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A semi-circular sofa can mean two very different pieces of furniture. The first is a semi-circular dining bench that sits around a round or oval dining table. The second is a lounge sofa with a curved seat for the living room. They differ in seat height, seat depth and the space they need, so it pays to decide first which of the two you are looking for.
Search online for a semi-circular sofa and you will see dining benches and lounge sofas mixed together. That is confusing, because the two are hardly interchangeable. Below we set out the differences and look at the dimensions you need.
What is the difference between a semi-circular dining bench and a round lounge sofa?
The biggest difference is the seat height. A dining bench has a seat height of around forty-five to fifty centimetres, so you sit comfortably at a table of seventy-five centimetres. A lounge sofa sits lower, often around forty centimetres, and has a much deeper seat.
That depth is the second difference. A dining bench is about sixty-five centimetres deep, just enough to sit upright. A lounge sofa goes up to a hundred centimetres or more, because you sink into it rather than sit on it.
The third difference is the backrest. On a dining bench it is upright; on a lounge sofa it leans back. At the table, a reclining back leaves you uncomfortably far from your plate.
When should you choose a semi-circular dining bench?
A semi-circular dining bench works best with a round or oval table in a corner of the room. The curved shape follows the edge of the table, so everyone sits at the same distance and you are not left with any wasted corners.
It also gives you seating that loose chairs cannot. In practice, four to five people fit on a three-metre bench, whereas at most three chairs would fit in the same space.
Our Philip dining bench in the semi-circular version is an example of this, with a length of 330 centimetres and a depth of 85 centimetres. You will find more variants in the dining benches collection.
When should you choose a round lounge sofa?
A round lounge sofa works well in a living room where the seating area stands freely in the room. The curved shape turns the seats towards each other, which makes conversation easier than on a straight sofa against the wall.
It does need space on all sides, though. Place a curved sofa tight against a straight wall and you are left with two triangular gaps that you can no longer hide.
For this category, take a look at the sofas collection, which includes the curved lounge models.
How much space do you need for a semi-circular sofa?
For a semi-circular dining bench, allow for the length of the bench plus about eighty centimetres of walking space on the open side. With a 330-centimetre bench, that gives you a dining area just over four metres wide.
A round lounge sofa needs more, because the sofa has to stand free on several sides. As a rule of thumb, keep at least sixty centimetres between the back of the sofa and the wall, plus an eighty-centimetre walkway at the front.
Measure the route inside as well. A three-metre curved sofa rarely fits through a stairwell in one piece, which is why most models are made up of separate elements.
Does a semi-circular sofa fit in a small room?
It can, but then in the dining version. A semi-circular dining bench in a corner uses space that would otherwise stay empty, and that works particularly well in a tight room.
A round lounge sofa is usually the wrong choice for a small living room. It needs free space all around, and that is exactly what is missing.
How much does a semi-circular sofa cost?
| Type | Example | Price from |
|---|---|---|
| Semi-circular dining bench | Philip dining bench, semi-circular, 330 x 85 cm | € 2.325,00 |
| Round lounge sofa | Sara sofa | € 2.049,00 |
| Straight lounge sofa | Emma sofa | € 1.370,00 |
| Straight lounge sofa, compact | Bart sofa | € 1.162,00 |
Prices vary with the fabric group and the size. For dining benches the length makes the main difference; for lounge sofas it is mainly the number of elements.
Key points
- A semi-circular sofa means two things: a dining bench around a table, or a curved lounge sofa.
- A dining bench sits higher and shallower, a lounge sofa lower and deeper.
- The dining version gains space in a corner, while the lounge version needs space all around.
- For a dining bench, allow for the bench length plus about eighty centimetres of walking space.
- Check the route inside before you order a three-metre curved sofa.
Frequently asked questions
Can you put a semi-circular dining bench at a rectangular table?
You can put a semi-circular dining bench at a rectangular table, but it costs you seats. The bench curves away from the straight edge of the table, so the people at the ends sit further from the table. With an oval or round table, that is not an issue.
How many people fit on a three-metre semi-circular sofa?
In practice, four to five adults sit comfortably on a three-metre semi-circular sofa. Allow sixty to sixty-five centimetres per person, and bear in mind that the ends of a curved sofa are slightly less usable than the middle.
Can you order a semi-circular sofa made to measure?
With us, you can order a semi-circular sofa made to measure in shape, length, fabric and colour. Because we produce in our own factory in the Netherlands, we can match the curve to the table and the room it will stand in. For the options, take a look at inspiration and advice.
What is the difference between a semi-circular sofa and a corner sofa?
The difference between a semi-circular sofa and a corner sofa lies in the transition. A corner sofa makes a sharp ninety-degree angle, while a semi-circular sofa continues in a flowing curve. In a rectangular room a corner sofa fits more snugly; in an open space a curve looks calmer.
Which fabric is practical for a dining bench?
For a dining bench, a tightly woven fabric with a stain-resistant treatment is the most practical, because spills at the table are simply a fact of life. Textured fabrics hide crumbs and light stains better than smooth fabrics. Ask for samples in the showroom so you can lay them next to your floor and table at home.
Finally
Which of the two you need depends mainly on the room, not on taste. If you have a corner you do not use at the moment and a round table, the dining version is the logical choice. If you have an open living room with space all around, a curved lounge sofa really comes into its own.
If you are unsure about the dimensions, we are happy to help you measure in the showroom. Drop by one of our showrooms; no appointment is needed.
