Buying guide for best loveseat sofas
Loveseat sofas are arguably the queens of the living room. One can be a fashionable, comfortable accessory piece in a larger room design, or it can be the centerpiece in a small apartment. That’s why this versatile piece of furniture is still a top choice for spaces both big and small and hasn’t gone the way of, say, the chaise longue.
Today, loveseat sofas are bigger sellers than full-size sofas, with some styles like the popular, extra-plush deluxe lines dominating the market. And that popularity has created a shopping experience that can be downright dizzying, with hundreds of models and colors to choose from.
In this buying guide, we help make some sense of this ever-growing market for loveseat sofas by outlining the different designs, quality features to look for, and the best colors and styles for living spaces large and small. We’ve included a few of our favorites too.
Key considerations
A loveseat sofa is smaller than a traditional couch or sofa. It seats two people comfortably, rather than three or more. Some are just a bit smaller, accommodating one person comfortably or two people snuggling in front of the TV.
Designs
Today’s loveseats are informed by iconic sofa designs dating back to the 18th century. Look beyond the eye-catching (or incomprehensible) model names and you’ll begin to recognize that the Klippan you’re eyeballing over a plate of Swedish meatballs is really a tuxedo-style sofa. You’ll look at a slim yet elegant loveseat and realize it’s based on the iconic Florence Knoll sofa that kick-started the mid-century modern movement. Here are some key sofa designs to know:
Chesterfield: Rolled arms with nail-head trim, a low back, deeply tufted buttons, and an overall stately look define this classic leather sofa style.
Neoclassical: This is an elegant design with clean, confident lines and deep cushions developed in Rome during the mid-1700s.
Mid-century modern: The defining design of the mid-century modern aesthetic is a simple frame, squarish cushions, and a solid neutral-color fabric covering.
Channel back: Combining mid-century minimalism with an elegant flair, the vertical channel and outward flare of the frame make this a centerpiece loveseat sofa.
Tuxedo: Boxy and bold, tuxedo-style loveseats offer luxurious features like deep cushions and a velvety cover.
Camelback: This style includes a shapely frame with a defining arch at the back.
Industrial: This is a simple design that features a steel outer frame with natural leather cushions.
Cabriole: A carved hardwood frame and velvet upholstery are hallmarks of this classic loveseat style.
Types
Beyond the loveseat’s style, there is function to consider too. Think about how you use the room that the new loveseat will go in. Do you often host guests? Is comfort more important than design? Here are a few of the most common loveseat types:
Bench: This is a standard cushioned loveseat with a flat bench seat and hard back.
Sectional: While more common in full-size sofas, loveseat sectionals allow you to quickly reconfigure seating to accommodate the number of guests or just change up the look.
Reclining: Whether they’re power or lever operated, reclining loveseats help you relax in style.
Sleeper: Ideal for smaller spaces, a sleeper loveseat hides a twin or full mattress on a metal frame that can be folded out in seconds.
Futon: Practical and more affordable than a sleeper sofa, a futon loveseat quickly unfolds into a sturdy bed.
Size
Loveseats can be as wide as 48 to 72 inches with a typical depth (front to back) of 28 to 33 inches. Read the product description carefully to make sure the loveseat is a good fit for your room.
While most living rooms can accommodate a loveseat that’s almost 6 feet long, an apartment or home that already feels cramped without furniture could feel even more so with a big loveseat. Measure the room with this in mind, leaving 2 to 3 feet on either side of the loveseat for open space or an end table or lamp.
Color
Solid colors can help a loveseat sofa define the look and feel of your living room.
Neutral colors can create a calm center in a cluttered room.
Bold, bright colors draw the eye, so choose one of these if you want your loveseat to be a focal point of the room.
Leaving home for a few weeks? Cover your loveseat with a sheet or drop cloth to prevent dust and pollen from settling into the fabric.
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Features
A loveseat sofa is more than just a good-looking piece of furniture. How it’s built is just as important. Inadequate spring suspension, thin cushioning, or low-quality upholstery will minimize the comfort of a loveseat and shorten its lifespan.
Cover
Fabric: Cotton blends are comfortable choices, while polyester upholstery provides stain-fighting durability. Best of all, fabrics have the widest range of colors and patterns to choose from.
Leather: Top-grain leather is smooth and soft, and it gets even better with age. It’s the best-quality leather cover. But don’t despair if the price tag is too high. Semi-aniline leathers with “corrected” grain and a bit of added pigment perform very well and cost less.
