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This story was part of Sofa Week, our seven-day stretch of, you guessed it, sofas. After years spent styling, sitting on, and searching for the best of the best—from bespoke designs to rare under-$500 gems—we’re compiling our couch knowledge in one comfy spot.
If love seats are outdated, no one told Noz Nozawa. The San Francisco–based designer swears by the compact two-seater sofa, with her own living room touting a 19th-century French settee. As the shortest of the couch category—typically spanning just 60 inches in length—it’s easy to see why this furniture piece is often dismissed by shoppers as suitable only for smaller spaces. Nozawa, however, argues that the best love seats were built to be stars in larger living arrangements. “Longer sofas can elongate proportions to the point that some pieces look stretched,” Nozawa explains. “I think the proportions of a love seat make some seating silhouettes shine much better.” While they may not be built for nappers or Netflix bingers, love seats are a boon for entertainers—they offer a stylish seat that encourages intimate conversations around a cluster of martini tables.
Our 11 Favorites by Style
- Best patterned: OKA Tarma 2-Seater Sofa
- Best under-$500: Alcott Hill Parkes Upholstered Settee
- Best rattan: Crate & Barrel Fields Cane Settee by Leanne Ford
- Best mid-century: Rivet Sloane Mid-Century Modern Love Seat
- Best modern: Hay Can 2-Seat Sofa
- Best bouclé: CB2 Gwenyth Bouclé Loveseat
- Best armless: Blue Dot Bloke Armless Sofa
- Best slipcovered: Serena & Lily Spruce Street Loveseat
- Best beanbag: Urban Outfitters Dylan Velvet Double-Seater Bean Bag Sofa
- Best leather: Crate & Barrel Cavett Leather Wood Frame Loveseat
- Best outdoor: Neighbor Terra Aluminum Outdoor Lounge Loveseat
Best Patterned: OKA Tarma 2-Seater Sofa
Tarma 2-Seater Sofa – Sheki Olive, OKA
Materials: 100% cotton upholstery; mango wood frame and legs; foam-filled cushions | Dimensions: 53.9 inches long
What we like:
- Hand-embroidered upholstery
- Design inspired by a rug discovered at an antique market
Worth noting:
- 7-week delivery window
- Detachable tassels
If you’re bold enough to step outside of the solid-sofa shopping box (we think everyone should!), then let this bespoke patterned love seat from OKA be your gateway purchase. The design is handmade by artisans featuring hand-embroidered cotton upholstery and a charming tasseled fringe, which can be easily removed or reattached depending upon your aesthetic preferences. While this particular Tarma two-seater is inspired by an antique rug, you can also purchase it in two other playful patterns: a chic charcoal stripe paired with burgundy fringe or another vintage-inspired textile motif.
Best Under-$500: Alcott Hill Parkes Upholstered Settee
Parkes 50u0022 Upholstered Settee, Alcott Hill
Materials: 100% polyester upholstery; solid wood frame and legs; foam-filled cushions | Dimensions: 50 inches long | Weight: 67 pounds
What we like:
- Traditional slipper-chair style
- Spindle legs
- Solid wood frame
Worth noting:
- Assembly tools included
- 350-pound weight capacity
- Back cushions are not removable
Featured as the favorite love seat in our guide to the best sofa under $500, this Wayfair score is a rare budget-friendly iteration of the often expensive slipper-chair silhouette. Our favorite features of this Anglophilic design are its royal red upholstery and charming spindle legs.
Best Rattan: Crate & Barrel Fields Cane Settee by Leanne Ford
Fields Cane Settee by Leanne Ford, Crate & Barrel
Materials: 100% cotton upholstery; solid red oak and rattan frame; high-density, fiber-wrapped polyfoam cushions | Dimensions: 65.75 inches long
What we like:
- Designed by Leanne Ford
- 50% off sale price
- Seamless, curve-backed silhouette
Worth noting:
- Low height profile
- Cushions are not removable
- Firm seat
A seamless blend of solid red oak and rattan makes this woven darling—exclusively designed for Crate & Barrel by Domino-favorite Leanne Ford—an easy addition to our roster of the best love seats. The warm wood frame makes it a textural no-brainer for casual summertime locales, yet its timeless settee-style silhouette is sweet any time of year. Reviewers have put it to good use inside and out, commenting on how it elevates any space with its overall airy aesthetic, comfortable cotton-upholstered cushion, and beautiful cane craftsmanship.
Best Mid-Century: Rivet Sloane Mid-Century Modern Love Seat
Sloane Mid-Century Modern Loveseat Sofa, 64.2u0022, Rivet
Materials: Polyester-cotton upholstery; hardwood frame and beechwood legs; foam-filled cushions | Dimensions: 64.2 inches long | Weight: 96 pounds
What we like:
- Tapered beechwood legs
- Button-tufted upholstery
- Under-$600 price point
Worth noting:
- Assembly tools included
- 500-pound weight capacity
- 1-year warranty
Rounded edges soften the square silhouette of this mid-century modern two-seater, which comes in a 64-inch version ideal for studio apartments and tight corners. The button-tufted back cushion gives it a retro, tailored vibe, but the relaxed lean keeps things casual. Go with the pebble gray colorway for an easy-to-pair-with neutral in a cinch-to-clean fabric (regular vacuuming is recommended). Bonus: Looks like if you decide to return it, you won’t have to pay shipping fees for up to 30 days.
