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How to choose the right size sofa for a room


Get the right fit: The 5 S's of choosing a sofa

Sofas, lounges, couches – whatever you may call it, a sofa is an essential piece of furniture within every living room. From entertaining your guests to family movie night, sofas are guaranteed to be used daily, by everyone in your home. 

Contrary to popular belief, finding the right sofa isn’t as simple as buying the first design you see. To provide some clarity and helpful tips, here are five essential factors to think about when shopping for your best sofa, yet. 

Size

Como Motion Modular 3 Seater Sofa with Chaise – Brosa Living Room Furniture

Size is one of the most important considerations to make when choosing the right sofa. After all, if the sofa doesn’t fit your living room, then what’s the point? If you’re unsure about where to start in this area, we’re here to give a helping hand.

In terms of measurements, the general rule of thumb is to have the sofa approximately 152 cm long, 91 cm high, 102 cm deep, with about a 48 cm height for the seating. However, if you’re one for a cheeky afternoon nap every now and then, you need to extend the horizontal height too. In this case, extend the length measurements from 152 cm to 229 cm for enough comfort to lie down or nap.

But not everyone is amazing in mathematics (and that’s okay!). Simply remember the 2:3 rule instead. The sofa should be about two thirds the size of the entire room. If you decide to add in a coffee table too, that should then be two thirds the size of the sofa (if no chaise) or one third to half the size of the sofa if it has a chaise.

To visualise all of this properly, it’s a great idea to actually draw your measurements out onto a big piece of paper and cut it out. This gives a template of measurements that you can bring with you while shopping. Alternatively, try an online mood board tool which helps you style your room with your favourite pieces from Australian stores (like Brosa).  It also saves you time from having to measure every sofa piece you see in stores or online.  

Style

Madeline Chesterfield 3 Seater Sofa – Brosa Living Room Furniture

Style is another important consideration to make when sofa shopping, as style is often a reflection of your personality. It conveys to guests your tastes without you having to say a single word. With this in mind, it’s essential to keep the sofa style cohesive with the overall vibe of your living room. If you are living by the coast perhaps you have a more coastal Hampton’s vibe as opposed to someone living in the city with a modern industrial styled home – consider what style you have and how that may be interpreted into your sofa choice. 

There are few ways to approach style. The most common way is to make the sofa the centrepiece of your living room. Thus, the first piece guests will see is the sofa. Their eyes will then bounce to other pieces in the space, but regardless the sofa has done its job of enticing guests into the space. On the other hand, the second way is making the sofa blend into the entire room. When guests see your living room, they’ll notice the overall style of the space instantly, rather than be drawn to one piece at a time. So what you need to think about is whether or not you want the sofa to shout your style loud and proud, or do you want it to subtly whisper it instead.

Once you’ve sorted this out, the next step is to consider the unique aesthetic of the sofa. The top three most popular sofa styles, especially within our loyal Brosa community, are:

Shade

Mila 2 Seater Sofa – Brosa Living Room Furniture

The shade of your sofa is an important consideration to make, as the colour of the sofa can evoke certain moods and feelings depending on the colour scheme. Ask yourself: how do you want the space to make you feel? Do you want it to feel calm? Neutral? Or even bold and passionate?

A good way to approach this is to consider the primary colours first, the mix and play with their different variants. You can go darker or lighter – whatever you feel like. To help you out, here is an overview of common colours and the moods they evoke:

If you’re having trouble in this area, creating a colour palette may prove useful to you. We recommend digital tools like Coolers to do this.

Softness

Firmness and softness is another important factor to take into account when hunting for the right sofa. This depends on the purpose of the sofa. If you are using it for guests and only guests, a firm sofa is better. This is because generally, guests won’t be staying in the one place in your home the entire time. A firmer sofa makes it easier for them to not only sit upright, but easily stand up when needed. 

On the other hand, a softer sofa is ideal for everyday family use. When you sit on a softer sofa and sink in, it creates more of an informal and casual vibe. Perfect for events like movie marathons, date nights indoors, or just a place for you to lounge on your own with a good book.

At Brosa, we offer a range of sofas with different softness levels making it easy to find the perfect sofa for you.

Easily filter the entire sofa & seating range, according to your desired softness level.

What Softness Do You Prefer?

We have interviewed some of our customers and asked them to share their thoughts. Take a look at what people are saying about these different softnesses, and decide what’s the best for your home.

Pleasantly Plush

Relatively soft. Subtly smooth. You’ll feel it fit to the contours of your body when you sit. It gives you a cosy place to recline with gentle support.

