Kitchen with sofa: types, transformation mechanisms, upholstery materials, shapes, design, colors

Anton Pechyony

head of the design studio Greetings to everyone who decided to stop by and get acquainted with my latest selection. A kitchen-living room with a sofa – as a topic for a selection may sound strange, but as a request on the Internet, it’s very logical! And since demand creates supply, I went out of my way and prepared this selection. I really want to believe that you will like it and, of course, will be useful.

This cool kitchen-living room with a sofa that immediately attracts attention is decorated in a loft style.

Beautiful and at first glance simple interior. Although in fact, if you look closely, you will find many interesting features.

Forged items, brick walls - all these loft elements fit perfectly into the modern interior style.

Agree that you don’t see such an original project often!

Simply incredible kitchen-living room: with or without a sofa - a magnificent example of modern style! Although, after all, it’s more comfortable with a sofa.

It’s great when the size of the living room allows you to place such a huge and, you can immediately see, comfortable sofa!

But here it’s a completely different story: in a generally small room, this cozy sofa looks like some kind of corner of wildlife, with plants nearby.

The interior turned out to be very nice. Due to the sloping roof, of course, the area of ​​the room was smaller, but we not only have a kitchen-living room with a sofa, but also a bench for reading!

A large corner sofa, in addition to its immediate function, also zones the space.

An interesting brick partition not only divides the space into zones, it also created a kind of cozy corner for our beautiful sofa.

This small space is proudly called a kitchen-living room, although, to be honest, it would be called a kitchen with a sofa. Well, we don’t always have the space we would like.

This trio: olive, gray and white is a very cool and stylish combination of shades!

In this glorious interior, the main character, of course, is the sofa!

I like the nautical theme in the interior. In such a room you even breathe differently.

A completely laconic and at the same time bright kitchen-living room with a turquoise sofa immediately attracts attention. Isn't it true?

It’s great when such a large area is allocated for the kitchen-living room! And the bright interior makes it visually even larger!



Recommendations for kitchen design

Some practical tips:

• When positioning the sofa, you need to take into account the overall layout and geometry of the space so that the product does not interfere with free movement around the room.
• In a small kitchen in an apartment, to save space, it is better not to use too bulky structures; for example, a compact kitchen corner, folding or folding models would be an excellent solution.
• For an elongated and long kitchen, it is advisable to place the set, refrigerator and other household appliances along one wall, and a small sofa with a table along the parallel wall.
• In a more spacious room, it is better to place this upholstered furniture perpendicularly or near a window to provide high-quality natural light for proper rest.
• A large square room can be decorated with a corner model that occupies two walls at once.

Accommodation Tips

The location of the sofa is influenced by several factors: the shape of the room, the location of the set, the purpose of the furniture.
Owners should devote a sufficient amount of time to the issue of planning the kitchen space. Furniture items must be located so as not to interfere with the movement of residents and be as convenient as possible to use. Straight models are placed near a window or against a free wall. Corner modifications are recommended to be installed in the corner of the room. If the furniture is equipped with an island-type tabletop, it is better to place a compact sofa on the side opposite the work area. Even a free-standing item can be integrated into the interior. To do this, it is enough to use it as a zoning tool.

If the kitchen has an elongated shape, then the set is placed along one of the walls, and the sofa is opposite. This technique is much more successful than using stools/chairs. Small-sized pieces of furniture only split up the space, and a sofa or couch can be used as an auxiliary storage system.

We recommend reading:

• Kitchen sinks - which one to choose? Review of the best models and new products (99 photos)

• Bar counter for the kitchen: features of installation and combination in the interior of a modern kitchen (100 photos)

• Modular kitchens: features of the right choice, as well as photos of beautiful design

If the area of ​​the room is large, then upholstered furniture can be located away from the dining area and used for relaxation by property owners. In a narrow kitchen, you can install two small sofas along the narrow walls to create the atmosphere of a compartment or cafe.

Complementing the kitchen area with comfortable upholstered furniture is a modern and stylish interior solution. With her, the atmosphere will become warm and cozy at home. A sofa can easily replace hard chairs and increase the number of seats at the dining table. You need to choose this piece of furniture based on the size of the room, its planning features and style.

It is also worth remembering that preference should be given to products made from easy-to-clean materials that are resistant to temperature changes and moisture. If difficulties arise, it is better to consult a specialist.

