Forgoing a sofa in the living room is far more common than you think, if these HDB flats below are anything to go by. Instead of a conventional couch, consider a built-in daybed or some Japanese style floor cushions to bring in a little vacation vibe to your space. You won’t even miss having a sofa with these alternatives.
<h3 class="p1">1. A Slice of Japan </h3>
Pining for that holiday in Japan? A tatami-clad platform instantly converts your standard living room into a ryokan. Throw in a couple of floor cushions (with backrests for extra comfort) and you’re ready for that authentic Japanese tea ceremony experience.
<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-177423" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/No-Sofa-HDB-Living-Room-2.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="683" />
<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-177422" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/No-Sofa-HDB-Living-Room-1.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="683" />
Design: <a href="https://www.renonation.sg/professional/sync-interior-pte-ltd" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sync Interior</a>
<h3 class="p1">2. Open for Business </h3>
No need to go cafe-hopping when you can have your own cosy cafe right at home. This 2-room BTO ditched the traditional sofa for a cafe-setting complete with a variety of seating options. Whether you prefer a comfy window seat, a plush armchair or a table for two, this setup has it all.
<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-177425" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/No-Sofa-HDB-Living-Room-3.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="668" />
Design: <a href="https://www.renonation.sg/professional/weiken-com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Weiken</a>
<h3 class="p1">3. Dinner is Served </h3>
When space’s a crunch, combining two functions in one area seems like the logical step. This HDB did just that by putting their dining table in the living room and adding an L-shaped built-in dining banquette for extra seating. No one’s missing the sofa here, plus, you get to watch TV while you eat!
<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-177426" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/No-Sofa-HDB-Living-Room-4.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="683" />
<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-177427" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/No-Sofa-HDB-Living-Room-5.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="683" />
Design: <a href="https://www.renonation.sg/professional/charlottes-carpentry" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Charlotte’s Carpentry</a>
<h3 class="p1">4. Making it Work </h3>
For this designer who works from his 3-room HDB flat, a conventional living room setup wouldn’t be suitable. Instead, he opted to include a 3.8-metre long table that extends the entire length of the apartment, ideal for displaying blueprints and drawings during meetings with his clients.
<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-177428" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/No-Sofa-HDB-Living-Room-6.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="683" />
<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-177429" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/No-Sofa-HDB-Living-Room-7.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="683" />
<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-177430" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/No-Sofa-HDB-Living-Room-8.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="683" />
Design: <a href="https://www.renonation.sg/professional/932-design-consultants" target="_blank" rel="noopener">932 Design Group</a>
<h3 class="p1">5. Multiple Settings </h3>
In this Bukit Batok home, the design team created a studio-like setup by removing dividers. They built a platform that serves as both storage and a versatile piece of furniture, perfect for laying out a futon, concealing the guest bed, and setting up floor cushions for a cosy living room feel.
<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-177434" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/No-Sofa-HDB-Living-Room-10.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="683" />
<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-177435" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/No-Sofa-HDB-Living-Room-11.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="683" /> 
 
<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-177433" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/No-Sofa-HDB-Living-Room-9.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="683" />
Design: <a href="https://www.renonation.sg/professional/space-factor" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Space Factor</a>
<h3 class="p1">6. Get Bespoke </h3>
If you're trying to maximise space in a small home, a custom-made bench could be just what you need. Not only can you personalise the design to fit your style, but you can also pick a colour that complements your decor and include extra storage while you're at it.
<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-177437" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/No-Sofa-HDB-Living-Room-12.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="683" />
Design: <a href="https://www.renonation.sg/professional/jesigns-interior-design" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jesigns Interior Design</a>
<h3 class="p1">7. Step Things Up </h3>
You don't have to rely on a sofa to define your space when you can go for a platform instead! Platforms offer a ton of flexibility and versatility. You can easily create a lounge-ready area by adding beanbags, use steps for seats, or even build a bench on top to keep things varied.
<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-177438" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/No-Sofa-HDB-Living-Room-13.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="683" />
<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-177439" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/No-Sofa-HDB-Living-Room-14.jpg" alt="" width="683" height="1024" />
Design: <a href="https://www.renonation.sg/professional/knock-knock-studio" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Knock Knock Studio</a>
<h3 class="p1">8. Two Chairs are Better than One </h3>
There’s always the option of going for two ultra-inviting lounge chairs instead of one couch. The benefits? You get to maintain a more fluid living room configuration and easily swivel to enjoy your preferred view without needing to consult your partner.
<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-177440" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/No-Sofa-HDB-Living-Room-15.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="683" />
Design: <a href="https://www.renonation.sg/professional/ovon-design" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ovon Design</a>
<h3 class="p1">9. Adding a Daybed </h3>
Lounge chairs are awesome, but you may want to consider adding a daybed to really make the most of your HDB living room. It not only grants your guests more seating choices, but can also double as a bed for any overnight visitors.
<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-177442" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/No-Sofa-HDB-Living-Room-17.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="683" /> 
 
<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-177441" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/No-Sofa-HDB-Living-Room-16.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="683" />
Design: <a href="https://www.renonation.sg/professional/space-factor" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Space Factor</a>
<h3 class="p1">10. No Sofa, Got Bed</h3>
Who needs a sofa when you’ve got a bed built right into the living room? Talk about indulgence! Being set on a lower level, it also makes the owners' furry friends feel right at home and part of the space.
<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-177444" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/No-Sofa-HDB-Living-Room-19.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="682" />
<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-177443" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/No-Sofa-HDB-Living-Room-18.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="683" />
Design: <a href="https://www.renonation.sg/professional/renologist-interior" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Renologist</a>

No Sofa, No Problem: 10 Sofa-Less HDB Living Rooms

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