Don’t worry, it’s not a stupid question. As we embrace modern aesthetics, sofas are suddenly losing their legs, becoming smaller, and even lacking the classic quilts. They are just chillin’ closer to the floor these days.
But, why exactly are modern sofas so low?
Modern couches adopt low-profile designs to provide both elegance and functionality that suit contemporary living spaces. They are designed to be compact, which creates a sense of more open space, particularly in smaller flats.
However, modern sofas come in various styles, heights, and forms. In this post, we’ll look at a few things to consider when selecting the ideal couch for your living room.
What Are the Benefits of a Low Sofa?
Investing in a modern, low sofa is worth it. Here’s why.
Statement Piece
Modern furniture pieces will always stand out. Their simple, subtle elegance can elevate any living space. If you pick the right color, fabric, and style (more on this later), you can turn your couch into a statement piece and serve as the focal point of your living room.
Low sofas are also designed to be more space-saving. Unlike the bulky and solid designs of classic couches, they are compact without sacrificing functionality.
Caters to Old People and Children
Little children and older people require lower seats. The low seating profile of modern couches allows the elders to easily place their legs on the floor and adjust their sitting angle without putting a lot of strain on their legs and knees.
For little kids, it will be easier for them to climb up to the couch and sit. And because modern couches have a low sitting distance from the floor, even if they fall off while playing, there is less risk of injury.
Makeshift Sleeping Bed
Everyone, including your pet dog, falls asleep in the living room. Many modern sofas make an ideal bed.
Look for one with a pull-out bed. Convertible modern sofas allow you to easily pull the bed when you need it and push back in and will remain compact. So, unlike your actual bed, they won’t take up much space. It also helps that most modern couches are designed to provide maximum comfort.
Less Expensive
Couches are expensive in general. However, modern sofas tend to be on the lower end of the spectrum because they require less fabrics and wood to make. Modern couches also remain in fashion, so you don’t have to buy a new set every few years.
Considerations When Choosing a Low-Profile Sofa
The clean aesthetics of low-profile modern couches draw many homeowners to upgrade. But, there are a few things you need to consider before buying a new couch set.
Material
The right upholstery will affect its lifespan and how much you’ll appreciate sitting on it in the long run. Fabric choices depend on your lifestyle, as well. If you have kids, we recommend that you opt for couches made of materials that are easy to clean. Choose between leather, velvet, microfiber, and canvas.
Cotton and wool are definitely the key materials for modern spaces, but they will work only if you have a well-ventilated room that doesn’t get a lot of direct sunlight. These materials are also great if you don’t use your couches much, so usage considerations are also important.
Decor Style
No matter how thrilled you are about a new sofa, at the end of the day, it still needs to match your space. Since the couch is a large item and one of the first things you’ll see when you enter the room, you need careful consideration of the design. The first step is to determine the style of the room where your sofa will be.
Colors
Neutrals are the safest bet. Beige, brown, suede and gray couches can go with almost any room decor and are easy to complement.
Don’t shy away from bolder colors, either. Velvet greens and jewel tones will stand out and make a beautiful focal point. Just make sure to accent it with the right palette and furnishings so your space doesn’t look too busy. If you want to go for patterned couches, do so. It’s a great trick to hide stains.
Your Sitting Style
You need to consider how you use the sofa. Are you a sloucher or a recliner? Also, assess how other people in your household use the sofa. Most modern sofas have a compact design with a shorter back, so user consideration will help you determine the ideal back height for your couch.
Tip: If you love to entertain guests, look for a couch with less seat depth so it will be easier for them to get up from their sitting position.
Height of the Coffee Table
Your coffee tables or side tables should sit slightly lower than your couch, otherwise, they will look out of place. A tall table will dominate the lounging space.
When it comes to sofa shopping, you might as well get a coffee table with light frames and shapes that match the contours of the couch.
Price
Truth be told, sofas are expensive. It’s an expense you save up for to get something comfortable and worth your money. So, set a price range and look for furniture stores that meet your budget.
The price of couches comes in different price points, depending on the material used, craftsmanship, and brand. We recommend that you get the highest quality you can afford so you can enjoy your sofa for a long time.
Bonus Features To Look For
Certain features in modern sofas or just in couches, in general, can improve overall comfort and style. Here are a couple of features you may want to look for when shopping for a modern sofa.
Headrest
Many sofas don’t come with headrests. It’s a nice feature to have so you can sit in a healthier position.
Headrests are particularly essential if you have low-seating or low-back couches because sometimes, you just don’t get enough neck support. This feature also allows you to sit for a longer period, whether to read books or watch movies.
The good news is that you’ll find modern couches with power-adjustable headrests. This feature offers more support and puts you into a more comfortable sitting position.
Bolsters
Why not? Besides accent pillows, bolsters can easily upgrade the style of your couch. But, they also make a great lumbar support. Just make sure to get cushions and check that it’s sitter-friendly. Some bolsters are too stiff or firm and they could take up a lot of space on your couch.
FAQs
What Is the Seat Height of a Modern Sofa?
While most modern couches have low seating, they are available in different back heights. It can vary between 15 and 20 inches from the floor to the top of the cushion. You could benefit from a high-backed sofa for more comfortable support if you’re taller, though it really depends on your sitting style.
Are High-Back Sofas Better?
High-back sofas offer great adequate support, which helps reduce strain on the spine that causes sore neck or shoulders and improves sitting posture. Modern sofas offer the same support. And they look great in any space.
Conclusion
So, it turns out that the low-sitting modern sofas are not just a cool trend. They are designed to sit low on the floor to cater to contemporary living.
Most flats, especially in urban areas don’t have the space to accommodate the bulkier sofas you’ll find in larger homes. The compact designs of modern sofas solve this problem, and they are still just as comfortable (if not more) as classic couches.
Whether you’re looking for a chic statement or one that fits everyone’s sitting style, modern couches will give you endless options.
We hope you’ve found this post helpful, and if you have more questions, let us know and we’d be happy to help. Thanks for reading!
