Could Your Living Room Be Better Without a Sofa?

ds design studio says:

Pangaea, thanks for this inspirational idea book! Beautiful examples. I will be rethinking how I use sofas now.

michaelag says:

These ideas make so much sense for smaller homes. Thanks for giving us permission to not use a sofa!

Pangaea Interior Design, Portland, OR says:

Michaelag - funny! Permission granted!!

emmawoof says:

I got rid of my living room couch last year and replaced it with 2 overstuffed chairs along with 2 leather chairs and a large otterman. Everyone loves it - no more squished in the middle of a couch! So functional yet some people still comment - where is your couch!!

Danielle says:

Wow, what a spectacular ideabook and I'm with ya...who needs a sofa?! I am definitely incorporating this into my next home and I have enough time to convince hubby of the wisdom of doing so...:))

Pangaea Interior Design, Portland, OR says:

emmawoof - excellent! I do hate the people sandwich. Funny that we are so conditioned to a 3-seater that people actually ask where your sofa is!

mizd - you'll have to show hubby the ideabook. I hope it helps!

Karen Heffernan says:

thanks so much for this idea book. I have a center hall contemporary colonial, with the dining room on the left, and the living room on the right. I've been envisioning a nice flow of enjoying dinner in the dining room, and then afterward going into a living room with 4 armchairs for after-dinner drinks.

My dining table seats 8 - any suggestions on adding seating to the living room when I have a full table? Should I have occasional chairs in the corner? Or just carry in dining chairs (they're not heavy).

ellie48 says:

Pangaea, this is a great post. Without this ideabook, it will be like pulling teeth trying to convince a client to ditch the sofa. I have always loved the centre table with 4 chairs surrounding it. I love the idea of incorporating a chaise or 2 with 2 chairs. An ottoman in the mix gives you another seat. An excellent reference idea-book. Thanks so much.

poisiraisk says:

a sofa is just an extended armchair anyway

sandychin says:

I just can't see it unless you are only entertaining four people including yourself. Its okay if there is another space to go to for a bigger group. Its not going to work for Super Bowl Sunday, or a crowd of say, more than a husband and wife host/hostess, with one other couple.

maribr says:

I like sofa :) I missed them in the pics:) anyway the result was amazing...congrats

stairheads says:

We did this in our family room and it works great when guests come over, but my son keeps pushing 2 of the 4 club chairs together so he can put his feet up!

kimelaine says:

Like a sofa...I can put my feet up when company is not over which is 80 to 20 percent when we do have ppl over. Combo of both!! :-) Give guests your chairs and you sit on sofa..

Pangaea Interior Design, Portland, OR says:

karenheff - Although I can envision maybe up to 6 armchairs in a circle, 8 is too large of a circle for comfortable conversation. Without seeing your home it is hard to say if occasional chairs in the corner would be good. If you really want chairs with backs, carrying in the dining chairs is probably the best thing and is a very good case for having super comfortable, fully upholstered dining chairs. One other thought is to have a coffee table of the type which will hold 4 upholstered ottoman/stools under it. It won't be armchairs, but it gives you seating for 8 in a pinch.

These arrangements aren't for everybody. The first thing I take into consideration with a client is their lifestyle. I find out right away whether they are a feet-up or lie-on-the-sofa type of person. If not, then they don't need one. Also, lots of homes have a family room so the living room -- which is often quite small -- is probably not where they will be lying on a sofa.

One thing to keep in mind is that a sofa and two chairs only seats 5 anyway. Maybe more comfortable for 4 people to have their own chair and have a 5th chair you can bring in when there are more people around. If the only reason you have a sofa is out of habit or tradition, at least you see there are some great alternatives.

vlau says:

Thanks; great ideas especially as I try to reconfigure the living room in my new home. How would you do the room without a sofa if you have a TV in the room which everyone wants to watch?

ca55idy says:

they all look like hotel lobbies to me...

samanthastevens says:

Thank you for the very elegant ideas. Unfortunately I think some of the arrangements of armchairs make the room like a dentist's waiting area and the day beds aren't comfortable to sit on for long without any back support. There is something just so welcoming about a squashy sofa at the end of a long day.

