When redecorating your living space, it’s essential to select sofas that complement the new room’s dimensions. Selecting the ideal sofa will create a focal point in the room rather than taking up too much room.

Avoid tall, puffy sofas that take up too much room and create an atmosphere of being cramped and enclosed. Instead, opt for a low-back sofa that opens up the space and makes it appear wider.

Size

In a small living room, the sofa can often be the main attraction. This furniture piece has an enormous impact on the style of the rest of the space, so make sure that it complements and matches your interior design scheme.

Your sofa’s size will determine how many seats are available in your living room. A sofa that’s too large may feel overwhelming and make the space appear small; on the other hand, selecting a smaller couch that feels comfortable and stylish can make good use of limited space.

Depending on how your living room is used, you can opt for a sofa that’s either more spacious or compact, such as this three-seater from Brosa (opens in new tab). This style works great in small living areas due to its raised legs, clean lines and low back.

Another option is a loveseat, which often accommodates more people than standard three-seater sofas. According to Ideal Home’s Amy Cutmore, these seats typically sit on the floor and can be pushed up against a wall for extra seating without compromising your room’s aesthetic. Charlie Marshall from Loaf (opens in new tab) concurs: ‘Loveseats provide additional convenience without compromising aesthetic value.”

For maximum comfort, opt for a sofa that features low, thin arms rather than high ones. Doing so helps avoid the ‘boxy’ sensation that larger, thicker sofa arms may induce.

To create a cohesive design, opt for neutral colours in the sofa design. Additionally, pay attention to details like buttons, curves and fluting – these can add visual interest and give your sofa more personality.

When designing a small space, opt for furniture that creates an airy and light atmosphere. This can be achieved by selecting simple shapes like couches with straight lines or using fabrics such as linen that are lightweight.

Finally, remember that a sofa should be both functional and visually appealing. Whether it’s going to serve as your main seat or additional seating, make sure the piece you select is comfortable and long-lasting so it can last for years.

Style

Sofas are a staple item in any living room, and there are plenty of styles to choose from. Whether you live in an apartment or large house, finding the ideal sofa for your space can be tricky.

If you’re trying to add a sense of spaciousness in your small living room, an exposed-leg sofa like the Tyler sofa from BenchMade can help open up the area and make it seem less closed off and cramped. This contemporary piece boasts an eye-catching exposed wood frame and comes in fabric or leather options.

Another great choice for smaller living rooms is a loveseat or snuggler sofa. These pieces are 30-40cm shorter than standard two-seaters and provide you with the freedom to try out patterns or bold colours.

Gisela from Sofology recommends a small love seat as the ideal place to curl up with a book, watch a movie, or have coffee with friends. Its curved design allows you to add accent pillows and throw blankets for additional comfort without making your sofa seem cluttered.

When decorating a small area, try opting for a fixed back instead of one with tufts or rolls. According to Ideal Home’s Amy Cutmore, “it provides the room with an organized outline and makes the overall appearance appear more streamlined.”

When limited space is an issue, Simpson suggests opting for a low-back sofa. “High backs can be overwhelming and overshadow the rest of your furniture,” she advises.

In a narrow living room, tall sofas with high arms may feel crowded and constricting. According to experts, high backs make it harder for people to see across the sofa, which could be an issue in small spaces where you want a more open vibe.

When selecting a sofa, take measurements before you shop. Doing this will guarantee that you get the ideal size sofa for your small living room.

A three-piece sectional is an ideal choice for a small living room, as it provides plenty of seating without taking up too much room. Usually, these pieces have an L shape which helps define your layout and frees up room for other furniture such as shelves or tables.

Fabric

When designing a small living room, the fabric of a sofa is an integral factor. Not only should you consider your lifestyle and design preferences when making this choice, but also make sure it’s durable enough for everyday use.

Before purchasing a sofa, take into account who will be using it regularly. Are you entertaining large groups of people or spending quality time with your family? If there will be children and pets around, make sure the fabric of your couch can withstand regular heavy usage.

For instance, if you host parties in your living room and guests tend to drink wine, then opt for fabrics that can handle spills. Cotton or linen are both stain- and water-resistant options; choosing one will depend on the setting.

Another important consideration when selecting upholstery fabric is the weave type. Tighter and denser weaves tend to be more durable, so if you need something with greater longevity, twill or satin weave might be your best bet.

You have the option of selecting from a range of natural and synthetic fibers woven together to form a durable sofa fabric. Popular choices include wool, silk, and polyester.

Each sofa fabric has its own distinct qualities and advantages, so it’s essential to understand the pros and cons before shopping for a new couch. Natural fabrics like wool can be extremely comfortable and long-lasting but they come at an expensive cost. On the other hand, polyester microfiber is highly durable yet can be woven to resemble natural fibers such as suede.

If you’re on a budget, cotton-blend fabric may be your ideal option. Cotton blends are durable, wrinkle-free and pill resistant – ideal for frequent sofa use!

If you’re searching for a fabric that will blend in with your current decor, cotton-blend sofas make an easy addition. Alternatively, add color and personality to your room by opting for bold and beautiful materials like velvet.

Storage

Small living room sofas come in a range of styles and sizes to help you find the perfect fit. Although these may be more expensive than standard couches, you’ll save space and make your living area appear cleaner and tidier.

Create a sense of harmony in your room with sofa designs featuring built-in storage. These pieces are lightweight and easy to move around, helping keep your living area neat, tidy and clutter free.

Another practical storage solution is wall shelving. They’re perfect for storing books, accessories and accents without taking up floor space, plus they help break up large furniture pieces to give the room a more spacious feel.

For even more storage, try accent cabinets that can serve as both space-savers and stylish decor elements in your room. These units come in a range of colors and finishes to match your decor perfectly.

If your room features a bay window or other awkward area, consider making it into an alcove storage or reading nook idea, suggests Jennifer Ebert from Homes & Gardens’Digital Editor. Not only will this provide extra storage capacity, but it will also make the room appear larger overall.

When selecting colors for your sofa, light shades can help the space appear larger and airier. Steer clear of dark hues as they tend to make spaces feel closed in. Instead, opt for muted tones like beige, gray, or soft green for a soothing effect.

A low cabinet under your TV can keep electronics out of sight while keeping your living room tidy. This could be an ideal spot to store media equipment like the television, DVD player and gaming console.

Create your own DIY storage bench using materials found around the house. These benches can be used for hiding a variety of items, such as blankets, pillows and clothing.

Finally, search for sofas with multi-purpose features that can double as either a sleeper or guest bed. These are ideal for small spaces as they free up floor space while enabling you to host overnight guests when needed.