Whether you call it a loveseat, a snuggle chair or a cuddle chair, this cosy-coded seating style sits somewhere between a regular armchair and a small two-seater sofa in terms of size. And whether you’re looking for compact seating for a small living room or a generously-sized addition to an open-plan lounge, these are the best loveseats I’ve tried and would highly recommend to anyone.
As Ideal Home’s Room Decor Editor, it’s part of my job to regularly try sofas, as well as other forms of living room seating ideas in search of the best sofas, best accent chairs etc. So I’ve tried my fair share of loveseats, too.
But while some people might try to sell you on the idea that they snuggly fit two people, I disagree with that. A loveseat is really just a generously sized seating for one person – at a push, you can fit an adult and a small child. But they make for a super comfy and cosy spot to snuggle up with a cup of tea and read a book, watch TV or just chat with family and friends if you have a conversation-first living room.
‘Originally rising to popularity in the early 19th century, loveseats have remained a timeless favourite thanks to their combination of comfort, versatility and space-saving design,’ says Julia Bilotta, creative stylist at Sofology.
At a glance
Best for: Most comfortable loveseat
Configuration: Loveseat; also available as 3-seat, 4-seat, 5-seat L shape, 6-seat big L shape
Measurements: W137cm x D107cm x H90cm
Upholstery options: 22 colours, 3 fabrics
Materials: Beech and plywood frame with Italian goose down, feather, coconut husk and wool
What the editors say
If comfort is your number one priority when it comes to your loveseat, then I couldn't recommend Schplendid's Vesper enough. It feels like a comforting hug and a cosy cocoon to sit down and ideally curl up in. I could sit on one of these for hours on end. The seat, back, and side cushions are all pillowy soft yet plump, filled with Italian goose down, feather and coconut husk. No foam, no plastic, no nasty chemicals included.
Good to know
- With the high, curved back and armrests and deep seats, it takes up a lot of space
- Higher price point
Pros
- Comes with a lifetime guarantee
- Sustainable design with no plastic
- Extremely comfortable and cosy design
At a glance
Best for: Most popular loveseat
Configuration: Snuggle chair; also available as 2-seat, 3-seat sofa bed, single sofa bed
Measurements: W115cm x D90cm x H85cm
Upholstery options: Olive stripe, Lagoon blue and navy stripe, Coral stripe, Chocolate stripe, Black stripe
Materials: Plywood frame with foam and fibre filling
What the editors say
Dunelm's Beatrice snuggle chair has become something of an icon that so many people love for its cosy design, affordable £399 price tag and stylish striped upholstery. I love a bargain and all things stripes, so I'm fully on board. In comparison to some of the other loveseats in this round-up, it's not necessarily as cosy and comfortable – but the Beatrice makes up for it with its stylish, timeless design that won't break the bank.
Good to know
- The seat is wide but no that deep
Pros
- Budget-friendly price
- Classic shape
- On-trend striped upholstery
At a glance
Best for: Removable-cover loveseat
Configuration: 1.5 seat; also available as 1.5-seat chaise, 2-seat, 3-seat, 3-seat chaise, 4-seat chaise, 5-seat, 5-seat chaise
Measurements: W106cm x D85cm x H75cm
Upholstery options: 48 colours, 10 fabrics
Materials: FSC-certified solid wood and birch plywood frame with memory foam and duck feather cushioning
What the editors say
Rather than calling it a loveseat, Cozmo calls this seating size a 1.5-seat sofa. The biggest selling point of this 1.5-seater which sets it apart from the rest is the two-toned upholstery and the removable nature of all the cushion covers. So you can change them up seasonally or get new ones if you ever tire of the look or they're past they're best. But the Scandi-esque, modern yet timeless style of this loveseat alone made me love it as soon as I saw it and tried it at the brand's showroom.
Good to know
- Higher price point
Pros
- Removable, interchangeable covers
- No tools needed for assembly
- Contemporary design
At a glance
Best for: Stylish loveseat
Configuration: Loveseat; also available as small 2-seat, medium, large, grand, corner, 5+ seat corner
Measurements: W127cm x D97cm x H90cm
Upholstery options: Cornish blue stripe, coastal stripe, petunia red stripe, spring green stripe
Materials: Feather and recycled foam filling with wooden legs
What the editors say
Whenever I include the sofa version of this loveseat in an article, people go crazy for it. I don't blame them - I'm also a huge fan of the super chic striped design. And the loveseat version is just as stylish and just as comfortable - this is one of those pillowy soft designs that you'll want to stay in for hours on end. And who would have thought that a pretty design like this would also be practical?! But it's true as the loose covers can be easily stripped off and washed.
