The Lure of Custom-Built Couches
Don't replace that old sofa just yet – these built-in alternatives will make you see your lounging about areas in a whole new light
When a sofa is looking a little worse for wear, the usual steps we take to prolong its life are to get it cleaned to try to improve its appearance, then disguise its fading looks with throws and cushions, before finally trying to turn a blind eye to its stains and sagging seats. Eventually, every sofa owner has to acknowledge when it’s time to move on and shell out for a replacement. Sofas don’t come cheap, though, and gasping at the cost of the one you fall in love with is almost inevitable. Enter the custom-built couch. The benefits are that you’ll get exactly the design you need to suit the scale and style of your room, it can conceal hidden storage and, if you need it to, can double as a handy guest bed or two – all for not much more than a sofa from a furniture store. Take a stroll through these inspirational homes to see the custom-built sofa’s true potential in action.
What better way to connect with your friends and family than in a snug, sunken living room – it’s the perfect place for long conversations and laughter. The room’s picture windows make the most of the gorgeous Margaret River views. Although it’s been built to fit the dimensions of the space (that’s the best thing about custom-made designs), the separate seat and back cushioning give it a casual, cosy feel – sleek bench cushions would have a different effect.
This Palm Beach holiday house makes the most of the ocean breeze and views. Wide built-in banquette seating makes this spot just as fabulous for gathering with friends as it does stretching out and taking an afternoon nap. The sliding windows and louvres make this room enticing no matter what the weather’s doing – even the roof can be opened up for a little cloud watching or star gazing when the mood strikes.
See more of this house
See more of this house
The custom-built sofas are also in the home office and bedrooms for practical reasons as well as adding to the home's resort feel.
TIP: This kind of seating arrangement easily converts to guest sleeping quarters without the need for a separate guest room.
TIP: This kind of seating arrangement easily converts to guest sleeping quarters without the need for a separate guest room.
In this small house, the large, comfortable built-in sofas in the living room double as twin beds for guests when they’re not in use. Drawers under the sofas hold children’s toys, keeping clutter at bay. Another bed lies up the ladder in the loft!
See more of this ‘Tiny House’
See more of this ‘Tiny House’
This built-in sofa is a clever way to bring some mid-century charm into a home built in 1898; it’s also a way to hide the stereo system’s sub-woofer.
The architect of this house in Mexico reinvented "traditional Mexican hacienda architecture, borne out of Middle Eastern courtyard via Spain" to come up with this design. The cushion-topped stone seating gives the living room some authentic style.
A similar look can work just as well in a contemporary home …
… particularly when the seating area is below floor level. Movie night, anyone?
This sunken seating area makes the Antefocus fireplace the focal point instead of the TV. Does it inspire you to create a sunken hang out space of your own?
In a small living room, a custom-built sofa can be a space-saving solution. The timber used to construct this one continues through the wall lining and cabinetry, making the room feel bigger than it really is. Although there’s open shelving, much of the storage capacity in the room is concealed to streamline the space.
The cabinetry continues right the way around the room, with doors that can conceal the TV for an even more seamless effect.
Don’t jump in and buy outdoor furniture before you’ve considered the alternative! This built-in sofa nook, complete with weather-resistant fabric, would be a drawcard all year long. According to landscaper Dean Herald, the white surround was made from brick and then rendered. It could almost be a villa in Greece – just add bougainvillea!
YOUR SAY
Which of these strikes your fancy? Tell us in the Comments.
MORE
14 Ways to Create the Snuggliest Living Room Ever
How to Pick the Best Sofa for Your Living Room
Settle In and Get Comfy on a Modular Sofa
YOUR SAY
Which of these strikes your fancy? Tell us in the Comments.
MORE
14 Ways to Create the Snuggliest Living Room Ever
How to Pick the Best Sofa for Your Living Room
Settle In and Get Comfy on a Modular Sofa