Choosing a sofa is not just about colour or design — size matters more than most homeowners realise. A sofa that’s too big can make your living room feel cramped, while one that’s too small can look awkward and out of place.
Before you fall in love with a showroom display or click “buy now”, here’s a practical guide to choosing the right sofa size for your living room.
🛋️ 1. Measure Your Living Room First (Not the Sofa)
Many people choose the sofa first — and regret it later.
Before shopping, measure:
- Width of the living area
- Length from TV wall to opposite wall
- Distance between walking paths
- Door clearance and lift access (important for condos!)
Tip: Always leave at least 750–900mm of walking space around the sofa for comfortable movement.
🛋️ 2. Match Sofa Size to Room Size
✅ Small Living Rooms / Condos
Best options:
- 2‑seater or 2.5‑seater
- Slim‑arm sofa
- Armless or low‑back designs
Avoid:
- Bulky L‑shaped sofas
- Deep seats
- Thick armrests
✅ Medium Living Rooms
Best options:
- 3‑seater
- Compact L‑shape
- Sofa + single armchair
This layout balances comfort and space.
✅ Large Living Rooms / Landed Homes
Best options:
- Full L‑shape or U‑shape
- 3‑seater + chaise
- Sofa sets with ottoman
Large rooms can handle depth and width — but still plan circulation space.
🛋️ 3. Consider Sofa Depth (Very Important!)
Seat depth affects daily comfort more than length.
- Shallow depth (50–55cm): Upright sitting, good for elderly
- Medium depth (55–60cm): Balanced comfort
- Deep sofa (60cm+): Lounging style, not ideal for everyone
If your feet can’t touch the floor comfortably, the sofa is too deep.
🛋️ 4. Height & Proportion Matter
Check:
- Backrest height vs TV height
- Sofa height vs coffee table
- Armrest height vs side tables
Low sofas look modern but may not suit seniors. Taller sofas offer better support.
🛋️ 5. L‑Shape Sofa: Left or Right?
Always decide based on room layout, not showroom setup.
Stand at the entrance and imagine:
- Does the chaise block walking paths?
- Does it face the TV naturally?
- Will it block windows or sliding doors?
Wrong orientation = constant inconvenience.
🛋️ 6. Think About Who Uses the Sofa
Ask yourself:
- How many people sit daily?
- Do guests visit often?
- Any elderly parents or children?
Comfort needs vary — choose accordingly.
🛋️ 7. Sofa vs Coffee Table Spacing
Ideal distance:
- 350–450mm between sofa and coffee table
Too close = cramped
Too far = awkward reaching
🛋️ 8. Don’t Ignore Visual Weight
Two sofas of the same size can look very different.
Heavy-looking sofas:
- Thick arms
- Dark colours
- High backs
Light-looking sofas:
- Slim arms
- Light fabric
- Legs visible
For small rooms, always choose visually lighter designs.
🛋️ 9. Fabric Choice Affects Size Perception
- Dark fabric = looks bigger & heavier
- Light fabric = looks slimmer
- Leather = appears bulkier
- Linen / fabric = softer appearance
If your room is small, choose lighter tones.
🛋️ 10. Test Before You Buy (If Possible)
Sit down and check:
- Feet touching floor
- Back support
- Seat firmness
- Ease of standing up
A beautiful sofa that’s uncomfortable becomes a regret very quickly.
⭐ Common Mistakes Homeowners Make
❌ Choosing sofa before measuring
❌ Buying oversized L‑shape for condo
❌ Ignoring walking space
❌ Focusing only on design, not comfort
❌ Forgetting delivery access
⭐ Final Thoughts
The right sofa should:
- Fit your room
- Match your lifestyle
- Allow easy movement
- Feel comfortable daily
A well‑sized sofa makes your living room feel balanced, welcoming and functional — not crowded.