Christina Haack's Genius Solution To A Lack Of Living Room Seating

There is no rule that says a living room must consist of a couple of couches and a coffee table between them. There are so many cozy living room seating ideas that are off the beaten path that may be best suited for your space. HGTV's Christina Haack is a huge fan of floor cushions and ottomans, for instance, to add comfort and style. The interior designer has mastered the casual chic look with shows like "Christina on the Coast" and "Christina in the Country," and these two often overlooked living room accessories can make any space feel relaxed and inviting. 

What's more, if you're struggling with space in your home, swapping or complementing the traditional couch with these more portable alternatives can be the key to a versatile décor that adapts to various situations and needs. Pull your floor cushions or ottomans out when you've got family or friends visiting, and then easily move them to a different area or even store them away when they're no longer needed. Even more convenient, in the case of ottomans, they can double as footrests, coffee tables, or storage, making them clever multi-purpose furniture pieces for tiny homes. 

The versatility of floor cushions and ottomans isn't just reserved for function; they're equally as flexible when it comes to style. To keep things visually balanced and proportional, an ottoman shouldn't be wider than two-thirds of your couch's width. If you're intending on using this piece as a footrest, for maximum comfort, you'll also want to choose a model that's slightly lower than the height of the sofa seat. 

Floor cushions are far less strict, but shape and material will still affect the overall aesthetic of your room. There are plenty of oversized pillows that will make you feel like you're lying on a cloud, turning your living room into a cozy fort for movie nights, loungy readathons, and sleepovers. Alternatively, smaller options can add seating in a pinch, while also being adaptable as chair padding or neatly stored away to avoid taking up too much space. 

As for design, don't limit yourself to the idea that cushions, poufs, and ottomans should match your couch. Quite the opposite, actually. They present a great opportunity to introduce bold color and patterns in small doses, as well as texture and movement, depending on their type of fabric. Jute, linen, and sherpa, for instance, bring extra coziness and warmth, while velvet and leather can add a touch of luxury. For busy areas, removable covers or waterproof upholstery will promote hassle-free cleaning and maintenance. With thoughtful selection, these items will ultimately make your living room feel intentional and harmonious, while guaranteeing that everyone feels comfortable and included.