Best Modern: Hay Can 2-Seat Sofa
Can 2-Seat Sofa, Hay
Materials: Cotton-linen blend upholstery; steel frame with canvas sling; down-padded, high-density foam cushions | Dimensions: 67.71 inches long
What we like:
- Tubular steel frame
- Hammock-style seat sling
- Customizable fabrics and frames
Worth noting:
- Assembly required
- Offered in 3-seater size
- Machine washable cushion covers
Ideal for minimalists with a no-frills, utilitarian design sensibility, brothers Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec’s less complex but arguably more comfortable take on the traditional sofa for Danish decor brand Hay has been an industry favorite since it arrived on the market in 2016. Available in seven different fabrics, the flat-packed sofa features a tubular steel frame and detachable modular pillows that make it a breeze to assemble at home—plus the down-padded, high-density foam cushions ensure you won’t ever want to get up.
Best Bouclé: CB2 Gwenyth Bouclé Loveseat
Gwyneth Bouclé Loveseat, CB2
Materials: Bouclélike polyester upholstery; sustainable engineered wood frame; sinuous wire-suspension cushions | Dimensions: 68 inches long
What we like:
- Certified sustainable engineered wood frame
- Cozy marshmallow silhouette
Worth noting:
- Bouclélike polyester upholstery
- Professional upholstery cleaning only
We’re convinced that popping a squat on Gwyneth Paltrow’s love seat for CB2 is the decor equivalent of resting on a cloud—and not just because it’s covered in It material bouclé. Better yet, the plush fibers and rounded silhouette nail that high-end, luxurious look without the RH price tag. Pair it with or without pillows and a throw blanket for a glamorous take that never looks out of style.
Best Armless: Blu Dot Bloke Armless Sofa
Bloke 60u0022 Armless Sofa, Blu Dot
Materials: Linen-polyester blend upholstery; kiln-dried hardwood frame; powder-coated steel legs; fiber-wrapped foam cushions | Dimensions: 60 inches long | Weight: 120 pounds
What we like:
- Delicate powder-coated steel legs
- Oblique frame angles
- Originally designed as a sectional
Worth noting:
- Some assembly required
- Ships via freight
- 30-day return policy
Remember armless furniture? It’s cool again, according to stylist Benjamin Reynaert. The Bloke by Blu Dot is a 60-inch armless wonder that would do just fine squeezed between two walls or styled like an armchair in a gigantic great room. The biggest benefit of choosing this look is significantly less visual real estate—which, let’s be honest, is probably a luxury already hard to come by if you’re choosing a two-seater over a sectional. Though its sides are free, we love the high, deep back that feels like a comforting embrace.
Best Slipcovered: Serena & Lily Spruce Street Slipcovered Loveseat
Spruce Street Slipcovered Loveseat, Serena & Lily
Materials: 100% linen upholstery; kiln-dried hardwood frame and legs; fiber-wrapped, soy-based foam cushions | Dimensions: 57 inches long
What we like:
- Custom-made in the U.S.
- Customizable fabrics and patterns
- Generous seat depth
Worth noting:
- Arrives in 8 to 10 weeks
- Available in performance fabrics
- Spot-clean or professional cleaning service only
One of the most popular styles of the year, slipcovered sofas are no longer as stuffy as their predecessors once were. Serena & Lily’s Spruce Street love seat doesn’t come with tassels or tied bows; rather it offers a streamlined, upholstered look for the most sophisticated living rooms—and it’s supremely washable, to boot. Though it does appeal to a younger buyer, it’s by no means a starter sofa; this is an investment piece that you’ll have for years to come. If yours is a lively household with kids and pets, we recommend an acrylic performance fabric, like the Perennials line.
Best Beanbag: Urban Outfitters Dylan Velvet Double-Seater Bean Bag Sofa
Dylan Velvet Double-Seater Bean Bag Sofa, Urban Outfitters
What we like:
- Made to order in the U.S.
- Modular configuration
Worth noting:
- Arrives fully assembled
- Spot-clean only
Materials: 100% velvet-polyester upholstery; expanded polystyrene-bead fill | Dimensions: 53 inches long | Weight: 24 pounds
This elevated take on the traditional beanbag chair makes for a playfully retro love seat moment. We appreciate the multiple configuration options—from one- to two- to three-seaters—that afford this legless design a modular edge. The chic velvet upholstery comes in four subtle hues: bold blood orange, minimalist ivory, light chartreuse, and slatelike brown. The best part? It’s made to order in the U.S. and arrives fully assembled, weighing an easy-to-move 24 pounds.
