Small Space Furniture Ideas from Pro Interior Designers
TL;DR:
- Choosing a small sofa for a small living room can be challenging due to limited space and layout constraints.
- Consider sofa dimensions, style, and budget when selecting a sofa for a small living room.
- Look for clean lines, slim arms, and light colors to visually open the space.
- Experts recommend multi-purpose sofas, like sleeper or futons, for small living rooms.
Ever feel like your furniture is playing Tetris in your living room? You're not alone. Cramming a comfy sofa into a small space can be impossible.
Whether looking for a sofa in a small apartment or a contemporary design loveseat for your home office, the challenge remains the same—insufficient space, awkward layouts, and the impossible task of balancing comfort and free space. When choosing a good couch for a small space, you must be diligent in understanding the dimensions of your room and the functionality you need from your sitting solution.
The good news is that there are hundreds of options to choose from when it comes to small sofas. The bad news is that there are hundreds of options to confuse you during your search. In this article, we've gathered our best sofa choices for small living arrangements. Our team has reviewed dozens of sofas for frame quality, fabric performance, cushion firmness, and functionality and delivered the list to make your search easier. You deserve a comfy sofa for your living space despite the limitations of your seating area.
Best Small Couch Overall: The Lido Sofa
- Brand: Albany Park
- Price: Starting at $1,309
- Dimensions: 75"W x 32"H x 37.5"D
Albany Park's Lido sofa offers a modern aesthetic with its light design and slim legs. This space-saving piece is a perfect small couch for apartments or smaller living areas, yet its wide cushions ensure ample comfort for relaxing. Whether you prefer the timeless elegance of natural linen fabric or the cozy comfort of plush velvet upholstery, the Lido sofa's eight fabric options let you personalize your space. The result is a comfortable, lounge-worthy loveseat sofa that offers strong, built-for-a-lifetime support. For those who love Lido style but crave a more spacious option, Albany Park just released a 3-seater sofa.
The Albany Park Sofa is made to stand up to pets and kids with flame-retardant-free fabrics and PFAS-compliant fabrics. Plus, it’s easy to assemble yourself, even if you don’t know your way around a toolbox. Knowing many of their customers don’t stay in one place, this upholstered sofa is also designed to move with you. It won’t fall apart between apartment A and apartment B. This is one you’ll have for years to come.
Plus, Albany Park's customer service is top-notch, making the whole buying experience a breeze. Whether binge-watching your favorite shows, hosting friends, or enjoying a quiet afternoon nap, the Lido sofa effortlessly adapts to your needs.
Its lightweight design makes rearranging your space a snap, while the sturdy construction ensures it stays comfortable and supportive through years of use. Perfect for any small space, the Lido sofa is a good fit to elevate your living area.
Best Small Couch For Bedroom: The Range
- Brand: Burrow
- Price: Starting at $639 + fast shipping
- Dimensions: 60.5" L x 31" D x 28" H
“Burrow is one of my go-to brands when designing for small spaces, especially their Range sofa. The modular options make it simple to configure something that fits like it was made for each space,” says Castro.
We love the minimalist, clean-lined 2-piece one-arm sofa for a small space and for its flexibility. If you have a bit more room (or you move in the future!), you can add additional pieces thanks to Range’s Universal Modular Design feature. Burrow’s modular collections feature convertible sofas with loungers, accent chairs, reversible chaises, ottomans, and several other pieces to create the perfect seating arrangement for your space.
Even with the two-seater sofa, you can arrange the two pieces differently. That versatility is key in a small living room, particularly if you need to use your living space as a guest room or office.
Available in four stain-resistant, easy-cleaning microfiber fabric options and three leg colors, this sofa is customizable to your exact preferences. It also offers supportive, firm seat and back cushions that will stand up to heavy use.
What's even better? Burrow's Range sofa is shipped in easy-to-handle boxes and has a simple assembly process—no tools are required. You can go from box to binge-watching in no time!
Burrow takes pride in using sustainably sourced wood and non-toxic, eco-friendly fabrics, helping combat climate change while giving you a purchase you can feel good about. Plus, with Burrow's commitment to quality, you'll enjoy the comfort and style of your Range sofa for years to come. The Range small living room couch is a savvy investment for stylish, adaptable seating small living room couches.
Best Small Sofa For Bedroom: Tyler Sofa
- Brand: BenchMade Modern
- Price: Starting at $3,036
- Dimensions: 80” or 85” L x 37” D x 23” H
With two width options, 80” or 85”, the Tyler Sofa from BenchMade is a clean-lined small-space sofa perfect for lounging and lazy weekend days. Its low profile silhouette and chaise-inspired, button-tufted back add a touch of sleek sophistication to any room.
