Updated on October 6, 2022
Couches are a staple in the living room, but there are alternatives to couches too. Alternatives to couches can be more affordable, better suited for smaller rooms, and more stylish. Let’s look at the 9 best alternatives to couches.
Alternatives to Couches at a Glance
- Loveseat
- Armchairs
- Daybed
- Banquette
- Sectional Sofa
- Convertible Sofa
- Beanbags
- Floor Cushions
- Inflatable Chairs
9 Best Alternatives to Couches
Here are our 9 best alternatives to couches:
1. Loveseat
Loveseats are a great alternative to a traditional couch because of their small size and affordability. Whereas couches have room for 3+ people, loveseats are just big enough for two people, hence its name.
One reason that a loveseat is a great alternative is because of its size. Being made for two, a love seat is much smaller than a couch. This size makes moving loveseats much easier. It also makes loveseats suitable for smaller living rooms.
The small size also makes loveseats more affordable. Since they are only a fraction of the size of a couch, they are only a fraction of the cost as well. This fact makes loveseats an ideal choice if you are on a tight budget.
One downside of a loveseat is that it is not suitable for napping or large groups. Since a loveseat is smaller, it is impossible for most adults to lie on it. Additionally, it is not big enough for more than 2 people, which means seating can be limited in large parties.
Another downside of loveseats is that they can look disproportionate in larger rooms. If you have a larger living room, you will want to make sure that the loveseat looks proportional to the amount of space. You can always add chairs or tables to make for the loveseat’s small size.
2. Armchairs
Armchairs are a great addition to any living room regardless of whether there is a couch. They are designed for one person and include a back rest and arm rests. Armchairs are ideal for small living rooms.
Armchairs make great substitutes for a couch because they are small and easily moved. No matter how small the room, at least one armchair will fit and provide you with comfortable seating. The smallness of the chairs also allows you to easily move them whenever needed.
Another reason an armchair makes a great alternative is because they can be reupholstered. If you want to redo your living room, you don’t have to buy new chairs. Instead, you can just change the fabric on the chairs. This will save you a lot of money!
One downside to armchairs is that they can be uncomfortable. Since armchairs are not designed for lounging, many feel hard and stiff. Make sure that you test out armchairs before buying one.
3. Daybed
Daybeds have a full backboard that runs along a long side of the bed. This full backboard allows the daybed to be treated as either a bed or a couch. If you want to sleep, lay down. If you want to watch TV, sit up and rest your back on the backboard.
A daybed is a great alternative for a couch because it comes with all the same lounging and comfort features as a couch. This promises that you will be comfortable and cozy while watching TV or talking with friends.
Daybeds also come with storage. Unlike couches or love seats, you can store different items below the mattress of the daybed. In fact, some models even come with built-in storage so you can put your items in actual compartments.
One downside to daybeds is that they are heavy and bulky. Because it comes with a full backboard, mattress, and arm rests, daybeds are heavy. This makes moving the daybed difficult and minimizes the number of places that the daybed can be placed.
Daybeds can also be uncomfortable for lounging purposes. Since it includes a mattress, many people cannot touch the ground with their feet while leaning against the backboard. For this reason, you will need to invest in different pillows.
4. Banquette
A banquette is an upholstered bench that is meant to sit against a wall. This furniture is best for narrow or small living rooms.
One benefit of a banquette is that it can fit in narrow and tight rooms. To further its adaptability in small rooms, a banquette could even provide storage since many options come with under-the-bench storage. This feature makes banquettes ideal for small spaces.
Another benefit of a banquette is that they can be easily moved. Since this furniture is a type of bench, it does not have much material. This will allow you to rearrange your room whenever needed or bring the banquette to a completely different room entirely. They are often used in dining rooms as well.
A major drawback of the banquette is that it is not designed for lounging or napping. If you try to lay on this furniture, you will probably be very uncomfortable. A banquette’s lacking of an arm rest makes it even more uncomfortable. When sitting, you won’t have anywhere to lean except back.
Overall, banquettes are designed for sitting only. This fact can be a drawback if you are wanting a more comfortable option.
5. Sectional Sofa
A sectional sofa differs from a couch in how it comes in an L-shape or U-shape, as opposed to the straight shape.
A sectional sofa is a great alternative to a couch because it is better for large groups or parties. The L-design of the sectional sofa makes interactions easier. It allows for guests to talk to other guests on the far end of the couch.