Construction
Hardwood frame: Hardwood is durable and strong and performs well in a variety of environments. It is the material of choice for loveseats that last for decades and even centuries.
Engineered-wood frame: While of lesser quality than hardwood, a well-built engineered-wood frame with corner blocks and dowels to secure the components is an economical choice.
Steel coil suspension: Coil springs built into the frame provide the underlying support beneath the cushions that make a loveseat truly comfortable.
Foam cushions: Polyurethane foam and high-resilient foam are both good options for seat and back cushions. The higher the density, the more durable and long-lasting the cushion.
Extras
Center or armrest console: Rather than rely on an end table, a built-in console can provide a cup holder, recliner controls, and other features.
Storage compartments: Built-in storage in a center console or a magazine pocket on the side of the loveseat offers extra convenience.
USB ports: A popular extra on loveseats is an embedded USB port where you can conveniently charge a phone or game controller.
DID YOU KNOW?
Look for the “double rub” (DR) rating on loveseat sofas. A rating of at least 15,000 is best to ensure it will stand up to regular use without showing signs of wear.
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Accessories
End table: Rolanstar End Table
Maximize a small space with this multifunctional, stylish end table that offers extra storage in the included basket and USB ports on the top for charging your devices. It comes in two colors and is reasonably priced.
Floor lamp: Brightech Sphere Floor Lamp
Make that mid-century modern room pop with this attractive two-globe lamp with a brass finish.
Coffee table: Foluban Rustic Coffee Table
This simple wood and metal coffee table is a beautiful and functional accent piece for your industrial-style living room.
Area rug: Loloi Loren Collection Area Rug
Tie the room together with this economical replica Persian rug that’s easy to keep clean. It comes in several colors and sizes.
Pricing
Inexpensive: For $280 to $690, you can find simple loveseats that work as short-term apartment furniture or accent pieces.
Mid-range: Look for higher-quality cushioning and construction in the $700 to $1,100 price range. Elegant, classic loveseat styles are common at this price point.
Expensive: Expect to pay $1,120 to $1,450 for a loveseat sofa that incorporates hardwood, 100% leather, or durable fabric blends.
In love with a custom cover? Even when supply issues aren’t a problem, you can expect to wait slightly longer, up to a month and a half, for your loveseat while the cover is stitched on at the factory.
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Tips
- Level the loveseat. The feet of loveseat sofas can often be adjusted to level them evenly on almost any floor and prevent annoying rocking.
- Clean the upholstery gently. Clean spills and stains on loveseat sofa cushions by blotting first with a cloth dampened with cool water before trying harsher cleaners and detergents. Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.
- Keep a leather loveseat looking like new. Use a leather conditioner periodically to protect the leather and maintain its appearance for years.
- Try a sectional for versatility. Loveseat sectionals can be split in two for gatherings and brought back together for cozy stay-at-home dates.
- Try leather or vinyl if you have pets. Got pets? Invest in a loveseat with leather, faux leather, or vinyl upholstery that’s easy to keep clean and free of pet hair.
- Don’t put your loveseat in direct sunlight. It causes material to fade unevenly and leather to crack. Place your loveseat strategically to reduce sun exposure or invest in curtains or shades that block UV rays.
FAQ
Q. How do I know if a loveseat I’m interested in will fit in my living room?
A. Measure the length and width of your living room floor. If you have an existing loveseat that you plan to replace, measure its dimensions as well. This gives you a good idea of the sofa size that will fit. Then check the new loveseat’s description for length, width, and depth measurements to make sure it will fit in the space you have planned for it.
Q. Are there loveseat sofas made of sustainable materials?
A. Absolutely. Furniture that incorporates sustainable materials like bamboo, upcycled wood, or recycled textiles is a great choice. Look for furniture companies that have pledged to reduce their carbon footprint.
Q. When is the best time of year to buy a loveseat?
A. While online purchasing has helped drive deals all year, February and August still offer the most deals, especially at brick-and-mortar stores that need to rotate their inventory. It’s a good idea to compare a retail store’s prices with online deals to see if you’re really getting the best price for a specific model of loveseat.
Q. I’m interested in a loveseat with dark brown or black upholstery, but I have dark flooring. Can I still make this color work?
A. The dark floor, especially if it’s close to the same hue, could mute the effect of the loveseat. Consider adding a light-colored rug for a contrasting color between the floor and the loveseat.
