Photo Credit: Rowe
Rowe's latest project is an eco-conscious furniture line (meaning natural-fiber fabrics, plant- and fiber-based cushions, and domestically-harvested wood from forests that are continually replenished), but their Mini-Mod line is what I'm most interested in for this story—about two dozen smaller-scale upholstered pieces, from ottomans to sectional sofas and all kinds of goodies in between. I like the Caren settee, above, which clocks in at 69" long, 36" high, and 33" deep. It reminds me of the striped CB2 loveseat I've been eyeing recently (and wishing came in a solid color, like this one does). You'll have to contact a retailer for pricing, as it varies according to the fabric and wood stain you choose (not because "if you have to ask, you can't afford it"); several shops are listed on rowefurniture.com.
West Elm's 71-inch "Goodwin" sleeper sofa bridges the gap between a loveseat and a full-sized couch, and costs a very reasonable $799 on westelm.com.
Photo Credit: West Elm
The Chesterfield loveseat from Ballard Designs measures only 74 inches long (as compared to the standard 80-plus), but doesn't come off as puny. Casters on the legs are a bonus for those with the frequent-rearranging itch. $991, ballarddesigns.com
Photo Credit: Ballard Designs
Pottery Barn's Small Spaces line, Ikea and Crate and Barrel are also good sources for smaller pieces, and antiques shops can also yield good scores, since the sprawling McMansions of today were not so common in decades past, when smaller homes meant smaller furniture. And generally, the less poufy a couch is, the less visual (and emotional) space it takes up, even if its footprint is comparable to a sleeker piece.
Comment Away: What is your favorite place to shop for furniture?
More small-space solutions on Shine:
Office in a box
Combination step ladder-and-ironing board
Collapsible vases
Vertical patio
Wall-mounted laptop station
Convertible beds