“The BenchMade Modern Tyler sofa with bumper is a top pick for a smaller space. It’s a unique piece of furniture, and the eye-catching exposed legs give a feeling of lightness to a smaller space. Plus, the bumper on your chosen side helps make the room look more open,” says Megan Torres.
The medium firm sofa has a high-density foam tight back and comes in fabric or leather upholstery with exposed wood legs. It has a lifetime warranty, so you can feel confident knowing it’s built to last.
Regarding great sofas for small spaces, The Tyler Sofa is not just about looks. It's designed for ultimate comfort, too. Whether stretching out for a nap or hosting friends for a movie night, this sofa covers you.
BenchMade Modern also offers a range of customizable options, so you can pick the perfect color, fabric, and leg finish to match your vibe. And with easy online ordering and white-glove delivery, getting your dream sofa has never been simpler.
Best Couch For Small Apartment: AllForm Loveseat
- Brand: Allform
- Price: Starting at $1,645
- Dimensions: 63” L x 38” D x 34” H
Allform comes from the team at Helix Sleep, so you know they know what “comfy” means. Even better, they also understand convenience. Their products are fast to ship, easy to put together, and require no tools for assembly.
While Allform is known for its variety of customizable modular sofas, the Allform Loveseat is a simple two seater, angular style that works with everything from mid-century modern to classic decor. With a pine wood frame and fiber high-grade poly memory foam cushions in nine performance fabric colors or top-grain protected leather options, these USA-made sofas are an awesome option for those who want a small space option that doesn’t sacrifice quality.
Plus, Allform's Loveseat is designed to adapt to your lifestyle. Need more seating? Simply add an extra piece or two to expand your setup.
This loveseat can keep up whether moving to a new apartment or just rearranging your current space. And don't worry about spills or stains... the performance fabric is easy to clean, making it perfect for homes with kids or pets.
With a lifetime warranty on the frame and a 100-day trial period, you can rest assured that Allform delivers comfort and peace of mind. It's the ultimate blend of style, flexibility, and durability for small spaces.
Review: Check out our review of the Allform sofa here
Best Couch For Small Living Room: Adams Loveseat
- Brand: Castelry
- Price: $1,099
- Dimensions: 72” L x 35.4” W x 33.1” H
The Castlery Adams Loveseat could be for you if you love the details. This cozy and compact sofa comes in four crowd-pleasing fabrics, but the real star is the sleek, luxe color options available for the legs. You can choose black, brass, or silver to complement your Pearl Beige, Dove Grey, Jet Black Velvet, or Indigo Blue fabric preference.
With a tailored and relaxed silhouette, plus comfortable, curl-up-with-them side pillows, the Adams Loveseat is a small space sofa that can grow with you. It boasts a deep seat, removable cushions, and a weight capacity of 661.4 pounds, making it a compact loveseat your guests can easily crash on.
Castro notes, “Castlery’s sofas are also pretty compact, yet have a standard look. The Adams Sofa comes in a few neutral fabrics and has a streamlined look!”
The Adams Loveseat is designed with durability, making it perfect for busy households. The sturdy frame and quality upholstery material ensure it can handle the hustle and bustle of daily life.
When it's time to clean, the removable cushions make the job easy. Castlery offers a 14-day return policy, so you can try it out and ensure it's a perfect fit for your space.
With its stylish design, customizable options, and practical features, the Adams Loveseat from Castlery is a small space hero that doesn't compromise comfort or style.
Best Small Living Room Sofa: Melrose Loveseat
- Brand: Apt2B
- Price: Starting at $1,678
- Dimensions: 68" L x 39" D x 34" H
The Melrose Loveseat has a commanding presence. Its low-profile square arms give you a place to set a book or, if you’re daring, perhaps you’ll perch a cup of tea on the wide armrests!
It measures only 68” across, but its personality is bolder. With exposed block legs that come in three options and over 57 choices for fabric colors, you can customize everything from a Peacock Velvet sofa with Espresso legs to a Green Apple tweed with Pecan legs. The possibilities are practically endless with the Melrose Loveseat.
This simple, made-in-the-USA sofa requires no tools to assemble, and it comes with a lifetime guarantee, making it ideal for nomads and apartment dwellers.
