3 Expert Tips To Choose A Small Sofa & A Loveseat

If you're looking for a simple way to tell the difference between a sofa and a loveseat, there's a simple answer: The difference is usually size. However, if you're looking at specifically small sofas and comparing them to loveseats, there may not be many differences to spot.

Larger sofas will generally seat three to eight people, where loveseats---as the name might traditionally imply---only seat two. Often, the seats are comprised of only two cushions, to make this distinction clear. Beyond this one facet---size---small sofas and loveseats can be considered relatively interchangeable. Both will have myriad styles and materials to choose from, which we'll go into in later sections.

Which is better for you? If you'd like to accentuate the small area in which you're putting this petite piece of furniture, one way to do so is varying the number of cushions you choose. A traditional loveseat with two cushions will make the space look larger; a non-segmented bench-style sofa or one with more cushions will make the space look smaller. Ultimately, it's up to your preference!

When you're purchasing a smaller sofa or loveseat, it's important to get the size just right, as you might be working with a smaller amount of space. Start by measuring the space where you want to put the sofa or loveseat, and then use search criteria to narrow the field of sofas and loveseats you're looking at to only those that fit in your space!

Sofas and loveseats come in many different types of materials. Each gives off a different vibe and has varying pros and cons to suit your home! Here, we'll go through the most popular materials and discuss where they might best be used.

Durable Fabric

Denim, twill, canvas---these fabrics may not be the softest or the most inherently beautiful, but they will last forever.

Specialty Fabric

Interested in a velvet, silk, wool or linen couch? Each of these fabrics will have a more nubby texture and will look fantastic in pictures (as well as seriously add to the luxe feel of your home).

However, they tend to stain easily, and won't hold up well if you have pets or children (or even if you just have a lot of traffic and wear on your couches). Because of this, these fabrics might be a good choice if you're planning on placing the small sofa or loveseat in an area primarily meant for good aesthetics, not necessarily comfortable seating.

Leather

Leather may be the most expensive option, but there's a reason why: It can feel cool or warm as needed, it looks luxe, and it's incredibly durable. If you have pets in your home, leather can be a better choice, as it won't attract hair with the same magnetic pull as other fabrics might!

There are as many different types and styles of sofas and loveseats as there are homes! If you're looking for something to fit in with your home's unique aesthetic, it's a good idea to start by figuring out what your home's aesthetic is. Take a look around with a discerning eye when you're at home. Think about these questions:

• Are there any colors that are featured predominantly in my home?
• What is the overall feel of my home in terms of shades of color (i.e., are the colors in your home light and airy, or dark and more somber)?
• Is there a specific decor genre that my furniture tends to fall towards? Are you more interested in detailed Baroque pieces or the streamlined silhouettes of mid-century-modern shapes? Do all of the pieces that make up your home tend towards the same design inspiration, or do you have more of a vintage, mismatched aesthetic?
• Are there any basic shapes and lines that recur in my home? For example, are there a lot of angles featured, or do most things have rounded or curved edges?

When you're thinking about adding new furniture to your home, you have one of two choices. You can choose to have your new furniture completely match your home's general look, or you can choose to have your new small sofa or loveseat stand out.

If you choose to blend your new furniture in by choosing a similar look, you're accomplishing a few goals: You're making your home more neutral and less busy, which can help make your home a more relaxing place to be!

However, if you choose to pick a color or style of loveseat that's completely opposite to your home's aesthetic, you're creating a focal point and a conversation starter. This can give your home a very modern look that is pleasing to the eye! Choose a vintage sofa or loveseat if your home is minimal and modern, or a streamlined, simple Scandinavian piece if most of your home is busier and more traditionally styled. This can allow you to branch out and feel creative as you decorate your home!