As someone always looking for ways to maximize space and functionality in my home, I’ve grown frustrated with the limitations of traditional couches. Though cozy, they hog precious real estate in our living areas without offering much flexibility.
I’ve found alternatives to couches that deliver comfort and style while freeing up room for other activities.
8 Alternative to Couchs You Need to Try
Here’s a quick list of the couch alternatives that are worth buying:
- Loveseat
- Armchair
- Daybed
- Banquette
- Sectional
- Convertible
- Lounge chairs
- Ottomans
1. Loveseat
Source: Hayneedle
Loveseats are perfect for small spaces or for those who only have 1-2 people in the house. They generally cost less to buy than a traditional sofa because they are so much smaller.
Due to their smaller size, they are a lot easier to move around the room. They can easily fit through a doorway and be moved to a new location inside the home, or even to a new home without a lot of hassle.
Pros
- They’re great when you want more seating in your living space but don’t have all of the necessary space to devote to a full sofa, such as in a small living room, bedroom, or reading nook.
- Typically, you will be able to find a love seat for less than the cost of a full sofa because they are so much smaller and work well with a small floor space.
Cons
- They are not a great option if you like to nap during the day or lie down in the evening when watching TV, as they are just too small for most people to do this comfortably.
- While they work very well in seating groupings, they don’t offer enough space to sit when used just by themselves.
- In the wrong-sized room they will look too small, so homeowners have to be careful with proportions when placing a loveseat in their home.
2. Armchairs
Source: Hayneedle
Because they are smaller, armchairs can easily fit into tighter spaces in living spaces without appearing too cramped. They have less visual weight than other seating options, and will generally keep a room looking lighter and less cluttered.
Armchairs can easily be reupholstered if you want to change your home’s or living room’s appearance and décor without going over budget. Instead of larger sofas, which can cost a lot of money to be reupholstered, because there is such a small amount of fabric used on armchairs, it’s not cost-prohibitive to do this.
Pros
- You can make several seating arrangements with a pair of armchairs instead of a large sofa. This is especially useful if you have a living room that is an odd shape, or has a feature like a large fireplace that you want to focus on.
- Guests can easily turn their seating so they can enjoy the conversation and not feel left out.
- An armchair can be moved to the bedroom or another room if necessary, a to get it out of the way in case you need to open up more space in the family or living room. This makes it possible to play games, spread out a large project you are working on, or just open up the space for a party without a lot of hassle.
Cons
- Unless you are careful about the armchairs you buy, they can end up being rather uncomfortable to sit on.
- They have to be used in a seating arrangement, otherwise they simply won’t offer enough space for guests.
- Using a pillow to support the back can be difficult if the armchair isn’t comfortable enough as they aren’t generally very deep with extra space.
3. Daybed
Source: Houzz
Daybeds come complete with a full backboard that runs along the back of the piece of furniture, which offers support during the day if you want to use it more like a traditional sofa.
With armrests on the side, daybeds can even feel like an armchair, giving the user enough support to lean up against them while they sit.
There are some daybeds which offer built-in storage underneath. While regular sofas and loveseats don’t have enough room under them to store any items, this is a great way to squeeze out additional storage space if it’s a little tight in your home.
Pros
- Unlike love seats, which are too small for someone to lie down on comfortably, daybeds are designed for sleeping, which means they are perfect for taking a nap, resting when you don’t feel great, or stretching out when you are enjoying a movie.
- This is a very affordable way to get extra seating as well as a place to sleep in your home.
- Because they use standard size mattresses, you won’t have to worry about buying a new one if you ever want to update the style of your daybed.
Cons
- A lightweight back on the daybed will need to be up against the wall for support, which limits where you can place the bed in the room.
- They are more difficult to move around the room due to the weight of the mattress, so it’s not as easy to rearrange your home on a whim with this piece of furniture.
- Without extra pillows, the daybed can be very uncomfortable to sit on and use like a sofa and it is very difficult if you like to lean back while still having your feet touch the floor.
- Most versions do not come assembled, and it can be very tricky to assemble a daybed by yourself.
4. Banquette
Source: Hayneedle
Banquettes are ideal if you have a very narrow living room with minimal floor space that can’t hold larger pieces of furniture, but still want a place for guests to be able to sit.
Pros
- Some options come with storage under the bench, which is great for stashing books, magazines, toys, or even blankets and making it easy to quickly tidy up the living room.
- Can be used later with a dining room table if you need alternative seating.
- Easy to move around to the location where you need more seating.
- Perfect for small spaces such as a bay window where you want extra seating to enjoy the outside view, but don’t want to block the whole area with a large piece of furniture. Serving as a form of window seats
Cons
- Not comfortable for stretching out and lounging and can be difficult to sit on for long periods of time, while offering a deep seat.
