With Australian property prices driving many people toward apartments and smaller homes, making the most of limited space has become an essential skill. The good news is that a compact living room doesn't mean sacrificing comfort or style. With thoughtful furniture selection and clever arrangement strategies, you can create a welcoming, functional space that feels far larger than its square metres suggest.
This guide explores how to choose the right sofa for small spaces, along with design strategies that help maximise both comfort and visual space in your home.
Choosing the Right Sofa Size
The sofa is typically the largest piece of furniture in a living room, so getting the size right is crucial in a small space. Many people make the mistake of choosing a sofa that's too small, thinking it will make the room feel bigger, when in fact a too-small sofa often looks out of proportion and still doesn't leave enough floor space for comfortable traffic flow.
The Perfect Fit Formula
Rather than automatically downsizing, focus on finding the right proportions. Your sofa should be approximately two-thirds the length of the wall it sits against (or the designated seating area in an open-plan space). This creates visual balance while leaving enough room for side tables or floor lamps.
For genuinely tight spaces, look for sofas with a shallow depth (under 90cm) rather than just a short width. A narrower depth frees up valuable floor space while still providing comfortable seating for most adults.
Best Sofa Styles for Small Spaces
Loveseats and Apartment Sofas
Loveseats (typically 130-160cm wide) and apartment sofas (160-180cm) are specifically designed for compact spaces. Modern versions offer comfortable seating for two to three people without overwhelming a small room. Look for designs with clean lines and raised legs that create visual lightness.
Armless or Single-Arm Sofas
Removing one or both arms can save 15-30 centimetres of width without reducing the actual seating area. These sleek designs work particularly well in narrow rooms or when you want to place a sofa near a doorway or traffic path.
Modular Seating
Modular sofas consist of individual sections that can be arranged and rearranged as needed. This flexibility is invaluable in small spaces, allowing you to adapt your seating to different situations, from daily use to entertaining guests.
Sofa Beds and Sleeper Sofas
If your living room doubles as a guest room, a quality sofa bed eliminates the need for a separate guest bed. Modern sofa beds have come a long way from the uncomfortable, cumbersome designs of the past, with many offering genuine sleeping comfort and attractive daytime aesthetics.
- Raised legs: Create visual space and make cleaning easier
- Slim arms: Reduce overall width while maintaining comfort
- Storage: Built-in storage compartments maximise functionality
- Light colours: Make the sofa feel less visually heavy
- Low backs: Allow light to flow and don't block sightlines
Strategic Furniture Arrangement
Float Your Furniture
While it might seem counterintuitive, pulling furniture away from the walls can actually make a small room feel larger. A sofa placed a few centimetres from the wall, with a console table behind it, creates a sense of depth and purpose. The space behind becomes functional rather than dead.
Create Zones
Even in a small open-plan space, define distinct areas for different activities. Use your sofa to create a clear boundary between the living area and dining or kitchen zones. This organisation makes the space feel more intentional and often more spacious.
Embrace the Diagonal
In square rooms, placing furniture at an angle can create more visual interest and sometimes more practical traffic flow. A small sofa angled across a corner, paired with a couple of chairs, can feel more spacious than the same pieces lined up against walls.
Avoid lining all furniture against walls (this makes the centre feel empty), choosing dark, heavy furniture that absorbs light, overcrowding with too many pieces, and blocking natural light with tall furniture backs.
Visual Tricks for Expanding Space
Colour and Light
Light-coloured sofas reflect more light and feel less visually heavy than dark ones. This doesn't mean you're limited to white or beige - soft blues, greens, and warm neutrals work beautifully while maintaining an airy feel. If you prefer a darker sofa, balance it with light walls and plenty of ambient lighting.
Leg Style Matters
Sofas with visible legs allow you to see the floor beneath, creating a sense of openness. Choose legs that raise the sofa at least 10-15 centimetres off the ground. Skirt-style sofas that go to the floor, while traditional and elegant, can make small rooms feel more cramped.
Scale Your Accessories
Pair your compact sofa with appropriately scaled accessories. A coffee table should be about two-thirds the length of your sofa and low enough to maintain sightlines. Consider nesting tables or slim side tables rather than large, blocky pieces.
Multi-Functional Solutions
Storage Ottomans
A storage ottoman serves triple duty as extra seating, a footrest, and hidden storage for blankets, magazines, or gaming controllers. Choose one that matches your sofa or provides a complementary pop of colour.
Convertible Furniture
Look for clever convertible pieces designed for small space living. Sofa arms that double as trays, coffee tables that rise to dining height, or console tables that fold out into desks can dramatically increase your space's functionality.
Vertical Storage
When floor space is limited, think vertically. Tall, narrow bookshelves beside your sofa can store media, books, and decorative items while drawing the eye upward, making ceilings appear higher. Just be sure they're securely anchored for safety.
Before purchasing: Measure your space carefully, including doorways for delivery. Consider traffic flow paths. Test furniture in the showroom for comfort at the actual scale. Ask about compact or apartment-sized versions of designs you love. Check for storage features that add functionality.
Living Large in a Small Space
The key to successful small space living is prioritising what matters most to you. Do you frequently entertain? Look for flexible seating options like a compact sofa plus stylish stools that can be pulled out when needed. Do you prize relaxation? Invest in the most comfortable compact sofa you can afford, even if it means having fewer other pieces.
Remember that negative space, the empty areas in a room, is just as important as the furniture. Resist the urge to fill every corner. A thoughtfully curated small space with room to breathe will always feel more welcoming than a cramped room stuffed with furniture.
Final Thoughts
Small space living isn't about compromise; it's about making smart choices that maximise both comfort and functionality. The right sofa, paired with clever arrangement and space-enhancing design strategies, can transform even the smallest apartment into a stylish, comfortable home.
Take your time when furniture shopping, bring your measurements, and don't be afraid to think creatively. Sometimes the most successful small space solutions come from unexpected choices that perfectly suit your specific needs and lifestyle.