this is a look at an original George Smith sofa with a tight back, down cushions, curved arms and curved sides.
The Standard
I should mention this style is also used for chairs - fit for a Queen. If you're going for an English look, this is the couch you want.
When looking for something outrageously overpriced and stunningly beautiful head to Restoration Hardware.
Their version of the English roll arm sofa is chunkier than the original in the arms and also has a loose cushion back. It's not what I want.
Excellent. I dodged a bullet made of money that I don't have there.
So I headed to the opposite end of the retail furniture scale - Ikea.
Their version looks like a regular couch that they put pleated arm sleeves on. The back is loose cushions, the sides and arms are straight. No. This is not my couch.
Enter a couch designed by a former television colleague of mine - interior designer Jane Lockhart.
If it weren't for the loose cushions on the back, this would be my couch. The arms and sides are right plus I like the turned legs.
The Rose Sofa, a collaboration between The Everygirl and Interior Define is pretty perfect.
Design wise it's as close to the original as I could ever want. But it's in America so I can't sit on it. The proportions are exactly what I need and there are a fair amount of colours to choose from. What I don't like is you can't seem to choose what type of foam/filling you want. I definitely want foam cushions surrounded by down. There is no room for negotiation on this point.
Hello Pottery Barn! What do you have to offer?
A pretty good looking couch with a tightback, caster legs that I love, a fair amount of curve to the arm but no curve on the bottom. Plus it looks a bit stiff. Does it look a bit stiff to you?
O.K. the offering from Cococo Home (short for Comfortable Couch Company) actually has the word comfortable in its name. That has to mean something.
But Cococo Home is an American company. They will ship to Canada but I'm the kind of brave that will eat corn fungus or rip up a floor on a whim. I'm not the kind of brave that will order a couch without ever having seen it in real life or at on it. That's just crazy talk. I think. Is it? I used to think putting cilantro on anything was crazy talk too but now I love it.
At this point I'm getting confused, a bit tired and very definitely have elevated blood pressure. I know. I checked.
This brings me to what looks to be very authentic representation of George Smith's English roll arm sofa. It's made by Roger & Chris and what makes it so remarkable is the amount of options you have. The sofa has 10 different lengths, 9 different leg options, 6 different nail head options and 1073 fabrics or leathers to pick from.
Also it's only 40" deep. Most of these roll arm sofas are between 41' and 43" deep. Lee Industries makes a beautiful English roll arm but it's 42" deep. That's actually this sofa's thing - being a sofa that's so huge and deep you can tuck your legs up under yourself and still have enough room at the front of the sofa for chicken dissection.
After my International search I may, MAY have found what I'm looking for at a Canadian furniture manufacturer that's in Toronto, just 45 minutes from house.
Strap on that blood pressure cuff. Now I have to pick a colour.
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Barbara
Trying to find the right sofa is a total nightmare. After much research and store hopping I settled on exactly this sofa; the english rolled arm with loose cushions on the back. I went through Swiss Interiors in Oakville and it was custom made by Silva in Toronto. The sofa was $3K which I was thought was quite reasonable given you can pay a ridiculous amount and always uncertain of it's actual comfort level. Silva deal with the public through certain stores that carry their stuff. I will gladly send a photo if you want to take a look at mine.
Barb
Karen
Thanks Barb! But I'm actually going to take a run to Silva hopefully this week. :) Feel free to send me a photo of your sofa though. Just our of curiosities sake. :) ~ karen!
Karen
When you mean Canadian furniture manufacturer in Toronto, are you talking Silva? I would love to buy an English roll arm sofa, and as a reader from Ontario, would like to know where you eventually end up sourcing it from, and all of your thoughts about it! I too would like a firm back. I believe that Ethan Allen also carries a nice version. Also, as for colour, Maria Killam always recommends that you choose a favorite colour for your sofa. Good luck!
Lin N
Ah...memories of buying a couch! I am quite particular on cushion firmness and width of seat. I must have sat on at least 50 before having one custom made at a furniture place years ago. Some I sat on and disappeared into the interior of the couch never to be seen again (too soft), others I felt like 'Edith Anne' (Lily Tomlin) in her rocking chair with my feet dangling in the air (too wide). I think the Roger & Chris sofa is the best out of the bunch. Personally, I don't favour the low arms as I tend to sit along a sofa with my back against the arm. I have a low armed sofa now that I have to stack cushions against for it to be comfortable. My current couch? A purple 3 seat, modern with foam cushions I got from friends...love it...except for the low arms.
Caro
Laurel Bern of Laurel Home Blog has written a very informative article about RH - Restoration Hardware. Without a doubt an eye opener.