Mellow medium

Not too firm. Not too soft. It’s right in the middle, and gives a bit of both. Designed for a crowd that’s hard to please.

Softly supportive

We’ve got your back. Literally. Layered foam filling provides a firmer fit. Supportive, with just the right amount of softness.

Strongly supportive

Our most supportive level is for those who prefer a firmer feel. It eases pressure points evenly across the body. Enjoy a better posture.

Sensibility & Practicality

And last but not least, ask yourself: is the sofa sensible to your home and requirements? For example, getting a big and spacious sofa would prove disastrous for a small space like an apartment. Whereas, a small sofa would look rather awkward if the space was especially large. When you’re trying to find the right sofa, it’s all about being practical to you. Not only does your sofa need to fit your budget, but also your lifestyle and your family (remember the family dog!) too.

When it comes to sense and practicality, it’s also essential to consider the material of the sofa. If you have any family pets, a leather sofa is ill-advised as their claws may accidentally rip through the material. On the other hand, if you opt for a sofa that uses fabric, ensure you have a spot cleaner on hand for any unexpected stains that shouldn’t be vigorously wiped off with a cloth.

Hopefully, this article provides you with a solid framework to think about when sofa shopping. While it would be perfect if a sofa fits all of these requirements, the reality is, most of them may not exactly fit every requirement you’re thinking about. So it comes down to a matter of preference – ask yourself: which of these factors are the biggest priorities for you and your home? Good luck!

Try our new sofa selection tool that helps you customise your requirements and finds the perfect match for you.

Have any other tips for sofa shopping? We’d love to know in the comments below!

Need a helping hand with interior styles and inspiration? Brosa is the perfect place to start when shopping for furniture online.

Related posts:

Sofa scaling: tips for choosing the right sofa for your room

(Image credit: Future / Johnathan Gooch)

Correct sofa scaling is an imperative for a successful interior design, along with selecting its shape and color. After all, this piece of furniture is the main feature of most social spaces – which makes living room seating ideas all important. 

‘Size takes precedence as it is crucial for the perception of a room volume to choose the most appropriate dimensions,’ says BIID registered interior designer Hedayat of  Jam By Hedayat . 

‘We make sure that any piece of furniture has enough circulation around it as well as space, so that it does not dwarf any design details or features in a room.  A sofa that is too large will engulf the room disproportionately and one that is too small will not serve its function. ’ 

Below, we list the practical design rules for using scale in interior design along with expert advice from professional interior designers.

1. Consider the two thirds rule

(Image credit: Bee Osborn)

A sofa that’s the full length of the wall in front of which it is positioned could prove overbearing in a room scheme. But it’s also the case that a sofa can look too small. 

One approach to getting the right proportions is to aim for a sofa that’s about two-thirds of the wall length.

If you’re using this tactic, bear in mind that generally sofas might be around 72, 84 or 96 inches (UK equivalents might be around 175, 210 and 240cm). Accordingly, two-thirds of the wall length in question might fall between two standard sizes. If that’s the case in your room, there’s the option to go a little above two-thirds of the wall length with the larger sofa size in order to seat more people. 

Alternatively, choose the best couch for you that’s less than two-thirds of the wall’s length if the extra seating space isn’t required. Either way, there is room to adjust and an out-of-proportion sofa won’t be the result.

Opting for a bespoke sofa instead? You can commission precisely the length of design you prefer.

It is possible to choose a smaller sofa, however, perhaps influenced by the pieces of furniture nearby. ‘When scaling a sofa to a room as a rule of thumb we tend to make the sofa half the size of the wall it is going on to allow the space around it to breathe and also to place side tables with lamps on either side,’ says interior designer Bee Osborn of Studio Osborn . 

2. Take sofa depth into account

(Image credit: Future / Jon Day)

Be aware of a sofa’s depth in addition to its length. The largest standard size sofa in a style that gives it a depth of 40 inches (around 101cm) might prove overly imposing without a generous room to occupy. 

'Sizing down to a sofa with a smaller length but the same style isn’t the answer if the sofa takes up too much space in this dimension because the seat depth will remain the same. Instead, consider a different shape; more traditional and upright as opposed to modern and slouchy could be the answer,' advises Homes & Gardens Editor in Chief Lucy Searle.

3. Think purpose when deciding on sofa size 

(Image credit: Future / Johnathan Gooch)

While the dimensions of the room are an essential factor when choosing the right sofa, how the room is used will also influence which sofa size is best. 

‘In a TV, cinema or family room where family don’t mind sitting together we frequently use a big squishy corner sofa, often with a footstool which can be moved along for whoever wants to put their feet up and lounge or it can be moved aside,’ says BIID registered interior designer Amanda Meade .

