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L shaped sofa living room layout


How to Arrange an L-Shaped Sofa in Your Living Room: 5 Layout Ideas

L-shaped sofas are versatile, coming in different sizes, colors, and styles. These modern sectionals are great in houses and apartments and can provide plenty of seating in all room sizes.

When it comes to choosing an L-shaped sofa, you need to consider the size and shape of your room as it can be tricky to find one that fits your space nicely.

A narrow room will perhaps require a slimmer sofa than a large room. You should also consider the purpose of the sofa — will it be used to separate the living room from the dining area, or do you want to form a cozy nook to watch TV?

The versatility of L-shaped sofas, including their different styles and sizes, makes them a great addition to any home, and there are plenty of ways you can arrange these sofas in your space. Take a look at some of our ideas for how to arrange an L-shape sofa in the living room, as well as how you can style your living room around your sectional sofa.

Meet the expert

To help show you how to arrange an L-shaped sofa in your living room we worked with Rebekah Correll, founder and interior designer at Transparent Interiors, to create example designs and show you how to make the most of your space.

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What is an L-Shaped Sofa?

As the name would suggest, an L-shaped sofa is a couch in the shape of an L. These couches are also called sectional sofas. The "L" can either be on the left or right-hand side of the couch, depending on how you want to arrange your space.

These couches are becoming incredibly popular in open concept spaces to divide the dining room and the living room, but they are also well-suited for a small space to create a cozy seating arrangement.

L-shaped sofas can consist of a variety of materials. The frames are usually wood or metal, while the sofa can be upholstered with cotton, linen, velvet, leather, acrylic, polyester, or polyurethane leather. They also come in any color imaginable - from neutrals to deep blues and greens to vibrant yellows.

These sofas are also available in a variety of styles:

Why Should I Get an L-Shaped Sofa?

There are plenty of reasons why you should get an L-shaped sofa - here are only a few benefits of these lovely couches:

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5 Layout Ideas For Arranging an L-Shaped Sofa in a Living Room

L-Shaped Sofa Layout #1: In the Centre of the Room

Placing your L-shaped couch in the middle of the room is great if you have a large room and want the couch to be the focal point of the space.

If you have a big enough area, you can place additional seating, such as large armchairs, facing the sofa to create a circular space for entertaining. If you are fortunate enough to have a fireplace, you can also arrange the sofa in the center of the room, facing the fireplace, for a comfortable and warm seating arrangement.

L-shaped sofa in the center of a living room

This layout will benefit from neutral colors; carry the same color scheme throughout the rest of the room. If you wish to add some color, you can add accent pillows to the sofa in bold prints.

L-Shaped Sofa Layout #2: Nestle into a Window Wall

Nestling your sofa into the corner next to a window wall (with the back of the sofa against the wall) will make the room feel larger, and you will be able to relax in the sun or turn the sofa into your favorite reading nook.

L-shaped sofa in front of a window

Allow the natural light to speak for itself, and stick with neutral, light colors to not overwhelm the aesthetic of the room.

L-Shaped Sofa Layout #3: Cosy in a Back Wall Corner

A back wall sweep is when you place a large sofa against the back of the wall. This works well when you do not have a large space available, as it provides seating space without taking up the entire room.

L=shaped sofa on back wall

You can enhance the aesthetic of the room by placing a rectangular coffee table in front of the large L-shaped sofa.

L-Shaped Sofa Layout #4: Create an Intimate Nook

In small spaces, a sofa with an additional armchair will form a semi-circle, creating a cozy nook where you and your friends can chat comfortably. It is best to stick with a neutral color scheme to create a streamlined look in a small space.

You can use an l-shaped sofa to create an intimate nook

L-Shaped Sofa Layout #5: Hide in a Corner Pocket

A sectional can be used to divide a large room, creating a comfortable corner for socializing. A longer L-shaped sofa is best suited for this, as it will create visual interest and a lounge area.

L-shaped sofa in the corner of a living room

Want more inspiration? Take a look at some of our favorite sectional living room ideas and our guide to arranging two sofas in your living room.

How Do You Decorate an L-Shaped Couch?

There are so many ways to decorate an L-shaped couch. You can style it by adding furniture around it, like coffee tables, side tables, or chairs, or you can use decor to create a beautiful look, like cushions, rugs, or a throw.

Coffee Tables Add character to Your Space

Coffee tables are great to use with a sectional, as not only are these tables functional, but they also add character to your space.

