At a Glance:
Important Couch Considerations
Choosing a Couch for Living Room Layouts by Size
Wondering what size couch for living room setups is suitable for your layout? Maybe you know the color palette and design style for your room, but you’re stumped on how to lay it out and what size and scale your furniture should be. Determining the right sofa can be tricky whether you need a sofa for small living room layouts or you’re furnishing a large living room. But never fear! In our sofa buying guide, we break down all the tips and tricks you need to understand the right sofa size for living room spaces of all sizes.
Learn the best takeaways as our experts discuss how to understand the right size for sofas based on design style, type of sofa, sofa measurements, and the size of your living room. And with a look at the latest styles, we can help you match the perfect look with the size for your space.
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The design style of your space, the type of couch you choose, and the actual sofa measurements all affect what size couch for living room settings is right for you. Check out these tips to answer your “how to choose sofa size for living room” questions.
By Style
When choosing a sofa, the style you opt for can significantly influence its dimensions and how it fits into your space. For instance:
- Mid-century modern sofas often boast slim silhouettes that effortlessly fit into walls and corners, making them ideal for compact living rooms.
- On the other hand, casual sofas prioritize comfort with oversized builds, offering ample seating that requires more room.
- Farmhouse-style sofas strike a balance, typically featuring large frames yet modest silhouettes, making them a versatile choice that works in most room sizes.
- Traditional sofas often feature elaborate frames and arms, and may not be the most accommodating for small spaces but can make a statement in open-concept or larger living areas where every inch is an opportunity to showcase style.
By Type
The type of sofa you choose also plays a crucial role in determining its dimensions and how it fits into your space. Sectional sofas offer flexibility but require ample floor space to accommodate their L-shaped or U-shaped configurations. And then there are chaise sofas, which feature an extended lounge component, adding extra length to the standard sofa dimensions. Similarly, recliner sofas demand additional clearance for reclining and footrest extension.
By Measurements
Measuring sofa depth, width, and height is essential to ensure a proper fit in your living space. Depth refers to the distance from the front to the back of the sofa, width measures the span from one armrest to the other, and height indicates the sofa's tallest point from the floor to the top.
Generally, small couches have a width of around 60” to 72” and a depth of 30 to 32 inches, medium-sized couches range from 84” to 88” in width and 32” to 36” in depth, and large couches may exceed 96” in width and have a depth of 36” or more.
Identifying sofa depth is an important part of mastering the scale of a sofa. Perhaps you choose a shorter version of a sofa you love because the original is too large and imposing in your room; if the shorter version has the same depth, you may have the same problem even though it’s shorter.
In terms of length, buyers often ask us, “How long should a sofa be to lie down?” To that, we recommend that a sofa be at least 84” long to comfortably lie down without your feet hanging off the edge. For taller individuals or those who prefer more space, opting for a sofa closer to 90” or longer would provide ample room for stretching out.
✅ Pro Tip:
Grab your tape measure and use painter’s tape to plan out your furniture placement on the floor. Make sure to leave at least 18” of space on either side of your sofa and follow our other spacing tips in the next section.