When a room is used largely for entertaining visitors, two sofas facing one another can prove more sociable than one large version that puts sitters in a line, and the sofas will accordingly need sizing down with adequate space between and around them.  

4. Select a sectional

(Image credit: Sims Hilditch)

Its L-shape means an additional dimension of a sectional needs to be considered. If the sectional has a chaise, you might want to plan on taking up no more than half of the length of the wall with which it is parallel. 

A sectional will often work well as a room divider. ‘A large L-shaped sofa is a great choice for an open-plan space as it helps to delineate the sitting room area from the dining area or kitchen,’ says  Emma Sims-Hilditch of Sims Hilditch  

But a sectional can also be a fabulous choice for a small room because it’s more space efficient than a sofa plus armchair combination. In this case, choose one of dimensions that follow the perimeter of the room.

5. Factor in the sofa’s shape

(Image credit: Jam by Hedayat)

The shape of the sofa is also a key consideration. If the room has a low ceiling, opt for a sofa with a lower back to keep the design in proportion to the room’s height. A design with a low back can also create the illusion of extra space below more usual ceiling heights.

How the living room is used can also be important. For a room that’s a library or den, you might want to opt for a taller sofa. ‘The higher backed sofa gives a feeling of a gentleman’s club,’ says Amanda Meade.

A sofa’s lines may be curved or angular. Depending on the other furniture choices in the room, the former may be preferable. ‘We like to use sofas with curved details in rooms to break too much angularity and allow for some softness,’ says Hedayat of Jam By Hedayat.

6. Pay attention to a sofa’s arms

(Image credit: Future / Paul Raeside)

As well as the overall form, or shape, of the sofa, focus on its arms.  ‘We consider the height of the arms and the reach to the side for side tables,’ says Amanda Meade. ‘Bulky arms can often obscure the flow in a room.’

Pay particular attention to how the sofa’s arms will affect sight lines through the space. They shouldn’t block the view of a window nor another of the room’s features.

7. Be aware of the impact of color

(Image credit: Caitlin Miller Photograph: Paul Craig)

The color you choose for the sofa will influence how commanding it appears in the room, so consider its hue in these terms as well as thinking about it as part of the space’s overall color scheme.

‘For this space (see above), I wanted to maximize seating without having a sofa that dominated the space,’ says BIID registered interior designer Caitlin Miller . ‘I ensured the sofa filled almost all of the back wall, while leaving space for a floor lamp and side table – which is important to bring cosiness to the arrangement and provide a location for drinks or a book while snuggled up. 

The sofa wraps in front of the bay window allowing a sofa-back console that provides a great location for low level lighting. I left the space in front of the fireplace clear to keep the space light and uncluttered.  

‘Pale grey was a perfect color for this space to continue the light, airy feel while contrasting with the rich, warm woods in the floor and coffee table.’

For a den, it might be desirable to choose a sofa color that’s bolder.  ‘A large cozy sofa adorned with cushions can be a statement feature in a room, particularly if it is upholstered in a striking color like blue,’ says Emma Sims-Hilditch. ‘If the room is designed to be a comfortable space for relaxing or enjoying a film with the family then it stands to reason that the sofa should be a prominent feature of the room.’

Sarah is a freelance journalist and editor. Previously executive editor of Ideal Home, she’s specialized in interiors, property and gardens for over 20 years, and covers interior design, house design, gardens, and cleaning and organizing a home for H&G. She’s written for websites, including Houzz, Channel 4’s flagship website, 4Homes, and Future’s T3; national newspapers, including The Guardian; and magazines including Future’s Country Homes & Interiors, Homebuilding & Renovating, Period Living, and Style at Home, as well as House Beautiful, Good Homes, Grand Designs, Homes & Antiques, LandLove and The English Home among others. It’s no big surprise that she likes to put what she writes about into practice, and is a serial house renovator. 

Sofa in the living room: selection rules and photos in the interior

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07/26/2019

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We tell you how to choose a sofa by shape, style, size, upholstery, filler and folding mechanism.

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Sofa is a must-have furniture for the living room. We tell you how to choose it, and show a photo in the interior.

Choosing a sofa for the living room

  1. Form
  2. Size
  3. Style
  4. Upholstery
  5. Filler
  6. Folding mechanism

Among the variety of assortment, several common forms of furniture can be distinguished.

Straight

This type of furniture takes up the least space, it is easy to find a place for it - you can move it to any wall or leave it in the center of the room and start from its location in the arrangement of the rest of the furniture. Double straight sofas are well suited for the kitchen, but triple ones are already more bulky, it is better not to put them in small spaces.

