Get a loveseat for your house

A loveseat is designed to accommodate only two people comfortably. And what do Bangaloreans think about having one right at home? DNA explores

Would you believe us if we told you that the concept of ‘loveseats’ was to originally accommodate women of previous centuries with their voluminous attires? It began as a very wide chair made to allow these women to sit comfortably without ruining their gowns. As the attire became less frilly and more practical, the extra space on the chair was noticed.

As it stands today, the loveseat is specifically designed to accommodate just two people comfortably. With origins in England during the 18th and 19th centuries, the loveseats were made to allow a courting couple to sit close enough to talk without being heard by others and still appear to be in ‘decent conversation’. The loveseat is meant to increase intimacy; however, the term is alternatively used for a two-seater settee or sofa.

Designer Anita Kholay feels that the loveseat works best for newlyweds. “A loveseat is of no use in a joint family. Its speciality lies in the ability to customise it and therefore works best for couples who live independently,” she says. Additionally, she feels it’s a great piece of furniture for a couple with a child as it increases the bonding or for older couples.

The loveseat can be customised for an apartment, for television viewing, in the reading or living room. For larger spaces like a garden, poolside or the patio, the material used is normally durable and can be customised to fit the surrounding. The most common material for the outdoors is bamboo and cane and for the indoors is leather and suede.

“The loveseat forms a nice and cosy part of home décor,” says interior designer Beena Patre, adding, “In the fantastic privacy of home, the loveseat is perhaps the best piece of furniture. However, one would require ample space to fit in the loveseat properly.”

According to designer Nidhi Agarwal, loveseats are extremely popular abroad. “In India, only one person can sit comfortably on a loveseat while entertaining guests, which makes it a bad choice for furnishing in a living room. However, the loveseat can be accommodated well in the entertainment room or a bedroom, which gives you absolute privacy.”

While purchasing a loveseat for home, matching it with the existing décor is important. But this essentially limits the choice. However, if you’re starting afresh, there is greater freedom to explore. 

A great number of innovations have thronged the loveseat markets. Modern loveseats can be seen with attached televisions, bookshelves, hoods, pull-out beds, wine/champagne holder and even a reclining ‘lazy boy’ variety. To serve the needs of the newly independent apartment dweller who is looking to save space, some varieties of the loveseat are foldable.

The loveseat can be found in just about a few homes in Bangalore, though. Nidhi attributes this to the lack of space in most homes. “If we’re furnishing a big bungalow, the loveseat makes sense, not so much for an apartment. Loveseats are used sparingly in restaurants, cafés and lounges as well.” Anita feels that India may just not be ready to see the loveseat being used in public areas. She says, “The charm of the loveseat may be lost in what people think of the concept”, she says. Beena agrees, “I haven’t seen too many of these loveseats in Bangalore,” and feels it’s only a matter of time till they get popular.

The price of the loveseat varies from brand to brand and depends on the quality and type of the material used.