Decorating Guides
14 Settees and Lounges That Work Magic in Small Spaces
More than just furniture, these upholstered seats are objects of decoration and design dilemma solvers
They have smaller footprints than sofas, but they are roomier than chairs. They are dainty and elegant and sculptural. A settee is the cornerstone of a conversation nook and the perfect thing to fill a dead space.
They can be modern but often have a traditional shape — delicate tooled legs and a gently curving back. And while a lounge or love seat can be plushly upholstered, a settee is usually minimally cushioned. It is a place for perching rather than lounging.
They are used in place of uncomfy benches at the table, as seating in smaller rooms, as a welcome in an entryway and as decorating objects in those hard-to-fill spots.
Here are 14 examples of the right settee, love seat or lounge for the job.
They can be modern but often have a traditional shape — delicate tooled legs and a gently curving back. And while a lounge or love seat can be plushly upholstered, a settee is usually minimally cushioned. It is a place for perching rather than lounging.
They are used in place of uncomfy benches at the table, as seating in smaller rooms, as a welcome in an entryway and as decorating objects in those hard-to-fill spots.
Here are 14 examples of the right settee, love seat or lounge for the job.
A bay of windows with a long narrow space in front of them is the perfect place for this elegant white and gold settee. It offers a nice soft pause in a long hallway.
A settee in a formal entryway is an immediate welcome for guests.
In a more casual entryway it can be the place to remove jackets and boots and set packages.
A reading nook in a large or awkwardly shaped living room doesn't have to include chairs. This small settee gets the job done and adds a mini living area in a difficult-to-define space.
A beautiful, shapely settee is a great way to fill a wall when the last thing you need is another console table. It is also less apt to collect junk.
At the Table
This small settee works like a built-in bench but is more versatile. The plaid upholstery adds a country charm to the white room.
This small settee works like a built-in bench but is more versatile. The plaid upholstery adds a country charm to the white room.
In the Living Room
In a small living room or family room, a settee can be a stylish alternative to a couch. This settee is available here.
In a small living room or family room, a settee can be a stylish alternative to a couch. This settee is available here.
The modern, armless version is much more masculine than its curved and carved counterpart.
The superfeminine, ultraplush version of the settee. I can see Lana Turner once lounging here.
In the Office
A comfy settee makes a good desk chair and gives the space a much homier and personal feeling.
A comfy settee makes a good desk chair and gives the space a much homier and personal feeling.
A purple velvet chaise longue isn't exactly business as usual.
In the Bedroom
These small Jonathan Adler benches at the ends of the beds seem specially designed for removing shoes and setting out tomorrow's outfit.
These small Jonathan Adler benches at the ends of the beds seem specially designed for removing shoes and setting out tomorrow's outfit.
I love this small dove-gray settee. Most of the settees you see are old frames with new upholstery, and the result is the perfect blend of crisp and ornate.