Angela Todd Designs says:

I love the four armchair solution. I too have clients hesitate about this solution, but each that have moved forward have really loved their decision.

Pangaea Interior Design, Portland, OR says:

ca55idy -- So, I'm asking myself ... what's wrong with looking like a hotel lobby? Some of the most luxurious and comfortable spots are hotel lobbies. If the high-end hotels know how to do anything, it is to make people comfortable and give them great places to sit and enjoy themselves. How many people come home from a spectacular vacation and want their bedrooms or their bathrooms to have the feel of that great hotel where they stayed?

vlau -- to answer your question I would need to know how many people are watching tv? How big is the room? One possible answer without knowing any of that is to make the chairs swivel chairs. If the grouping is far enough from the tv, then those who are in chairs angled away from the tv can just swivel around to face it.

samanthastevens -- Yes, daybeds aren't great for sitting straight ahead on -- more like a bench -- but if you have one with great arms, you can turn sideways and stretch your legs out. Dentist waiting room, huh? It is interesting what associations we have in our heads. I once recommended to a client adding a raised bar-height breakfast bar to her kitchen island because she and her husband were very tall and didn't like the counter height. She said it would remind her of a sushi bar! Associations ... nuthin' I can do about 'em!

Again, just for the record, I'm not saying this arrangement is for everybody. Your comments are proof of that. :0) Glad people are thinking about it. I don't have anything against sofas. I just think it's nice to think outside the box and be more aware that there's more than one way to provide seating in the living room.

Denise Vilim says:

- pangaea -
Many thanks for this wonderful ideabook! You are so right about sofas not lending themselves to room flow, especially in a room where the fireplace and TV are on opposing walls due to windows and doors hogging any remaining wall space. I also think you are definitely onto something here, ie. modular sofas...
They are such a great compromise, which is most likely the reason for their rise in popularity over the past decade. I only wish we had held off on our new sofa purchase 6 months ago. Instead, I would have definitely taken this ideabook into account and gone with seperate or modular seating. Ah well, maybe next time.

Love all your example photos too!

edmarch says:

I'll ditch the sofa the day I decide to build a wall between me and my housemates or guests. Going sofaless is almost too passive aggressive.

Pangaea Interior Design, Portland, OR says:

aprilaries -- modular sofas is an interesting idea. As long as they are easy to slide they give you a lot more options on placement.

edmarch -- so interesting how different people's perspectives are. One of the things I actually dislike about sofas when 3 people are sitting on one is that if I am on one end, I have to lean forward to talk around the person in the middle if I am trying to say something to the person on the other end. Where you see walls, I see the ability to face each other more comfortably ... tomato - tomahto -- potato - potahto

wandm says:

Clearly it's not for everyone but I am a big fan of the no sofa concept, not so much the backless day-bed, but nice upholstered chairs are comfy and beautiful. We have a big couch and inevitably only two people sit on it when entertaining. I just made an appointment for a consultation with a decorator to redo the great room, which is our living room, and am going to show her these photos. Thanks!

Pangaea Interior Design, Portland, OR says:

wandm -- hey, I wish it was me coming to help you redo your great room! I love a client who thinks outside the box! Just last night, I met with a favorite client who decided to go with four chairs for their formal living room. I did 3D model renderings to show the options which I think helped them feel comfortable that they will be happy with the final result. I hope your great room turns out wonderfully! You'll have to upload your photos once you're done and let me know they are up.

gknee says:

I think a beautiful sofa anchors a room giving it a more lived in and welcoming look. Having only armchairs seems a little stiff and office-like.

inkwitch says:

I've been advocating "no sofa" for years, and have met with the same resistance! I grew up with Europeans who echewed sofas and have loved the concept.

Observation has shown that people rarely occupy all the "seats" in a sofa; has something to do with "invasion of personal space." So why waste precious sq. footage with a huge piece of furniture? I find that slipper chairs provide a variety configurations for "love seat" sized seating, but separate for small conversation groups. I also like to combine different types of chairs instead of all being alike.

When I have had a sofa, I moved the furniture a lot, trying to find that ideal configuration, and also change which walls I faced. Now that I'm older, I can't move furniture as easily.

