Wide armrests are one of the features that make the Kivik so recognizable. They are comfortable to lean on, provide space for a cup of coffee, and look pleasantly generous. At the same time, without styling, they can appear somewhat bulky or empty, especially in a calm living room. However, those wide strips of fabric are perfect for getting creative with.
With a few thoughtful choices, you can turn the armrests into a stylish part of your seating area instead of just a flat edge next to the cushions. Below you’ll find three ideas that are both practical and beautiful, helping you get the most out of your Kivik’s wide armrests.
Idea 1: Turn the armrest into a calm little table
The simplest way to use wide armrests is to see them as a built-in side table. By being intentional about this, you avoid a messy pile of stuff and create a calm, hotel-like feeling.
Start with a stable tray or a narrow serving tray that fits well on the armrest. Choose wood or metal, depending on the rest of your interior. Such a tray can hold a glass, a scented candle, or a small vase with a single branch. By limiting what’s on it, the armrest stays tidy and feels more like a deliberate part of the styling.
Also pay attention to the color and texture of the cover under the tray. If the fabric fits snugly and the armrest keeps its clear shape, the whole looks much neater than when the cover wrinkles or shifts. A sofa that is neatly covered makes a simple tray immediately feel like a conscious styling choice.
Idea 2: Work with layers of fabric across the width
Wide armrests are ideal for working with textiles. Instead of loosely draping a throw over the backrest, you can use the armrest as a stage for soft layers. Think of a narrow throw that runs the entire length of the armrest, possibly combined with a smaller cushion pushed slightly forward.
It’s important that the base of your sofa stays tight. If the cover fits well around the armrest, extra layers of fabric have a calm foundation. With snug-fitting Kivik covers for wide armrests, you prevent the shape of the armrest from getting lost under wrinkles or too much fabric. This keeps the broad line of the armrest visible, while the throw and cushions add softness and color.
Play with contrast in materials. For example, combine a smooth, plain cover with a chunky knitted throw or a cushion with subtle texture. This gives the armrest more depth without making it look busy. By coordinating the colors with the rest of your seating area, you let the wide armrests contribute to the overall look instead of standing alone.
Idea 3: Use the armrests as clean lines in your interior
Because the Kivik’s armrests are so wide and straight, they automatically create strong horizontal lines in the room. If you use those lines intentionally, the sofa can make your entire living room look calmer and more streamlined.
For example, place a few accessories in a light, low line along the armrest, such as a thin book, a small bowl, or a narrow lamp with a compact base. Make sure these objects follow the edge rather than standing across it. This strengthens the straight line of the armrest and makes the seating area feel more organized.
The shape of the sofa itself also plays a role here. A Kivik that looks calm at the top does a lot for the overall appearance of the room. In a separate styling tip about a simple technique to make your sofa look sleeker you can see how a small adjustment at the top of the backrest enhances this effect even more. This approach fits well with wide armrests that run as clear lines through the space.
Practical considerations for wide armrests
Whatever style you choose, a few practical points make the difference between cluttered and calm. Try to avoid the armrests becoming a collection spot for remote controls, stacks of magazines, and loose cables. Instead, give those items a fixed place in a basket or drawer near the sofa.
Also look at the proportion between the armrests and the rest of the sofa. When the seat cushions and back cushions are neatly fluffed and the fabric is nicely stretched, wide armrests feel like a logical, sturdy base instead of heavy blocks on the sides. Regularly straightening, fluffing, and smoothing is part of this.
Finally, it’s helpful to choose one line. If you work with a tray on one armrest and with throws and many small decorations on the other, the whole can quickly look messy. By deciding per sofa what role the armrests will play—such as a calm spot for a tray or a soft texture layer—you keep the styling clear.
Conclusion
Wide armrests are not awkward surfaces to hide but rather an opportunity to give your Kivik extra character. By using them as a built-in table, as a carrier of soft layers, or as clean lines in your interior, you make those wide strips of fabric a deliberate part of your styling. With a tight base cover and a few thoughtful accents, your armrests no longer feel bulky but form a calm, inviting edge around your seating area.
