A pair of classic Knoll Sofa in Italian Velvet.

We had a little debate recently on how to spell ‘Knole’ when referring to a Knole Sofa. With a little help from the Internet, we confirmed the correct spelling and decided to share some history – you can view the original Knole sofa in Knole in Kent.

The Knole sofa was made in the 17th century. Originally used not as a comfortable sofa but as a formal throne on which the monarch would have sat to receive visitors. It is housed at Knole in Kent, a house owned by the Sackville-Wests since 1605 but now in the care of the National Trust.

To identify a Knole sofa it usually has exposed wooden finials at the rear corner tops. The arms are sides and are of the same height as the back. The side arms are tied to the sofa back by means of heavy decorative braid, often with an elaborate tassel.

See another Knole sofa we reupholstered.

In addition to this I have a theory that the arms could be lowered to make a tempory bed. All said and done they always look regal.