Furniture Types
Loveseat
The loveseat, a compact sofa designed for two people, has been a staple of interior design since the 17th century when it was created to accommodate the wide skirts of women's fashion. Today, loveseats serve a more practical purpose: providing comfortable seating in spaces where a full-size sofa won't fit or isn't needed.
Despite their smaller scale, loveseats don't sacrifice style or comfort. They work beautifully in apartments, bedrooms, home offices, and as complementary pieces in larger seating arrangements. Many homeowners use pairs of loveseats facing each other to create intimate conversation areas that a single large sofa can't achieve.
Key Characteristics
- ✓Seats two people comfortably
- ✓Typically 52-70 inches wide
- ✓Full back and two arms standard
- ✓Available in all furniture styles
- ✓Often sold as part of sofa sets
- ✓Shallower depth than many sofas
Types & Variations
Apartment loveseat (compact dimensions)
Settee (exposed frame, often backless arms)
Loveseat sleeper (with pull-out bed)
Reclining loveseat (with two recliners)
Loveseat with console (center storage/cup holders)
Common Materials
FabricLeatherVelvetPerformance textilesMicrofiber
Works Well With These Styles
Placement & Usage Tips
Use a loveseat perpendicular to a sofa for an L-shaped arrangement, or place two facing each other across a coffee table for balanced conversation seating. In bedrooms, position at the foot of the bed or under a window.
💡 Pro Tip
When pairing a loveseat with a full sofa, they don't need to match exactly—complementary styles or coordinating fabrics create a more collected, designer look than a matching set.
Related Terms
Settee
A small sofa with a back and arms, typically seating two to three people, often with an exposed wooden frame.
Sofa
A long upholstered seat with a back and arms, designed to accommodate multiple people comfortably.
Sectional Sofa
A large seating unit composed of multiple sections that can be arranged in various configurations, typically forming an L-shape or U-shape.