A Guide to Sofas for Small Living Rooms
Words by Emma Hughes
September 23, 2023
|
5m
Many of us aim to be savvier with our spaces, making the most of what we have while still creating a wonderfully cosy setting. But this can feel like a difficult task when you’re choosing a sofa for a small living room, as there’s already limited space to work with.
Did you know modern houses are now 27% smaller than those built in 1970? That means less room for everything and the kitchen sink – never mind that sprawling sofa that can accommodate everyone in your family. Right? Well, there are ways to make it work. Our guide aims to provide plenty of helpful design inspiration for those working with smaller or awkwardly shaped spaces.
Contents
The best sofas for a small living room
Feeling constricted when choosing a sofa for a small space? You have more options than you might think. Here’s what to consider when browsing for your next sofa:
The largest single sofa possible
This may sound counterproductive, but a large single sofa in a small space becomes the focal point of the room and the beacon that calls for all to sit down and relax.
You’ll fill the space with comfy seats and spots to lounge, creating a living room that’s meant only for relaxing. Plus, a large single sofa optimises the area available, as a smaller sofa and chairs can result in dead space between them.
Corner Sofas
A corner sofa for a small living room is a fantastic option. These sofas fit neatly into corners and don’t require you to compromise on space. There are plenty of sleek and slender corner sofas available to choose from, along with a range of colours and styles. Squeeze them into the room, adorn with your cosiest throws and cushions and enjoy that smaller space with ease.
Sofas with low arms
Select a sofa with low (or no) arms to create the illusion of more space and a bigger seating area. You could also fit the sofa into those awkwardly shaped, smaller nooks in the room as there’s less overhang on the sides.
Sofas with legs
A sofa that’s lifted can create the illusion of more floor space, making small areas feel a little less cramped and more welcoming. Plus, you can even tuck storage underneath the chair to free up space elsewhere in the room. Seating and storage? Genius.
Modular Sofas
A modular sofa can be easily customised to work for your small space. You can select sofa sections that fit neatly into the shape of the room to meet your needs.
Chaise sofas
Another great sofa choice for small spaces, a chaise sofa provides comfortable seating with an additional area that can be used as a footstool or as another place to sit for guests.
Where to place a sofa in a small living room
For your small living room layout, you’ll want to carefully select an area to place your sofa. Choose an arrangement that meets your needs in terms of design and space allowance. Here are a few suggestions:
Tuck the sofa into the corner
You can create more floor space by tucking your sofa into a corner. We recommend measuring your space before buying your sofa to ensure that it will fit.
Use the sofa as a room divider
Create a cosier nook by situating the sofa in a spot that separates your lounge area from other spaces – like where the kids play or where you work from home.
Place the sofa against the wall
Similar to the corner method, ensure the sofa and other furniture are flush against the wall to maximise floor space.
Keep things symmetrical
Arrange your furniture in a symmetrical manner to create an organised and neat look. This can help to free up more space and add to the appeal of your living room.
Make your furniture float
Instead of pushing your furniture against the wall, centre it in the middle of the room to ‘let it float.’ This can help to create more breathing space and make your small living room appear bigger.
Does colour matter when choosing a sofa for a small living room?
When it comes to choosing a sofa for your small living room, colour definitely makes a big difference. Not only does it impact the look and feel of the room, but some colours can make a space appear smaller or larger than it is.
For example, neutral colours and lighter hues like grey, beige, light blue and cream can create the illusion of a large, open space. But don’t be put off completely by darker shades as these can used to create a cosy nook in your living space.
Tuck a navy sofa in the corner of your living room and add a dark grey rug with some dim lighting and moody art prints to create a fort-like feeling – perfect for evenings spent relaxing by lamp light.
Top tips for choosing a sofa for a small living room
Here we’ve rounded up a few tips to help you choose the right sofa for your small living room:
Measure your space carefully – Use a tape measure or some masking tape to map out the area where the sofa will go.
Check that the sofa can fit through your doors – The last thing you want is for your sofa to arrive and not fit through your door. Check the measurements before you go through with your purchase.
See the sofa in a showroom – Plan a trip to see your dream sofa in person to ensure that it’s the right fit for your small living room layout. But remember, sofas tend to look smaller in showrooms so don’t be tempted to push your limits and order something a little bigger.
Get the most out of your sofa – Opt for a multifunctional piece such as a sofa bed or sofa with storage to increase functionality.
Avoid adding too many cushions and throws – It can be tempting to pile a bunch of cushions and throws on your sofa, but this will just occupy more room in your small space. Create a minimalistic and therefore larger feel with fewer cushions and throws.
Frequently asked questions
Is it okay to put a sofa in front of a window?
It’s usually advised that you don’t place a sofa in front of a window to avoid blocking the natural light. However, if you need to feature your sofa here, opt for a design with a low back.
Do low sofas make a room look bigger?
Low sofas can help to make a room appear bigger by creating a feeling of openness between the furniture and the ceiling. They’re a great type of sofa for small spaces as the lower height can make the room seem more spacious.
How do you put two sofas in a small living room?
To comfortably fit two sofas in a small living room, arrange the furniture symmetrically and position them facing each other. You should also aim to place the sofas in the centre of the room to make them a focal point which guides guests to where they’ll be sitting.
How do you make a large sofa look good in a small room?
To make a large sofa look good in a small space, opt for a lighter colour scheme than elsewhere in the room – like the walls, flooring and other furniture and accessories. This should help to make the room appear brighter, open and welcoming.
How do I know if my couch is too big for my living room?
You’ll know that your couch is too big for your living room if you struggle to move around and the place appears cramped. To prevent this, never let the sofa occupy the whole length of the wall, leave a little space on either side.