Over at Living Cozy, we love the Serif Coffee Table, but honestly, any modern coffee table will complement your sofa. Large, round coffee tables will look good with sofas placed in the center of the room, while rectangular or square coffee tables will work better for couches tucked into a corner.

Create a Cozy Nook with an Armchair

Adding armchairs to the open end of your sofa will create a very cozy nook where you can have intimate conversations while directly facing your company.

Burrow's Vesper Chair

For an understated, minimalistic chair, we recommend the Vesper Chair, while the Downing Chair will add sophistication to your room. These chairs can also be used in other rooms in the house.

Add a Pop of Color with a Rug

Large, square rugs go beautifully with an L-shaped sofa, no matter where you place the sofa in the room. These rugs help to create a cohesive space, making the area feel comfortable and separate from the rest of the room.

Ruggable has some brilliant rugs on offer, but our personal favorite to match with a sofa or any other large furniture is the Floyd Rug.

Statement Pillows Add the Wow Factor

Accent pillows are comfortable when lounging on the couch and help the couch become a focal point in the room. These pillows add brilliant color to a neutral sofa, and can also be used to introduce patterns and textures into the space.

Some stunning combinations include: red and navy, pink and neutrals, and mustard with gray.

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Final Thoughts

L-shaped sofas are great additions to living rooms of all shapes and sizes. These sofas are highly versatile and come in a variety of sizes, colors, and fabrics, making them an affordable and flexible seating arrangement.

With so many layout options to choose from, and so many different ways to style your sofa, it is easy to see why this sofa style has become so popular. Make sure to check out some of the best sectional sofas as tried and tested by Living Cozy!

FAQs

How Many People Can Sit on an L-Shaped Sofa?

It will depend on the size of the sofa. Some sofas are great for 3-4 people for lounging, while 6-7 people can sit on the sofa squeezed together. Larger L-shaped sofas can seat up to 12 people.

Can You Put an L-Shaped Sofa in the Middle of the Room?

Yes! In large rooms, an L-shaped sofa will become the centerpiece of the room, and when you arrange it in front of the fireplace or add additional seating around the couch, it will be a great space for socializing.

Is an L-shaped Sofa a Good Idea?

Of course. These sofas are available in different styles, as mentioned above, and can also be arranged in a variety of layouts to suit any room size and shape.

Written by

Ash Read

Ash is the founder of Living Cozy. He's been featured by publishers like MyDomaine, Realtor, Real Homes, Architectural Digest, The Spruce, Homes and Gardens, and more. As a writer his work has appeared in publications like FastCompany, TNW, and Entrepreneur.

How to Arrange an L-shaped Sofa in a Living Room

L-shaped sofas can be incredibly adaptable and suit a wide variety of rooms, no matter their shape or size. For rooms with limited space, such as apartments, small L-shaped sofas offer the maximum number of seats without eating into the room’s available area. This means you’re free to invite more friends around to your place for dinner, drinks, or just to catch up. 

You can also use them to create an inviting, cosy lounge area to relax in and put your feet up. Or, make a dramatic, show-stopping centrepiece in your living room. L-shaped sofas can also be used to separate a living and dining room or working space. The possibilities are endless, which is why L-shaped sofas, for both large and small spaces, are so popular.

L-Shape Sofa Styles

These versatile sofas are available in a wide variety of designs to suit your décor and needs. These include:

1. The classic couch

This has a back support along the longer side of the L and a chaise, at the other end, that’s perfect for lounging on.

2. Cushion-backed sofas

With back support along both sides of the L, this is ideal for a small room that needs a lot of comfy seating. Compared to a regular three-seater and two-seater sofa-set, an L-shaped sofa can easily accommodate six or seven people.

3. Recliners

These feature recliner seats at both ends of the L, making them great for couples who want seating for guests but also enjoy creating the home theatre ambience on movie nights.

4. Sectional sofas

Increasingly, these sofas are available in sectional units that allow you to create your own sofa (and also ensure your sofa will fit through your door). These sectionals offer flexibility in changing the seating arrangement, as the individual blocks can shift around easily to clean or provide more seats for visitors. Some even have additional ottomans that can nestle in to create a comfortable double-bed in the living room.

5. Sofa Beds

L-shaped sofa beds are ideal for small homes looking to put up guests for the night. They are heavier than normal L-shaped sofas but offer a worth-its-weight-in gold space-saving solution.