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Corner sofa in the living room

A very popular option, largely due to its mobility. Located in the corner of the room, it does not clutter up the space, it always looks organic, despite its impressive size. It is great for a large family that lives in a small apartment. In the unfolded version, the corner sofa turns into a sleeping sofa - an extra bed is often needed in the living room. For large spaces, it can serve as a zoning method if placed in the center. nine0003

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Modular

Modular living room sofas are a kind of constructor. Its different parts are folded into one, so it is convenient to make it straight with a pouffe, and put it as a corner model, and create an island composition. Manufacturers often offer to purchase different parts to choose from, and this is a definite plus: you can assemble any suitable design for your interior.

nine0004 IKEA

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Semicircular sofa

It is rarely seen in interiors, because it is not suitable for small spaces: it cannot be attached to the wall, and besides, it rarely unfolds into a bed. But aesthetic qualities allow you to put such a model in a modern interior, hi-tech, minimalism or oriental style.

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The appropriate size is determined by the location of the sofa in the living room and the size of the room. nine0003

Before buying furniture, make a selection of your favorite products and study their dimensions. Why draw a schematic plan of the room with the existing furniture and see how conveniently a particular product fits with its actual dimensions. nine0003

Chesterfield

It can be recognized by the swirling armrests, which are usually equal in height to the back, but today manufacturers allow themselves some deviations. "Chesterfield" will look interesting in a loft style, and will also fit perfectly into classics, shabby chic or eclecticism. Can decorate a modern classic and a room with an art deco aesthetic.

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Mid-century

The model takes its name from a similar interior style that appeared in 1950s. It has a rectangular shape and thin legs. It will successfully fit into the style of the same name, as well as modern, modern classics, eclecticism, if you choose the right upholstery color, and Scandinavian aesthetics, if you choose a plain fabric upholstery.

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Bridgewater

Recognizable by its low rolled or rounded armrests, most often with removable back and seat cushions. nine0003

"Bridgewater" will successfully fit into a classic interior, an English room, art deco, as well as modern classics. A great sofa for a country-style living room design, if the model has textile floral or checkered upholstery.

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Sleeper

The sleeper most often lacks armrests and ideally unfolds into a bed. The most popular models can be found in the IKEA catalog.

It will perfectly fit into a modern interior, minimalism, perhaps even high-tech, if the upholstery is plain. nine0003

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"Tuxedo"

Features a straight back and armrests on the same level, short straight wooden legs. Any upholstery: fabric or leather.

"Tuxedo" will successfully fit into a minimalist room, loft, Scandinavian and modern American style.

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Cabriole

Cabriole has curved legs and can be used in classic, art deco or eclectic interiors. nine0003

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Camelback

Camelback gets its name from the curved camel back and will look good in rooms with classic interiors, modern classics, European interiors or Art Deco.

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Lawson

Its armrests are always lower than the back and wider. With its minimalist design, Lawson will look good in the eponymous style, as well as fit into a European, Scandinavian-style living room or loft space. nine0003

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Natural fabrics in the composition lead to an increase in the cost of furniture. Budget category: matting, microvelor and microfiber, thermo jacquard. Middle price segment, flock, jacquard and velor. In the premium segment: velvet, tapestry. Also popular fabrics for upholstery: leather or eco-leather, chenille and scotchguard.

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The filler determines the elasticity of the furniture and its durability, it is also an important parameter when choosing a living room sofa with a berth, as it determines whether the sleep will be comfortable. Too soft models are rarely good, it is harder to get up from them, soft fillers include synthetic winterizer, foam rubber, latex. More durable - spring models. nine0003

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Prepared by

Anastasia Dubrovina

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How to choose a sofa in a small living room: the secrets of a successful purchase 0 Comments

In standard apartments, you have to be content with a small living area. A large room can play the role of an office, recreation area and even a bedroom. For this reason, the question of how to choose a sofa in a small living room is more than relevant for readers. Indeed, how to do it so that the living space is modern, comfortable, beautiful and functional. If you think that we will talk about folding sofas, do not rush to conclusions. Our experts decided to consider the problem of choosing a sofa in detail. nine0003


Lounge sofa for 2 persons

Double sofas are a classic option for small living rooms, small terraces and seating areas in bedrooms and nurseries. The length, as a rule, does not exceed 200 cm. This size is functional, convenient and, if necessary, allows you to organize a double bed. Such a sofa in a small living room can also be installed in a kitchen-studio with a small space for receiving guests.