Learn more: Colder’s Ultimate Guide to Measuring Furniture
Important Couch Considerations
When planning your living room layout and assessing which couch for living room is best, here are a few more things to consider:
| Tip | Details |
|---|---|
| Follow the 2:3 Rule | The 2:3 rule refers to the idea that your couch should be ⅔ the size of your room. |
| Factor in and Walking Space | Leave at least 18” to 24” of a walkway between large furniture pieces. |
| Leave Space Between the Sofa and the Wall | Ideally, a sofa should have 3” to 5” of breathing room instead of being flush with the wall. |
| Use Your Sofa to Create Zones | Some living rooms combine living and dining into one or a seating and office space. In that case, you may switch up your living room arrangement to create a clear separation between the two zones. A sectional sofa is a great option for giving a living room flow and separation. |
| Pay Attention to Sofa Arms | Your couch might measure the right length and width to go with the side tables you choose, but did you take into account those bulky sofa arms? Carefully measure them to ensure there are no surprises when it comes to adding a sofa into your living room. |
| Consider Modular Sofas | A modular sofa is made of several rearrangeable pieces. This setup is ideal when you want a versatile layout that allows you to spread out when you’re hosting a large group or consolidate the furniture when it’s just your family. |
| Make Your Couch Do Double Duty | A sofa bed is a great way to incorporate sleeping space for guests into your home. During the day, no one would even know there’s a mattress tucked away in your chic sofa, but at night, you can pull it out and accommodate more guests. Of course, this requires measuring and making sure that your couch fits when the mattress is fully extended. |
Choosing a Couch for Living Room Layouts by Size
Wondering what size couch will fit in your room? Next, we’ll break down room and couch dimensions for small, medium, large, and extra large living rooms with this sofa size guide. Whether you’re looking for couches for small living room layouts, ideas for filling an extra large living room, or tips for making the most of a medium living setting, we’ll help you make sense of couch sizes and room dimensions.
Sofas for Small Living Rooms
In small living rooms (measuring 12’ x 12’ or 12’ x 14’), space-efficient sofa types and styles are key to maximizing comfort and functionality. Opting for a compact sofa build such as a loveseat or apartment-sized sofa helps make the most of limited square footage without overwhelming the room. Consider sleek and streamlined designs, like mid-century modern or contemporary styles, which feature slim silhouettes and clean lines to create an illusion of spaciousness.
Additionally, modular and sectional sofas with reversible chaise configurations offer flexibility arrangement, allowing you to customize the layout to suit the room's dimensions while providing ample seating for guests. We recommend browsing couches that measure between 60” to 84” such as these two couch for small living rooms.
Affordable Furniture Anna Blue/Grey Sofa and Chaise
Shop This Affordable Furniture Sofa Chase
This sofa is 82” long with a chaise for relaxing. We love the blue-grey color, which flirts the line between neutral and color. The simple silhouette and calming color are perfect for a contemporary or transitional design, so you can create a relaxed, clutter-free feel in your small space. Not only that, but the fabric is soft to the touch but easy to clean, which is great for homes with children and pets.
Best Home Furnishings Customizable Bayment Full Stationary Sofa Sleeper
Shop This Best Home Furnishings Sofa
This contemporary couch is only 69” wide—perfect for a small space! The two seat cushions are ample and complement its sleek silhouette that’s easy on the eyes. It’s also a sleeper sofa that you can pull out for overnight guests. The couch is customizable to suit all types of living room designs.
Learn more: The Perfect Fit: 5 Best Loveseats for Small Spaces
Sofas for Medium Living Rooms
For a medium living room (typically 12’ x 16’), you have more flexibility in terms of sofa types and styles. A standard three-seater sofa is a classic choice, providing ample seating without overwhelming the space. Alternatively, a sectional sofa with a chaise can be a great option, allowing for versatile seating arrangements while maximizing comfort.
Loveseat options are also suitable for medium-sized living rooms, especially if you want to incorporate additional seating without sacrificing too much floor space. In terms of style, consider transitional or contemporary designs that offer a blend of modern aesthetics with timeless appeal, ensuring that your sofa complements the overall decor of your medium living room. We recommend looking for medium-sized couches that range from 84” to 88” in width or slightly larger.
Palliser Furniture Customizable Corissa Sofa
Shop This Palliser Furniture Sofa
This sofa is a polished and sophisticated choice with customizable upholstery, sloped arms, and detailed piping. This 91” sofa delivers ample seating for friends and family on a look that pairs well with contemporary, transitional, or modern furniture pieces like a wood coffee table and simple side tables.
Signature Design by Ashley Parklynn Desert Sofa
Shop This Signature Deign by Ashley Sofa
This Signature Design by Ashley sofa has the look of a West Elm sofa without the high price tag. We love the all-around wooden base and the textured upholstery. The shape itself is simple and blocky, perfect for a modern or contemporary living room. The texture, warm neutral tone, and mix of wood and fabric also make it perfect for an eclectic or boho living room design.
