How To Arrange Two Different Sofas in a Living Room

Looking for ways to make your mismatched sofas appear aesthetically pleasing and cohesive? Today I am sharing how to arrange a living room with two different types of sofas…

Back in the day…many moons ago…as matchy-matchy furniture sets were the golden standard of decorating, most living rooms across the US resembled a big-box showroom.

With the masses never even questioning catalog-style decorating, as someone who does not own matching living room furniture myself, I can only imagine how inferior one must have felt if their couch didn’t match their freakin’ love seat. I mean…what a first-world tragedy?!

But, thankfully, as humanity began to evolve and question dogmatic design, mixing furniture materials not only became acceptable- when executed intentionally- it proved to be fabulous AF.

Making the argument for blending sofa styles, I believe that such a fusion not only keeps a space from feeling generic and uninspired, but it is also a great way to add dimension and movement to a room.

So for anyone looking to make two different types of sofas actually look cohesive in their living space (and not simply half-a$$ed), today I thought I would share some tips and inspiration for successfully pulling this look off.

Here are the six best ways to arrange a living room with non-matching couches…

1. L-Shaped Arrangement with Two Sofas and a Side Table-

While I can envision one linen-colored sectional looking absolutely stunning in my relatively small living room, I veered from such a layout for practical purposes.

You see.. with two young and very messy boys, I was afraid to invest a ton of money into one large (and unforgiving) fabric sectional sofa.

So.. practicing a bit of risk management, I felt it a little safer to have one leather sofa (specifically designated for my little ragamuffins) and one sofa with the light aesthetic this mama so craved.

Concerning form over function even further, I opted for two sofas versus one sectional to maximize the functionality of the space with optimal seating. Simply put, you can fit more a$$es on two sofas than you can on just one sectional.

Given my coffee table is not as long as I would prefer ( I have yet to purchase one specifically for this narrow living room), incorporating an end table into the right angle of the “L” allowed for additional drink and lighting space.

2. Two Different Couches Facing Opposite Each Other-

While you often only see two identical sofas facing one another, you can still re-create this formal living room layout by Chris Loves Julia using different-colored couches. To pull this look off for your own seating area, you must first determine if your sofas are of the same width and seat height (or at least pretty darn close). If not, this probably won’t be the best arrangement for your unique circumstances (in that case, opt for the “L”).

To provide a sense of balance and symmetry, you will want to incorporate throw pillows with complementary colors. Notice how the linen coach has a throw blanket and pillow with variations of tones pulled from the blue couch across from it and vice versa. Leather accent chairs and ottomans not only provide added seating, but another opportunity for visual repetition so that the room doesn’t feel piecemeal.

Tip:If you really want to establish your fireplace as the main focal point of your room and you have ample space to do it, you really can’t go wrong with this sophisticated configuration.

3. Sectional Paired with a Different Style Sofa-

This stunning sofa arrangement, configured by one of my favorite interior designers, is great for cozying up a massively large living room and/or open floor plan. If you too are lucky enough to have a room of this scale, combining a sectional with a separate sofa will ensure you have plenty of seating when guests come to visit.

Tip: Notice how instead of traditional end tables, sofa tables and an oversized square-shaped coffee table provide surface space for lamps, decorative accents and drinks.

I love how the unique backing of the sofa, a different style than the sectional, provides visual interest and keeps the space from feeling too stark and formal.

4. U-Shape Layout with Two Sofas and Two Accent Chairs-

If you want to create a cozy conversation area with your furniture layout, a U-shape arrangement is a great option when working with two sofas. In this modern living room designed by Bigger Than The Three of Us, notice how two different couches are wedged together in an L-shape. To complete the “U”, a pair of chairs are placed on the other side of the main sofa.

The seating arrangements are floated in the center of the room beneath the main lighting source. The task lighting is then dispersed throughout other corners of the room. Because the coffee table is easily accessible from all seating options, there is no need for a bulky end table- but simply a dainty accent table.

Tip: A cohesive look is ultimately achieved between the various furniture colors by throw pillows which play off of the rust hue of the accent chairs- unifying the color palette of the different toned pieces.

5. L-Shaped Layout with Catty-Corner Chair-

This gorgeous space from Light and Dwell is a beautiful example of how to make two sofas work for smaller living rooms properly.

The two couches, different in color, material, and style, are placed in an L. For added seating, an armchair is placed on the corner of the rug. Notice how a smaller-scale coffee table allows for unobstructed traffic flow around the furniture pieces.

Tip: Instead of using throw pillows to tie different shades of fabric materials together, a blanket draped over the back of the minimalist sofa acknowledges the color palette of the adjoining sofa.

6. Two Sofas Spaced Apart for Doorway Access-

If you are considering an L-Shape sofa configuration but need to account for entry points or door access, fear not, your furniture pieces do not have to be touching! In this fabulous great room by Studio McGee, you will notice there is some space left between the main sofa and the side sofa. En lieu of an end table between the two, a console table was placed directly behind the couch- freeing up some space.

Tip: Yes..there is a rule among designers NOT to place your couch directly against a wall, but a sofa table is a great loophole to this stipulation. When floor plans are not ideal, sometimes you have to be a rebel and go against the rules.

Despite the fact that the couches are different colors, the repetition of various blue tones pull the space together for a balanced look. When designing a room with mismatched furniture, it is super important to find a color family to repeat throughout the space! A large area rug can the perfect anchor for your color scheme.

Regardless if you are in the process of selecting furniture for your living room or you are trying your best to make the most of what you already have, using two different kinds of sofas in your home is perfectly freakin’ acceptable. Don’t let the oldtimers tell you otherwise!

Whether you love a velvet and leather combo, linen on linen or two completely different shaped pieces, you can totally pull it off, my friend!

When in doubt, just be sure to find a decorative element that visually unites the two pieces (think pillows and/or blankets).

I hope you found this post helpful. Thank you so much for stopping by this week and spending some time with me!

It would mean so incredibly much to this little blog of mine, if you could share this post with a friend or on social media. It truly makes a world of difference!

Now get out there and design some good vibes along with a fabulous life!