- Most don’t have arms, which can make it uncomfortable for the person using it as there is no way to lean.
5. Sectional Sofa
Source: Wayfair
Unlike a traditional sofa where the piece of furniture is straight, making it difficult for people to sit on it and talk to each other easily, sectionals come in a L or U-shape that allows everyone to interact. This is especially important for homeowners who love to entertain.
Pros
- Instead of having to buy multiple sofas, loveseats, or armchairs to get the seating you need, this one piece of furniture will take care of all of the seating needs for your living room or family room.
- It can be pushed into the corner of the room to maximize the available space, or pulled out from the wall to give the room a more unique look and a focal point. They are excellent couch alternatives as well.
- Most are covered in either microfiber or leather and are very comfortable to sit on as well as easy to clean. This makes them ideal for a busy home with kids who may spill while they are sitting.
Cons
- It can be almost impossible to rearrange the furniture in your living room when you have a sectional sofa, as there may be only one way that all the furniture will work well together.
- These incredibly heavy pieces make it very difficult to move from one room to another. In addition, because of their shape, they are very hard to get through a doorway without either one damaging the doorframe or having to take the door off of the hinges to create more room.
- Due to their appearance, they don’t work well in a formal living room.
- It’s important to pick a color and design that you love, as it’s such a large piece of furniture and will probably be the focal point of the room. The wrong upholstery decision is not only costly to repair, but can also create a look in your room that you don’t like.
6. Convertible Sofa
Source: Wayfair
While regular sofas only work to provide seating during the day and an uncomfortable place to rest during the night, convertible options are great for overnight guests when you don’t have a dedicated guest room or want to set up an air mattress for them to use.
Pros
- Available in different colors, patterns, and styles, it’s easy to match the décor of your living space.
- They provide a foundation piece for the rest of the family or living room to be planned around.
Cons
- While they combine the best of both beds and sofas, they are not nearly as comfortable as either a true bed or sofa due to the springs inside the unit itself and the way they fold up.
- Before folding them up after use, it’s imperative that they are well cleaned or they can develop a moldy and musty smell.
- Because of the built-in mattress, this piece of furniture is extremely heavy and difficult to move.
7. Lounge Chairs
Source: Amazon
A lounge chair, such as a chaise lounge, is a piece of furniture that can fit every home. It’s a great addition to a fireplace or a complete set of chairs.
Lounge chairs offer two benefits: they are comfortable to sit in and have an aesthetic appeal, building visual interest. A single piece is enough to transform that empty corner of your home. You could also consider accent chairs for your living room, especially since they go great with coffee tables.
8. Ottomans
Source: Amazon
There’s been an upturn in the usage of Ottomans or daybeds in homes. Many prefer them as the second sofa because they are visually appealing, save space, and are comfortable. You may sit, use it as a coffee table, or place books and magazines on them.
Ottomans are a great idea for small living rooms. They offer additional seating without taking up as much space. This piece is also perfect as a collection of standalone furniture alongside an accent chair.
What Can I Use as an Alternative to a Couch in My Home?
There are really no hard and fast rules to what you can use as couch alternatives in various spaces such as your living room. The idea is to combine functionality with aesthetics, even if you’re dealing with a space that has smaller dimensions. You may consider any of these couch alternatives I shared above to breathe new life into your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is a Good Alternative to a Sofa?
A great alternative to a sofa is a sectional seating arrangement. Modular sofas or sectionals offer flexibility and ample seating. They allow you to customize your seating layout to fit your space and needs. Other options include bean bags, daybeds, floor cushions, futons, and comfortable chairs like accent chairs, armchairs and recliners.
What If I Don’t Have a Couch?
Consider mixing and matching various seating options if you don’t have a couch or are exploring couch alternatives. Combine chairs, bean bags, accent chair, floor cushions, or even daybeds to create a diverse and flexible seating area.
Customize your seating based on your room size (especially if you have a small living room or are dealing with smaller spaces), layout, and personal style to make your space comfortable and inviting.
What’s a Cheap Alternative to Couches?
Cheaper alternatives to couches include bean bags, individual chairs, or chaise lounges. While not the most conventional, you could also consider a hammock, depending on the space.
Conclusion
When it comes to seating in your home, the possibilities are endless. Whether you’re looking to replace your sofa or enhance your existing seating arrangements, numerous couch alternatives exist.
From sectional seating for spacious living rooms to bean bags for a relaxed vibe and even stylish chairs for a touch of elegance, you can create a comfortable and inviting space that suits your style and needs. So, think beyond the traditional couch – your seating area awaits a creative and cozy transformation.
