Loveseats offer many options for living spaces

When purchasing furniture for a living room or family room, many consumers think they have to have a sofa "set". But oftentimes these pieces of furniture do not fit well, especially if rooms are on the small side.

Homeowners or renters can think outside the box when creating a furniture placement layout for their homes. For those furnishing a small space or an oddly shaped room, think about experimenting with different pieces of furniture, even skipping the sofa altogether.

There's no rule that says living room must have a couch, nor that all living rooms have to look the same. Using only a loveseat or a few comfortable chairs can work better for some room dimensions than the traditional couch, loveseat and chair combination.

Loveseats make cozy places in which to curl up with a good book or snuggle with a loved one. Individuals who are tight on space, especially those who live in apartments, may find that the size of a loveseat is a perfect fit in the room. Adding a separate chair provides a little extra seating space as well.

Consider flanking a coffee table with two loveseats, a layout that's typically conducive to conversation. Loveseats enable homeowners to arrange furniture in plenty of conversation-friendly configurations. When two loveseats are paired with an armchair in a room, up to five people can be seated comfortably.

Loveseats are also ideal pieces of furniture in a bedroom or home office. They can be used to create a cozy nook for watching television or reading a book. Instead of a glider in a baby's nursery, place a plush loveseat that will make those 2 a.m. feedings more comfortable, allowing Mom and baby to stretch out. A loveseat also gives parents a place to sleep if they want to be close to the child throughout the night.

In a home office, a loveseat can be a spot to sit and relax during a break from work. It also helps the room appear more lived-in and less of a utilitarian workspace.

In a small family room or bedroom, a convertible loveseat that opens up to a bed provides a compact guest space when a guest will be staying the night.

When a sofa simply won't fit a loveseat or a pair of loveseats can be a winning combination. Find out if loveseats can be swapped out for a sofa when purchasing a furniture package at the store. Loveseats are generally less expensive than sofas, so consumers might save some money as well.