Regardless of the type of L-shaped sofa you opt for, it can present a challenge when arranging it in your room. This is largely due to its overall size, which can limit your flexibility when it comes to placement.

To help open out your options for you, we’ve considered the benefits and gains offered by seven possible room layouts.

L-shaped sofa layout #1: In the centre of the room

This type of layout is ideal for those who have a large lounge and love having company over to chat the night away.

Letting the L-shape take centre stage means devoting most of the middle of your room to your sofa. Typically, it is placed around a fireplace to offer warmth, comfort and a sense of togetherness.

If your room is large enough you can place more armchairs at the open end of the sofa to create a large space for entertaining within the semi-circular zone that you have formed.

Choose neutral colours for your large furniture and on your walls, adding bold splashes of colour through accent pillows or richer-toned occasional tables and cabinets or shelves.

L-shaped sofa layout #2: The intimate circle

For smaller rooms, you can use your sofa with a matching armchair to create a circular space for your family and friends to chat around or snuggle up with while enjoying your favourite TV programmes.

Position the armchair facing the vertical section of your sofa to create this effect. Simply swivel it round to face the television if you are having a night in front of the box.

In the centre of your circle position one or two round coffee tables. These are more space-friendly than rectangular tables and help to draw everyone in towards each other. 

L-shaped sofa layout #3: Nestled against a window wall

With your corner sofa nestling against a window, you create an inviting spot for reading and relaxing.

Bathing in the sun’s warmth and light creates the perfect place to unwind after a busy day or to while away a lazy weekend. 

Again, choosing neutral colours helps to add to the serene ambiance of the room and maintains the focus on natural light. To pep things up a little, why not also choose neutrally coloured cushions that carry a playful and bold design.

L-shaped sofa layout #4: Demarcating two different living spaces

The length of an L-shaped sofa can be used to create a separation between two parts of a room. For instance, the sofa could wrap itself around a television to create a lounge, where the other half of the room is used to dine in.

If you use a L-shaped sofa with a low back, or with no back at all in the chaise section, you can soften the split between the two parts of the room.

To emphasise the separation, you can use complimentary but slightly different colours in the two rooms you have created, or on their accessories and furniture.

To tie the rooms together, you can echo the colour scheme of one half of the room in the accessories, such as its cushions and rugs, that are used in the other half.

L-shaped sofa layout #5: The back wall sweep

Using a large L-shaped sofa along the length of the back wall provides lots of seating for your living room without eating into the available space.

Having the sofa run along the back wall creates a visual pathway from the room’s entrance door to the main area for relaxing in. 

The sofa is big but it never appears obtrusive. Ensuring that the sofa’s colour echoes the colour scheme of the room helps it to blend into the background further.

You can frame the open space in front of the sofa with a rectangular rug and a rectangular coffee table, creating a visual pull to the centre of the room.

L-shaped sofa layout #6: The loft room

For large open spaces, such as studio flats or apartments, you can use longer L-shaped sofas to create the impression of a separate room.

This helps to give the illusion of a dedicated lounge area in large, open concept spaces. Picking contrasting colours with the rest of the room for your sofa and other furniture placed here helps to enhance the feel of a distinct space.

You can use a large rug and ottomans (which also serve as extra seating) to further mark out your lounge.

Choose a sofa that is durable and comes with a long guarantee and you’ll be able to use your L-shaped sofa to rearrange your space for many years to come.

L-shaped sofa layout #7: The extended sofa in a smaller room

Extended L-shaped sofas are not just for lofts – they can also be used to great effect in smaller spaces. By paring down on the other furniture and chairs in your lounge, there is no reason that a long L-shaped sofa could not provide all the seating you need in a simple, compact arrangement.

Using your sofa like this frees you from falling into the trap of making your room feel congested with too many pieces of furniture in a small space.

If you need them, cushioned, flat ottomans can be placed at one end and a thin, modern coffee table will keep the streamlined look without making everything feel crowded.

Arranging your L-shaped sofa

The L-shape is actually incredibly versatile in creating stylish living areas in large and small rooms alike. For a large piece of furniture, it is remarkably adaptable to different arrangements – and it’s a real joy to relax on, wherever you place it!

L-Shaped Sofa Left Hand

A left-hand L-shaped sofa simply refers to the arm being placed on the left side when you are looking directly at it. This is important information to be aware of - especially as you measure - as it can affect where the sofa can go and what it will look like.

