Quick DIY: Turn Two Cheap Chairs into an Armless Loveseat

We’re juggling a few projects today, but wanted to share a simple, budget-friendly idea you can do with pieces you already own: creating an armless loveseat by combining two inexpensive chairs. Several people have asked where the armless loveseat in our living room came from. It isn’t a store-bought sofa at all — it’s just two of our old Dolce chairs pushed together, with two Ikea faux sheepskins draped over the seam to make them look unified and cozy.

Placed side by side and covered, they read as a single armless loveseat. Here’s how they look when joined together:

Why this trick works

There are a few simple reasons this hack feels intentional and functions well as seating. First, positioning the front legs on a rug keeps the chairs from sliding apart during everyday use. The rug provides enough friction that the individual seats stay snug. Second, the faux sheepskin hides the seam and creates a continuous visual plane, so two separate pieces read as one cohesive unit. It’s an inexpensive way to get the look and comfort of an armless loveseat without spending for new upholstery or a custom piece.

Quick tips if you try this at home

• Use a rug: Setting the front legs of both chairs on a single rug helps prevent shifting and adds stability.
• Temporary or permanent: If you plan to keep the chairs together long-term, consider fastening them underneath with metal L-brackets for a more secure connection. For a temporary setup, the rug and overlap are usually enough.
• Cover the seam: Faux sheepskins, a single throw, or a tailored slipcover will conceal the gap and make the pair look intentional.
• Match heights: Make sure both chairs are the same seat height and depth so the joined seating is comfortable and even.
• Consider cushions: A long lumbar or bench cushion across the seam can add comfort and help blend the two pieces visually.

When a temporary solution makes sense

Right now we’re keeping this setup simple because upcoming changes — like Karl’s arrival — could alter the living room layout. Since the future layout may shift, we don’t want to permanently modify the chairs just yet. Keeping the solution reversible lets us experiment without committing to hardware or major changes. If the configuration proves useful, adding brackets or a permanent slipcover can turn it into a semi-permanent or permanent seating option.

Design and lifestyle notes

Working with what you already own can be a creative and satisfying way to solve small space or budget challenges. We have an ever-growing to-do list and frequently move between rooms and different projects, so flexible solutions are essential. Taking things one day at a time helps; rather than stressing about every pending task, we try small, practical fixes that improve daily life immediately.

This loveseat idea is a reminder that good design doesn’t always require big budgets or complicated work. With a little creativity, two thrifted or inexpensive chairs and a couple of well-placed throws can give you the look and function you want while keeping options open for future updates.

If you decide to try this, start by positioning the chairs together, place both front legs on a rug, drape a long throw or two faux sheepskins over the seam, and adjust cushions for comfort. It’s a low-effort, high-impact way to refresh your living room and test a layout before committing to more permanent changes.