Can You Put a Loveseat Opposite a Sofa?

Sofas vs. Loveseats

• A sofa is longer than a loveseat. A standard sofa typically ranges from 76 to 92 inches, has two or three cushions and seats three people comfortably. A loveseat is typically 58 to 71 inches and sits two people. Sometimes the two are used in combination, sometimes one is used in place of the other.

Balance

• When decorating, it is important to consider the scale of the furniture to each other and to the size of the room. The furnishings also need to be in proportion to one another. A sofa has more "visual weight" than a loveseat because it is bigger. When the two are placed opposite of each other, the room does not look balanced.

Optimal Furniture Placement

• When placing a sofa and loveseat in a living or family room, creating an "L" shape is often preferred. Ideally, place the sofa opposite the focal point of the room, such as a fireplace or bay window, or along the longest wall. Then place the loveseat perpendicular to the left or right of the sofa.

  Placing the sofa and loveseat opposite one another is not optimal as the two do not look balanced. However, if you must place them opposite each other, try adding more visual weight to the side with the loveseat by placing end tables on each side of the loveseat. Furthermore, some people consider placing two sofas or a sofa and loveseat opposite each other to be a "confrontational" arrangement, while placing them next to one another is more conducive to conversation.

Tying the Room Together

• Once you have placed the sofa and loveseat, tie the room together. Place a rug and coffee table in front of the sofa and loveseat. There should ideally be 14 to 18 inches between the coffee table and sofa and loveseat to allow people to move easily past the table. Place matching throw pillows across both pieces of furniture.