Every living room, regardless of its square footage, deserves a stylish and comfortable sofa. You’ll want to start by measuring the area you’re placing the couch into, which will dramatically narrow down your sofa search. Budget is also a key factor. Decide how much money you have to spend to help you zero in on choices you can afford.
When shopping for a sofa for a small space, you’ll want to keep form and function in mind to make sure every inch of the sofa counts. In regards to the type of sofa that will be best for your household, consider who will be using it the most. Will your living room need to frequently double as a guest room? If so, consider investing in a quality sleeper sofa. Do you need a sofa that can hold up to kids and pets? Wipeable leather sofas, slipcovers that can be thrown in the washing machine, and performance fabrics that can easily be spot cleaned are all great options, though you might want to avoid leather if you have pets because it’s easy to scratch.
Deciding on a form that will work best for your space can be a trickier task, seeing as certain styles can make a small room feel even smaller. For expert guidance, we tapped interior designers Bradley Odom, Jennifer Hunter, Caitlin Wilson, and Roxy Owens, founder and creative director of Society Social, for their best tips on finding the perfect sofa for small spaces.
What to Look For When Buying a Small-Space Couch
When searching for a smaller-scale sofa, Odom looks for sofas with thinner arms. “Wide arms add to the larger footprint without adding to the usable seat space,” he points out. Hunter looks for sleeker frames and prefers sofas with bench seating. “It tricks the eye into appearing longer by not breaking up the seats,” she says. Owens loves the versatility of a sleeper sofa, whether you’re placing it in a living room or office. Her tip? “Pay close attention to the dimensions of the sleeper mechanism when fully extended,” she warns. Wilson avoids bulkier options and chooses tailored sofas that make a stylish statement. Her go-to silhouettes? “I love using a settee or loveseat in a space where a larger sofa won’t work,” she says.
Whether you’re leaning toward a settee or sectional sofa, we’ve rounded up 12 options that run the gamut of style and function. To ensure there’s an option for every budget, we’ve also found affordable options starting at $280. Our personal favorite is the Castlery Hamilton Sofa ($1,899) for its clean lines and super-cozy cushions that you sink right into. Find your match ahead.