10 Simple Tips For Styling A Settee Like A Pro

Looking to squeeze sophisticated seating into a small space? Consider a settee. Originally found in grand manor halls, these petite sofas now lend refinement to modern homes. With a trimmed-down silhouette compared to bulky couches, settees squeeze stylish seating into tight spots. Their compact frame doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort or panache. From graceful rolled arms to plush cushions begging you to sink in, settees serve up coziness and class. Let this furniture classic infuse elegance into apartment, loft or studio. Show guests your exquisite taste by offering them a seat on your settee.

Creating a Welcoming Entrance

You can change your front entryway into an inviting space by positioning a settee against one wall. Enhance its appeal with carefully chosen accessories – a single piece of statement artwork above and perhaps one or two decorative pillows create an elegant vignette perfect for putting on shoes or setting down bags.

Designer tip: Position a slim console table behind the settee with a table lamp to create depth and ambient lighting. The space between the table and settee should be minimal, typically 2-3 inches.

The Art of Accessorizing

When accessorizing, resist the urge to pile too many pillows and throws. All of these items compete for attention, and can just be too much. Instead, try this minimalist approach professional designers swear by: choose one lumbar cushion to provide back support or a pair of small square pillows for visual interest. You can also elegantly drape a luxurious cashmere throw over one armrest. The key is keeping the accessories simple to let your beautiful settee shine.

For effortless styling, pick pillows that contrast with the settee’s upholstery – a tactile treat for your eyes. Think plush velvet pillows popping against breezy linen upholstery or silk pillows providing a decadent punch of texture on sumptuous velvet. The pairing possibilities are endless for adding a touch of everyday luxury.

Color and Pattern Coordination

When selecting accessories for your settee, follow the 60-30-10 rule:

• 60% should be your dominant color (typically the settee’s upholstery)
• 30% should be your secondary color (found in larger accessories like throws)
• 10% should be your accent color (present in smaller elements like piping or tassels)

For pattern mixing, stick to three patterns maximum:

• A large-scale pattern (such as a floral or geometric on the settee itself)
• A medium-scale pattern (perhaps in your throw pillows)
• A small-scale pattern (in subtle accessories or nearby decor)

Settee Placement Tips

A settee’s versatility makes it an exceptional choice for various settings:

Home Office Sophistication

• Position the settee against a wall with a sleek desk nearby
• Add a small side table for coffee or documents
• Install wall sconces above for task lighting
• Consider a settee with a higher back for proper support during long work sessions

Dining Room Innovation

• Ensure the settee height matches your dining table (standard height: 19-20 inches)
• Allow 24-26 inches of space per person when measuring for seating
• Consider a performance fabric for easy cleaning
• Add thin cushions for comfort without affecting height

Bedroom Luxury

• Center the settee at the foot of the bed, leaving 18-24 inches of walking space
• Match the settee’s width to approximately 2/3 the width of your bed
• Add a small ottoman or pouf nearby for additional functionality
• Consider upholstering in a fabric that complements but doesn’t match your bedding

Powder Room Elegance

• Choose a compact settee that doesn’t obstruct movement (ideally 36-48 inches wide)
• Select moisture-resistant fabrics
• Add a small mirror above for a functional vanity area
• Consider a settee with storage beneath for extra linens

Maintenance and Care Tips

To preserve your settee’s elegance:

• Rotate cushions monthly for even wear
• Vacuum upholstery weekly using appropriate attachments
• Address spills immediately with appropriate cleaning methods
• Consider professional cleaning annually
• Keep out of direct sunlight to prevent fabric fading

Scale and Proportion

The key to successful settee placement lies in proper scaling:

• Allow at least 18 inches of walking space around the piece
• Ensure artwork above is approximately 2/3 the width of the settee
• Keep side tables at or slightly below the settee’s arm height
• Consider ceiling height when selecting accompanying artwork or lighting

When styling a settee, it’s all about balance. You want to choose accessories that complement the settee so that it remains the focal point of your design. The key is not to go overboard. A settee can serve many purposes, from a statement piece in an entryway to functional seating in a dining room. Carefully selected accessories will allow the settee to shine while adding some visual appeal. For more like this check out our article comparison for a sofa to a settee.