Creating Your Perfect Armchair: A Guide to Arm Heights and Styles

When designing your next armchair with us at Novella Flow, one of the most overlooked yet transformative details is arm height. The right arm height can mean the difference between a chair that looks beautiful but feels awkward, and one that cradles you in perfect comfort.

Understanding Standard Arm Heights

Standard furniture often ignores individual needs, but our approach to bespoke seating is different. We listen to how you actually use your spaces and design accordingly. Arm heights typically fall into three categories: low arms, mid-range arms, and high arms.

Low arms, sitting around 18 to 20 inches from the seat, create an open, modern aesthetic and allow you to rest your arms naturally while sitting upright or leaning forward. This works wonderfully if you frequently get up and down or want visual lightness in your room.

Mid-range arms, around 22 to 24 inches, offer the most versatility. They work with most body types and seating positions, providing gentle support whether you're reading, watching, or conversing. Many of our customers choose this height as their starting point for bespoke seating because it balances comfort with visual proportion across different room sizes.

High arms, rising to 26 inches or beyond, create a sense of envelopment and support. They're ideal if you enjoy deep recline, use your armchair for afternoon reading, or simply prefer more structure around your shoulders and neck.

Arm Styles That Match Your Life

Beyond height, the style of your arms shapes both comfort and function. Rolled arms have a soft, traditional elegance and offer cushioned support for your elbows and forearms. Track arms run straight and modern, creating clean lines that suit contemporary spaces while still providing support. Sloped arms angle backward, encouraging you to settle deeper into relaxation. Sheltering arms curve forward and inward, wrapping around you gently.

Fitting Your Space and Your Needs

Consider your room's purpose too. In a formal living space with custom dining tables and a bespoke sofa anchoring the layout, you might choose higher, more structured arms that echo your furniture's formality. In a casual reading nook, lower, rolled arms invite lounging and create a more intimate feel.

We also think about your lifestyle. If you have children or pets, sturdier arm styles withstand activity better. If you move frequently and rearrange, flexible arm styles that work in different settings matter more.

At Novella Flow, every piece of bespoke seating begins with conversations about how you live. Arm height and style might seem like small details, but they're where complete handmade furniture design truly becomes personal. When you sit down in a chair we've crafted for you—with your specific arm height, your style preference, your space's flow—you'll understand why these choices matter.