The sofa is the mainstay of seating arrangements in homes worldwide. No living room is complete without one, whatever the style or size may be. But what if you have a space where there’s no space for a sofa? You can opt for one of these smaller-sized seating options.
They are available in a range of styles so whether your space is minimalistic, modern, shabby chic, boho or an odd shape, you can get a seating arrangement that fits right in.
Settee
This in-between between an armchair and a sofa, usually seats two and is more upright and slender than your typical sofa. Think straight lines and hard edges. It can be completely upholstered, have an upholstered seat and back or have no upholstery. The best bit about a settee is that it goes anywhere — from an entryway to a bedroom, from a tight corner to the children’s room.
Chaise lounge
The American alteration of the French chaise longue, which literally means long chair, this seating classic is a must when it comes to lounge seating.
Said to have originated in Egypt, chaise lounges span the gamut when it comes to styles. Whether it’s vintage or modern, sleek or plush, comfy or upright, it provides you with the perfect setting to recline.
Bench
This versatile and multifunctional piece of furniture can play many roles in the home.
Usually made of wood, but also available in metal, stone or synthetic materials, benches can be focused on form (style), function (seating and storage) or a combination of both. The ideal placement for the bench is at the foot of the bed as a kind of a catchall — for clothes, magazines that you need to read or other things.
Recaimer
This cross between a settee and a chaise lounge usually has two scrolled ends, and so can be used from either direction. Modern designers have given the recaimer a new avatar with the backless couch, a small sofa that typically has straight and low sides and no back. It’s a great addition to the modern dining room.
Boudeuse
The Boudeuse sofa can be classified as a loveseat and usually comprises two seats that share a common back. Developed during the mid-19th century in France, it works only in a large living room where you are trying to create multiple conversation corners.
Divan
It may seem to be Indian but the divan originated in Persia. Usually pushed up against a wall, it’s like a slim single bed with a mattress-like seat. Toss throw pillows on during the day to create a pretty seating arrangement; throw them off at night to use as an extra bed.