Kitchen sofa options

The main types of sofa models.

Straight

These designs, depending on their dimensions, can be conveniently located both in a small kitchen and become a central element in a spacious kitchen-living room, acting as a space divider.

Angular

Fits perfectly into a room of any size and layout. Such corner structures can be equipped with a built-in sleeping area or storage sections. They are often installed near a window, which allows for freer movement in space.

The photo shows a corner sofa structure in the kitchen interior.

Folding

The multifunctional folding model is especially popular, since when folded it takes up very little space, and when unfolded it can become a full-fledged place to relax.

Transformable sofa with sleeper

A comfortable and mobile transforming sofa, if necessary, can easily be transformed into a comfortable sleeping place.

With storage drawers

This design is very practical, compact and beautiful. Built-in drawers are perfect for storing cookbooks, dishes, textiles and other things.

Armchair sofa

Using this model, you can decorate both small and spacious kitchen spaces. Thanks to its thoughtfulness and functionality, this product can be transformed into a single bed and can also easily be converted into a compact chair.

Sofa bench

May have a straight or angular shape. The frame of a sofa bench is most often made in the same color and style as the kitchen set and is mainly a wooden base, decorated with soft seat cushions.

The photo shows a kitchen interior in Provence style with a white wooden sofa-bench.

Sofa-window-sill

A sofa built into a window sill, depending on the size of the window opening, can be quite roomy and comfortable. Similar designs are also made by hand, by increasing the width of the window sill and decorating it with a mattress.

Ottoman

Instead of a regular back, it has a headboard and sometimes armrests. The ottoman allows you to save as much usable space as possible, creating a rather spectacular and interesting environment.

Sofa

It is distinguished by a minimalistic and modest design, due to which the interior always looks very compact and cozy, being an excellent corner for relaxation.

Manufacturing technology and materials

Any sofa consists of a frame and soft elements.

The frame is the basis of upholstered furniture on which all other parts are fixed. It bears most of the load, so it is important that it is made of durable materials. The most common models are on metal, wood and chipboard frames.

Furniture with a metal frame is strong and durable. During operation, steel elements do not require special care, are fireproof and are little subject to wear.

The wooden frame makes the sofa environmentally friendly. The wood used in production undergoes special processing and becomes a durable material that can withstand enormous loads.

A frame made of laminated chipboard is the most budget option, but it is worth remembering that when moisture gets in, this material swells. The maximum service life of sofas with such a frame is no more than 3-5 years, then it will have to be changed.

For the production of upholstered furniture elements, the following components are used:

• upholstery materials;
• filler.

When choosing fabric, it is important to consider not only the style of the kitchen and its color scheme, but also the frequency of use of the furniture, the presence of pets and small children.

The most common types of upholstery materials:

• jacquard;
• chenille;
• matting;
• artificial leather.

Matting, chenille and artificial leather have the highest level of resistance to abrasion and mechanical damage.

To fill the soft parts of the sofa, polyurethane foam and a spring block are mainly used. Polyurethane foam is an elastic and durable finely porous material of varying densities that does not crumble or wrinkle over time. Independent spring blocks are made of spring wire and spunbond.

Sofas with an independent spring block are suitable for daily use as a sleeping place, but their cost is significantly higher than that of models with polyurethane foam filling. Therefore, if the kitchen upholstered furniture is not intended for daily sleep, it makes no sense to overpay for this type of filler.

Mechanisms of transformation

Each transformation system has its own design features.

Manufacturers of upholstered furniture

Upholstered furniture for the kitchen is produced by both large and small enterprises. In almost any furniture showroom you can find exhibitions of such major manufacturers as:

• “Furniture of the Chernozem Region”;
• “Good style”;
• "Your style";
• Classen et al.

Buying furniture from large factories has its positive and negative sides. Ordering a sofa from a well-known manufacturer guarantees high quality, low price, and free delivery. However, if the kitchen dimensions are non-standard or a special design is needed, large factories are unlikely to be able to satisfy such a request. We will have to turn to small manufacturers working on individual projects.

What is the best upholstery material to choose?

