The Best Settees Are Just the Right Size for Small Spaces

The best settees are the ones that give your space character, combining a sleek, high-back silhouette with a perch for a little tête-à-tête. These (usually) upholstered mini sofas typically have high arms too, but some modern versions go armless for a contemporary feel.

Don’t confuse settees with loveseats or chaise longues, as this silhouette has a more structured, compact profile that doesn’t skimp on style. If you need a refresher, you’ll likely spot a Regency-style settee on the set of Bridgerton.

These petite sofas are a perfect addition to a reading nook, a spot for a quick chat in the entryway, or even a statement piece that anchors the art hanging above it. Here, eight settee styles that channel elegance without stuffiness.

Our top picks for the best settees

• Best Budget-Friendly Pick: Pottery Barn Josie Sofa, $499
• For Cottagecore Elegance: Stoffer Home x Cloth and Co. Thelma Settee, $1,770
• Best Outdoor Option: Anthropologie Sienna Rattan Wicker Settee, $1,898
• Best Classic Style: McGee & Co. Philippa Settee, $2,364
• Best Design Classic: Knoll Womb Settee, $8,995

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Stoffer Home x Cloth and Co. Thelma Settee

$1,733 $1,581 (9% off)

Wayfair

We’ve been leaning into cottagecore, and this Cloth and Co. Thelma settee has all the right moves—stripes, hand-upholstered linen, ruffles, and a cloud-like cushion. Since this version doesn’t have arms, it has a more contemporary look that won’t make the piece look like it was dug up from your grandma’s basement.

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West Elm x Pierce & Ward Bentwood Sofa

$999

West Elm

A touch of Regency style never hurt anyone. For any room that lacks a little je ne sais quoi, look no further than Pierce & Ward’s new collection for West Elm. One highlight is this bentwood settee, a vintage-inspired piece that uses sustainably sourced wood for the curvy arms. Unlike other more structured settees, this one has a concave back with tufted detail.

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Anthropologie Sienna Settee

$1,898

Antrhopologie

Don’t let the interiors have all the fun. The Anthropologie wicker rattan settee is just what your outdoor setup needs. Imagining the sculpted silhouette nestled against a rose bush is like something out of a Jane Austen novel. Toss on a few throw pillows for an alfresco nest where you hole up all summer long.

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Knoll Womb Settee

$8,995

Design Within Reach

The iconic Knoll Womb chair also comes in a cozy settee that adds a burst of personality to any room. It comes in more than 130 colorways that include lime ultrasuede, crimson bouclé, and a small brigade of neutral and grey hues (should you want to tone down the design). We feel that it’s the perfect conversation piece to place in a spacious entryway or just beneath the stairway. Add a Saarinen side table, and you’ve got yourself a little midcentury-modern oasis in the making.

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McGee & Co. Philippa Settee

$2,698

McGee & Co.

The fringe detail of the McGee & Co. Philippa settee is subtle and special, pairing well with the oatmeal-and-ivory striped linen upholstery of the seating. One reviewer called it “stunning” and we are not one to disagree. Place it at the foot of the bed or create an artfully designed alcove by framing it with a standing lamp, a small table, and a pillow or two. It’s all ready to ship, so what are you waiting for?

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Pottery Barn Josie Sofa

$499

Pottery Barn

The Pottery Barn Josie, with its delicate roll arms, is elegance upholstered. You’ll sit prim and proper on the cushion supported by no-sag steel springs. We’re partial to performance casual chenille, which has a rub count of 50,000 so you can invite friend after friend after friend without worrying about it wearing out.

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Cobble Hill Saratoga Settee

$1,695

ABC Carpet & Home

Textured velvet upholstery in mauve may be the way to go with this comfy gem of a settee named after Brooklyn’s historic Cobble Hill neighborhood, especially if you add it to a bedroom. The design will work particularly well in a large space that could use a bit of separation, creating a suite vibe, or in a breakfast nook as a dining bench.

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Blu Dot Bloke Sofa

$2,595 $2,076 (20% off)

Blu Dot

A settee with extra support for your back? Yes, please. The Blu Dot Bloke style mixes old-world design ideals with a modern silhouette that sees a curvy banquet-like back tacked onto powder-coated steel legs. It comes with high-resiliency foam seat cushions that give it just the right amount of bounce without feeling too stiff. It also comes in three neutral colorways (grey, blue, and stone), but if you want to make a statement, spring for the ochre velvet hue.