Best Leather: Cavett Leather Wood Frame Loveseat
Cavett Leather Wood Frame Loveseat, Crate & Barrel
Materials: Full-grain aniline leather upholstery; sustainable kiln-dried walnut wood frame; soy-based polyfoam cushions | Dimensions: 51 inches long
What we like:
- Sustainable wood frame
- Oil and wax finish that patinates over time
Worth noting:
- Leather is prone to wrinkles, scarring, and color variation
- Best kept out of direct sunlight
This supersleek seat isn’t your boyfriend’s boring sofa. Though often relegated to basements or man caves, leather is perfect for love seats—it is soft yet durable, often outlasts fabric, and is easy to clean—and deserves a spot in your living room or bedroom. That’s especially true if it appears on this cantilevered, slatted walnut number from Crate & Barrel. With a compact frame that could pull double duty as a bench at a dining table, these caramel cushions will patina over time, taking on a weathered, lived-in look that will only encourage you to lounge on it longer.
Best Outdoor: Neighbor Terra Aluminum Outdoor Lounge Loveseat
Terra Aluminum Outdoor Lounge Loveseat, Olive, Neighbor
Materials: Sunbrella outdoor upholstery; aluminum and stainless-steel frame; fiber fill and quick-dry foam cushions | Dimensions: 70.5 inches long
What we like:
- Constructed with 20% recycled content
- Plush cushions
- Stain-resistant and fade-proof Sunbrella fabric
Worth noting:
- Available in Putty, Olive, and Charcoal colorways
- Free shipping
- 5-year warranty and 45-day trial
Neighbor’s Terra outdoor loveseat sports a sleek, powder-coated frame that color matches its unusually plush cushions. This unique weather-resistant seat has earned its place in our guide to the best new outdoor furniture of 2023 thanks to its design-forward looks and thoughtful materials—including 20% recycled content, trusty Sunbrella fabric, and sturdy aluminum and stainless-steel hardware.
Our Shopping Checklist
Fillings and Fabric
“The fabric and filling of a love seat are important for both aesthetics and comfort,” stresses Kuo. Her advice is to go with feather-filled fibers since they’re durable but still pliable enough to conform to your body, creating a plusher feel that isn’t as stiff as foam and is less likely to start sagging.
Fabric, however, is a personal preference. At the moment, she’s loving rich mohair and velvet for a sophisticated look, but recommends cotton if you’re on the lookout for something a bit more timeless. Other natural fabrics, like linen, can be a sophisticated choice but require a tad more upkeep. No matter the visual you aim to achieve, a performance fabric (think: synthetic blends of nylon, polyester, and vinyl) or quality leather is always a safe bet for households with children or pets.
Design
Love seats are made for nearly every design style, but Kuo says there’s increased interest in modern classic and French-country styles. The former skews traditional and can be used to create a full-size seating optical illusion. “French country, on the other hand, has distinct elements and detailing that creates an elegant appearance,” she notes—perfect for complementing a more elevated aesthetic.
Styling
Couches are great for napping, but it’s the petite proportions of love seats that draw Nozawa’s eye. “To me, love seats look best in nooks like bay windows and living rooms that are much longer than they are wide,” she says. And they are a good sectional or sofa alternative in small spaces. “It provides the seating you need without overwhelming the room the way a traditional sofa would, and often allows for more versatility when arranging or changing up the layout,” offers Kuo. “They’re a great addition in spaces like the living room, study, or even primary bedroom.”
Ask Domino
Q: How long is a love seat?
Love seats earned their moniker due to courting couples, with a design just big enough to comfortably seat two individuals. In comparison, sofas are much larger, sitting a handful of people or allowing someone to fully stretch out for a nap (you’d likely feel a bit more cramped on a love seat). In general, these pieces are no bigger than 64 inches long but can be quite small (sometimes only 50 inches, though Nozawa argues it’s unnecessary to harp on actual dimensions).
Q: How do I style a love seat?
You can style a love seat much like you would any sofa. To dress up a plain fabric, add a patterned throw blanket and drape it over an arm, along the back, or tucked under a pillow (for the latter, our Style team recommends a solid velvet). To make a love seat look bigger than it actually is, proportions are key. In small rooms, choose one that doesn’t dominate a lot of visual space, ideally something armless or streamlined with a straight silhouette that doesn’t lean too far back.“The proportions of a love seat are what makes this petite sofa size such an asset,” shares Nozawa. “If your space would be ideally laid out with a love seat and two armchairs, you could explore letting all these pieces be chunky, since there will be more open floor space in a room without a larger sofa.”
How We Vetted These Products
Every product in a Domino guide meets these criteria:
- They blend form and function. We believe the best-designed products reflect your personal style and are a joy to use.
- They’re expert approved. In addition to our team of editors, we tap a range of designers, makers, renovators, and all-around knowledgeable people to share their intel.
- They’re endorsed by people who actually own them. We pay close attention to real reviews to know that they pass the test IRL.