The couch is the centerpiece of any living room, an item of furniture to fall and unwind on after a long day. However, if you want your home to have a more unique style, then throwing away traditional furnishings is a good way to achieve that. Here are some variations on the classic couch that could add an interesting twist to your living room. (Image Credit: Sidekix Media/Unsplash)
Chaise Lounge
This elegant piece of furniture’s origin goes back all the way to ancient Egypt, and it’s easy to imagine Cleopatra reclining on one by the Nile in the sizzling heat. It might draw up images of a therapist’s office in the mind of some, often being used as a comfortable seat for people to lie down and talk through their issues. You don’t have to use it for this purpose at home, however, but there is no denying that these seats are perfect for kicking back and watching a movie or reading a book. They’re even perfect to take a nap on! There are many different styles for you to choose from, too, with some that are designed to look as though they belong in the Palace of Versailles, and others created with a more modern take. Whatever type you choose, a Chaise will add a sense of luxury to your living room.
Floor Cushions
For a bohemian vibe, floor cushions are the way to go. Choose brightly colored fabrics and exciting patterns and embroidery to add to the artistic flair. Matching the cushions with some large, decorative throws will bring the boho-chic feel together well. To complete the look of the room, perhaps hang some light, colored fabrics as a canopy from the ceiling, and include a dark wooden coffee table in the center. If you’re not into bold prints and bright colors, however, you can always go for a minimalist style instead. Muted tones for the fabrics and a glass coffee table will make the room look fresh and sleek.
Pallet Couches
These makeshift seats are cheap to create but look incredibly stylish and expensive. They’re a fresh idea that involves using recycled materials. Therefore, if you’re environmentally conscious, they could be a perfect option for you. Often, they are seen as more of an outdoor seating option, but they work very well indoors, too. You can opt to leave the wood in its natural color, or paint it to match your walls or other furnishings in the room. Pick oversized cushions to make up the main seat, and add smaller decorative ones for extra comfort and style. You can buy premade pallet couches, but if you’re into DIY, there’s plenty of videos online to show you how to construct one.
Bean Bag Chairs
Bean bag chairs are a fun, playful furnishing, and they can be incredibly comfortable. They are often thought of as seating options for children, but that is not the case. It is easy to get your hands on large, oversized bean bag chairs to fill up your living space, with brands such as Lovesac offering huge seats that can fit the whole family. However, for those on a budget, you might want to check out this Lovesac alternative, for the same quality products.
Hammocks
Often seen on beaches and in gardens, the hammock is associated more with outdoor furniture than living room furniture, but this doesn’t mean they don’t belong in your living room. Hammocks and hanging chairs are both brilliant and exciting alternatives to a couch. They provide the ultimate spot to relax in, and if you happen to live on the coast, they fit in with your surroundings perfectly. Perhaps you can even incorporate elements of the tropics into your home by selecting palm-print wallpaper or purchasing exotic house-plants to place around the room. If you’re not going for a nautical or tropical theme for your décor, don’t worry; hammocks can be integrated into several different styles of living space. Bohemian styles, as mentioned above, have use for hammocks, and rooms with a more delicate décor can also benefit from them.
Futons
Futons are multi-functional, making them an ideal furnishing in any house. A lot of people might associate the futon with young, student style living in studio apartments or dorm rooms. This doesn’t mean they can’t be used in a more grown-up home, and you can make them look very stylish. By choosing a futon instead of a standard couch, it provides an additional sleeping place for any over-night guests you may have. It also enables you to turn it into a bed for yourself if you feel like taking a nap in your living room, or you want to enjoy a movie as though you were in bed, being able to stretch out and drift off. Futons are not always the most comfortable of seating options, however, so if you’re going to purchase one, go to stores and try them out for yourself first to find one that you can settle into. Add some extra cushions for style and comfort.
Armchairs
Having a selection of armchairs instead of a couch is also an option. Having different chairs in different styles dotted around your living room could create a cool, quirky look, and you could have a lot of fun coming up with ideas. You can pair the armchairs with footstools for when you want to stretch your legs out, and even use the stools as extra seats if required. Using armchairs as an alternative to a traditional couch could be beneficial for those living in smaller homes, as they don’t take up as much space. If you have a study room, armchairs look particularly stylish in front of a bookcase. To create a look of grandeur, sitting the two armchairs in front of a fireplace is a good trick.
If you don’t care for tradition or standardized living spaces, finding alternative seating to use in your rooms can be an excellent way to achieve something different. There are plenty of options, but the ones listed here are a good place to start.