When it comes to furnishing your living space, the most important piece of the puzzle is going to be your seating. Here at Woodstock Furniture & Mattress Outlet, we have seating options for living rooms, great rooms, sitting rooms and dens of all sizes. From grand sectionals to sofas, accent chairs to compact loveseats. However, if you’ve got a smaller living room and space is limited, you may want to consider a loveseat as your room’s centerpiece. But which kind?
Obviously, most folks have heard of loveseats before. You know – those miniature sofas or couches meant just for two. But how about console loveseats? Exactly what is a console loveseat, and how does it differ from a typical loveseat? What are the pros and cons of each? Read on as we define these terms, compare loveseats vs console loveseats, and discover which one is a better fit for your space!
The Basic Loveseat
As you know, a loveseat is a small sofa, typically meant to comfortably seat two adults. Available in a variety of styles from contemporary to traditional, loveseats can be upholstered in a number of different fabrics or leathers. They often have two seat cushions, however, sometimes they have a single, large seat cushion. Also, loveseats occasionally include reclining seats, but the seating is usually stationary.
Typical dimensions of loveseats are between 4 and 6 feet wide (i.e. 48” to 72”), but most are on the smaller side of this range. For this reason, they’re perfect for small spaces, such as smaller living spaces, apartments, and sitting rooms. However, they are also often used as part of a larger seating arrangement alongside sofas, accent chairs, or recliners.
The Console Loveseat
By contrast, the console loveseat may bear the same loveseat name, but in reality it’s quite different – especially when it comes to its features and dimensions. While typically smaller than a full-size sofa, console loveseats can be up to a foot or two longer than a standard loveseat. The shared name really comes solely from the fact that like traditional loveseats, console loveseats are designed to seat two people.
The console loveseat is a two-seater sofa that comes with a built-in console in the center. This console typically includes features like cup holders, USB charging ports, storage compartments, and even LED theater lighting. Additionally, console loveseats typically include reclining seats, which may have options like adjustable headrests, lumbar support, etc. Due to these features, console loveseats are ideal for movie nights, game day, or just relaxing with a book.
Loveseats vs Console Loveseats: Pros & Cons
Let’s quickly weigh the pros and cons of each:
Loveseats
Pros:
- Space Savings – compared to console loveseats and full-size sofas, loveseats are take up considerably less space, while still providing seating for two
- Price Savings – loveseats are typically less expensive than both full-size sofas and console loveseats, making them great for those on a budget
- Versatile – loveseats, like sofas, have tons of styles and upholstery options to choose from, including different cushions, fabrics, leathers, etc.
- Snuggle-Friendly – if you’re a cuddler, it’s called a loveseat for a reason!
Cons:
- Limited Seating – if you’re frequently entertaining guests or have a large family, a loveseat may not be the best option for you
- Limited Comfort – the smaller size of loveseats (as opposed to sofas) can limit comfort for taller folks and those who like to recline lengthwise
- Fewer Premium Features – while loveseats have a greater variety in style and upholstery options compared to console loveseats, there are noticeably fewer premium features like reclining footrests, cupholders, charging ports, etc.
Console Loveseats
Pros:
- Convenience – with a built in console for storage of remotes, drinks, or snacks, along with features like USB charging ports, console loveseats are very functional
- Creature Comforts – reclining seats are literally made for comfort, and when combined with cupholders offer a very “movie theater” experience
- Space Savings – while not as small as a true loveseat, console loveseats still take up less space in a room than a full-size sofa
Cons:
- Limited Seating – same as above, console loveseats aren’t great for large families or entertaining large groups
- Higher Price – due to the extra features, console loveseats are generally more expensive than regular loveseats (although still more affordable than full-size sofas with the same features)
- Not So Snuggle-Friendly – console loveseats do have a console jutting out in between seats, so it’s not great for couples who like to cuddle while watching TV, or for those who like to lie across the seats lengthwise
- Fewer Design Options – due to reclining seats and how they are constructed, there are limitations on styles and upholstery options
To Console or Not to Console, That Is The Question: Which Loveseat Are You Leaning Towards?
Both loveseats and console loveseats have their own advantages and disadvantages, but only you know which is right for your home. If savings are what’s most important to you – whether saving space or saving money – a traditional loveseat is probably a better fit. However, if you want extra features like power reclining, cupholders, storage or USB ports while still saving a few inches of space over a sofa, you may want to consider a console loveseat instead.
Of course, whichever you choose, we have a huge selection of loveseats and console loveseats here at Woodstock Furniture & Mattress Outlet. Do you live in metro Atlanta or elsewhere in North Georgia? We invite you to come see us at our furniture stores in Acworth, Dallas/Hiram and Rome!