Depends on the "look" that is intended. There are times when sofas are preferred, so let us celebrate diversity.

gmsale says:

I agree that it depends very much on the client's lifestyle. We went without a sofa 9 months ago and had four armchairs. We usually have people over, up to groups of 15 at a time and people had nowhere to sit and we were pulling dining chairs into the living room, so now we are rethinking our options. I like the daybeds because the backs seem to be so bulky but our guests like to stay for hours and we know that daybeds are not going to be comfortable for longer seating times.

Kathryn Peltier says:

@Karenheff: another idea might be to add an upholstered, built-in bench/window seat, if you have the room.

gerrycabc says:

At present I have a leather sofa with its back to the main entrance and I really dislike the blocked-off appearance. For this type of house I wish very much I could have the four chair, round table, approach. Maybe some day......

sandramn says:

I have had numerous architects and designers come through my 1920's home to help me figure out how the heck to make my tiny living room functional. Not one had any good ideas and every single one said I needed a sofa. The problem is, No sofa would fit so I'd have to do a loveseat. Yuck! Even more of a "people sandwich" or I find only one person sits in a loveseat and on the crack of the two cushions. Never comfortable! We also somehow, have a baby grand piano in our space but I couldn't envision anything else going there as it is stuck behind our front entry door. This post helped me see that not only can I forgo the sofa, but I can move my beautiful piano out from behind the door and showcase it as well as have some comfy chairs around it. Thank you so much. This space has been a thorn in my side for 10 years! I can't wait to find the perfect small, but comfortable chairs that will fit my space!

marcy96 says:

I put four club chairs around a round cocktail table in my living room, along with floor to ceiling bookcases on one wall. The fireplace is in the corner of the room, and the other corner is all windows, so it was difficult to place a couch in the room. We love the cozy chairs especially to curl up in to read a good book, or to share a glass of wine with friends in front of the fire. Everyone who comes to my house loves the four chairs!

Pangaea Interior Design, Portland, OR says:

inkwitch -- You hit the nail on the head -- diversity! It is knowing you have the choice that matters and not bowing to a tradition if it does not fit you or your home.

gerrycabc -- use a console table behind your sofa -- preferably one that also has a lower shelf -- and put accessories on both shelves. Keep the ones on the top relatively low so you can see over it. Now when you enter the room, that table and decor will be "facing" you instead of being greeted by a large piece of furniture with its back to you. There are many console tables that are not very deep so it doesn't have to take up a lot of room.

sandramn -- You made my day! It is a real joy to know that I've helped someone solve a difficult problem. I am available for design help and can work via photos and email if you get stuck on anything again. :0)

marcy96 says:

Here's some photos of our living room:

bepsf says:

What great ideas - I've seen this type of arrangement before but hadn't really considered it for myself till now...
...perhaps it's time to get rid of the sectional and do something different!

Pangaea Interior Design, Portland, OR says:

gmsale -- oops, I almost forgot to respond to your comment. Short of wrapping your entire living room in a sectional, I don't know that there is any seating arrangement that will be in place at all times and can seat up to 15 people. If your living room is very big, many people have success creating more than one seating area. Perhaps a couple of chairs together in a corner can be a cozy tete-a-tete area and can swivel to face the others when a big group is there. But if permanent seating for 15 is not an option in your living room, and backless ottomans or stools don't do it for you, then I suggest getting the most comfortable, fully upholstered dining chairs you can find so that they are comfortable for sitting in for long periods.

I recently selected chairs like these in the photo for a client's dining area. It is technically not sold as a dining chair but as an accent chair. The back wraps around and is exactly the right height to rest your arms on. Super comfy for a long time.

Pangaea Interior Design, Portland, OR says:

marcy96 -- thanks for sharing the photos. That corner window and fireplace combo is just the kind of room that makes furniture arrangement tricky!

Ellen T. says:

I usually don't read all the comments, but this topic was so interesting and the opinions diverse. I especially like how you reponded to everyone and gave ideas, we all learned a lot.

