Positioning the sofa in the center of the room creates a fresh perspective and surprisingly transforms the entire space.
If your sofa is pushed against the wall, it wouldn’t make for an interesting joke, would it? It sounds pretty dull. After all, sofas are typically placed against the wall, especially in smaller rooms. However, that’s not a necessity. Just take a leap and make a change; moving the sofa into the room can only be beneficial!
1. The sofa can serve as a partition.
With its back facing the hallway.
In a suite or open area, there’s usually a flow zone that isn’t very comfortable. However, placing the sofa with its back to the hallway provides a clear boundary for the seating area.
A freestanding sofa should always look appealing from all angles. If it’s intentionally set up as a divider in a situation like a hallway, having a tall or sturdy backrest—such as one made of wood or metal—will enhance the feeling of a protected space.
Sofa as a divider between dining areas.
Open-concept living spaces are trendy today. But that doesn’t imply everything has to be combined. The goal should be to establish structure without erecting dividing walls. The most effective way to achieve this is by arranging the furniture thoughtfully. Traditionally, the sofa belongs in the living area. If you position it with its back to the dining table, the distinction between the dining and living spaces becomes evident.
One room serving multiple purposes
A centrally placed sofa offers the chance to create a distinct area in a smaller room with various functional spaces. This arrangement at least gives the impression of a separate living zone. Whether it’s a combined kitchen, dining, and living space like in this French apartment, or a bedroom merging with a living room, partitions can lead to a cramped feel in this Houston apartment, allowing light to flood the area and views to remain unobstructed. The sofa not only adds structure but also acts as a privacy barrier since the person sitting with their back to the bed faces away. The back of the sofa functions as an invisible wall.
2. The centrally located sofa makes room for the wall.
Sofa or bookshelf? Both!
Propping the sofa slightly away from the wall isn’t always a choice made freely. Sometimes, space constraints dictate this arrangement. Usually, a room encompasses four walls, with a door on one of them, resulting in three remaining walls. If a window is present on one wall, that leaves two. This means a cabinet or bookshelf and the sofa need to be positioned there, limiting creativity. Unless the sofa isn’t flush against the wall. With a few meters of space, it can be set in front of a bookshelf, for example.
Radiators need adequate spacing.
The sofa shouldn’t be positioned directly in front of the heater, as this would adversely affect heat flow in the room and possibly harm your sofa. On the other hand, it’s not uncommon for designers, as showcased in Finn Juhl’s house, to place the sofa close to the heater because it ensures a warm spot.
If the sofa must face a wall with a heater, maintain a reasonable distance to prevent damage from excessive heat and ensure that the entire living space remains warm.
3. Freestanding sofas open up new viewpoints.
Look around—and out of it.
Round sofas are not suitable for wall placement; they should be positioned freely in the space. Only then are the corners of the room accessible, rather than being just places for dust bunnies. The round sofa exemplifies the advantages of a freestanding arrangement: the view is not predetermined, allowing for various seating orientations and giving the chance to explore the room and the outside.
Backrests at varied heights
What exists behind the sofa? If it’s against the wall, that question loses its intrigue. When placed in an indoor setting, the backrest could obstruct a really appealing view. For instance, the view over the fireplace. This issue can be addressed with backrests of differing heights, as seen in this Paris apartment.
4. The ideal arrangement for enjoyable conversations
Across the sofa
A living room designed for comfortable discussions needs a sofa — or perhaps two. When positioned face to face, it’s easy to see the other person without constantly straining your neck. Typically, sofas are not aligned against the wall. So, why not pull both sofas away from the wall to create a more open atmosphere in the room?
Traditional tête-à-tête interaction
In a compact area, a tête-à-tête sofa is perfect for this purpose. The two seats are arranged so that the conversation partners can gaze at one another without any need to twist their heads. Naturally, this style of sofa should be placed freely within the room. The playful S-shape appears almost sculptural and shouldn’t be tucked away in a corner. Although, it can be as well.
