The right seating choice complements the room, and allows you relax in comfort. But that can still leave you undecided in the great debate of loveseat vs couch when you’re shopping.
The winner of the head-to-head? According to experts, the best sofa for your space could be either a loveseat or a couch. That’s because while a couch is generally the choice for most living spaces, sometimes a loveseat is the better proportioned and cozier choice.
Since the answer to which is best lies in the detail about its size, the room it’s intended for, style and more, we’ve asked the experts to share the qualities of loveseats and couches to allow you to make a choice you’ll love for a long time.
What's the difference between a loveseat and a sofa?
Before we put the two options into competition, it’s important to be aware that the major difference between loveseats and couches is size.
“Loveseats can be a good alternative to a full sofa or couch when it comes to furnishing a smaller room in your home,” explains Clint Collins, owner of Houston Furniture Rental & Sales. “Because of their truncated length, they can provide a comfortable seating option without dominating the space you have.”
Below are the details you need on sofa dimensions and those of loveseats plus the other factors to take into account when you’re buying.
Size
We’ve noted above that loveseats are smaller than sofas, but don’t just focus on width, think depth and height also to get the right seating for a room.
The dimensions of loveseat and sofa designs vary between manufacturers, but Christiane Lemieux, designer and founder of modern luxury brand Lemieux et Cie, explains that its loveseats, which are generally 48 to 72 inches wide, have a depth of 28 to 36 inches, and a back height of 30 to 36 inches.
“The most common size for a loveseat is around 60 inches in length, making it a compact option that comfortably seats two people,” she says. “Keep in mind that oversized or petite versions of loveseats can exist, depending on the design style or intended space.”
In comparison, at Lemieux et Cie, a standard three-seater sofa is typically 72 to 96 inches wide, 30 to 40 inches deep and has a back height of 30 to 36 inches.
The takeaway? There’s no winner here but think loveseat when a smaller piece of furniture is required and couch when a larger one is desirable.
Comfort
Comfortable furniture is essential and while both loveseats and couches can deliver there are differences between how the two feel.
“Loveseats are cozy for couples or individuals, encouraging intimacy,” says Anna Tatsioni, lead interior designer at Decorilla. “Sofas provide more stretch-out space and can accommodate more people comfortably.”
How many you want to seat, and how close sitters want to be is crucial to making the right selection between a loveseat vs a sofa.
Price: $179.99
Material: Wood frame, corduroy upholstery
A small budget-friendly loveseat that's great for a small space.
Price: $467.50
Material: Plywood frame, velvet upholstery
Designed by Studio McGee, this velvet loveseat is effortlessly chic.
Price: $274.99
Material: Pinewood, foam, velvet
A fun Art Deco style loveseat that would sit well alongside a larger sofa.
Which rooms do they suit?
As a rule, loveseats are better for more compact areas. “They’re ideal for smaller spaces like apartments, bedrooms, or cozy nooks,” says Christiane Lemieux. “Loveseats work well in small living rooms, home offices, or as a secondary seating option in larger rooms.”
As for sofas? “They are ideal for family rooms, living rooms, or open-plan spaces,” she says. “A sofa works best in larger areas where its size won’t overwhelm the room.”
Design
Think about the impact these two alternatives will have. “Loveseats can add a touch of elegance without overwhelming a space,” says Anna Tatsioni. “Sofas often serve as the focal point of a room, anchoring the design.”
But that’s not to say a loveseat can’t make an impact in a room. “It can serve as a versatile accent piece in eclectic or minimalist interiors,” says Christiane Lemieux. But if you want to style your seating a sofa offers opportunity. “It allows for more extensive decorative arrangements with cushions and throws,” she explains.
Cost
What you pay for a loveseat can be below how much you would spend on a sofa. “They are most often less expensive than a comparable sofa, so if you are furnishing on a budget, a loveseat is a terrific option,” says Clint Collins.
And if you choose otherwise? “Sofas are typically more expensive due to larger dimensions, but the investment is justified in larger homes,” says Christiane Lemieux.
FAQs
Is a loveseat better than a couch?
Whether a loveseat is preferable to a couch really depends on the area available.
“Honestly it’s all about the size of the room,” says Colleen Bennett of CBB Designs. “Loveseats are great for cozy environments. I love larger scale loveseats as you can still curl up on these. Whenever you can fit a sofa I go with that option over a loveseat as I feel it’s more luxurious –– even if I have two inches to spare.”
