21 Best Ideas Small Couches for Small Spaces That You Should Know
This post gives you the best 21 ideas for your small couches for small spaces that every first homeowner should know.
When I saw and designed (plan layout as a qualified architect) a small apartment and studio apartment, I was shocked!
However, due to population growth, spaces are shrinking and becoming smaller and smaller.
As a designer with a bachelor’s degree, I’ve learned that choosing the right couch for a small living room (I would say small couches for small spaces) is both an art and a science.
In this comprehensive guide (which is the one-stop shop for you), I’ll share my collective professional experience insights on selecting and styling small couches for small spaces that maximise both your space comfort and space utilising efficiency.
This post is all about the small couches for small spaces that every homeowner should know!
Let’s Understand Small Couch for Small Spaces Challenges
When I started working with small spaces, I quickly realised that if I wanted to achieve success in decorating compact living spaces, I needed to learn to maintain the balance between functionality and aesthetics.
I must commit that when you see today’s urban living for the first time, you will feel a little disappointed or may think that you are compromising with space, style, and comfort.
But I don’t think that way because you just need clever solutions for your small spaces, not larger spaces, to fit your needs.
Small Couches for Small Spaces
1. The Power of Proportion
What I have noticed is that people are making some of the most common mistakes while scrolling their phones or searching online, and they are choosing a couch that’s either too large or too small for their space.
The power of proportions means, as I always recommend by the top designers to follow the “one-third rule”-It means your couch should occupy not more than one-third of your living room’s total space.
For instance, in a 120-square-foot living room, look for a couch that takes up approximately 40 square feet or less.
2. Maximising Seating in Minimal Space
In 2023, when I was working on a 400 sq ft. apartment in the city of Melbourne, I suggested to my client the loveseat sectional, and it became a game changer for them.
I can say that the loveseat is AKA a compact version of a traditional section, and these typically can come in 56-64 inches in width while providing the same L-shaped functionality that makes sectionals so popular.
3. Multi-functional Solutions
Sleeper sofa! Sleeper sofas are everywhere on Pinterest, Instagram, and TikTok, and I must commit to one of my favourite space-saving solutions. It’s basically identified for small spaces.
On my recent visit to a local furniture showroom here in Melbourne, I saw a 70-inch wide Jensen sleeper sofa (I kinda feel I should buy for myself!) that transforms into a comfortable queen-size bed, perfect for your studio apartment.
4. The Art of Visual Space
The art of visual space means creating an illusion in the space!
Through my various projects, I learned that creating an illusion in the space or of the space is as important as the square footprint of your space.
Most of the time, in my designs, I prefer or recommend couches with exposed legs rather than skirted options. This simple swap-in design element allows light to pass through underneath, making the room large and more spacious.
The “floating” effect can make a significant difference in how spacious a room feels.
5. Colour Psychology in Small Spaces
Your small couches and sofas’ colours matter when we are discussing colour psychology in small spaces.
Everyone around social media or online suggests that you can go for light neutral colours, but I want to say that it is not always the only answer. I think it’s certainly a safe choice.
If you are a beginner, you can use them as a first homeowner so later you can play with bold colour choices.
Bobby Berk, one of my favourite interior designers, you can see painted a dark blue wall in the living room in one of his projects reveal. (You can take inspiration from that and see how he chooses every other element lighter.)
As I mentioned earlier about designing a 400 sq ft. apartment, I’ve successfully used deep blues in one of the living room walls and rich green on the cabinet in that apartment.
If you are using outside of neutral colours, then ensure the couch’s colour creates a cohesive flow with the room’s overall colour scheme.
[Related Post: 7 Genius Colour and Light for Small Spaces Techniques Interior Designers Swear By]
6. Material Matters for Small Couches and Sofas
In my years of practice designing small living rooms, I’ve noticed that the right upholstery (small couches for small spaces) can make or break a small space design.
Performance velvet has become one of my go-to recommendations – it’s durable, easy to clean, and adds a luxurious touch without overwhelming the space.
So before buying any small couch for small spaces, make sure you have seen details or materials and upholstery.
7. The Impact of Arm Styles
Through my numerous sofas and couches selection, I’ve learned that arm style significantly impacts a couch’s space efficiency.
In my opinion, couch track arms typically take up less space than rolled arms while maintaining a clean, contemporary look.
In a recent renovation project, I switched from rolled to track arms, which saves nearly 6 inches of width by providing valuable space in a small room.