Sectional sofas also remove the need for other chairs or sofas. Since they come with so much space, you will not need additional furniture. This fact will save you money and the hassle of picking out other options.
Sectional sofas come with downsides as well. Most notably, sectional sofas are too big for many living rooms. If you have a small living room, a sectional sofa can easily overbear and suffocate the room. For this reason, sectional sofas are not recommended for smaller rooms.
Another downside of the sectional sofa is that you may have to buy a new one if you move. Since sectionals are so big, your old sectional may be too big or awkward for your new house. This fact may cause you to spend more money.
6. Convertible Sofa
Convertible sofas work as both a couch and a bed. The bed portion folds into the base of the couch when it is not in use. When you want to sleep, you remove the couch cushions and pull out the bed.
Convertible sofas make great couch alternatives because they look like a couch when the bed is tucked into the base. Of the various alternatives, the convertible sofa looks the most like a traditional couch. This fact makes a convertible sofa an ideal choice if you want your alternative to look like a couch.
The convertible sofa goes a step further than the couch, though, because of its bed. The additional bed inside the convertible sofa comes in handy when you have overnight guests. It also saves you from having to buy an additional bed set.
Unfortunately, convertible beds are not the most comfortable of couches or beds. Because of its dual capabilities, it does not have ample padding or cushion for either the couch or the bed. As a result, convertible sofas are not extremely comfortable.
Additionally, convertible sofas are incredibly heavy, much heavier than a standard couch. As a result, it is very difficult to move convertible sofas. You will probably need to get a friend to help you move one.
7. Beanbags
Beanbags are definitely not your traditional living room seating, but they can be a unique and cheap alternative to the couch.
One reason that you might want to get beanbags over a couch is for their affordability. Even the most expensive of beanbags cost a fraction of couches. The affordability of beanbags means that you can buy multiple and save the rest of your money for other items.
Beanbags can also make your living room seem more unique, youthful, and casual. If you want your living room to look cozy and welcoming, you may want to get beanbags over the other alternative options. Or, you can add a pop of color to your living room by using a funky beanbag.
One negative of beanbags is that they are low to the ground. If you have children or are a young person yourself, you may like that beanbags it sits on the ground. But for those with knee or back problems, beanbags may not be the right fit for you.
Additionally, beanbags can look disproportionate in certain living rooms. If you have a big living room, the size of the beanbags may look awkward. Beanbags are best for small or cramped living rooms.
8. Floor cushions
Similar to beanbags, floor cushions offer a youthful and unique couch alternative. Getting floor cushions can give your living room Moroccan vibes.
One reason that floor cushions make a great alternative is because they are small and lightweight. Since they are only pillows, they have minimal material, which allows them to be easily moved and transported around your house or apartment
Another reason that you might want to get floor cushions over a couch is because they are way more affordable. Being only pillows, floor cushions cost only a small fraction of a couch. So, if you are on a tight budget, you might want to get floor cushions.
Floor cushions have some drawbacks too. For example, floor cushions are not suitable for those with back or knee problems. Since floor cushions are on the ground, you will need to have good mobility and be able to get up and down with ease.
Another drawback of the floor cushion is that they can get dirty easier. Since they are on the floor, they are exposed to more dirt, debris, and dust. You will need to wash and maintain floor cushions way more than you would our other alternatives.
9. Inflatable Chairs
Another good alternative to a couch is inflatable chairs. Although inflatable chairs may sound tacky, they can be comfortable and really tie together a room.
Inflatable chairs are a great alternative because they are extremely affordable. Since they are made from PVC only, inflatable chairs are some of the cheapest seating arrangements you can buy. The only other thing you’ll need is a pump!
Additionally, inflatable chairs are easily transportable. If you need more chairs in another room, are moving, or simply want the chairs out of the way, you can easily transport the inflatable chairs to another location.
One downside to inflatable chairs is that they can pop. If something sharp punctures the chairs, they will pop. Similarly, these chairs cannot handle heavy play or moving.
Inflatable chairs are also not suitable for lounging. Their design makes it impossible to lay out on these chairs. It is not recommended to get inflatable chairs if you are wanting to nap on your couch alternative.
Conclusion
There are many alternatives to couches. We listed loveseats, armchairs, daybeds, banquettes, sectional sofas, convertible sofas, beanbags, floor cushions, and inflatable chairs as the 9 best alternatives to couches. These options cover a wide range of styles and prices, which ensures that you’ll find one you like!
