Sofas are not always best for certain spaces. A living room sofa is bulky, heavy, and strictly sized. There are many reasons why someone might buy a sofa alternative, from wanting more seating to finding something that takes up less space. There are sofa alternatives out there for every budget and style.
Here are seventeen best sofa alternatives for homes:
Alternative #1: Bench
A comfortable bench can be a nice sofa alternative for some. They are very uncomfortable with others, though. There are lots of styles of benches out there, in different textiles, designs, and materials.
Alternative #2: Armchairs
A few armchairs in the room can sometimes give off a waiting room vibe, but they’re an excellent choice for small spaces with an unusual shapes. Armchairs are advantageous, movable, and comfortable, but they aren’t ideal if you’re not living alone.
Alternative #3: Daybed
A daybed is very close to a couch but is generally lighter and more open. It’s good for a nap but not necessarily for overnight sleep. It can always be combined with some accent chairs or paired with another daybed on the opposite side of the coffee table.
Alternative #4: Sofa Bed
A sofa bed is a wonderful addition, offering a sofa’s function during the day and converting it into a sleeping space at night. It’s a clever and versatile design. A sofa bed for small spaces will complement apartments and condos perfectly.
Alternative #5: Futons
A futon is a mattress that can be folded into a couch. It’s not as comfortable as something like a sofa bed, but it’s a flexible and often cheap sofa alternative. Futons can be purchased in soft, medium, and firm mattress varieties.
Alternative #6: Love Seats
A love seat is technically a small sofa, yes. A two-seat version. If a standard three-seat sofa is too bulky, downgrading to a particularly comfy two-seat love seat might work.
Alternative #7: Chaise
A chaise is a French-influenced upholstered sofa in the design of an extended chair. It’s a fairly luxurious piece with a classic or Art Deco aesthetic. An alternative like a chaise is warm and welcoming for rooms driven by luxury.
Alternative #8: Nugget Couch
If you have children who enjoy playing on the sofa, a nugget couch may be their best alternative. A nugget couch consists of multiple foam pieces – a base, cushion, and triangle pillows – that easily configure into whatever shape the child wants. It turns a regular sofa into a toy.
Alternative #9: Floor Cushions
Take the seating structure out of it and enter in floor cushions. Easy to carry. Available in various sizes. They’re easily combined with a low ottoman or coffee table. Floor cushions are not as common as other sofa alternatives but are as eclectic and cheerful as anything else.
Alternative #10: Bean Bag Chair
A bean bag chair is small, chic, and easy to move. If you’re just a single person, a bean bag chair offers many advantages and will save lots of space. It’s a reliable sofa alternative that’s cozy and different.
Alternative #11: Settee
A settee is like a more petite, curvy, and feminine version of a couch. Settees are very charming and a great choice for small rooms. They’re elegant, versatile, and have a more trendy look than many other sofa alternatives.
Alternative #12: Recliners
If you’re designing a movie theatre-like room or if it’s a home entertainment system, a set of individual recliners is a luxurious choice and ever so comfortable. You won’t find a better choice than a reclining chair paired with a soft, luxurious blanket to boot for a studio apartment or man cave.
Alternative #13: Sectional
A sectional is a multi-section overly large sofa alternative that can be put into a corner and provides additional seating. Some sections can come apart very easily and are used in multiple configurations. They’re a handy selection if it’s for a room where you know lots of people will regularly be.
Alternative #14: Lounge Chairs
Bring in your lounge chairs and outdoor furniture, creating a nice aesthetic inside with what’s available. Some many outdoor chairs and couches will give a room an entirely different aesthetic.
Alternative #15: Ceiling-Mounted Chair
A unique effect can be achieved with a ceiling-mounted chair. Like an egg chair, a hanging chair takes up zero floor space and adds height, texture, and dimension to the room. Throw in cushion inserts, pillows, and a cozy blanket; you have everything you need for comfort.
Alternative #16: Inflatables
Another fun – and often very affordable – sofa alternative is buying an inflatable. Blow them up with air and deflate them when you don’t need them. There are even some that are pet-friendly. An inflatable chair or couch can be quite comfortable, especially on a limited budget.
Alternative #17: Make-Your-Own
There are many ways to repurpose old items, design DIY sofas, or make your unique sofa using materials like wood. If you are good with your hands and have an eye for design, entertaining the thought of building your own according to the room’s dimensions can be very exciting for some.