And we can't overlook the comfort level here! The Melrose Loveseat features plush, supportive cushions that make it perfect for lounging, reading, or even a quick nap. Its compact size fits snugly into smaller spaces without sacrificing comfort or style.
Apt2B also offers a risk-free 100-day trial, so you can test the Melrose Loveseat in your home and ensure it's the right fit. With free delivery and easy returns, adding chic, personalized comfort to your living space has never been simpler.
Best Comfy Couch For Small Space: Park Sofa
- Brand: Albany Park
- Price: $949
- Dimensions: 82" L x 35" H x 35" D
Available in eight color options, including Distressed Vegan faux Leather, Blue Velvet, and Boucle, and two leg options, black or gold, the sophisticated Park Sofa is one of Albany Park’s best sellers and a refined option for someone who’s looking for a timeless sofa couch that feels light and modern in a small space.
"One issue with traditional sofas is they are huge, unwieldy, and difficult to get in and out of spaces," explains Albany Park co-founder Darryl Sharpton. The Park Sofa, on the other hand, is sturdy and supportive, but, because of its exposed legs, low profile arms, and sleek silhouette, it doesn’t add to the visual weight of the room.
With mid-century styling and a luxe feel, this sofa looks like an investment piece. The 82” L will work in many small spaces but also won’t feel too tiny if you do find yourself moving to a larger home.
The Park Sofa is designed for easy assembly so that you can set it up in no time, no tools required. Plus, it features high-density foam cushions that offer the perfect blend of support and comfort. That means it's ideal for everything from entertaining guests to cozying up with a good book.
Albany Park also offers a 30-day trial, allowing you to make sure it's the perfect fit for your home. With its stylish design and practical features, the Park Sofa is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to elevate their small space without compromising comfort.
Best Small Modular Sofa: The Essential Loveseat
- Brand: Sabai
- Price: Starting at $1,295
- Dimensions: 62” L x 34” D x 32” H
"Requests for a loveseat were coming in from the start. In our customer surveys, it was our most requested item," says Phantila Phataraprasit, co-founder of Sabai, a New York-based BIPOC, women-founded furniture brand.
So Sabai developed the Essential Loveseat, a perfect fit for small spaces. It's crafted with responsible management in mind, featuring an FSC-certified wood frame, wooden legs from domestically sourced maple, metal legs made from non-toxic machined solid aluminum, and cushions filled with CertiPUR-US certified high-resiliency foam.
Their sustainability feature includes fabric options like recycled velvet and upcycled poly, all crafted with care for the environment. At 62” wide, this apartment-size sofa is ready for the tiniest studio apartments and the most sustainably minded small-space dwellers.
But the Essential Loveseat is incredibly stylish and versatile. It is easy to assemble and available in a range of fabric colors, so you can customize it to perfectly fit your decor.
Sabai offers a 30-day trial and hassle-free returns, ensuring you love your new sofa. Regarding modern small sofas, the Essential Loveseat is a standout choice for anyone looking to make a significant impact in a small space.
Best Small Leather Couch: Sven Loveseat
- Brand: Article
- Price: $1,599
- Dimensions: 34"H x 72"W x 38"D
If you’ve ever been on Instagram, you know the Sven, particularly that gorgeous leather loveseat version, even if you don’t yet know its name. The Sven is one of the Article’s most popular styles, and it’s available in a smaller, apartment-ready size with 2.5 or three seats. It has a sturdy corner-blocked wood frame, high-density foam with polyester filling, and loose seat and back cushions for ready-to-relax comfort.
Available in leather, velvet, and fabric options, this retro style feels like something out of a mid-century movie, with its stark lines, bolster pillows, and iconic tufting on the seat. To complete the look, all you need is a record player and a funky 1960s lamp.
Pair the Sven sofa with a matching ottoman that doubles as a coffee table.
The Sven Loveseat is easy to maintain, comfortable and durable. The leather options develop a beautiful patina over time, while the fabric choices are soft and resilient.
Assembly is a breeze and requires minimal effort, so you can start enjoying your stylish new sofa almost immediately. Article also offers a 30-day satisfaction guarantee and hassle-free returns, giving you peace of mind with your purchase.
Best Tiny Couch: Miller 55.9'' Upholstered Loveseat
- Brand: AllModern
- Price: $999
- Dimensions: 55.91'' W x 34.65'' D x 31.88'' H
The most petite sofa of the bunch, the AllModern Miller Upholstered Loveseat is just under 56” wide. With recessed arms and tailored cushions, it has an elegant, Scandinavian-inspired design that won’t overwhelm a small space or studio apartment.
