Pros of a sofa in the kitchen
- The sofa in the kitchen creates a relaxation area. At home, a lot of energy is expended during cooking; usually the housewife spends a significant amount of her time there. At the same time, the need to just sit comfortably sometimes appears constantly.
A sofa is a good idea for the kitchen, because standing at the stove gets your legs tired Source Pinterest.com
- You can use it for the dining area. To do this, the sofa is usually located near the table. Its depth, proportions, and the rigidity of the seats should be different than that of a sofa on which they only rest.
The sofa is located opposite the work area and is part of the dining area Source Kuhniclub.ru
- Sometimes a sofa is used as an additional backup bed. It is convenient to use a folding one, which also needs to be matched to the rest of the furniture. He must understand everything completely, but not run into anything and not interfere with anything.
A spare bed in the kitchen will come in handy when guests have nowhere to stay overnight Source intererium.ru
- When combining types of premises, when creating a kitchen-dining room and a kitchen-living room, the sofa can perform the same role as it did in a regular dining room and living room. Moreover, such rooms are much more spacious than just a kitchen, and there are also more options for location and choice of sofa.
Spacious layout of a kitchen-living room in a loft style with a sofa Source Freelance.ru
- The sofa goes well with upholstered furniture such as banquettes and armchairs. It's best to purchase them as a set so that both the finish and style are the same. Or order reupholstery with one type of material from a master.
Furniture set: Armchairs and sofa in the same style Source Orimex.ru
There are many more arguments in favor of the fact that a sofa in the kitchen is useful. These are just a few.
What you need to turn a window sill into a sofa
To convert a window into a recreation area, you need to insulate the area. The old base is removed, a new covering is installed, and the cracks are filled with sealant. The slopes are sheathed with plasterboard or strong plastic. If the tabletop is wide, then reinforce it with holder legs.
Which window sill is suitable
The depth of the window opening affects the comfort of the bed. The problem of narrow window sills is solved by increasing the space by constructing plasterboard structures or installing countertops on supports. Heating radiators will have to be moved (permission for redevelopment is required) or covered with a special protective screen. Not every window sill can be turned into a sofa. Recommended parameters for the design (in cm):
- width – not less than 90;
- height – 50-60.
Panoramic windows from the floor do not have a window sill, so the lightweight seats are fixed on the slopes. The design solution takes away squares from the usable area of the room. If the balcony block is dismantled, the vacant area will be converted into a bench. The insulated loggia will become a continuation of the living space, and the bed will be used for zoning.
Panoramic window with sofa-window sill Source dekcoration.ru
Bay windows are best suited for creating sofas by the window. Due to the oval shape of the architectural protrusion, the size of the rest bench increases. An insulated bed zones the room, improves functionality and does not interfere with movement around the room.
If the window sill is located in the staircase of a country house, then here you can equip an area for relaxation. Miniature sofas will decorate the corridor and increase the amount of usable space. Small narrow benches will be beds for animals. In the zones it is appropriate to issue:
- library with reading room;
- small office;
- banquette;
- ottoman.
Sofa-window-sill in the recreation area Source pinterest.com
If there is no window for a place to relax, then designers recommend creating a false structure with upholstered furniture. The structure is located in a niche, which is assembled from plasterboard. A fake model with a three-dimensional image is printed on self-adhesive film or photo wallpaper is used. To make the landscape look believable, you need lighting around the perimeter of the frame.
Imitation window with a sofa on the windowsill Source pinterest.com
See also: Catalog of companies that specialize in interior redevelopment.
How to “equip” a window sill to turn it into a sofa
An important detail of the bench is the base. An element made of high-quality plastic is easy to care for and is not afraid of exposure to the sun and heating devices. The seat can be installed independently using polyurethane foam. To prevent deformation of the material, after hardening, heavy objects are evenly distributed on the surface.
Creating a sofa on the windowsill Source roomester.ru
A wooden sofa by the window looks luxurious. Natural boards are protected with stain, varnish or special wax, otherwise the raw material will lose its attractiveness. The bed is installed on a concrete mortar, having previously fixed the position with self-tapping screws. The joints between the walls are filled with sealant.
Sofa window sill made of wood Source roomester.ru
The stone window sill-sofa looks expensive and presentable. When decorating residential premises, designers use natural granite, marble or their artificial analogues. To install the bench, use polyurethane glue.
