Living room couch dilemma!! Sectional vs standard couches

12 years ago

Hello friends- we recently built our first home and need some help deciding if we should do two couches (one possibly a love seat) or a sectional. We love entertaining friends and out of town family so we want ample seating but also a good traffic pattern/ good layout. The existing couch is just shy of 8ft. The couch and rug were hand-me-downs from family and will be used in our loft space when we get new furniture.

I'd be so grateful for any tips or suggestions on living room furniture! Love to hear from y'all!

Mary
-charleston, sc-

Featured Answer

Darzy

12 years ago

last modified: 12 years ago

How about a sofa and four chairs? Like this. Very comfy for all. If you got swivel chairs, it would be great for tv watching or conversation. I wouldn't do a sectional or even two sofas. You'll be able to rearrange a lot more different ways with one sofa and chairs only.

Kiawah Family Home · More Info

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Comments (17)

PRO
Dytecture
12 years ago
Two side chairs flanking the red soft would be one option to consider.
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PRO
Marc Russell Interiors
12 years ago
I agree with Darzy, probably the best and most flexible plan. 2 small ottomans at the end of the cocktail would give you seating for 8 if needed, depending upon how many you seat at your dining table.
brockwem
Original Author
12 years ago
I was so set on adding couches for additional seating that I really didn't even consider chairs. Thanks for your suggestions so far! Now I'm considering all possibilities. :)
Darzy
12 years ago
last modified: 12 years ago
Two couches could work nicely too- especially if two people like to stretch on the couch to watch tv. I'd just avoid the sectional as you are generally stuck with one direction in the space. At least you'll be able to "L" the sofas or have them face each other. Or, this way below. This is a nice way to do two sofas and two chairs also...
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PRO
Alicia Paley Home Interiors
12 years ago
Sectionals are great for family lounging, but if you want seating for guests, sofas and chairs are best. Most people feel uncomfortable sitting on a sectional so closely together, and no one can really sit in the corner. Having chairs and ottomans allows you to group seating which encourages conversation and optimizes traffic flow.
PRO
Article
12 years ago
I think you either or would work, take a look at the sofas from Bryght

http://www.bryght.com/browse/1/sofas

Here are a few of my favorites:

1. Ceni sofa & love seat in liquorice
2. Belgium sofa & sofa in khaki

Bryght also has great sectionals....
Darrel Austin
12 years ago
^ what's with all the blatant spam on houzz? Aren't these discussion groups moderated?
Darzy
12 years ago
last modified: 12 years ago
I don't mind "spam" if it's at least a suggestion related to the topic. It's those ads that are not even a topic of conversation that is annoying. I think they are just trying to get the word out about their products and trying to make a living.
John Yorman
12 years ago
Darzy has some great ideas
Darzy
12 years ago
Thanks John! I hope we get to help pick out the furniture. :)
PRO
Bedbury Realtors
12 years ago
I would add two chairs one on either side of coffee table facing the table. I do not like sectionals unless they are in a family room
brockwem
Original Author
12 years ago
Thanks for the feedback! Not even considering a sectional anymore! :)) We do most of our lounging in this room and we want more couch space. Should we do one big couch and chairs on either side - as was suggested above or two side couches parallel / facing each other with two chairs facing the fireplace? Thanks everyone!!
PRO
Beverly Anderson Interior Design
10 years ago
I think 2 comfy chairs and ottomans or later a sectional.
PRO
Metropolitan Design Concepts
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
2 couches facing each other with a couple of chairs to balance the space would set up a perfect space for entertaining and lounging! Good Luck - let us know what you decide.
Ashley Krause
8 years ago
we are in the same boat and thinking two sofas and two chairs but when you enter our living room you would walk right into the sofa~ wondering if that isn't as inviting to have the back of the sofa facing the entrance?
PRO
Seldens Furniture
8 years ago
If you do end up placing chairs in front of your fireplace I would highly suggest a swivel style chair, especially with where the TV is placed.

[Swivel Chair[(https://www.houzz.com/products/randall-allan-largo-swivel-chair-prvw-vr~84335438?lid=65768237)

[Swivel Chair[(https://www.houzz.com/products/randall-allan-veronica-swivel-chair-prvw-vr~84335418?lid=65768217)

[Swivel Chair[(https://www.houzz.com/products/randall-allan-hayden-swivel-chair-prvw-vr~84335460?lid=65768259)