When we think of living rooms we typically think of couches, after all, no living space is complete without seating. However, there are now many trends that oppose this. Instead, they support the concept of designing a living space without a couch.
If a couch doesn’t support your interior vision or you simply don’t have room for one, you may be on the lookout for some alternative seating arrangements and you will be pleased to know that there are lots to choose from.
Bench style seating is a great option for those who do not have the space to accommodate a bulky sofa.
As they are relatively lightweight they can be easily rearranged to suit your room setup. If you want to add a bit more comfort to the benches you could add a few scatter cushions.
If you have opted for a casual but cozily decorated living room, why not emphasize this with the addition of a few beanbags. They add a touch of fun whilst also providing a comfortable place for you and your guests to sit and chill out.
A great thing about beanbags is that they are available in a multitude of patterns, shapes, sizes, and colors so there is bound to be a style available that compliments your aesthetic. If not, why don’t you have a go at making a DIY version?
To compensate for the lack of a couch, you may add an armchair. Although they are typically designed to seat a single person, they are an ideal option for those with smaller apartments who don’t want their living space to be overwhelmed with a substantially sized couch.
Others may choose to go down a similar route by opting for a statement chair. This is the perfect way of adding luxury and glamour to your living room. Again, these chairs are available in a range of shapes and sizes.
When picking your statement chair it is likely that you will need to choose between decorative appeal and comfort because whilst some may look great this may not be reflected in the comfort provided. Some may opt for a statement chair that has a vintage and understated appearance.
If you have window sills in your living room why not transform them into a seated area? Those with a large surface area will offer plenty of space for people to sit. To make them more comfortable you can add some nice cushions.
A great thing about utilizing this space is that you aren't taking up a lot of room in your living area with a sofa, instead, you are making the most of the features that are already available.
A daybed provides the ideal replacement for a sofa. Whilst some may choose to surround them with a few other statement chairs to accommodate visitors, others may choose to have the daybed as the focal point of the living room.
Floor cushions are another excellent seating alternative. When it comes to variety they certainly don’t disappoint as they come in an assortment of sizes and designs. They also offer unmatched versatility because they can easily be moved to accommodate other objects occupying the space.
They’re also easy to replace as your decorative taste changes. Also, if you ever need to use the space, for example, you may be hosting a gathering, they aren’t bulky and are easy to pick up and store out of the way.
To make the most of the space, add some other home furnishings besides these seating alternatives. For example, if you have opted for a statement chair but feel as though the space is a little bland you could add a coffee table to the center.
Do you have to have a sofa in a living room?
There are no rules in place when it comes to how your living room should be decorated. As the homeowner, you have free reign when it comes to designing your interior space.
Though we typically see sofas in living rooms, it is possible to free yourself from this concept if it isn’t your thing.
The purpose of a sofa is to provide a comfortable seated area for yourself and others that may visit your home. However, there are many reasons why some individuals may decide against one. For example, depending on its size, a sofa can consume a hefty amount of space.
This then presents a problem to those with smaller houses and those living in apartments. As such, some may choose to sacrifice the luxury of having a sofa, instead opting for less bulky seating arrangements that will allow them to add other furnishings to the room.
Some people may not have use for such a big piece of furniture. For example, hosting guests may be more of an occasional event rather than a regular occurrence, so they may choose to only use the amount of space that they require for a single seat or two smaller types of seats.
For some individuals, the desire to decorate their living room without a sofa may be due to a matter of comfort.
This is because some people may have yet to find a sofa that caters to their preferences, whilst others may find the whole concept of sitting so close to others on a sofa a little uncomfortable.
By opting for separate types of seating you can still enjoy the company of others whilst feeling comfortable in doing so.
Whilst some people choose to follow the conventional route and invest in a sofa, others may not. Even those with limited space can still utilize their living area by adding other types of furnishings and seating.
Remember that you can also be creative and make use of what is readily available inside your living room. For example, by converting your windowsill into a seat, you aren’t using up any extra room, instead, you are transforming it into a feature that serves more of a purpose.