The seat cushions are stain-resistant and removable for easy cleaning, making this the perfect loveseat for homes where the sofa is the home base for everything from eating to lounging to working from home. It has a solid wood frame and is available in four colors: Light Gray, Dark Gray, Venga Blue, and Cream.
What's even better is the versatility of the Miller Upholstered Loveseat. Whether you're enjoying a quiet evening with a book or hosting a friend for coffee, this loveseat fits the bill.
Its sleek design blends seamlessly with any decor style, while the plush cushions provide the comfort you crave. Plus, its compact size makes it perfect for tricky spaces where every inch counts. Assembly is a breeze, and with AllModern's commitment to quality, you can rest easy knowing your loveseat will stand the test of time.
Best Small Sleeper Sofa: Bristol Sleeper Futon
- Brand: Rove Concepts
- Price: $2,599
- Dimensions: 82” L x 37” D x 34.3” H
Forget the basic sofa beds and futons of your college days. The Bristol Sleeper Futon has a sculptural, sumptuous look, with sloping, geometric armrests and a bench cushion for a high-style home decor look. Available in four velvet and felt fabric options and brass metal or brushed steel legs, this versatile pull-out bed allows you to create a guest bedroom anywhere.
“I love the Bristol Sleeper Futon from Rove Concepts. By day, it functions as an extremely comfortable sofa, and at night, you can easily convert it into a double bed. It also comes in lots of different fabric and finish options,” says Simpson.
But the Bristol Sleeper Futon isn't just about style. It's designed for modern living. The easy-to-use pull-out mechanism lets you switch from lounging to sleeping in a snap, perfect for unexpected guests or cozy movie nights.
The high-density foam mattress provides excellent support for a restful night's sleep. Rove Concepts offers a 30-day return policy so that you can feel confident in your choice.
Hargrove
- Brand: West Elm
- Price: Starting at $1,444
- Dimensions: 68" L x 36.6" D x 32.7” H
Your coastal grandmother's dreams can come true with West Elm’s Hargrove Sofa. It blends simplicity and elegance with its solid, kiln-dried pine frame and ash wood base in a light Dune finish. The product details reveal cozy chenille and breezy linen fabrics, making it perfect for small spaces. Relaxed yet tailored, modern yet classic, it even comes with two throw pillows for those Sunday afternoon naps.
It also comes in two additional sizes if you have more room. Simpson says, “West Elm’s Hargrove Sofa is another favorite. It comes in three different sizes, the smallest being 68” wide so you can choose the best size for your space. I love the simple, clean lines and the exposed wood base, which adds a beautiful warmth to the design.”
What's even better is the Hargrove Sofa's versatility and durability. The removable cushion covers make cleaning a breeze, so you can keep your sofa looking fresh and new.
Plus, the solid wood frame ensures it will stand up to years of use. Whether curling up with a good book or hosting friends, the Hargrove Sofa offers the perfect blend of comfort and style.
With West Elm's commitment to quality and a range of fabric options, you can easily find the perfect look to match your decor.
What to Look for in a Sofa for a Small Space
Modular sofas can be an exceptional solution for small spaces because of their versatility and ease of use. Adding a modular ottoman can turn your small sofa into a sectional. Need an extra bed for your guests? Your small sofa can do that too! From a loveseat couch to a futon sofa bed, you have many options. Once you've mastered the dimensions of your room, consider the functionality you need from your furniture. Do you have pets or kids? The performance fabric or leather option makes cleaning a breeze. Movie night is your quality time? The deep-seat option with an adjustable backrest offers additional stretch room with a minimal takeaway from your space. Need more storage room? You will love the built-in storage options. Here's what else to consider.
Accessibility
Measurements can be deceiving, and for anyone who’s ever called a sofa repairman, you know that an entire business model relies on your inability to know whether an apartment sofa will fit through your front door. That’s why McDonald says, “When designing for my clients with smaller spaces, the first thing that I do is ensure the sofa can fit through hallways and then into the room. I want to ensure that whichever sofa I select will fit through the entry doors, hallways, elevator, and stairwells.”
Particularly in city apartments or older homes, this can be a struggle. McDonald adds, “It's something my clients don't often think of, but I have seen too many homes where people struggle to get the oversized sectional into an elevator or up a narrow staircase — this happened to my neighbors this week!”
Budget
Sofas are one of the biggest living room furniture purchases you will make, and if you’re in a small space now but don’t plan on being in one forever, it can be painful to sink major dollars into a tiny sofa. There are two ways to accommodate this dilemma. The first is to buy a modular sofa to add later.