We just finished remodeling our home and in our large and oddly configured living room we put in a sectional sofa, two modern recliners, slipper chairs and purchased comfy dining chairs just so everything could be moved around as needed for large crowds.

We're looking forward to significantly downsizing in the not so distant future though and I think that a "no sofa" option is definitely what we'll go with next. Everybody likes their space!

Thanks for the great ideas and helping us to step out of that box!

Rissi Cherie Decorating, Inc. says:

I was so delighted with my difficult to arrange living room when I tossed the sofa & added two overstuffed chairs, an ottoman and two leggy chairs with upholstered seats and backs. Now my living room works, with views both outside and of the fireplace. I've been recommending this idea to my clients a lot since I made the change.

robert KLUN says:

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CAROLE MEYER says:

I love the grouping of four chairs....I did that in one part of our living room and find that is our favorite place to sit! The photo below does not show all four chairs....but they sit around a large, square leather footstool. Carole www.carolemeyerart.com

Pangaea Interior Design, Portland, OR says:

tresidder -- Thank you for stopping by! Sounds like you have a very nice variety going in your living room. I've really enjoyed hearing everyone's viewpoint and engaging in a little dialogue. It is very nice to know that it has helped some people out.

rissich & allende -- It has been nice to hear from people who have actually used these arrangements in their living rooms and shared how it has worked out for them. Sounds like very few regrets.

jannabelle says:

I would love it if you could apply the same principles to assembling an ideabook featuring kitchens without the standard-issue table & chairs. In fact, maybe all of those sofas/settees removed from the living room could be moved into the b'fast area?!?! thank you!

staub says:

No SOFA!!! I have never thought about this but love the idea. I have a rectangle coffee table and was thinking I could do two chairs on each long side and ottomans or chairs on the ends to make enough for six. We have a great view and large windows that face the city but the room is small so if I put a sofa facing the view where the back faces the entry of the room, it makes the room look too small. If I put the back of the sofa to the view, no one wants to sit there because they cant see out. So I'm thinking I may go home tonight with a whole new vision for my living space.

Pangaea Interior Design, Portland, OR says:

jannabelle -- what a wonderful idea for an ideabook! Thank you!

staub -- You are exactly the type of person I wrote this ideabook for -- the person whose sofa is JUST NOT WORKING in the space. So glad it helped you! Definitely consider swivel chairs so that the chairs with their back to the view can swivel around to look when they want.

Saffronia Baldwin says:

You have had so many responses! I think the sofa issue is a big one for all of us. I love the four chair idea for conversation...or maybe four chair-and-a-halfs. Not for TV watching though. I can't be a potato without a couch :-) ...but that's a whole other idea book. Thank you!

Etienne Boulanger says:

Very beautiful ideas! These ideas make so much sense for smaller homes. I am very much impressed with the article .Thanks very much for sharing this idea book.
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ashleyb0502 says:

Thank you for this! I've been pondering going sofa-less since I bought my house 2 years ago, given the difficult layout and the fact that most sofas (including the one I have now) are too big for my tiny tiny living room.

Pangaea Interior Design, Portland, OR says:

saffronia -- Ha! It IS hard to be a potato without a couch! Maybe 4 swiveling recliners? If they were sleek & slim modern ones, maybe?

ashleyb0502 -- I can sympathize. I don't know if you also have a family room, but formal living rooms are getting so tiny. The living room where I am putting four chairs for my current client is in a 3500 square foot house. Window on wall #1, built-in display shelving on wall #2, big opening to dining room on wall #3 and no wall #4 at all -- it is wide open to the central hall. The only other possible option was two loveseats or apartment size sofas facing each other, but the four chairs is MUCH better.

Patisha Paty says:

how hould you change this space into a warm friendly space?
thanks!

cypress says:

Hello Pangaea,
my first comment to anyone on this site, your idea of no sofa is the greatest thing since sliced bread! I now have an answer to decorating a small narrow family room, "we don't need no stinkin' sofa"! Thanks so much!