Good to know
- High price point
Pros
- Comes with washable loose covers
- 25-year guarantee
- Stylish striped design
At a glance
Best for: Loveseat sofa bed
Configuration: Loveseat sofa bed; also available as loveseat, 2-seat, 2-seat sofa bed, 3-seat, 3-seat sofa bed, 3.5-seat, 3.5-seat sofa bed
Measurements: W132cm x D97cm x H97cm
Upholstery options: Over 170 colours, 29 fabrics
Materials: Hardwood frame with fibre back cushioning, foam core with fibre wrap
What the editors say
Ideal Home's Sleep Editor, Amy Lockwood's named this Darlings of Chelsea design the best loveseat sofa bed on the market in our guide to best chair beds. And as our sofa bed expert, I fully trust her opinion. Amy says that it offers a classic look that she also found scored big on comfort. It's comfortable enough for everyday use as living room seating, while also offering a place for your guests to sleep. And it's available in over 170 upholstery choices!
Good to know
- High price point
Pros
- Wide range of upholstery options
- Comfortable enough for everyday use in the living room
- Removable arms for easier delivery access
At a glance
Best for: Modern loveseat
Configuration: Loveseat; also available as small 2-seat, 2-seat, 3-seat, chaise
Measurements: W122cm x D100cm x H71cm
Upholstery options: Chenille oatmeal, mushroom
Materials: Solid wood and plywood frame
What the editors say
DUSK's Manhattan is a fairly recent launch and it was actually introduced to me with this loveseat, even though it also comes in different sofa sizes. But I was instantly sold on both the Manhattan as a style and the particular loveseat. While it looks cool and contemporary, it perhaps doesn't come across as the most comfortable seat there is. But it's actually very comfy, as lon as you don't need to sink into your seat since it doesn't provide that.
Good to know
- Only two upholstery options available
- Only one-year structural guarantee
Pros
- Affordable price point
- Contemporary bubble design
At a glance
Best for: Budget loveseat
Configuration: Snuggle chair; also available as 2-seat and 3-seat
Measurements: W105cm x D93cm x H82cm
Upholstery options: Terracotta, Natural, Deep olive
Materials: Responsibly sourced plywood frame with foam and fibre filling
What the editors say
If I was to choose my personal favourite snuggle chair from Dunelm, this would be the one. It's a more recent addition to the collection but Dunelm's Armitage already boasts over 50 five-star reviews. The stylish and contemporary shape is complemented by on-trend statement ball feet and the seat is well-balanced in terms of width and depth. Given the foam and fibre filling, it's more of a supportive feel rather than a super soft one.
Good to know
- Limited upholstery options
Pros
- Affordable price point
- Contemporary, stylish design with ball feet
At a glance
Best for: Midcentury-style loveseat
Configuration: Loveseat; also available as 2-seat, 3-seat, 3-seat with ottoman, 2-seat with ottoman
Measurements: W128cm x D87cm x H79cm
Upholstery options: 27 colours, 7 fabrics
Materials: Responsibly sourced plywood frame with foam and fibre filling
What the editors say
Midcentury seating styles like Swyft's Model 10 are perfect for smaller spaces. The loveseat features a straight-back design with slim arms and tapered legs so it doesn't take up too much space and creates an airy look. I'm usually a big fan of Swyft's bulkier modular sofas - but for a more compact loveseat, this is the one to get. And just like the bigger pieces, it conveniently arrives flat-packed and as quickly as within 24 hours.
Good to know
- Limited upholstery options
Pros
- Flat-pack delivery
- 24-hour delivery available
At a glance
Best for: Swivel loveseat
Configuration: Swivel snuggle chair; also available as snuggle chair and large chaise
Measurements: W131cm x D126cm x H83cm
Upholstery options: Zelda golden
Materials: Sustainably sourced hardwood timber frame with foam and fibre wrap filling
What the editors say
When testing out different living room swivel chairs for my best swivel chair guide, it was actually the round, loveseat-sized swivels like the Arundel that were my favourite. It provides enough room to curl up on and the swivel motion almost rocked me to sleep. Given the curved shape and large size, it's not the most small living room-friendly. But if you have the space, you won't regret this comfy purchase.