Upholstery material options:

• Leather. Genuine leather is distinguished by its special strength, durability, spectacular appearance, pleasant tactile sensations, but quite expensive price. No less beautiful, but more economical, leatherette and eco-leather are in no way inferior to the original material in terms of quality and external characteristics.
• Fabric. For upholstery, mixed fabrics are often chosen, for example, polyester and cotton, or upholstery made of durable, damage- and moisture-resistant flock. Also, depending on the style of the kitchen, the design includes materials such as matting, velor, velvet fabric and others.

The photo shows a compact sofa with crimson fabric upholstery in the kitchen interior.

When using fabric upholstery, ensure that the room's exhaust hood is set to operate efficiently, which will help remove odors that may be absorbed into the upholstery.

The photo shows the interior of a spacious kitchen with a sofa covered with fabric material with a geometric print.

Why do you need a sofa in the kitchen?

What other advantages does this furniture have in the kitchen?

• Creates comfort. The comfort level of the kitchen increases.
• The kitchen turns into a relaxing place where you can even accommodate guests for the night.
• The sofa fits into any interior and will support the kitchen decor.
• Eating food while sitting on a cozy sofa is much more enjoyable

However, the kitchen is a special place, so the disadvantages should also be kept in mind:

• Dirt and smells. In the kitchen, where food is prepared, there is always more dust, grease, and dirty splashes than in other rooms. And even the most powerful hood cannot completely cope with odors. All this is absorbed and settles on the upholstery. Relaxing on such a sofa becomes not very pleasant.
• Damage by pets – if there are pets in the house, then the sofa in the kitchen will quickly become their favorite place to relax.

And yet, a sofa in the kitchen is a practical and functional item. And the correct choice of model and upholstery will help eliminate the disadvantages.

Shapes and sizes of sofas

There are many different sizes and shapes, such as semicircular, rounded, U-shaped, narrow or small, which is a mini sofa.

The semicircular or radius model is most often used to furnish large rooms in which this piece of furniture can be particularly interestingly arranged and thereby add some zest to the decor. If there is a shortage of free space, narrow products or mini-sofas, despite their compactness, will be an excellent option, allowing you to achieve the necessary comfort and coziness.

Ideas for decorating sofas in the interior

Original design ideas.

Kitchen with two sofas

Two parallel sofa structures opposite each other will form an ideal and symmetrical interior composition in a small room. Sofas placed perpendicularly at right angles will emphasize and dilute even the most austere design.

Examples for a kitchen with an island

A kitchen with an island in the middle, equipped on the back with a kitchen corner, is a very practical solution that allows you to intelligently organize and place a dining area for the whole family. In addition, such built-in sofa models can sometimes be equipped with drawers.

Photo in the kitchen-living room

In the interior of a kitchen-living room quite often, this upholstered furniture, both in combination with a bar counter and without it, is an excellent option for dividing and zoning space into functional zones. If there is enough space, sofa models are complemented with armchairs, a pouf or a coffee table.

The photo shows a kitchen combined with a living room with a zoning element in the form of a brown sofa.

For a combined kitchen with a balcony

Corner or straight sofas placed near the window would be appropriate here. Also, when equipping the balcony area itself, a sofa bench is often used, which completely follows the perimeter of the loggia and does not take up much space.

Kitchen with bay window

To decorate a bay window, semicircular, rectangular and non-standard models or structures in the form of a wooden base with soft seats and pillows are used, which fully emphasize the geometry of the bay window protrusion and fill the free space.

The photo shows a kitchen interior with a light-colored sofa located in the bay window.

Kitchen-living room layout

It is important to understand that the kitchen-living room are two rooms with different purposes.

To successfully combine them into a common space, you can use the following techniques:

Zoning

It can be done in several ways - architectural (installation of partitions, arches, wall fragments), furniture (installation of furniture sets as space delimiters).

Dual style

The kitchen and living room are made in different styles and colors, which creates a visual separation effect.

Unity of space

The premises are not zoned, but are completely combined into one.

United style

Both rooms have the same design.

Whatever option for arranging the kitchen-living room is chosen, the sofa becomes an irreplaceable part of the interior.

Kitchen sofa design

An interesting design solution is considered to be an unusual sofa made of pallets or pallets, which is comfortable, original and can easily be made by hand, or wicker structures made of wicker or rattan, which are very light, compact and mobile.

Models with a forged metal base and products on carved or chrome-plated legs that fill the space with glare look very impressive. There are also banquettes without armrests, the absence of which is compensated by elegant backrests, or upholstered furniture with quilted upholstery made of leather or velvet. Traditional wooden benches, which can have an aged appearance, look no less distinctive.