L-Shaped Sofa Right Hand

A right-hand L-shaped sofa refers to the arm being on the right side of the sofa when you’re looking at it straight on. Ensure you’re 100% confident on whether you need a right hand or left-hand L-shaped sofa to fit your space. If you’re planning on placing the sofa in the middle of the room or dividing two rooms, then you can choose by which style you prefer the look of.

Find your ideal L-shaped corner sofa by creating exactly what you need with our Model 03 modular sofasor get yourself the ideal accessories with our corner sofa and ottoman matching pairs.

Corner SofasModular Sofas

U-shaped sofa in the interior: what to look for?

How nice it is to come home after a hard day's work and sit on a spacious sofa with a cup of your favorite drink and indulge in relaxation! The right sofa of the right softness and configuration will always set you up for a cozy rest.

Lovers of comfort and non-standard solutions increasingly prefer U-shaped upholstered furniture. First, it's beautiful. Secondly, the functionality and practicality of the sofas of this model will captivate at first sight. Sliding modules that can be rearranged at your discretion, convenient shelves for books, glasses and trifles built into the armrests, a built-in mini-bar, unobtrusive lighting, a coffee table - all this easily combines a U-shaped sofa. nine0003

Types of U-shaped sofas

Sofas of this configuration are divided into 2 main types:

  • semi-circular sofas , otherwise called c-shaped, which often occupy a central place in the room.

    • When arranging furniture, consider its purpose and the general style of the room.

    Semicircular U-shaped sofas

    Semi-circular U-shaped sofas - the choice of extravagant and respectable people who love to impress. Such a model requires, first of all, a spacious room, where the sofa will be the dominant feature in the interior. The rounded shape promotes closer communication, creating an atmosphere of close circle, where everyone present is equally involved. A good option for family gatherings or warm friendly meetings.

    A fresh design solution would look like setting two small U-shaped semicircular sofas opposite each other, separated by a coffee table. nine0003

    An ideal model for a spacious veranda of a country house is a semicircular sofa with a table for tea drinking and poufs.

    Semi-circular sofas can be used as a place to relax and socialize, as well as to sleep. Feng Shui fans claim that the round shape of the furniture is most conducive to energy recovery.

    But the types of folding mechanisms of these models, as a rule, are quite limited, in contrast to the U-shaped sofas. Another difficulty for semicircular sofas is the need for individual tailoring of bed linen in a specialized studio. nine0003

    Classic U-shaped sofas

    Classic U-shaped sofas are produced both with equivalent modules and with asymmetry, which looks quite original. For example, one side is an ottoman with a footstool, while the opposite side is equipped with a table without armrests. Such a sofa would be appropriate to put in the living room, bedroom, office. It is more versatile than a semicircular sofa.

    But there are some peculiarities for its placement:

    The role of the color, shape and material of the sofa in the interior

    The influence of the color of the sofa on the perception of the interior cannot be underestimated.

    If the ceiling height in the room is standard or lowered by stretch ceilings, then massive dark models of U-shaped sofas with high backs and headrests will visually reduce the room and make it cramped. With a low ceiling, give preference to a light-colored sofa with a low back and narrow armrests, or without them at all. Also, to expand the space, it is advisable to choose a sofa with open legs. nine0003

    A room in cold neutral tones does not have to be complemented by a sofa of the same color. If this is a living room or an office, it is better to make an original accent in the form of a sofa in a warm tone. A bright contrasting spot in the interior will set you in an energetic working mood and visually warm the room.

    The choice of sofa finish also affects the overall impression of the room.

    For more solidity and solidity, especially in a spacious room, choose a leather sofa in dark colors with polished wooden armrests and closed legs. nine0003

    A U-shaped sofa with a soft covering like velor, artificial suede, flock, chenille will give a relaxing atmosphere.

    Wide soft armrests, an abundance of pillows and a warm blanket will add special comfort. Such a sofa will fit well into a bedroom or attic.

    Modern design trends leave a wide field for choosing the perfect U-shaped sofa for every taste and budget. For the best result, it is best to consult with an interior designer or furniture maker. nine0003

    Mistakes when choosing corner sofa beds: how to avoid them

    Sofa beds can be safely attributed to comfortable and comfortable upholstered furniture. Their main advantage is mobility and versatility.

    How to diversify the interior with a bright pouffe

    The history of poufs began at the end of the 16th century. The mighty pharaohs of ancient Egypt sat on soft stools. Over time, pouffes became widely in demand in noble aristocratic houses. nine0003

    Choosing the material for the U-shaped sofa

    "How to choose the right material for the upholstery of the sofa?" - this question is often asked by visitors to upholstered furniture salons. Each customer expects an original, modern and, of course, comfortable product.

