Can you put a big couch in a small living room? Designers deliver their verdict

Ask the question, can you put a big couch in a small living room? And, instinctively, many people would say ‘no’. The assumption is often that the two are incompatible – at least if you want a chic and comfortable space.

But for interior designers, whose professional skills see them creating style and functionality in every room, do they ever advise that those with a small living room can actually decide to size up the sofa without seriously compromising the room?

We had a sneaking suspicion that many designers would, in fact, make the argument that you can go big in a small living room. A lot of designer advice goes against that outdated design rule that tiny spaces need tiny furniture, so we asked them to explain why it can actually pay off to pick an oversized couch even when square footage is tight.

Can you put a big couch in a small living room?

For many of the designers we consulted, the answer is yes, you can put a big couch in a small living room. However, they emphasize that it should be a considered choice and that how the room is used, the layout of a small living room, and the sofa’s shape all count for the combination to be a design success. Their guidelines are below.

As for the designers who think it isn’t the best option? They’ve explained the living room couch ideas that they would choose instead.

Yes, if you’re hosting

If you want to make space for guests, it is a good idea to put a big couch in a living room that’s compact, according to Azar Fattahi and Lia McNairy of LALA Reimagined.

‘A small sofa can fit a small room just fine, especially if the room isn’t meant for entertaining,’ say Azar and Lia. ‘But when it comes to hosting, even just one guest, comfort takes a hit. It might look good and save space, but it’s not built for long sits or multiple people. In short, a large sofa in a small room is best.’

Yes, though shape matters

Consider its shape to ensure a big couch works won’t break small living room layout rules, advises Elissa Hall, lead designer at RedAwning.

‘A long couch with narrow arms, an elevated base, or a low back will feel lighter than one with overstuffed cushions and rolled sides,’ she explains. ‘I’ve even fit an 88-inch sectional in a 10 by 10 foot room – but it was such a thing, modular and armless, that it felt trim, not invasive.

‘I love the trick of going wide seat but pairing it with narrow arms or no arms at all. It offers people the comfort of a larger piece without giving up sought-after square footage.’

Yes, if you pay attention to clearances

As well as sofa shape, functionality, and flow are a must-have in a living room, says Jen Baxter of Baxter Hill Interiors. Living room clearances, measurements, and spacing are all important.

‘Make sure you have 14 to 18 inches between the sofa and coffee table to allow easy movement and accessibility,’ Jen says. ‘Ensure there are at least 30 to 36 inches to maneuver between the sofa and other large furniture pieces; if space is tight, 18 to 24 inches can suffice.

‘In a recent project (shown above), we placed two sizable sofas facing each other in a compact living room. While the room feels large with the expansive windows, it’s not the biggest layout. This arrangement created a jewel-box effect, making the space feel both luxurious and inviting. We started by measuring out the minimum circulation space needed and then going with the largest sofas we could fit in the space, allowing for the right circulation.’

Yes, although consider balance

In addition to thinking about pathways through the room and the couch’s shape, opt for balance for the best effect.

‘Working with a small living room doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice comfortable seating,’ says Alexis King, lead designer/founder of 2117 Collective. ‘A large sofa can absolutely work in a small living room if the space is thoughtfully planned out.

‘When going bold with sofa size, consider using calmer elements elsewhere throughout the room, such as simple patterns and textures and minimalist accessory seating, to create balance throughout,’ she advises.

Yes, but try an alternative to make a conversation area

There are situations in which, while you can size up the sofa, there is an alternative.

‘You absolutely can put a big couch in a small room,’ says New York interior designer Terry Stewart. ‘A larger sofa creates a cozy, family-oriented area, even within room size constraints.’

But when you’ve come down on the side of the latter in the family room vs living room scenario, other seating can be preferable. ‘If you want more of a conversation area, two tailored loveseats facing each other might be the ideal solution,’ he says. ‘This works especially well perpendicular to a fireplace, where you want to retain a more formal setting.’

Yes, and modular designs can be ideal

Choosing the right couch might mean opting for a versatile version of a large design, suggests Mugdha Deshmukh of MGU Design.

‘As someone who has designed multiple small apartment spaces, I feel we can always opt for a modular sofa with four pieces – two armchairs and two ottomans – and combine it to make a large sofa,’ she says.

‘The advantage of the above is you are free to move the ottomans to use the space for entertaining and put them back and enjoy a lounge effect when it’s just for your personal use.’

No, focus on more than just size

It’s not a complete no from Pantea Bionki, owner and lead designer at Bionki Interiors, but she says, ‘I typically do not recommend placing a large sofa or couch in a small living room.’

Like those who say you can put a big couch in a small living room, Pantea pays attention to a number of factors when designing the room. ‘In compact spaces, scale and proportion are everything,’ she says. ‘Instead of focusing on size alone, I prioritize the shape and configuration of the sofa. For example, an L-shaped sofa or a streamlined two-seater might offer more functional seating and better flow, depending on the layout.

Think living room color, too. ‘Color plays a major role in how spacious a room feels,’ Pantea says. ‘Lighter hues – like soft neutrals or warm grays – help open up the room visually and create a more airy, inviting atmosphere.’

No, size down and opt for vintage

For interior designer Marika Meyer there’s a better way when it comes to choosing a couch. ‘I am of the opinion that small rooms feel better with appropriately scaled furniture, including sofas,’ she says.

‘So many homes in historic towns and cities have small rooms and using decorating with vintage pieces or slightly smaller furniture absolutely helps them in scale,’ she advises. In this 1940s house (my old house, above) we used vintage pieces paired with a smaller scale sofa to work with the small footprint.’

As interior designer Kathy Kuo says, ‘There isn’t really one “right” size for a sofa in a living room.’ But think like a designer and you can choose the best couch of a size, shape and type that suits your small living room and your lifestyle.