8. Strategic Placement of Small Couches and Sofas
I always emphasise the placement of the couch. The strategic placement of the couch is as crucial as the couch or sofa’s size.
I often place small couches at an angle in corners, or instead of putting them adjacent to the wall, I try to place them with strategic spacing (6” to 15”) from the wall.
If you implement this tip or take this approach in your space, you will be able to make a more spacious-looking space.
Your room will appear and feel more dynamic and actually create more usable space (in that space, you can fit a small storage unit or console table).
9. The Role of Height
When working with small spaces, I pay special attention to a couch’s height. Lower-profile couches (around 30-32 inches high) can make ceilings appear higher while maintaining comfort.
10. Storage Solutions for Small Couches for Small Spaces
I always prefer and try to incorporate storage into seating to add extra storage in small spaces.
I always try to recommend small couches for small spaces with hidden storage compartments under the seats.
I know you are amazed! But I think with these clever solutions, you can store extra throws, pillows, or even seasonal items, and I promise it won’t take up your additional floor space.
11. Scale and Balance
My architecture school, early on, taught me that achieving the right scale is crucial. I recommend keeping all furniture pieces in proportion with the couch.
For your reference, if you choose a 60-inch loveseat/couch, pair it with side tables no larger than 18-20 inches in width.
12. Texture and Depth
Small couches for small spaces, try to incorporate different and various textures that can add visual interest/depth without cluttering the space.
A small bouclé couch, for instance, can add warmth and dimension while maintaining a clean silhouette.
13. In exceptional cases: Working with Awkward Spaces
In my one-two projects, when I saw awkward room layouts I got excited!
I often think it gives unique opportunities for creative solutions and freedom to be innovative.
In that project, we have transformed a challenging corner into a cosy seating nook using a 72-inch corner sectional.
The key was finding a piece with the right dimensions and a configuration that worked with, rather than against, the room’s architectural features.
14. The Impact of Lighting on Small Spaces
Over the years, I have come to the conclusion that lighting’s placement and lighting itself play a crucial role in how a small couch appears in a space.
I recommend trying out installing wall sconces on either side of a compact sofa instead of using floor lamps.
You are wondering why I am suggesting this? Everywhere or on Pinterest, you have seen floor lamps?
But let me give you your answer to your concern, you can free up your floor space by using wall sconces, and with lighting glow on both sides, you can create a warm, inviting atmosphere around the seating area.
15. Accessorising Small Couches
When it comes to accessorising small couches for small spaces, I follow a “less is more” approach. I typically recommend no more than 2-3 (two 18-inch pillows and one lumbar pillow) throw pillows for a loveseat and perhaps one throw blanket.
16. Sustainable Choices for Small Spaces
In recent years, I’ve noticed an increasing demand and trend for sustainable living and furniture selection in small spaces.
I often recommend companies that produce and make the best eco-friendly, small-scale sofas and couches using recycled materials and sustainable manufacturing processes.
These furniture pieces not only help the environment, but often, you find innovative space-saving designs for your space.
17. Technology Integration
Modern small couches for small spaces often require technology integration. For example, you can look for a small couch or sofa with built-in USB charging ports and hidden power outlets.
By purchasing this couch for your living room, you can remove the need for additional side tables while providing an essential functional aspect of modern living.
18. Creating Zones in Open Spaces
Do you want to create the perception of open-plan space in your small space?
You can use one of my favourite techniques: place a compact sofa (70 inches) perpendicular to the wall, which helps you to create a distinct zone between the living, home office, and sleeping areas without any additional physical barriers.
19. The Role of Texture and Pattern
To add visual interest to your small couches and sofas without overwhelming the space, select the sofa upholstered in a subtle herringbone pattern that adds depth while maintaining visual calm.
20. Investment Considerations
When advising clients on small couches and sofas purchases, I emphasise the importance of investing in quality over size.
Choose a well-made 65-inch sofa over a larger, poorly made piece, and make sure you allocate 20-30% of your total furniture budget for your primary seating.
21. Maintenance and Longevity
The well-maintained small couch can significantly increase its lifespan. Let me share important maintenance tips: invest in quality upholstery protection and regular professional cleaning.
These two actions can extend your small couch’s lifespan by 7-10 years or more, making it a worthwhile investment for any compact living space.
This post was all about the 21 best tips small couches for small spaces that every first homeowner should know.
Through these 21 best ideas “make small couches and sofas look bigger” in your small spaces.