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    114 photos of use cases in modern design

    People who appreciate comfort and convenience, without a doubt, choose comfortable furniture, approximately, as shown in the photo of a U-shaped sofa, which correctly organizes the living space. The advantageous design makes it a functional and practical item that transforms absolutely any interior.

    Unusual interesting configuration allows you to stand out from other things. The structural features of U-shaped sofas are modular, and the two sides have different functions and purposes. nine0003

    Contents of the article:

    Positive nuances

    This design is versatile enough to complement any room: living room, nursery, office, bedroom, nursery. Let's take a look at the main benefits:

    The specific shape makes it possible to exclude the presence of a separate coffee table, that is, if the design of the model has an angled surface or a table built into the armrests. Having expanded the sofa, a relatively large free area for sleeping appears, which, nevertheless, cannot be compared in comfort with a full-fledged sleeping place.

    Please note that such sofas are completely out of place in small rooms, so in such an interior you should prefer a corner U-shaped sofa. nine0003

    The main types of models

    The modern furniture market offers a wide variety of similar designs that differ in structural features. There are a number of main types:

    Often you can find designs with corner transformations, that is, one corner can be transformed into a small coffee table, or into a bar compartment. There are types completely with a stand-alone module. This design is a leather sofa with the absence of both armrests. nine0003

    Products are also divided into stationary and modular types. Moreover, such a sofa has a feature for moving and using it not only for relaxation, but also for other purposes. It is not at all necessary that both sides will be of equal length.

    In a large living room, modern style, a semi-circular copy, located in the center of the square, looks great. It allows you to divide the total area into separate functional areas.

    Configuration options

    The modular design has the following configuration options:

    Very often, the design provides for spacious large drawers, in which it is convenient to store bedding or similar items.

    The right choice of model

    When choosing a U-shaped structure for your home, it is necessary that it meets the tasks and fits perfectly into the overall style of the room. For these purposes, it is recommended to take into account a simple number of points:

    nine0003

    Pay attention to the back (rear) part of the modular sofa. A situation may arise when you want to move the product to another area or to the center of the room, and the back is not aesthetically covered with a “technical” fabric. The ideal look of the model is covered from the back, just as aesthetically as it is from the front.

    It is important to pay attention to the technical limitations when introducing large pieces of furniture into the room. So, the space to the window should be at least 10 centimeters, so that the window sashes can be freely opened. nine0003

    To avoid hitting the doors, it is wise to install a sliding version, but if this is not possible, it is better to give preference to a smaller sofa. The width between the headset items themselves must be observed at least 50 centimeters.

    The shape of the chosen design depends on individual preferences. For relaxation and basic viewing of evening news on TV, it is better to give preference to a sofa with a deeper seat and a low support. And for personal relaxation and receiving guests, there are comfortable “sitting” models with a high back and headrests. The seat has a comfortable cushion in the lumbar region and a slight thickening on the surface under the knees. nine0003

    Production materials

    Duration of operation of a large U-shaped sofa directly depends on the materials from which it is made. Experienced specialists - furniture makers recommend purchasing sofas from a solid wooden beam, thoroughly dried before use. These usually include: walnut, oak, beech, spruce, pine. Cheaper models can be made of larch. In experience, a multi-layer plywood beam has proven itself well.

    The most reliable, strong and durable frame made of profiled metal profile pipes welded together proved to be the most reliable. Non-standard forms of upholstered furniture, as a rule, are assembled using this technology.

    Internal filling

    The softness of the sofa and its comfortable use depends on what it is filled with. The most budget option would be a spring block, which is either fastened together or independent, that is, each spring is separately covered with a fabric cover. nine0003

    It is worth considering that the combined block has the most rigid surface and lasts quite a long time. But, at the same time, after a certain time, the springs begin to emit unpleasant squeaks. A spring that is independent of each other is less durable, but acquires a useful orthopedic effect.

    The cheapest filler is the popular foam used in the economical version of upholstered furniture. It does not tolerate moisture, gradually becomes moldy and can release harmful substances, harming the health of households. nine0003

    High-density polyurethane foam for medium value products. This layer provides excellent cushioning. Between several layers of raw materials, natural coconut fiber and artificial synthetic winterizer or holofiber are placed.

    The most expensive cost is natural environmentally friendly latex made from rubber.

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