Reliability is key

The main requirement for such sofas is reliability, since a small design is designed to take on all the burden of visits and its owners during their holidays. For this reason, it is better to give preference to furniture made by a factory manufacturer. Internal standards, specialized equipment allow us to hope that the sofa will be durable and comfortable. Such factories produce a number of models in this form factor, and also offer upholstery made of fabrics of different textures and colors. nine0003

Folding or non-folding sofa

In the living room, it makes no sense to install a folding sofa "just in case". Especially if the size of the room itself or other interior items do not imply a sleeping place. Another thing is if the sofa will perform the tasks of a place for a night's rest. In this case, it is worth approaching the choice and planning of the future room, taking into account these requirements. Not only the size of the sofa is taken into account, but also the convenience for the daily use of a bed, as well as drawers for storing bedding. nine0003

A folding sofa in this size will be implemented in the form of a French folding bed. Of course, it can be a convenient eurobook, but it will be designed only for people of short stature.

If the apartment has a bedroom, and the sofa in the living room does not imply its use for a night's rest, you should not spend extra money. A non-folding sofa will be very comfortable. Budget cost will be a nice addition to a successful purchase. However, if a backup bed is required, a folding mechanism will be a nice addition to the functionality. nine0003


Full bedroom in living room

Often you have to deal with the planning option, when the living room simultaneously performs the tasks of the bedroom. In this case, the sofa already becomes a functional element in a square, which must combine a number of mandatory features:

You should immediately make a reservation about the size of such a sofa, which will be at least 230-250 cm in length.

Convertible sofa

The best option would be a transforming sofa, which in the daytime is a corner sofa, and at night a double bed. Such models have a swivel couch that plays the role of a second side or a place to sleep. For a transforming sofa, you need to choose a good place in the room so that the furniture looks good during the day and at night. nine0003

Corner sofa with side bench

An alternative to folding sofas are corner models with an attached soft table or bench. In the daytime, they will perform the tasks of a coffee table, and in the evening - a bed. The problem of irregularities is solved with the help of an orthopedic mattress, which, together with linen, can be stored here, in the sofa. This arrangement is rational and convenient, and also devoid of anything unnecessary.


Living room sofa styles

Once you've decided on the size, location, and shape, it's time to think about the style of the sofa. The Scandinavian style is considered the most popular - as simple as possible, ascetic and at the same time functional and practical.

Now on sale you can find quite a lot of traditional and not very models of sofas. In the opinion of our experts, the following options will be the most suitable for mini-spaces:

  1. nine0004 Scandi sofa - its main decoration are lush and soft pillows. Otherwise, it resembles a daybed with a straight back and medium-height armrests. Scandi can also be made in a corner version, but a bed is not provided.

  2. The futon sofa is very similar to the click-clack model, but looks more reliable. With a size of 230-250 cm, it will become a fairly comfortable sleeping place.

  3. nine0004 The English sofa with round armrests features seats and back cushions made of thick foam rubber and springs. Can be made in the corner version.

  4. The tuxedo sofa has become a symbol of luxury and wealth since its inception. Having a fairly simple shape, straight back and armrests, it is very comfortable, but not particularly conducive to a comfortable stay. Does not happen double.

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  5. Chesterfield sofa with a back made in carriage tie technology.

  6. A sofa for two in the love seat style is suitable for a couple in love living in a small living space. The advantage of this model is its compact size, the disadvantage is an unsuitable bed.

  7. An ottoman sofa with pillows is one of the best options for a small living room, as it will be a comfortable sleeping place and a seating area. nine0003

  8. Modern is the most acceptable and widespread style among the offers of upholstered furniture for the living room. It is characterized by simple and practical forms. This model is a comfortable bed and a comfortable area for home relaxation.

  9. Loft-style sofas are simple and austere, however, thanks to high pillows, they are a great place to relax at night. The frame of such a sofa is usually made of wood or metal. nine0003

An interesting option for a small living room would be minimalist sofas, which, when unfolded, are the size of a double bed. These couches are comfortable for resting at night and during the day. A characteristic feature is rearranged backs, so this sofa furniture can become a beautiful bed.

Another unnamed option is models that resemble large pillows folded in the shape of a sofa. This is real upholstered furniture. The advantage of this option is the wide seats that can be used as a bed. nine0003


Storage systems

A distinctive feature of a good modern sofa are drawers for linen, storage of liquor and other accessories. They are arranged in the cavities of the furniture structure and have a fairly large capacity. An important element is furniture fittings, levers and lifting mechanisms, with the help of which opening becomes easier and more accessible even for a person with a small build.

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