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The Many Parts of a Couch (2 Illustrated Diagrams)

A collage of different parts of sofa.

Have you ever wondered exactly all what’s involved in couch design with respect to all the different parts of a couch. It’s a fairly complex piece of furniture.

There are many parts both on the exterior and interior. We decided to dig in and get to the bottom of the anatomy of a sofa and put together a custom diagram showing you all the different components to a couch design. Below is our diagram that includes a very informative cross-section so you get a glimpse of what’s inside a typical sofa.

Enjoy (and if you think this is useful or cool, please pin and share).

Related To: Sofa Accessories | Types of Sofa Cushions | Types of Upholstery Fabric | Parts of a Chair | Couches with USB Ports

Parts of a Couch (Diagram)

Diagram illustrating the different parts of a couch

Sofa Exterior Components

  • Cushion Boxing: Typically made up of two or three cushions usually firmer than the back cushions to support the weight of the sitter.
  • Arm Panel: An armrest that has an either inset or raised panel covered to the front of the arm.
  • Throw Pillow: Small pillow on a chair used chiefly for decorative purposes.
  • Back Pillows: Back cushions that keep the sitter comfortable and improve posture while seated.
  • Top Cushion: Chief cushion to sit on.
  • Inside Arm: The arm frame without the cover or upholstery.
  • Inside Back: Area from the top of the seat cushion to the back.
  • Outside Back: The upholstered part from the top of the seat to the foot of the sofa.
  • Outside Arm: The upholstered part of the armrest.
  • “T”: The cushion resembles a chunky letter “T.”
  • Side Skirt: Fabric covering found at the sides by the foot of the sofa.
  • Corner Skirt Panel: The pleated part of the fabric covering found at the corner by the foot of the sofa.
  • Front Skirt: Fabric covering found at the front by the foot of the sofa.
  • “T” Seat Cushion: The seat cushion that resembles a chunky letter “T” where extensions of the cushion cover the sofa’s front sides and under the armrests.
  • Front Skirt Panel: The pleated part of the fabric covering found by the front of the foot of the sofa.
  • Seat Cushion: A soft padding that makes sitting comfortable.
  • Cushion Reverse: The bottom part of the cushion boxing.
  • Welt: A fabric-covered rope stitched along the seams of an upholstery for a more tailored look.
  • Arm: Where the sitter can comfortably rest his/her arm while sitting.
  • Leather of Fabric: Sofa covering.
  • High Rebound Sponge: Sponge that has higher than 45 density.
  • Backrest: Supports a person’s back when seated.

Sofa Interior Parts

  • Mid-Soft Sponge: Sponge that has a density not suitable for sitting.
  • Parallel Net: Inside net placed parallel along the wood frame.
  • Crest Rail: Top rail of a chair back.
  • Composite Splint: Makes the framework of the arm and side of a sofa.
  • Wood Frame: Skeleton of the sofa.
  • Serpentine Spring: Spring that runs from front to back or from top to bottom.
  • Stainless Steel Foot: Foot of the sofa that raises it from the floor.
  • Parallel Hardware: Steelwork underneath the inside of a sofa.
  • Webbing Bridge: Used for holding webbing to flat surfaces.
  • Fixed Sponge: Placed at the most bottom level of the inside of the sofa.
  • Density Sponge: Adds support and durability underneath.
  • Doll Cotton: Spray-bonded cotton
  • High Density Resilient Sponge: Makes a cozy and durable seating.