The right bedding will help turn the surface into a sofa. A thick mattress that looks like the base of upholstered furniture looks luxurious. The seating area can be decorated with a flat hard seat, like a chair.
The fabric on the upholstery should echo the interior items of the room.
Bright pillows on the sofa-window sill Source pinterest.com
If the window sill is long, it can be easily converted into a full-fledged bed. The role of seats and backs is given to pillows. Large square parts are used as a collapsible mattress, while small voluminous ones will provide additional comfort in the area. Colored elements of different sizes and shapes visually increase the space.
Soft corner with sofa-window sill Source fotostrana.ru
A wooden sofa by the window looks cozy with a medium-length blanket. The warm surface of the bench does not require additional insulation, so you don’t have to use a mattress. Animal skins will fit luxuriously into the recreation area. Natural or faux fur with large pile on the seat will make the bench noticeable.
Sofa-window-sill with skin Source okno-servis31.ru
Additional devices will help improve the comfort of the relaxation area. You can screw a folding cup holder next to the window sill-sofa. If radiators are placed on the sides of the window unit, then the free space is used for cabinets with drawers. Hidden niches and shelves are installed along the perimeter.
Soft sofa on the windowsill Source abisgroup.ru
Curtains give the sitting area a homey feel. Laconic roller models and blinds are suitable for modern designs. In a classic interior, it is appropriate to use curtains with tiebacks and lambrequins. Multilayer draperies visually separate the relaxation area from the rest of the room.
Sofa-window-sill with curtains Source interiorsroom.ru
Styles
You should choose a kitchen design with a sofa so that it does not disturb the overall style composition and also matches the color. Here are descriptions of some of the styles that are found in the modern interior of apartments and private houses, as well as upholstered furniture that suits this or that style.
Constructivism
The style, which originated in Russia, was further developed in the USSR. It was widely used until the mid-30s, echoing many similar fashion trends in Europe: Germany, the Netherlands, and Scandinavian countries. Its distinctive features are the absence of small insignificant details, correct geometric shapes, when starting from the fact that the content should be primary, and only then does it take shape.
Right angles, stripes, practicality are part of the constructivist style Source Remontbp.com
A sofa for such a kitchen should first of all be comfortable. You should not choose bulky furniture with large covered armrests; it will not fit into this style. It is much better to choose one that has solid wooden armrests and a rectangular back. Such furniture is perfect for a dining area, because in this case the sofa itself will be high enough, not too soft, and it will be comfortable to eat on it at the table.
Sofa in the constructivist style: no bends, nothing superfluous Source Roomester.ru
See also: Catalog of companies that specialize in interior redevelopment.
Futurism
This style, in contrast to the previous one, is replete with elaborate forms. However, small insignificant details in it are also not very welcome. The style is quite modern. As its name suggests, it tries to look into the future. From the point of view of futurists, it looks unusual, but very suitable for life. Another feature of this style is large, but quite complex geometric shapes.
Pretentious figures and complex geometry are part of the futuristic style Source Remontbp.com
The design of a kitchen with a sofa in the futurism style involves upholstered furniture that matches the rest of the furniture. Usually this is purchased to order complete with tables and stools. If you can’t find one, you can disguise it under large pillows - pillows also go well with this style.
The seat of the sofa is a continuation of the curvilinear bend in the interior of the kitchen in the futurism style Source Italstroy.ru
Scandinavian style
Constructivism is very similar to the style, but it presupposes the presence of a larger number of small details - open shelves on which seasonings are stored, comfortable door handles. Panel doors are often used in furniture facades. If desired, you can use varnished wooden surfaces instead of painted ones - wood must be present in the Scandinavian style.
Compactness and conciseness are the distinctive features of the Scandinavian style Source Domoholic.ru
The sofa for the Scandinavian style is chosen in a simple shape. Suitable for both soft and hard armrests. Furniture corners, where wooden backs, seats and sides are complemented with simple soft inserts, are perfect for this style. If there is a need for an additional spare sleeping place in the kitchen, you can use a sofa book. This type of furniture is also widely used in Scandinavian interiors.
The sofa in the kitchen in the Scandinavian style has legs, the space under them will allow you to better clean the floor and avoid the appearance of bacteria. Source Stroy-podskazka.ru
Italian style
A large amount of ceramic tiles and mosaics are necessarily used here - from floors and aprons to countertops. The countertops themselves, sinks and other parts are often made of artificial stone. Wooden cabinets should be simple; they are finished in a dark wood look. There should be jars of spices, shelves, and forged handles of complex shapes everywhere.