Good to know
- Only available in one colour
Pros
- Generously sized seating
- Swivel function
- Stylish contrasting piped trim
At a glance
Best for: Boho-style loveseat
Configuration: Loveseat; also available as armchair
Measurements: W124cm x D76cm x H73cm
Upholstery options: Striped cotton rug, Cotton rug, Apple green poly velvet
Materials: Mango wood feet and arms
What the editors say
Although the brand calls the shape of this loveseat 1950s pilot-style armchair-inspired, thanks to the rustic, earthy upholstery with a striped finish, it creates a very Bohemian vibe. And I'm so here for it! The curved arms and legs made from solid mango wood further add to the Boho look. Given the mostly wide seat and low back support, it might not be the most comfortable loveseat on this list but it's definitely one of the most sttlish.
Good to know
- Limited upholstery options available
Pros
- Stylish Boho look
- Natural materials
At a glance
Best for: Vintage-inspired loveseat
Configuration: Loveseat; also available as medium 2-seat, large 3-seat and grand 4-seat
Measurements: W122cm x D102cm x H84cm
Upholstery options: Cobalt/Navy, Rowan Berry/Manilla Beige, Manilla/Cobalt, Manilla/Hay, Sage/Aloe
Materials: Wooden legs
What the editors say
I'm clearly a big fan of John Lewis collaborations. When the Sanderson x John Lewis collection first launched last year, I was immediately in love with so many different pieces, including the Islington range of sofas and loveseats. While it's also available in striped and floral upholstery, I actually most enjoy it in solid colours with contrasting piping. That's how the vintage-inspired silhouette with a little skirt and curved armrests is best accentuated.
Good to know
- Higher price point
Pros
- Stylish skirted design
- Contrasting piping
- 25 year guarantee
At a glance
Best for: Patterned loveseat
Configuration: Loveseat; also available as 2-seat, 2.5-seat, 3-seat, chaise, loveseat sofa bed, 2.5-seat sofa bed, medium corner
Measurements: W139cm x D115cm x H88cm
Upholstery options: Over 70 colours, 25 fabrics
Materials: Feather and feather-wrapped foam cushioning
What the editors say
Boasting a traditional shape and look that will never go out of style, Sofa.com's Teddy is one of its most popular designs. Partly because of its classic look but also because it's just so damn comfortable, owing to the fully feather-filled back cushions and the feather-wrapped foam seat. But the reason I like this loveseat so much is its wide range of upholstery options which include patterned designs like this bay leaf print. As already mentioned, a loveseat is the perfect opportunity to make a statement - so take it!
Good to know
- Higher price point
Pros
- Wide range of upholstery choices
- Patterned upholstery options
- Classic shape
Why should you get a loveseat?
‘A loveseat offers all the comfort of a sofa but in a more compact footprint, making it a versatile choice for a range of homes,’ says John O’Leary, design director at Swyft. ‘It's ideal for creating a cosy seating area without overwhelming the room.’
So if you’re looking for small living room seating ideas, then a loveseat or two loveseats positioned opposite one another could be a great choice for your space. ‘In smaller homes or apartments, a loveseat can comfortably replace a traditional sofa without compromising on comfort,’ John says.
However, loveseats are more popular as additional seating in a living room arrangement. ‘We see people using loveseats alongside a larger sofa. They add extra seating while creating a more balanced, conversational layout, which works particularly well in open-plan living spaces or larger family rooms,’ John adds.
Lastly, given their smaller size, loveseats presents the perfect opportunity to create a bit of a statement by opting for either a bolder colour or a fun pattern. ‘It's also a great way to introduce colour or texture into a space, particularly if you're looking to make more of a design statement,’ John suggests.
How to use a loveseat
While you can, of course, opt for a single loveseat in the living room - whether that’s to replace a sofa or an addition to it - there are other ways to utilise a loveseat.
‘One of the most effective arrangements is placing two loveseats opposite each other to create an intimate seating area that’s ideal for conversation, reading or relaxing away from the busier parts of the home. A coffee table or footstool placed between them helps define the space, while a generously sized rug beneath the seating anchors the arrangement, creating a cosy, clearly defined zone that adds warmth and balance to the room,’ Julia at Sofology recommends.
But a loveseat doesn’t just have to be a living room idea. Snuggle chairs also work really well in bedrooms, reading nooks and more.
‘They're just as effective in bedrooms, home offices, bay windows or reading nooks where you want to create a comfortable place to unwind. They're also a great solution for awkward corners that might otherwise go unused. Paired with a floor lamp and a side table, a loveseat can transform an overlooked area into one of the most inviting spots in the home,’ John at Swyft says.
Where are you putting your loveseat once you choose the best one for you and your home?