Karen
I just read it! Interesting. I was truly stunned when all my billion dollar pajamas showed up all different sizes and unfinished edges. REALLY glad I made my own Restoration Hardware outdoor furniture and didn't buy it. I'm guessing I have better quality control than they do. And perhaps just better quality, lol. ~ karen!
Amy Watson
You never take my advice but that's not going to stop me.....I bought my dream sofa 10 years ago, I wanted the foam surrounded by down, couldn't afford that so I went and bought 4 down pillows and did it myself...10 years later and it's still perfect....
Karen
You stuffed it in around the foam? That would work I'm sure. ~ karen!
Beth
I don't love the roll arm sofa style (give me a nice high arm every time!), but those Jane Lockhart sofalegs are to die for!
And I agree with all the other commenters who want you to have 1 or 3 cushions. Unless you're getting a loveseat, don't go the 2-cushion route.
Also, you never explained why you despise loose back cushions? Are you afraid of a big pillow fight?
Linda Weber
I bought 2 of these Steven and Chris (rip) sofas 8 years ago. They look like a modern version of the English roll arm sofa! They are rather deep so that many cushions are needed to sit on comfortzbly and the low arms make it difficult to lie down against but now that you mention curling up
on, that makes total sence!!!
Linda Weber
I bought 2 of these Steven and Chris (rip) sofas 8 years ago. They look like a modern version of the English roll arm sofa! They are rather deep so that many cushions are needed to sit on comfortzbly and the low arms make it difficult to lie down against but now that you mention curling up, on that makes total sence!!!
Chris Stout-Hazard
Oh my gosh, thank you so much for including us in your roundup! We love the English roll arm style and build a ton of them. They're a great fit for quite a few styles of home and can be tucked into tight spaces without feeling "dinky." We just posted a video about the profile and why it's proven so popular here: http://www.rogerandchris.com/questions/258/what-is-an-english-roll-arm-sofa/
As to the comment above regarding three cushions versus two – which is a topic we talk about a lot – another option would be a bench cushion. More on that here: http://www.rogerandchris.com/questions/261/whats-better-a-bench-or-multiple-cushions/
Karen
Seriously, the most COMPLETE online couch site and information I've ever seen! Thanks Chris. :) ~ karen!
Deborah Burns
That WAS a great English rolled arm sofa talk Chris! I've had my sofa for 18 years it's a really comfy camel back sofa, but the arms are HUGE, and your points about arm size and space were very helpful! Thanks!
Thank you too Karen, I love how my camel back sofa looks, because I like the curve, and your informative post has me thinking maybe my next sofa should be an English rolled arm! I am thinking blue velvet! :)
Right now I am focused finally doing my kitchen! :)
Karen
I know a designer, who used to also be the editor in chief of a large decorating magazine who has had her English Roll arm sofa for over 20 years. It's a classic. ~ karen!
Amy in StL
Check out Baker furniture. Their sofas are good quality, I've had mind for 6 years and have had many friends plop on the sofa. (Why is it that people can't sit, but prefer to retract their legs and just fall into place?) The cushions are still in great shape and generally it's affordable.
Christine
I just spent two days with my son helping him pick out a sofa. I told him that he'll know the right one when he sits in it. To me comfort is as important if not more as style. If not comfortable then what's the use. We finally found the right one at Slumberland - which, by the way, was where I found mine some years ago after days of sitting on sofas in many different stores. I sat on it and said this is it!
Which is just what my son said - now this is the one!
Margaret K
Hi Karen!
I love your posts, they always crack me up! I live in Long Island, NY and have a little flock of chickens and a big garden (not nearly as large as yours) but I love all your chicken/garden stories! Your articles help me to be brave and tackle all sorts of projects! I too am shopping for a sofa and find this article very helpful! Hopefully soon I will take the leap! Thanks again for always making me laugh and learn at the same time!
Margaret
Karen
You're welcome Margaret, thanks for taking the time to let me know! ~ karen
Heather
I lived in England throughout the '90's and while there I purchased a sofa and chair from a home decorating magazine, because all the furniture in the shops around me was either antique and shockingly expensive or new and hideous. The sofa and chair looked gorgeous and comfy in the magazine and they were gorgeous and comfy in real life. There were no on-line reviews in those days, so I guess I was lucky. If you really like one that shippable, perhaps reviews will steer you straight. Good luck! It's a lovely look!
KatieC
Wait! So, are you saying you found a *different* sofa than any of these pictured here? It sounded like the Roger & Chris was the winner--and it is darn gorgeous!--but you threw me when you said it was manufactured in Canada. WhatEVER, I love this style of sofa. Kind of cute and sophisticated all in one. (Though not cutesy!) But comfort-wise, that tight back concerns me. How do you sink into it while reading? Or dissecting things? Just something to consider.
