Times are changing. At least when it comes to decorating living rooms.
In the 20th century and well into the 21st, it was very unusual to see a living room without a sofa. But, nowadays, the trend is changing towards having living room designs without a sofa.
What is the purpose of a sofa? It has become indispensable to a living room as it gives us somewhere to sit while we converse or relax with our family. They also allow us to entertain our guests in a more comfortable way, giving them some space to sit. Besides, many of the sofa designs give us an enhancement of the overall look of the living room.
Image source: Robeson Design
That’s why it has become impossible to envision a living room without sofa. But is that really so?
In essence, there are no design rules when it comes to living rooms, although many people still stick to some conventions. One of them is having a sofa in the living room. But, it is perfectly fine to decorate a living room without sofa.
There are many reasons for that. It can take up unnecessary space, and it might be uncomfortable for some guests to completely relax. Besides, there are many seating alternatives to sofas.
Why Would One Have a Living Room Without Sofa?
Here are the main reasons why you should consider a living room without sofa.
It Takes up Space
Image source: Blue Ocean Design
The problem arises when you don’t have enough space in your house to start with. Not everyone can afford the luxury to have spacious living rooms where sofas would fit. That’s why one of the biggest reasons against sofas is that they take up a lot of space.
There are many alternatives that can replace sofas to do the same job, and equally as good. For example, one could opt for cushion chairs or stools instead, which would not only save space, but also provide the same thing as a sofa would – a comfortable seating.
If you don’t have much space in your living room, then making the most out of your space should be a priority. It only requires some planning and the right décor to do it, and having a living room without sofa would make sense.
It May be Uncomfortable for Some
Image source: By Design Interiors, Inc.
You may be thinking how can a sofa be uncomfortable? Well, for some people, especially guests, it is uncomfortable to sit so close to strangers, perhaps. They wouldn’t have much in terms of personal space.
Also, it’s not very comfortable to sit in a sofa next to a person and have a conversation. It requires us to turn at awkward angles, making prolonged conversation a pain rather than a pleasure. That’s where individual chairs would make more sense than a sofa.
How to Decorate a Living Room without Sofa?
Alright, so now you may have decided to have a living room without sofa, what next?
You have to devise a plan to have a living room without one, and come up with some decoration ideas to replace it. If you are running out of ideas, here are some of the best ways to decorate a living room without sofa.
Use a Statement Chair
Image source: Michael Abrams Interiors
Statement chairs come in all shapes and sizes, and with different price tags. The options are almost endless here. You can pick a larger chair for a more comfortable seating, or you can try to strike up a balance between comfort and decorative quality. Plus, it will provide an extra seating option in your living room.
Hang up a Hammock
Image source: Nimú
A hammock would not be such a bad idea. Sure, it can also take up plenty of space, but at least it makes for a more comfortable experience, and, it is also something unique. We don’t often see hammocks in living rooms, do we?
But first, you should make sure the ceiling can take the weight of the hammock, and of course, your weight. Check it with your architect; you might need to add some extra supportive elements, too.
Bean Bags
Image source: kimberly peck architect
Bean bags seem to be all the rage at the moment. They provide you with a perfect way to decorate your living room without sofa as they are very lightweight, easily movable, and above all, comfortable. Plus, you can really enhance the look of your living room.
There are many good providers of bean bags that will make custom-made, leathered bean bags that will suit your design completely. You can forget the saggy bean bags that will only make your living room make cheap and outdated.
Bench + Chair
Image source: Ogawa Fisher Architects
You can use smaller furniture pieces that will give you a lot of versatility. A bench and a couple of chairs is the perfect solution if you want to move the furniture around a lot, whether you have guests, or you want to change the way your living room looks.
Conversational Room
Image source: Thomas Development + Construction
Sure, sofas present the perfect option to lie down, relax, and watch our favorite TV programmes. But, if we use the living room primarily to entertain guests and have conversations, then a sofa is not the best option.
Instead, go for a coffee table and some chairs to make conversations more comfortable. For example, having four or more separate chairs (depending on the space) with their own ottomans is the perfect way to create a conversational environment that will have your guests at ease.
Floor Cushions
Image source: John Lewis & Partners
What about floor pillows? They are lightweight, movable, and can be easily replaced. You can use a nice rug in the center and place some pillows around it for a very comfortable and unique experience.
Window Seat
Image source: Space Interior Design Ltd
Sure, you might have the most space in your living room; but if you do have a window, you should make the most of it. Get a built-in window seat or a comfy perch next to the window to enjoy those rainy or snowy days, or to just enjoy the view from your living room window.
It will give you an additional sitting space, and it can be very comfortable, too. The best thing about it is that you can do it on your own – construct a seat out of a bench or a low cabinet with some comfortable seat cushions.
Armchairs and a Glass Table
Image source: Camber Construction
Use an oversized glass table with some armchairs around it for a living room without sofa with a bit more functionality.
The glass table will give you the space to drop and store things on it, while the armchairs will give you the comfort that a living room should have.
Floor Model
Image source: VORBILD Architecture
For those who love the oriental cultures, and don’t have a problem with sitting on the floor, a Japanese tatami mat or Bedouin tents provide the perfect living room design. This design idea is not for those with bad joints or who want a living room with a sofa.
Instead, this one is for those with an adventurous heart and for those who want something different, or quirky. You can have a tea afternoon on your floor with your guests, and celebrate the culture that you love.
A Swing – Why Not?
Image source: Hipcouch
For those who are still (very) young at hearts, you should embrace the child within and install an indoor swing. If you have children, that’s perfect, but it should not be exclusive to them.
It can be a comfortable seating option, too. It’s perfect for siestas on Sunday afternoons.
Lounge Chairs
Let’s finish it off with something less spectacular, but very functional. Lounge chairs can be the perfect substitute for your sofa.
If you enjoyed reading this article about living room without sofa, you should read these as well:
- Living room vs family room, what is the difference?
- How to light a living room with no overhead lighting
- How To Add Some Glam To Your Living Room Space
The post Why decorating a living room without sofa is not a bad idea appeared first on Impressive Interior Design.
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