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eclairerw

Short people couch?

11 months ago

Hi!


We have a 16x20’ bedroom, which is enough space for the bed plus a tv watching/ reading area. Our current couch is 40 years old and I want to replace it but I can’t find anything to fit my 5’1” frame. Everything is either so high my feet don’t reach the floor and/or is so deep I have to use some kind of pillow behind my back to come close to sitting upright. The closest I’ve come is a bench with a back from Room and Board that’s designed to be placed at the foot of the bed. It’s seat height is 18”, as is the seat depth. The couch I need would be floating independently of the bed, not placed at the foot.


I suppose this bench would be disproportionate to the size of the room but it’s at least comfortable! Anyone have any other suggestions?


Signed-Tired of Perching on Chair Edges and Too Darn Old to Sit Like Edith Ann


Comments (27)

  • PRO
    11 months ago
    last modified: 11 months ago

    Go shopping for chairs instead of a sofa there is usually more choices in size . I think Lazy Boy has some options

    eclairerw thanked Patricia Colwell Consulting
  • 11 months ago

    I got this in a loveseat size for one of my guest bedroom. I wanted something that wasn't bulky and still comfortable for guests. Normally I spend quite a bit more for sofas in my living areas, but this seemed like a good value for a low use guest bedroom.

    https://www.havertys.com/products/product-page/jenna-sofa#1-2500-9911

    I'm 5'3" and just need a small lumbar pillow to sit comfortably on the loveseat to watch TV.


    If you want to spend more, the higher end sofa manufacturers usually offer the option to customize the depth of a sofa/chair and other dimensions.

  • 11 months ago

    Chispa,

    Thank you for the suggestion. What a pretty couch you found! Thanks for the link. I do use cushions on every other couch we have and I suppose I can do that for this too. I guess I’m on a rant that for all the furniture manufacturers out there, no one seems to make a couch for short people. (I even had custom dining room chairs made so my feet could rest comfortably, but sadly the manufacturer overstuffed them so that even they don’t fit me. Ok, end of rant… At 5’3”, I’m guessing you understand.) 😏

  • 11 months ago

    No solutions, but as a 5' tall person -- and shrinking with age -- I feel your pain.

    eclairerw thanked sushipup2
  • PRO
    11 months ago

    You might try looking for an MCM couch, we have a family one from 1968 (reupholstered 5 times so far and still going strong!); it is low for most people but perfect for us. We are a family of 5' and 5'3. Our taller guests sit in the chairs, we sit on the sofa.

    eclairerw thanked Stephanie's Designs
  • 11 months ago
    last modified: 11 months ago

    Perhaps consider chairs instead: more options re height and depth and probably will be more comfortable for two. If location allows, add a small table/lamp in between for reading. Choose a size that also meets your partner’s needs so they aren’t having comfort issues and if a bit on the high side for you add an ottoman (extra comfort)…but depends on how much space is available.


    Have you searched on line with word “low” included? I’ve seen lots of options when looking for both couches and chairs. Slipper chairs are often low profile and if in Canada Structube has a nice one at a good price.


    Hard to recommend though without knowing your budget, size and location for the seating and your room’s decor.


    eclairerw thanked Maureen
  • 11 months ago
    last modified: 11 months ago
    eclairerw thanked housegal200
  • 11 months ago
    last modified: 11 months ago

    Yes, chairs are a good idea. We have very low profile sofas & chairs ( MCM ) upholstred furniture from Room & Board, seem to fit everyone (5’ to 6’ ) fine except perhaps with the exception of our 6’6”+ tall relative, he tends to sit a little sideways in our house :). But his size presents issues other places to.

    BTW, we have two swivel chairs (“Ford”) from R&B, everyone seems to love them, tall & short. Maybe try those?

    eclairerw thanked K Laurence
  • 11 months ago

    When thinking about your preferred use, a couch won't have an arm rest for both of your arms. A chair will. It can also swivel and glide. Walsh Leather Glider – Arhaus

    Still won't fit but at least you can have fun.

    eclairerw thanked dan1888
  • 11 months ago

    Thank you and others for the suggestion of switching from the love seat idea to the chair idea. It makes sense! But the reason I thought to stick with the couch-like thing is because I already have an upholstered chair + lamp/table setup in the room. I thought too many chairs might make it look like a chair show room. The couch is also used to gather the grandkids for story time before naps and folding laundry. I will definitely check out Pottery Barn. Great suggestion!