Stone countertops, colorful curtains, stylized dishes - features of an Italian interior Source Mebeus.com
A sofa for such a kitchen must have curved surfaces - an oval back, curved armrests, round soft armrests. Rectangular shapes should be avoided. A massive “office” sofa covered in dark leather would work well. It will also be the most practical - it is easy to remove any dirt and greasy stains from the skin.
A more modern version of the Italian style, the sofa is part of the interior Source Modernplace.ru
Choosing a sofa model depending on the style of the room
The style of the room must be supported by all the objects that are in it. The harmonious combination of all elements allows you to organize a comfortable room. Every family member will feel very comfortable in it.
Provence
This style favors rounded, rounded shapes. A Provence sofa must be made of wood or forged . If it is made of wood, it may have carvings on the legs and armrests.
Provence style
Advice
It is advisable to choose upholstery with floral prints in natural shades. Or you can use removable covers that match your style.
They can be:
- plain;
- made of cotton or linen;
- have a printed pattern.
Preference is given to small floral prints on a light, and often white, background. But there may also be checkered or striped upholstery colors.
This style favors rounded shapes
Preferred shades:
- white;
- baby blue;
- light mint;
- pink;
- lavender;
- olive;
- beige and others.
It is advisable to choose upholstery with floral prints in natural shades
Forged models of Provencal sofas should be equipped with comfortable pillows and seats.
Classicism
This sofa has a traditional appearance. The model chosen is strict, symmetrical, made in classic calm shades using noble materials.
Here it is possible to use wood carving and carefully polish wooden surfaces.
This sofa has a traditional appearance
In strict English interiors, the presence of gilding and decoration with monograms and monograms are allowed. Textile decor can be complemented with spectacular cords, fringes, and descending tassels.
Empire style
Pompous and very elegant, this style is suitable for spacious rooms with high ceilings.
An Empire style sofa can be placed in the kitchen only if the entire room is designed in this direction.
Empire - pompous style
Empire style is an outright flashy luxury that may not always be appropriate in the kitchen . An elegant, eye-catching sofa will be organic in stylish rooms, combining a kitchen with a dining room. A luxurious living or dining area would be most appropriate. It will allow you to separate the dining area from the stove, as well as work surfaces.
Empire style is outright flashy luxury
Country
Simple and eco-friendly, this style incorporates the colors of nature and the convenience created by ordinary things. Country furniture has simple shapes and is made of natural wood.
The sofa can be an ordinary bench, which is equipped with a soft mattress or several pillows for comfort.
Simple and eco-friendly style
Modern - modern classics
For a modern style kitchen, you can choose a sofa with a simple shape and a strict appearance. The upholstery is most often selected from leather.
Art Nouveau style
Scandinavian: white leadership
This direction is fashionable and popular. Its implementation is quite simple - natural light furniture is used. Upholstery – textile.
Minimalism
The most laconic of all the styles presented, minimalism does not require complex decorations or additional accessories. For a kitchen in a minimalist style, a simple rectangular shape is chosen.
The most laconic style
Art Deco: all attention to yourself
A bright sofa with a high back will not go unnoticed by guests in the kitchen. Such models are characterized by the absence of armrests and luxurious upholstery.
Art Deco style
Baroque is beauty. Worthy of a royal palace
A beautiful baroque sofa that looks like an antique piece of furniture should be made of velor or leather with a spectacular screed on the back.
Pop Art: test for creativity
Extraordinary individuals living in a dynamic world of bold decisions often choose pop art as an opportunity to express themselves and emphasize their understanding of the world. In this style, nothing can be with the prefix “too”; here any idea can be organically embodied in an unusual interior and find its place.
Pop art style
Pop art is characterized by reckless courage and light adventurism . A sofa of an unusual shape with a non-standard implementation is an option only for the brave.
What models can we talk about? These must be very impressive pieces of furniture. For example, sofas stylized as a racing car, airplane or woman's lips.
For extraordinary individuals living in a dynamic world of bold decisions
A pop art sofa may not necessarily be multi-colored, but also monochromatic. Leather or fabric can be used as upholstery.