Karen
If I could sit in it the Roger & Chris would win. But since I can't I have found a very similar one from a furniture manufacturer in Toronto. ~ karen!
Katie C
Ideal scene! Yes, in person testing is an absolute MUST.
canadamsel
Perfect choice. I have 2 roll-arm couches (one hides a bed) bought at an artsy furniture store on Yonge Street in Toronto in the mid-80s. They were off-white, with big cabbage roses. After living for too long with partner-mandated neutrals, these were feminine and elegant. I loved them. I had them recovered 10 years ago, but no longer happy with my fabric choice. I plan to have them done again, once I've finished my home renovations. They're great couches.
Jan in Waterdown
The Art Shoppe or Ridpath's? Never bought from either but they were great for looking around in!
Melissa D
A single bench cushion is So much more comfy. No cracks to swallow up the unwary— people or crumbs! And much easier to sleep on, if anyone does sleep there.
Kipper
I agree on the roll arm sofa, however am a cheapskate. Ikea Ektorp sofa here. The first one lasted 10years, was 125 from a consignment store, it lasted well with two big dogs and packs of children. Current one was bought from Ikea online, with extra slipcover and looks great after two years.
whitequeen96
OMG, I just bought the Ektorp sofa and loveseat a few months ago. I love them, but IKEAS HAS THE WORST CUSTOMER SERVICE! If you have to call them, the wait time is often over 2 hours, literally! And because they didn't do what they said, I've had to call back several times. I've spent 8 hours on the phone, they agree they owe me a $631 credit, but they never send it! I finally emailed corporate H.Q. Grrrrr! Any suggestions?
Marcia Milanoski
Buying a new sofa is excruciating! I’ve had 3 in the last year and a half! (3rd one was a keeper) first and WORST was Restoration Hardware...the finished piece was a completely different color than the sample piece which I had to pay $20 for..(seriously, $20 for a fabric sample when you’re spending thousands?) 😳 they ended up refunding me and took it back..2nd sofa was Bernhardt...had one before and loved it, but this time the fabric was just WEIRD...it looked shiny in places like when you iron black pants and they get a weird shine on them..and the shine wouldn’t rub out. ( I suspected the spray on fabric protection they sold me on but they denied it) The sample fabric looked amazing...like mohair, and felt that way too but the finished product was a disaster. They refunded me also...thank God my third choice is a winner...and cost about $2000 less than RH.
So, moral of the story is the fabric choice is super important once you’ve picked your frame so good luck...with over 1000 to choose from it won’t be easy!
KatieC
Marcia, you must be some amazing sorceress, to get TWO places to actually refund you for a custom sofa. I'm in awe!!
Karen
I have 3 pairs of Restoration Hardware linen pajamas. EVERY single pair that are all the same size fit completely differently. No consistency whatsoever. I got them on super-sale, but these are $300 pajamas! Even the finishes on them are shoddy. Not impressed with their quality. ~ karen!
Marcia Milanoski
Ha! It wasn’t without plenty of stress!
Trust me, they didn’t want to do it..they sent people out and eventually came to the conclusion that it was defective both times.
RH eventually admitted they were having quality problems with their fabric supplier.
Their colors are VERY limited
Tony
You hit the nose on the head with the post (to continue the nose metaphor).
I have been considering such a sofa for years because my dogs lie on the back cushions, knocking them over or smushing them. I've sworn my next sofa will have flat back. But I am wary of two cushion seats. Think a single bench seat might be more modern, but maybe that does look a little odd with such a traditional couch.
Karen
I think it would be fine with a traditional sofa. My last sofa (the red velvet one) had a single down cushion on the bottom and it was a very traditional camel back. I wouldn't rule it out. The only issue with a single cushion is that if you spill or get a stain or tear on the cushion you only have one to flip over! ~ karen
Jo Hill
I read just about everything you write but I have to say this is the first time I have to say you have to count me out on the English roll arm sofa. I’ve sat in them, you lean back too far back and no place for my arms. I even went out and searched and bought an Eames chair because of your article. I wanted one for so long, your blog solidified my desire and that I should have one. So it is okay if you should desire to have a chicken dissection on your new sofa . . . just love your sense of humor.
Karen
Which is why I wouldn't buy a sofa from the Internet! I'll insist on sitting AND laying on whatever sofa I'm considering buying. :) ~ karen!
Cathy Reeves
Absolutely, positively couches must be test driven! In fact I lie on mine more than I sit on it. So it has to pass the tv watching position!
Oh, and bras have to be test driven too. Just sayin’