The photo shows a corner sofa-bench made of wood in the kitchen interior.

Examples of sofas in different colors

The color scheme for the sofa primarily depends on the overall interior design and taste preferences. Choose products in bright orange shades, red, turquoise, purple, green, yellow, pink or blue, lilac, brown, black, black and white, gray, white or other light colors.

The photo shows a modern kitchen decorated with a small orange sofa.

A black sofa will be a stylish decoration for any modern kitchen or dining room interior and will create an interesting contrast with light wall decoration or, conversely, with bright accents in the room. Large and dimensional designs look ideal in dark colors or with a combination of calm and bright shades.

Sofas with a geometric, striped print or models made in brighter colors, for example, orange, red, green or yellow, are quite a creative solution; such products look especially advantageous in a room with a light finish.

The photo shows a compact yellow sofa in a loft-style kitchen interior.

Choosing a style

So, we have a living room-kitchen area of ​​20 square meters with a sofa, we need to choose a style direction. We look at the photo options and choose the appropriate one.

• High-tech style. It is modern, involves the use of cool tones and light materials, the installation of spotlights and floor lamps. Various plasters are used; glass and metal, smooth surfaces are also used in the room.
• Classic style. The decoration is suitable for those who prefer comfort. You can install a fireplace in the living room, and in the kitchen hang a large chandelier that emits warm light above the table. The furniture should be wooden, luxurious and trimmed with gold. This style involves various accessories, photos, expensive vases, and other interior items.

• Loft style. It is assumed that the rooms are not overloaded with decorative elements. Rooms should be functional and practical. Decorative masonry and thick curtains are used, everything is practical and convenient.

• Minimalism style. It is characterized by laconic, monochromatic furniture. The room should be spacious and well lit. The main role in the interior is played by light, thanks to which the room can be decorated with various lamps.

• Scandinavian style. It is distinguished by light and beige tones, natural shades. It is worth giving preference to blue and green, soft green, gray and brown. We add elements made of natural wood to the interior; textiles add coziness to the room. Furniture should be laconic and airy.

• Neoclassical style. It provides symmetry and streamlining, the interior should be modern and expensive. Green, sand and yellow colors are preferred.
• Country style. Ideal for lovers of rustic simplicity. The rooms are old, the decor should be wicker, the kitchen is decorated with natural fabrics and pottery. This style gives a feeling of relaxation, takes you back to childhood, is light and comfortable.

There are many styles that can be used to decorate a combined living room and kitchen. To implement this idea, you can select various materials and furniture in stores.

Photos of kitchen interior in different styles

Taking into account all the patterns of style, such as loft, country, Provence, minimalism, hi-tech, classic, Scandinavian or modern design, it turns out to turn the sofa into a noticeable and thoughtful part of the entire interior.

Classical

This style prefers couches or models that have more pompous shapes, decor in the form of a carriage screed, carved, forged elements and expensive fabric or leather upholstery. The main thing in a kitchen in a classic style is to adhere to a strict interior composition when placing this piece of furniture.

Loft

In the loft style, to maintain an authentic atmosphere, they choose structures covered in natural, artificial leather or fabric in discreet shades, or truly antique items with small traces of time, giving the product a special depth.

The photo shows the interior of a loft-style kitchen with a straight sofa upholstered in genuine leather.

Provence

Models for French design can be made in lilac, soft pink, powdery, peach or white tones, decorated with floral prints or complemented with soft pillows.

Country

For country, the most appropriate are slightly rough models of simple shape, distinguished by natural upholstery in natural colors.

Minimalism

The minimalist design is characterized by modular rectangular sofas in monochrome colors, which further imbue the environment with space, lightness and harmony.

Scandinavian

This direction is dominated by products in cooler shades with natural fabric or leather upholstery. Such models have a very natural and lightweight appearance and are truly comfortable.

Selection of materials

The material for the sofa frame can be anything. But it must be moisture-resistant, resistant to temperature changes and easy to clean.

For example, wood and its derivatives for classic interiors, stylish metal structures with chrome parts for modern technological ones.

The filler should hold its shape well. Pay attention to polyurethane foam. It is quickly restored, does not decompose, and does not contribute to the development of bacteria, fungus and mold.

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