When to Choose a Chaise Over a Sofa
See 9 instances when a chaise might be a better option than a sofa
Jess McBride
March 29, 2017
Houzz Contributor. Custom decorating professional and content creator for the home design industry with a lifelong passion for color, pattern, and texture of every "stripe"
Houzz Contributor. Custom decorating professional and content creator for the home... More
One of the first decor decisions many people grapple with is finding the “perfect” sofa. But sometimes a sofa isn’t the right choice for a space. When you want to preserve a view, ease traffic flow or stretch out to watch TV, a chaise might be the better option. Check out these nine cases where you might want to choose a chaise over a sofa.
1. Preserve the view. Placing a sofa in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows in this London master bedroom would have cut off some of the view. Using two chaises instead of a sofa not only preserves more of the view, but it also takes away the conundrum of which way to face the sofa — toward the view or toward the room? The chaises make this question moot, by allowing one to recline and enjoy both at the same time.
2. Party of two. Even a large sofa rarely provides enough space for two adults to stretch out. While a sofa is a better seating option for multiple guests, if you’re not big on hosting or have a room used just by you and your partner, chaises might be the right choice. They provide plenty of comfort and take up less space than two sofas.
3. Traffic flow. In a narrow room, such as this stylish den in Dallas, a pair of chaises can be the ideal option. A sofa would have cut the room off entirely and blocked the view of the fireplace. The two chaises provide room to stretch out and leave just enough space to navigate the tight quarters.
4. DIY sectional. Here’s an idea that combines the best of both worlds: Push two chaise lounges together to create what is essentially an L-shaped sectional. Add extra pillows to create additional back support. The great thing about this configuration is that if you want to change up the look, all you have to do is separate the chaises.
5. Filling out a room. In a small room in which you’ve forgone a sofa, a pair of club chairs is the usual temptation. But those chairs might leave a sizable chunk of floor space unused. While an ottoman or another piece of furniture could fill the void, a pair of chaises might be your best bet.
6. Conversation starter. A tête-à-tête chaise is like getting two pieces of furniture in one. With no obvious back or front, a double-ended chaise can be positioned virtually anywhere in a room. For those who find the side-by-side conversation that a sofa enforces a bit awkward, this is the perfect solution without resorting to two separate chairs.
7. Makeshift guest room. Adding two large chaises is about as low-maintenance as a guest room can be: Nothing needs to be done prior to arrival beyond maybe fluffing the pillows. This is a great option for rooms infrequently used by guests.
8. Furnishing a media room. Comfort is key in a media room, where we tend to settle in for hours at a time. Adding two chaises allows each occupant to stretch out while facing the TV. Adding a small table in between eliminates the need for a coffee table.
9. Ultimate fireside retreat. A single loveseat or settee in this room could have slid in parallel to the fireplace, but it would be awkward to access. A pair of armchairs could have fit too, but why not extend their length into a chaise if there’s room? The reward is a warming retreat sure to melt your heart.
More
Things You Need to Know About Buying a Sofa
Chaise, Divan, Daybed, Settee: What’s the Difference?
More
Things You Need to Know About Buying a Sofa
Chaise, Divan, Daybed, Settee: What’s the Difference?
Related Stories
Living Rooms
How to Decorate a Small Living Room
Arrange your compact living room to get the comfort, seating and style you need
Full Story
Decorating Guides
How to Get Your Furniture Arrangement Right
By Fred Albert
Follow these 10 basic layout rules for a polished, pulled-together look in any room
Full Story
Events
20 Furniture Trends to Watch for 2024
See subtle refreshes of enduring trends — plus fun design details — that stood out at the fall 2023 High Point Market
Full Story
Events
10 Fresh Furniture and Decor Trends for 2023
Greens and blues, art and artisanship, and mixed eras and textures fill the spring 2023 collections at High Point Market
Full Story
Living Rooms
How to Buy a Quality Sofa That Will Last
By Fred Albert
Learn about foam versus feathers, seat depth, springs, fabric and more for a couch that will work for years to come
Full Story
Kitchen Islands
6 Bar Stool Styles That Work in (Almost) Every Kitchen
Stick to these materials for your island seating and you won’t go wrong
Full Story
Decorating Guides
Your Essential Sofa Buying Guide
By Susan Redman
Here’s what to consider when looking for a quality sofa that will last
Full Story
Decorating Guides
8 Pieces of Furniture You’ll Keep Forever
By tidgboutique
If you’re just starting out in a new place, consider these furniture options you can take with you to any new home
Full Story
Decorating Guides
Should You Go Custom? Home Professionals Weigh In
Pros share 10 things to consider before deciding between tailor-made and ready-made features and furnishings
Full Story
Events
Scandinavian Modern Classics at Denmark’s 3 Days of Design
Midcentury modern furniture and lighting, and circular design, were showcased at the 2022 festival
Full Story
I have a chaise that I am sadly ready to move out as their is no sane place to put it in my current abode. New upholstery needed. Free to a good home that will appreciate it.
Where are you located
I love the comfort of a chaise!