When you’re living in a small apartment or rental, having a whole damn sofa might not be the best thing for your place. Maybe you already have a couch, but don’t want another full-sized seat hogging more space. Luckily, there are loads of couch alternatives out there.
I actually have a chaise lounge in my rental, as my living area splits out into two zones. Having different seating options really helps makes the most of both spaces. Other seating options like benches and ottomans are also fab, as they can double as storage solutions (woo, versatile queens!). And of course, I can’t forget about bean bags — aka the comfiest seats that are easy to move around.
Quick Menu:
1. Benches
2. Ottomans
3. Chaise lounges
4. Bean bags
5. FAQs
6. What to consider
7. How we chose
8. Where to buy
I’ve scoured the internet and rounded up a range of these couch alternatives, looking for ones that have plenty of style and versatility. I’ve also made sure that they’re highly rated by shoppers who have bought them and totally fallen in love.
Hold on tight — things are about to get real cozy…
These couch alternatives are totally perfect for small spaces
Why you can trust Real Homes Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.
Ready to get started? I’ve split this out into four sections, so you can easily scout out the kinda couch alternative that you’re feeling.
The prices below were correct at the time of publishing this article.
Bench couch alternatives
As well as being a great space-saving solution for the living room, these would also work well in the hallway.
Size (in.): H21.6 x W63 x D18.5
Made from: Fabric, plastic
Price: $186.99
Want a bench that you can properly chill out on? This cutie has two curved arms that are cushioned, so you can properly rest on it and even have a li’l power nap. Oh, and I haven’t even mentioned the best part yet! The top flips up, so you can use it as extra storage. Throw in a bag of Starbursts and thank yourself later.
Size (in.): H16 x W15 x D32
Made from: Wood, cotton
Price: $100
I’m all for adding natural textures, as I think they make a space feel so much warmer and inviting. This bench has plenty of style thanks to its woven diamond pattern, which will look great on its own or layered with Scandi-style pillows for a chic AF finish. Place it in the living area window to create a dreamy reading spot.
Size (in.): H16.25 x W44.5 x D15
Made from: Faux leather, metal
Price: $96.99
Benches don’t have to be like those hard wooden seats in the park, y’know. They can actually be very comfortable, like this Wayfair one that has plenty of cushioning. It’s so modern, but still very timeless at the same time. It comes in five different colors, so you can easily choose whichever one matches your home’s aesthetic.
Ottoman couch alternatives
You could place these on the sides of your room as storage, and then pull them around your living area when guests are over.
Size (in.): H18.1 x W50.4 x D17.5
Made from: Polyester, wood
Price: $184.99
I’m here for the quiet luxury realness that this storage ottoman is serving. It’s such a classic style and will make your apartment look super grown-up. The button-tufted seat gives it much more interest than a plain top, as do the elegant feet. It also has a huge overall width, meaning it has plenty of space for larger items.
Size (in.): H14.96 x W29.92 D14.96
Made from: Linen, wood
Price: $24.22
Couches can be real spendy, so if you’re looking for a super cheap alternative, this bad boy comes in at just under $25. I know — I couldn’t believe the price either! The lid cleverly lifts up on both sides, so you won’t have to clear everything off in order to access storage. Hey, ain’t nobody got time for that.
Size (in.): H15 x W30 x D15
Made from: Linen, MDF
Price: $61.99
If you want something that provides all the seating space and is super soft, this is a brilliant choice. Over 2,600 Wayfair shoppers have given this five stars, with reviewers saying it’s strong, sturdy, and very easy to assemble. For those moving into a dorm, it would be an especially fab storage solution.
Chaise lounge couch alternatives
All day long, all day long, on the chaise lounge! If it’s good enough for Wet Leg, it’s good enough for me, bb.
Size (in.): H28.3 x W23.6 x D59.5
Made from: Cotton, wood
Price: $269.99
OK, I’m getting pure Bridgerton vibes from this. I mean, can’t you just see Penelope dramatically draped over it, pining over Colin? Amazon reviewers say that it looks even better in person and that it’s very comfortable to sit on. If you didn’t want to have it in your living room, it would look also so gorgeous at the end of the bed.
Size (in.): H33 x W34 x L58
Made from: Polyester, wood
Price: $259.99
You’ve seen a couch. You’ve seen a chair. But have you ever seen a chaise lounge that looks like a chair, but gives you all the comfort of a couch? I sure haven’t! I bet movie nights would be 10 times cozier lounging on this, popcorn in hand. I’m loving the blue, but it does come in gray, yellow, and orange if you want a different look.
Size (in.): H32.5 x W30 x L61.5
Made from: Faux leather, metal
Price: $101.88
Just because chaise lounges look expensive, doesn’t mean that they have to cost you a lotta cash. This one has an adjustable back that reclines downwards, meaning it can double as a guest bed. I don’t have a whole guest bedroom, so I’m adding this to my cart ASAP as it’s such an amaze solution.
Bean bag couch alternatives
Because sitting on a bean bag is like sitting on a cloud (or what I imagine that feels like, anyway).
Size (in.): H22 x W30 x D30
Made from: Polyester, nylon
Price: $70
Sometimes the smallest things really can be the best things. This sweet pink seat will mold around you, so you can properly nestle into it and relax. On the side there’s a sleeve, so you can slot in your fave book or magazine. With this, you won’t sit down, get cozy, and forget your reading material — that’s the worst, IMO.
Size (in.): H34 x W72 x D48
Made from: Micro suede, memory foam
Price: $159.99
Hoo boy — we’ve got six feet of pure heaven right here. FYI: There aren’t actually beans in this chair, but there is shredded foam, which I can imagine is even squishier for sitting on. It comes in 15(!!!) different color choices, with every color of the rainbow on offer, making coordinating with your decor a total breeze.
Size (in.): H42 x W54 x D54
Made from: Faux fur, foam
Price: $149.99
Talk about a statement piece! I don’t think many couches would make quite as big of an impact as this big ol’ fluffy bean bag. Wayfair shoppers do say that it is heavy and huge, which makes it great for apartments with space to fill but might not make it so suitable for smaller dorm rooms.
FAQs
What can I replace a couch with?
If you don’t want a traditional couch in your living area, there are plenty of seating options that can replace it. Bean bags, ottomans, chaise lounges, and benches are all popular alternatives that are still sizable and can sometimes double as storage space.
How can I fill my living area without a couch?
If your space looks a li’l bare without a whole couch filling it, don’t stress. As well as seating like accent chairs and bean bags, coffee tables, rugs, and side tables are all great ways to give your room character.
What to consider when choosing a couch alternative
Thinking about saying buh-bye to couch life? Here are some things to keep in mind when looking at alternatives…
Comfort: Look for one that’s going to offer proper cushioning and support.
Size and space: Choose a piece that fits in with your available space and complements the overall room aesthetic.
Durability: Make sure that it can withstand regular use, and that it’s sturdy and well-constructed.
Functionality: Evaluate versatility and additional features, such as storage compartments and convertible designs.
How we chose these couch alternatives
I’ve looked through plenty of websites to find a range of couch alternatives in different shapes, dimensions, and styles. These are all highly rated, with ratings that are four-star and higher, plus plenty of rave reviews. Shoppers have bought these couch alternatives and have loved having them in their spaces.
Where to buy couch alternatives
Feelin' inspired and want to shop some more couch alternatives? Here are some super sites to search through:
