May 31, 2020, 1:27 pm | Read time: 5 minutes
A sofa often takes up a lot of space in the living room due to its size and rigid shape. Space that isn’t really available or that one might prefer to use for other furniture. However, there are alternatives that can help.
The large wall unit and expansive seating arrangement have had their day. Living spaces are becoming increasingly smaller. This calls for new furniture that is more space-saving and flexible, offering more design possibilities. The sofa, in particular, often takes up too much space in the living room. So how about one of these seven alternatives to the classic couch?
1. A Potpourri of Seating Options
What has been common with cabinets, sideboards, and the like for years is now increasingly found in living room seating: simply combine different elements. Pouf with sofa, armchair with ottoman, or just mix everything together. One advantage: These pieces don’t have to be confined to the living room; they can be used in other rooms as well.
Style, design, color, shape, pattern, and material don’t have to match in this alternative to the couch; they just need to have connecting components so that different pieces still form a cohesive whole. Connecting elements could be a specific color that appears in (almost) every piece, a curved shape, or the shared vintage character of the seating group.
Related: Ikea design studio develops foldable 10-kilo couch
2. Modular Sofas
Modular sofas are an optimal alternative to the classic couch. They are far less bulky than sofa landscapes and seating arrangements. Designed for today’s lifestyles, modular sofas adapt to modern living situations. The sofa can be expanded with one or even several modules as desired. Each module is a complete piece of furniture that also works as a standalone item. If many guests are expected, more modules can be added than are needed for everyday use.
In terms of combination possibilities, modular sofas often have a lot to offer. They can be assembled in various shapes, or each module can be covered with a different colored fabric, allowing for playful color combinations. Low-to-the-ground models often bring even more coziness into the home.
Also interesting: These mistakes almost everyone makes when buying a sofa
3. Two Large Armchairs
This alternative to the classic couch is especially suitable for a two-person household. If you’ve opted for a small living space but don’t want to sacrifice coziness, two large armchairs are an optimal choice. Unlike a sofa, you have complete freedom in choosing their placement, making a large, space-consuming sofa obsolete.
4. Ottoman, Recamier, or Chaise Longue
Sometimes you don’t necessarily need the classic combination of a sofa and two armchairs, as this setup takes up a lot of space. If you don’t have that space but don’t want to give up your sofa, an ottoman might be suitable. This is the part of a couch that runs along the side and is mostly equipped with a backrest on one side.
The recamier is a (historical) piece of furniture that lacks a backrest but has two high armrests. Its extravagant design gives the recamier some flexibility in its placement in the room. It draws all eyes when placed freely in the room but also looks appealing when placed directly in front of a wall. As a piece of furniture that combines the functions of a lounger, sofa, and armchair, the recamier can be used in a variety of ways.
Nowadays, a chaise longue often refers to a daybed, such as one for guests. This piece of furniture has historical roots and was once primarily used as a place for a midday rest or a short nap.
5. Swing Element Instead of Armchair
We all know from childhood that (seemingly) endless swinging is soothing. So why not sit in a hanging basket instead of an armchair and gently sway back and forth? Depending on the structural and spatial conditions, several elements like two swings or a larger swing sofa–similar to a garden swing–can be integrated.
Also interesting: 5 clever ideas for more space in small living rooms
6. Moroccan-Style Lounge
Admittedly, this alternative to the classic couch isn’t for everyone. But it’s hard to deny that a Moroccan-style lounge looks exceptionally cozy. The look is characterized by large, comfortable floor cushions and a plush base in the form of a high-pile carpet or a wool blanket. Poufs with trays serve as an adequate table replacement, adding another oriental touch to the ambiance. All that’s missing are atmospheric lights and green plants in the room, and the cozy lounge is complete.
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7. Around the Window
Why not “relocate” the cozy part of a living room in a way? Large windows or a bay window are ideal for creating a different kind of sofa nook. A custom-built base can be made by a carpenter and then comfortably outfitted with a mattress and plenty of cushions. With a cup of tea, a good book, or a good conversation partner, you can surely spend relaxing hours here.
Ideally, this alternative to the sofa can also be used for storage. Drawers can be integrated into the lower structure, and shelves for books and decorative items can be added to the vertical part of the construction.