  • 11 months ago

    Another great suggestion - Mid Century Modern used couch reupholstered. I might have to look further into that. Thanks, Stephanie's Designs! I love the idea!


  • 11 months ago

    Have you considered reupholstering your current sofa?

  • 11 months ago
    last modified: 11 months ago

    Given the info you provided about a spot to read to your grandchildren, I’d look for the coziest low profile seating (+ottoman) that you can find. I read to my grandchildren in bed as they love to snuggle, as do I, and the more comfy the better. If you can’t find low or narrow enough, the ottoman could be the answer pulled away a bit to put your feet up when alone. Could also used with a tray.


    .

    eclairerw thanked Maureen
  • 11 months ago
    last modified: 11 months ago

    Btw, just remembered, R & Bd have a few of their sofas in standard & extended depth. We have 5 of their sofas in 2 different homes, ordered standard because we both tall & short in our family ( except for the extra tall one, lol. )

    BTW, just measured our “Reese” sofas, seat depth 21”, top of cushion to floor height 17”. These might not be your style, however, there are others .

    eclairerw thanked K Laurence
  • 11 months ago

    Kendrah,

    The current couch is a sleeper sofa which we no longer need it to be, with 1980s lines. I’ve fallen out of love. Otherwise, that would be a good solution. Thanks!

  • 11 months ago

    Maureen,

    Maybe that’s what I should do — buy a regular couch and figure to use an ottoman... I’d prefer a couch that fits, but if all else fails…!

  • 11 months ago

    Thank you, Jan. I’ll look into it.

  • 11 months ago

    You can get vintage and reupholster. (Expensive route to take.) My family is tall and we often feel like we are sitting in kindergarten furniture when we sit in older pieces. Proportions just used to be different on furniture that was made for smaller homes.

    eclairerw thanked Kendrah
  • 11 months ago

    This really isn't for a short person to sit upright on. As said, you already have that with a different chair. The nesting idea with kids seems the more fun goal. A couch with chaise and an ottoman push up close fits this idea. You might like laying out at times and your height becomes and advantage then.

    eclairerw thanked dan1888
  • eclairerw thanked User
  • 11 months ago

    Thank you, Judy! i knew not everyone would understand the Edith Ann thing, but I’m glad someone did. What a funny show. Yes, I remember the dirty old man-hilarious! Thank you for the Wayfair suggestion. I’ll give it a try.

  • PRO
    11 months ago
    last modified: 11 months ago

    Dear Edith Ann

    The real answer here? Is an incredibly simple answer.

    You want to sit UPRIGHT comfortably, with feet on a solid surface, knees bent, feet touching "ground zero".

    Lounge chair example:

    The normal height of an ottoman is rarely an inch or or two LOWER than its companion chair.

    Meaning feet UP, legs stretched out. Not what you want.

    You want the ottoman much lower than that. With pillows behind your back. Have the ottoman made at an upholstery shop that allows that from whatever sofa. Maybe the seat is 18" and an ottoman 13/ 14 inches high. Maybe something else.

    A sofa with an inside seat depth of 22", ( common as DIRT) a couple toss pillows behind you, and a CUSTOM MADE for you ottoman, made in a local upholstery shop. Call it d.o.n.e.

    Sit as upright, knees bent, tootsies ground zero as you prefer.

    Judy up above posted a link.......

    The marketplace doesn't offer up a Judith Ann solution at any price.

    Check the dimensions below....despite it is a "small sofa": Seat height 19" seat depth 24"

    and SAME problem.



    Just have the ottoman made. Not huge dollars to do that, btw.

    Or you do the Harmony couch West Elm, and whack down that leg base to suit you and it has a seat depth of a mere 20" and that is counting the lumbar pillows on the couch, regardless: ) but you can whack the legs.

  • 11 months ago

    Thank you, Jan. Obviously you understand! We are planning a trip to West Elm to check it out. Thanks!

  • PRO
    11 months ago

    What I would recommend is you get a custom made unit. Many of the USA-made premium brands will do this for you. At 5' 1" I would suggest a 17.5" Seat Height and 18" Seat Depth. I used to do these for a number of my clients and always loved their reaction when it was delivered. Most would say "Finally! All these years I've had to make do -this one fits me!" Yes, you will pay more, because its bespoke. I'd suggest Hancock and Moore (they do a great job on customs), Taylor King, or Century

    eclairerw thanked The KEEPING ROOM
  • 11 months ago

    Oh! Thanks for the suggestion!