Loveseat vs. Loveseat with Console: Which Living Room Furniture Option is Right For You?

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It's smaller than a sofa but bigger than a chair. What is it? A loveseat, of course! 

A loveseat has become a classic seating option for cozying up with a loved one or providing extra seating for guests when paired with a sofa. With its compact size and intimate design, a loveseat seamlessly fits into various room layouts, making it a great choice for both small and large spaces alike.

Because loveseats have been around for so long, creativity took shape in the form of the loveseat with console, which eventually became a popular demand. But, even though the added console was added to the original design, it might not be all it’s cracked up to be.

At our furniture stores in Ottawa and Kingston, there are many La-Z-Boy loveseats to choose from, as well as all reclining loveseats, have the option to turn into a loveseat with a console. 

But, how does a regular loveseat compare to a loveseat with a console? What are the pros and cons of each of them? Let’s dive in! 

In This Article…

1. What Is a Loveseat?
2. How Much Space Do Loveseats Take?
3. What is the Price Difference Between a Loveseat and a Loveseat with a Console?
4. Does a Loveseat with Console Offer More Seating Space?
5. Which Loveseat Is More Comfortable?
6. Which Loveseat Offers More Style Choices?
7. Pros and Cons Breakdown: Loveseat vs. Loveseat with Console

What Is a Loveseat?

Before we get into the comparison, let’s get familiar with what a loveseat really is, and why it’s called a loveseat.

A loveseat is a small sofa designed to seat two people comfortably. It typically features a compact frame with two cushions and a backrest, making it ideal for smaller living spaces or as a complementary piece of furniture in larger rooms.

These smaller versions of sofas can be dated back to the Victorian era and were used for the sole purpose of accommodating women with larger dresses.

They weren’t even called loveseats until the 19th century when it was marketed as such. Once the name change happened, this was when it was used for sitting next to another person without the puffiness of a dress in the way.

Nowadays, loveseats can be seen in many households as either primary or secondary seating. Couples use them to snuggle up to that special someone, or, with the introduction of the reclining loveseat with console, they can be used to enhance your relaxation at home.

Is a Loveseat Enough for a Living Room?

Whether a loveseat is enough for a living room depends on the size of the room and the homeowner's preferences. While a loveseat can serve as a primary seating option in smaller spaces, it might be ideal to invest in other seating options for guests, especially in a larger space. 

It is important to consider the room's layout and intended use to determine if a small loveseat alone is sufficient for the living room. It is also important to consider the length of the footrest with a reclining loveseat in a small space as well. 

Some people may be stuck between choosing a loveseat versus a sofa. To learn more about this comparison, take a look at this article.

1. Typical Loveseat Dimensions

To begin, one of the most significant differences between a reclining loveseat vs. a reclining loveseat with a console is that the two take up different amounts of space. 

While the average loveseat size takes up at least two-thirds of the space a sofa would, a loveseat with a console is known to have a longer width. The console in the middle of the loveseat may not be as big as a cushion, but it does take up quite a bit of space and almost widens the frame to the length of a regular sofa.

If you’re currently shopping for a loveseat, chances are you might not be able to fit a sofa into your room and are looking for something smaller. While a loveseat with a console is still smaller than a sofa, it might prevent you from fitting your desired piece in a small room.

It is important to consider the size and loveseat dimensions before purchasing, or else you could end up with a furniture frame that looks too big for your room or doesn’t fit at all!

To learn more about Measuring Your Space, take a look at this article.

2. What is the Price Difference Between a Loveseat and a Loveseat with a Console?

Taking a look at the price, there are differences between a loveseat recliner vs. a loveseat with a console. The price depends on the amount and quality of materials used in the construction of the product. 

Because of this, a standard-size loveseat will normally be less expensive than a reclining loveseat with a console. Interestingly, the price of a loveseat isn’t too different from the price of a sofa, even though one has more materials than the other.

At La-Z-Boy, for example, the cost of a loveseat is typically $20-$50 less than the price of a sofa. However, if your loveseat is reclining and you’re looking for a console upgrade, it would most likely be the same price as a sofa. 

If you’re looking to save money, a regular stationary sofa might be your best bet. A reclining loveseat is also a good choice to save money on a console upgrade, but reclining furniture will always be more expensive than stationary furniture, due to the added reclining mechanisms in the construction.

