New In: Back-to-School Essentials

A room that serves as living room, dining room and occasional guest room at once calls for seating that can play two roles. This selection brings together a straight sofa bed and its corner versions, an armchair and dining chairs.

One seat, two uses

A sofa bed should be judged sitting before it is judged lying down: the seat depth and the firmness of the backrest matter as much as the mattress. Try it sitting upright, since that is the everyday position. Folded, it should still leave room to move around the coffee table.

Where to place the long side

A corner sofa goes against the most open wall, one not interrupted by a door or a radiator. So first check where the room's entrance and the window are, since the return must not block either one. Then measure both sides of the corner, not just the longer one: it is the short side that sticks out.

Chairs around the table

A dining chair is judged by its seat height: at around forty-five centimeters, it suits most tabletops. Check the gap between the seat and the underside of the table; a hand should slip through easily. The small armchair with armrests works well at the ends of the table, where people linger longest.

Frequently asked questions

What seat depth should I choose?

A deep seat invites you to sink in; a shorter seat supports the back better. When heights vary from one person to another, a medium depth suits everyone.

Right or left: how do I read the orientation?

The orientation is determined facing the sofa. The product name specifies it, and the model comes in both versions.

How much space should I leave between the table and the sofa?

Allow at least eighty centimeters, enough to push back a chair and walk behind it. Any less and the chair back brushes against the sofa when you get up from the table.