Hi-Tech: chrome style
This trend is characterized by the use of only certain colors and the use of chrome elements. In this regard, purchasing a sofa in black, white or gray will be exactly the decision that is necessary to maintain style.
Chromed style
The presence of armrests is not a mandatory detail, but the chrome base is a highly desirable design feature. In this case, it is desirable that the legs are visible. It is permissible to emphasize the design with additional crossbars behind the backrest.
Small kitchen with sofa
Here you can put it in three ways:
- along the wall;
- in the corner;
- under the window.
The sofa along the wall is separated from the work area by a tall cabinet Source Roomester.com
Pull-out sofa in the corner, can be transformed into a double bed Source Blizko.ru
Sofa under the window when arranging a kitchen in a semi-basement Source Remontbp.com
The location along the wall suggests that the sofa is either between two pieces of other furniture, usually tall cabinets, or is located separately.
The sofa creates a niche for relaxation Source Vinterere.ru
The sofa accents the attention, without it the kitchen would seem empty Source Booking.com
In the second case, when choosing, you need to pay serious attention to the sidewalls - in this case they will be open and clearly visible. If it is located near the table and is used as a seat for dining, you need to choose one that has firm padding and a high seat height.
Leather upholstery and a narrow seat are suitable for a sofa on which to sit during lunch Source Mfc04.ru
Often in cramped kitchens, small couches or a sofa chair are used, which is short in length and can accommodate a maximum of two people.
Small but elegant sofa Source Joss-home.ru
A sofa is usually placed in the corner when it is necessary to equip a dining area. In this case, you can choose a soft corner and a table next to it. Typically these pieces of furniture are sold as a set.
Soft corner, complete with a sofa, two banquettes and a table Source narod-kuhni.ru
Kitchen-dining room and kitchen-living room
In a large spacious room, the kitchen usually plays the role of an island or peninsula, sometimes it occupies half of the room and a separate kitchen area is designed. The sofa here can play the role of a divider when it is located perpendicular to the wall and visually separates the kitchen part from the rest.
Cozy kitchen-living room, the room is divided by a sofa into two almost equal zones Source Starer.ru
You can place a sofa in the kitchen area in the same way as in a small kitchen. At the same time, it will need to fit into this zone both in style and functionality. However, more often in this case it is located in another part of the room, a dining or living area, or a separate recreation area.
In this interior, simple straight sofas are used more often than others. Corners are used not so often and only in cases where it is necessary to equip a dining area somewhere in the corner. Spacious mixed-type rooms allow you to place upholstered furniture and armchairs so that they are in a well-lit area.
How does it look in room design?
A window with a sofa instead of a window sill is relevant in any room. It is made both in children's rooms, in living rooms and even in kitchens.
Children's room
Arranging a sofa window sill in a nursery is often combined with a storage or study area. To do this, place two tall cabinets on either side of the window (in one of which you can organize a work desk), and leave space in the center for a low sofa area.
Important! When organizing a sofa window sill, be sure to take care of thermal insulation: double-glazed windows should not let in cold air from the street.
In the photo, window decoration in the nursery
Any child will like a seat on the windowsill: it is convenient to read books, play a game console, or relax in between doing homework.
If the window is wide enough, you can turn the sofa into a sleeping place for your child's friends who sometimes stay overnight. To equip an additional place to sleep, you will probably have to increase the width of the window sill and put an orthopedic mattress on it.
Living room
Installing a sofa window sill in the living room may not replace a full-fledged sofa, but it will become a comfortable space, dearly loved by every family member.
Turn this corner in your home into something special: for example, place books on the shelves under the window sill of the sofa, place a floor lamp nearby, and place a couple of pillows on the base for the window sill. You will have a cozy reading space where everyone will definitely want to spend a couple of hours with their favorite work. Do you agree that this option is much better than a regular window sill?
The photo shows a low structure under the window sill in the living room
Bedroom
The importance of creating relaxation areas in the bedroom is underestimated: many people think that a bed will be enough. But if you spend a lot of time at home or sometimes need privacy, a window sill in the form of a sofa in the bedroom will not be superfluous.
In the photo there is a sitting area in the bedroom
You can make a built-in seat across the entire width of the room, or place closets with clothes on either side of the window, and arrange a seat with soft pillows between them. Adjust your environment to suit your habits.
To do this, initially decide what exactly you are going to do on your windowsill sofa: read, work with a laptop, admire the view with a cup of tea or a glass of wine. In the first case, you need a lamp, in the second - a socket, in the third - a small table.