The second is a bit more straightforward. “I ask my clients if they will reside in that smaller space for five years or more. If so, they can go with a more high-quality sofa. If it's less than five years. I tend to suggest budget-friendly sofas as the clients may possibly be living in a larger space that will require larger furniture in the future,” says McDonald.
Sofa Dimensions
The #1 tip when choosing a small sofa or small sectional sofa is to choose the right size. You want to maximize your space and seating, but you want a room with a sofa, not a room that a sofa. “When it comes to the size of your sofa, the right size sofa should anchor the room, not consume it. To keep your sofa proportional to the room, the length of your sofa should not be more than 2/3rd the size of your space. For example, if your room length is 120” long, then you want to keep your sofa at around 80”,” says Patrician. Also, be aware that if you’re opting for a reclining sofa, you need to account for the space it’ll take up when fully reclined.
Choosing the right sofa size could also mean making the most of your square footage by opting for a proportional sofa but pairing it with complementary furniture. “Make sure the sofa fits proportionally within the space. Many people make the mistake of picking the largest possible piece of furniture to seat more, but this can look clunky and too oversized. A smaller sofa paired with a chair or two can accomplish the same thing but look better in a small room,” explains Megan Torres.
But don’t think that more is more, or you could end up with a cluttered space that feels smaller. Castro recommends, “To avoid making the space feel crowded, don’t try and bring in multiple pieces of smaller scale furniture. Instead, opt for a standard size sofa and fill in any other corner with a minimal chair. This will allow you to maximize seating in your room, without making the space feel tight with lots of pieces.”
Sofa Style
With size and budget nailed down, now comes the fun part. Styles for small sofas, small sectionals, chaises, settees, and more are limitless, but not every style will work in every room. Some looks are better reserved for large, grand spaces, while others let a small space show off and appear bigger than it is. You can have a ball with color options, fabrics, and upholstery, but Joyner recommends, “When choosing a sofa for a small space, keep your lines clean. Forget the rolled arms and high back, go for a sofa that is super tailored.”
Speaking of rolled arms, another reason, beyond aesthetics, to leave those in larger rooms is the square footage they take up. “While most of us can determine the correct size of couch needed, it is important to note that many sofas have large, rolled arms. These arms can take up to 12 inches in space of which could be otherwise used for an end table. As a result, selecting a slim-armed sofa provides more seating space,” says McDonald. If it’s not adding to the comfort, let it go.
A light and airy look with clean lines will take up less visual space in a room, which is why so many small space sofas have a mid-century-inspired look. Megan Torres says, “One tip is to pick a sofa that sits up higher on thin legs. Visually, this will make the room look larger and the sofa will look lighter. Or, look for a sofa with a bumper on one end, rather than an arm, as this helps to open up the room.”
Are you looking for something different? Modern sofas offer a charming, vintage vibe and sleek, clean lines for a contemporary touch. “Apart from size, you might want to consider functionality.
If you're dealing with limited space, you may want a sofa that can double as a guest bed. In this case, look for a sofa with a flat back, similar to a futon style or a sofa with a pull-out mattress,” explains Simpson.
Additionally, “Try choosing a fabric color that blends in with the walls so it doesn’t feel like taking up a huge chunk of the room. If your walls are white or simply a light color, opt for a lighter-colored sofa so it visually feels like it's blending in with the rest of the space,” says Castro. Add color and pattern through throw pillows, blankets, art, and more. Let your sofa serve as the backdrop and the foundation of the room.
Small Space Sofa FAQs
Which type of sofa is best for a small living room?
With a small living space, versatility is key. Your living room sofa may need to serve as a workplace during the day, a lounging spot in the evening, and a guest bedroom on the weekends. “The best type of sofa is multi-purpose, such as a sofa that converts to a bed at night,” explains Simpson. Consider a futon, sleeper sofa, or at a stretch a sleeper sectional for your small living room.
Can a corner sofa work in a small living room?
There’s no one straight answer! Castro says, “There are many modular corner sofa options out there. Corner sofas maximize seating and look visually appealing in rooms with much wall space.” A corner sofa can help open up your room and give you more floor space, maximizing spaces to lounge and making it more comfortable for a group to sit down.
However, Simpson offers a differing opinion. “It depends on the size and configuration of your space. Sometimes a corner or “L-shaped” sofa can feel constricting in a small space if there are arms on each end. In some cases, it’s better to go with a chaise style sofa that feels more open and airy,” says Simpson.