To learn more about Stationary vs Reclining Furniture, take a look at this article.

3. Does Loveseat with Console Offer More Seating Space?

As funny as it sounds, a reclining loveseat with a console occupies more space while providing less seating capacity compared to a standard loveseat.

Not only does this allow users to sit in one position on a designated seat, but the addition of the console makes a loveseat lose the ability to… well, “love.” Or, at least appreciate the person you're sitting next to.

While this may sound a little dramatic, some individuals may care about wanting to cuddle with their significant other on their furniture piece. If a console gets in the way of that, it may not be enjoyable for people if their love language is physical touch.

The console in the middle also prevents users from sitting in the middle of the frame. A regular loveseat can sit two individuals comfortably, but if there’s space, it can potentially sit a third person in between the cushions.

This means a regular loveseat may have more seating options or positions than a loveseat with a console. The question of whether you can sit comfortably is another thing to consider, however, which is why it is important to figure out who will be using this furniture piece the most.

4. Which Loveseat Is More Comfortable?

So, adding a console to a reclining loveseat adds more value to your furniture piece, but does it add more comfort to your seating experience?

Well, no not really. What we mean by this is that even though you can add more comfortable seating upgrades to both options depending on where you shop, adding a console in the middle of your reclining loveseat can help enhance your comfort.

At our furniture stores in Ottawa and Kingston for example, our La-Z-Boy loveseats with consoles have cup holders, extra storage and a wireless charging port to charge up your electronic devices. 

This upgrade enhances the comfort level by providing people with the option to use their loveseat recliners in versatile ways. With a regular loveseat, one person might be limited to a single activity like watching TV.

However, with a loveseat that includes a console, individuals can enjoy multiple activities simultaneously. 

For example, while one person watches TV, the other can comfortably read an e-reader or engage in another activity. Not to mention you never have to worry about it running out of battery. 

If you’re someone who values comfort over finding a more social furniture item, you could be investing in a furniture frame that offers movie theatre-esque seating. 

This added factor, as well as including a power upgrade with headrest and lumbar support can give you all the comfort you're looking for and more!

La-Z-Boy knows a thing or two about putting a theatre room together. Check out our article on How to Incorporate Movie Theatre Style Seating in your Home.

5. Which Loveseat Offers More Style Choices?

Finally, as for which loveseat has more style, this one can be a little tricky. While both options can be stylish depending on who you’re asking, sometimes a regular loveseat can offer more versatility.

Because standard-size loveseats can be both stationary and reclining, that means they can have more customization options than a loveseat with a console. For example, at La-Z-Boy, some fabric and leather options might not be as compatible with reclining pieces as they are with stationary items. 

RHowever, on the other hand, reclining loveseats rely more on comfortability, as discussed in the last section, while also offering stylistic elements. For example, you can request a power bundle upgrade, which allows you to make your cup holders light up in the dark.

Ultimately, your selection boils down to your priorities and what matters to you the most in terms of comfort, functionality, and space.

Pros and Cons Breakdown: Reclining Loveseat vs. Reclining Loveseat with Console

Now that we’ve seen some of the pros and cons of a reclining loveseat and a reclining loveseat with a console, here is a summary of what we’ve discussed in this article.

Keep in mind that some of these pros and cons are subjective, meaning you can make your own decisions based on the information presented.

What's Next?

With every furniture decision you make, closer you are to completing your living room. Whether you choose a regular loveseat or a loveseat with a console, putting together furniture can be difficult if you don’t know what you're doing.

If you’re struggling in this department, do not hesitate to reach out for help! La-Z-Boy sure knows a thing or two about putting a room together.

A design consultant or an interior designer will be able to help you out with any questions or concerns regarding your living room. Our designers are always eager to lend a helping hand, especially when choosing the furniture style and seating for your living room. 

To speak to one of our consultants or designers today, visit us at any of our local furniture stores in Ottawa & Kingston locations. You can also book an appointment online before coming in.

If you’re interested in learning more about our La-Z-Boy loveseats, take a look at some of these best-selling articles:

• Best-Selling La-Z-Boy Reclining Loveseats
• Review of La-Z-Boy’s Loveseats w/ Console
• Best-Selling La-Z-Boy Stationary Loveseats

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