The photo shows a room with panoramic windows
Kitchen
In kitchens, sofas in window sills are rarely used, although they will help save space just as well as a bar table or work area by the window.
If the basis for creating a sofa is an ordinary window opening, the seat can even be built into the set. It will be convenient to relax on it while cooking and read recipes.
In the photo there is a soft corner in the dining area
If you are the happy owner of a bay window, it is logical to make a sofa out of the window sill for lunch and dinner, placing a round table next to it. Bay windows are good for their shape - they have a natural rounding, thanks to which the sofa will exactly follow the shape of the table.
The photo shows the design of the bay window
Balcony
The manufacture of window sills for sofas on the balcony differs in one important parameter: adjoining the room. In the case of a loggia attached to a room, the design of the window sill differs from the standard one only in size (balcony windows are larger than ordinary room windows). Its functional purpose depends on the room to which it is adjacent.
The photo shows a combined balcony with a room
If you want to place a window with a sofa instead of a window sill on a separate loggia, you can resort to tricks. For example, create spacious storage boxes inside a wooden frame. Or take up the entire width so that if something happens, a wide sofa and window sill can replace a guest sleeping place.
Important! The balcony must be insulated so that it can be used at any time of the year, in any weather.
Attic
In a private house there are more opportunities for placing a sofa window sill. For example, an attic. The windows here are in the roof, so usually there are simply no window sills - but if you make an unusual design right under the window, you will always have enough light for reading or other hobbies.
The photo shows a minimalist guest room
It happens that the window opening is located in the wall, between two slopes - this is also a good place for a bed. Sloping walls will serve as backrests, and beautiful views can open from the height.
The last option is a window in the wall under the slope. Due to the low height, standing or sitting in this place is uncomfortable, but lying on a comfortable couch is just right.
Check out some more interesting ideas on how to use a window sill in an apartment.
In the photo there is an office with a library in the attic
Disadvantages of a kitchen with a sofa
The main disadvantage is that the design of a kitchen with a sofa involves placing a rather bulky piece of furniture. It won't fit into every kitchen. In addition to the sofa, you will also need to place work tables, a hob or stove, a dining table, and a refrigerator. All these items should be placed first, as they will always be more useful than the sofa. However, for the happy owners of large kitchens this is not a problem.
There is simply no room for a sofa in a small kitchen Source Mirtesen.ru
The second drawback is the easily soiled surface of upholstered furniture. We have to refuse light-colored fabrics, on which all the stains are clearly visible. Splashes of grease, water and other sources of contamination will always be present in the kitchen. But you don’t always want to use a sofa with a leather surface that can be easily washed. And such a copy usually costs more.
How to choose a sofa
When choosing, you should consider the following things:
- size;
- purpose and functionality;
- color and style.
Size is a deciding factor, especially for a small kitchen. When choosing a kitchen design with a corner sofa, you need to carefully measure the area it will occupy and provide at least a centimeter gap from the walls and side pieces of furniture. For a straight sofa, the length is usually standard, especially if it is a book-shaped or pull-out sofa, and it is about two meters - depending on the design of the armrests.
If the sofa is folding, you need to know its dimensions both folded and unfolded. And also provide free space so that it can be easily disassembled and assembled. For example, for a sofa-book you should add about 40 cm of free space so that you can calmly stand next to it and assemble it. A little less space will be required for a small sofa chair that can be folded and unfolded from the side.
When choosing a sofa, you should pay great attention to how it will be used - as a relaxation area, as a seat during lunch, as a place for receiving guests. For relaxation, it is better to choose a soft sofa with a high back and a low seat, so that it is comfortable to stretch your legs, with a wide seat. For lunch, on the contrary, you need a harder, higher sofa so that you can sit comfortably at the table. The back doesn't play a big role here; a narrow seat can be used.
For guests, a sofa with durable upholstery is suitable, which, if you need an extra bed, can be unfolded. When choosing a dining area, you need to take into account the number of people who can fit at the table, taking into account additional banquettes or stools. Each person must have at least 60 cm of seat length.
The color and style must match the overall style of the kitchen. You should pay more attention to the side surfaces; as a rule, they will be clearly visible in the kitchen. It is necessary that these surfaces also correspond to the overall design of the room, and not just the front part.