Sofas for Large Living Rooms
In a large living room (typically 20’ x 20’), you have the freedom to choose from a wide range of sofa types and styles to suit the spacious environment. A sectional sofa is an excellent couch for large living room settings requiring maximum seating capacity. Opting for a large sectional with a chaise or ottoman provides luxurious lounging areas ideal for entertaining or relaxing. Additionally, consider a combination of sofas (you likely have enough space for two sofas under 240”) and accent chairs to add variety and visual interest to the space. Look for large couches that are 96” long or longer and you’ll be right on track to balancing comfort with scaling.
England Furniture Malibu Sectional
Shop This England Furniture Sectional
More space in your living room means more opportunities to gather with friends and family. This sectional has space for everyone, plus a chaise for stretching out on a layout measuring 106” x 148” x 38”. Best of all, this pick is customizable to your taste, so you can have the look and comfort in grand scale.
Signature Design by Ashley Lavernett 4-Piece Charcoal Sectional
Shop This Signature Design by Ashley Sectional
Another large sectional for gathering with friends and families, this arrangement is especially cozy with its soft-to-the-touch polyester upholstery. This is ideal for easy care, maintenance, and cleanup. The charcoal color and sleek silhouette easily adapt to your favorite design style and accent colors, whether you prefer an industrial modern or funky contemporary look.
Sofas for Extra Large Living Rooms
Any living room exceeding 20’ x 20’ provides full range to make a bold statement with a sofa choice. A large sectional sofa with ample seating capacity is an ideal option for filling the expansive space while providing comfortable seating for gatherings or family movie nights. Consider a modular sectional that allows for customizable configurations to suit various seating arrangements and preferences. Additionally, incorporating oversized sofas or a combination of sectional pieces and standalone sofas can add depth and dimension to the room. Opt for styles such as contemporary, modern, or even eclectic designs to complement the grandeur of the space while reflecting your personal aesthetic.
Benchcraft Ardsley 5-Piece Pewter Sectional with Chaise
Shop This Benchcraft Sectional
This 5-piece sectional features a chaise and super soft chenille upholstery and pillows. The neutral fabric and corner-blocked frame work well in a variety of styles whether you want to create a calming transitional design, a cozy farmhouse living room, or a modern retreat. In an extra large living room, we recommend creating a large conversation area that incorporates two accent chairs and a coffee table.
Learn more: Top 12 L-Shaped Sectionals for Wisconsin Homes
Figuring out what size sofa for living room is right can be tough, but hopefully, we’ve broken down sofa dimensions and room layouts based on common living room sizes to make your search easier. To explore the latest on-trend couches for every room size, be sure to visit our full selection online or visit Colder’s to explore a Milwaukee furniture store near you with he finest sofas for all living room sizes.
Why Trust Colder’s?
Since 1942, we at Colder's pride ourselves on offering value, selection, and service. Serving Southeastern Wisconsin with four showrooms that stock quality name-brand furniture, appliances, and mattresses, Colder’s is sure to house exactly what you are looking for. And if you can't find it on our floors, chances are, we can order it for you. As a local, family-owned company, we are always doing our best to provide the highest value at the lowest cost to everyone who walks through our doors.
Colder’s is committed not only to continuously offering can’t-miss sales but also to working with each customer, making sure that you take advantage of every possible markdown — that’s our best price guarantee. Still need help? We offer zero percent appliance and furniture financing for your home needs!
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Don’t put off happiness — and shop living room furniture online for unbeatable prices at Colder’s. Our friendly experts are always happy to help you explore a couch for living room settings for your home, whether you call us at 414-476-1574 or use our online chat feature. Better yet, stop by one of our Colder’s locations in West Allis, Oak Creek, Delafield, and Grafton, Wisconsin to touch, see, feel, and experience home products that fulfill your dreams. Visit us today!
Learn More: 5 Best Brands for Big Couches