Pangaea Interior Design, Portland, OR says:

patisha_paty -- Well, that's a question that deserves quite a bit more time and thought than I can put into a quick comment here. If you are struggling with this then I would recommend that you get a professional consultation. Take a look through the Houzz professionals in your area for help, or many of us also do professional consultations via phone and email with photos. Good luck!

cypress -- Very funny! Glad this helped and glad you decided to comment and let me know!

isajo says:

Loved reading all the comments here..I have a two level deck which leads off my lounge and dining areas..I looked everywhere for something which wouldn't overpower the view and came up with 4 round weatherproof cane chairs and they look great and don't block the view..I had to pay more to get the chairs as all came with couches???

doggiemom7 says:

Pangaea - thank you so much for this article. After struggling for YEARS tying to figure out the traditional sofa/big chair/coffee table look, I decided the heck with that! I have three dogs, I'm a single female and hardly have visitors. I think two overstuffed chairs, one round coffee table with cushioned top which opens to storage space, my 50" TV (for sports, PBS, design shows) and two slumber dog beds are all I need. The open space in my small living room is great. Did pick up some great ideas from you that I will try.

deehp says:

Pangaea, this is a great idea! I have a teeny living room - 9 feet wide, ful length window on the width - definitely no space for a full sofa! I like the idea of having a window bench and seats on both sides perpendicular to the window to make a U-shaped conversation area.. at what distance from each other do the seats facing each other have to be? I'll use that to decide what kind of seating to put there... maybe low profile day beds with bolster-style pillows for back support?

kristenallen says:

Love, love, love this ideabook. Thank you so much for the helpful insight. I have struggled with my living room for awhile now and just settled for a loveseat and two chairs, in whoch i was never fully satisfied. Now that we are getting ready redo some of the rooms in our house, I will definitely be looking into the four armchairs around the coffe table idea. One question, our living room is open to our dining room. If our dining room table is round with 5 upholstered chairs, will using the 4 chairs around the round coffee table tie the two rooms together or will it look to be redundant? Thanks again for the great idea.

Pangaea Interior Design, Portland, OR says:

deehp -- hard to answer your question without seeing your layout. In general, chairs should be close enough so that people can converse comfortably, but not so close that their knees are touching.

kristenallen -- It depends on the living room chairs. Since the dining chairs have long legs, I think I would use a living room chair upholstered all the way down to nearly the floor. Otherwise that's a whole lot of legs in one space. Might look like a spider convention. :0) Maybe consider swivel chairs for the living room and select a coffee table that is also not a leggy style.

lberglund says:

After struggling to find the right seating arrangement for the living area in our small condo I plugged “living room 4 chairs” into Google and up came your Ideabook. LOVE IT! Thank you, now I know I’m not totally crazy thinking of eliminating the couch. Any recommendations for chairs that are super comfortable (relax and watch a movie type) yet still have a small footprint? I am not liking what I see so far. Your iput would be appreciated!

Pangaea Interior Design, Portland, OR says:

Iberglund -- You'll be looking at about 36" x 36" for any comfortable chairs with arms. If you go with a tight back chair rather than one with a separate back cushion, then plenty of the 36" depth will be for seat depth rather than just a bulky back. That would give you space to curl up if you like. Slimmer arms may get you a 30" width, but then there isn't as much comfy arm to lean on. The one I'm including a photo of (which I order through one of my wholesale resources) is 30"w x 36" deep and has a seat depth of 24.5". Great for curling up and if you want to sit up with your feet on the floor, you can use a great throw pillow to shorten that seat depth. Love the great button detailing on the side and it's also a swivel base. Price varies with fabric selected.

lberglund says:

The total area available for these 4 chairs is roughly 10 x10 (which allows room for traffic around this area). 2 of the chairs would be against a wall and 2 would have their backs facing the main entrance to the room. Perhaps I need 2 larger and 2 smaller to make it work best. However, I don’t want the 2 smaller to be such that a grown man is uncomfortable sitting in the chair. I like the contemporary design of the chair you posted, but I’m not crazy about the buttons. I do like nailhead, but it is not necessary.

Pangaea Interior Design, Portland, OR says:

lberglund -- Well, if you would like help sourcing the specific chairs for your home I'm happy to help. I work with clients coast to coast. You can contact me through my website and email for specifics on rates. Then we can find what works exactly for your needs and taste.