The contemporary take omits a central divider and focuses on straight lines. Instead of the traditional tête-à-tête, simply set two armchairs next to one another — armrests touching, with the seats oriented in opposite directions.
7 suggestions for arranging sofas and armchairs in the living room
Should you choose a sofa, an armchair, or perhaps both? Below are 7 ideas for how you can position seating furniture in the living area — suitable for both small and spacious rooms.
A cozy sofa is meant for the living room alone. However, determining its ideal placement can be tricky. How can armchairs, ottomans, and other pieces be integrated? Here are 7 arrangements for seating in the living room, tailored for various room sizes.
1. Pairing a sofa with a pouf
In smaller living rooms, often only a single sofa fits, making it the room’s focal point. A compact sofa with two or three seats can be enhanced with a sturdy upholstered pouf. This can serve as a footrest, a side table, or extra seating. Depending on your needs, the pouf can be easily relocated and occupies minimal space.
Tip: A sofa without armrests appears more stylish, creating a more spacious feeling in a compact living room.
An ottoman takes up more room than a pouf but remains flexible and can be quickly repositioned as needed. Most sofa makers provide ottomans that match the upholstery of a two- or three-seater — if available, it offers another seat for conversations, or when pushed into the sofa, it creates a quaint nook.
2. A sofa paired with two lounge chairs side by side
For those aiming to provide additional seating in a narrow living area, this arrangement could be appealing: Two sophisticated lounge chairs placed at right angles to the sofa take up minimal space and can be easily adjusted, forming a cozy group or enabling a shared television viewing experience.
3. Arranging two sofas perpendicular to one another
Two sofas facing each other provide more comfort but also require more space. In a smaller living room, it’s best to position both sofas against the wall to allow enough room for passage.
In a larger, open space, two corner sofas can create an island effect, helping to define the area. One sofa may stand freely in the middle of the room while the other rests against the wall, or both can be positioned freely within the space. This arrangement is equally applicable with a corner sofa.
4. Diagonal seating with a sofa and two armchairs
If your living room has ample space and you prefer a more relaxed setup, consider positioning two armchairs across from a two- or three-seater sofa. They can be set at a slight angle to one another, fostering a casual ambiance and promoting conversation. However, caution is advised: a small living area can quickly appear cluttered with this arrangement.
5. Combining a sofa with armchairs
When pairing only one armchair with the sofa, it’s better to place it at a slight angle rather than directly perpendicular. This creates a cozy seating area in the living room.
Tip: The seating arrangement looks most appealing when it is designed to be “open” towards the entrance — make sure guests don’t just see the backs of the chairs upon entering the room.
6. Position two sofas facing one another.
Typically, sofas are placed with their backs against the wall. Nonetheless, in a spacious living room, furniture can also be arranged in the center of the space. For optimal comfort, arranging two sofas so they face each other is a great choice. These sofas don’t have to match; two distinct styles that share similar colors or shapes can create a more relaxed and inviting atmosphere. If space allows, consider incorporating an armchair or lounge chair at one end of each sofa to give the seating arrangement a sense of independence.
In larger living rooms with numerous doors, two sofas set up facing each other in the center can be advantageous as they keep pathways open. The only downside is that this arrangement provides limited space for the TV on one side.
Tip: Keep the sofas approximately 1.50 to 2 meters apart. A coffee table can fit in between, allowing for comfortable foot placement while still enabling good conversation.
7. Arrange two chaise lounges side by side.
If your small living room is primarily used for movie watching or cozying up to a fireplace, then placing two chaise lounges together is an excellent idea! This setup ensures that everyone has a good view of the screen or fire and can easily stretch their legs. You can also easily turn to the side for a chat.
Alternatives to traditional sofa arrangements.
A standard plush corner sofa isn’t always the ideal pick for every living room. So, what are the alternatives?
As you browse furniture shows, you’ll notice various styles of seating areas. However, this traditional type of living room seating may not align with your personal preferences or lifestyle. It’s beneficial to explore other possibilities.
Traditional choices for living rooms include:
A spacious sofa, often in the form of a corner unit or an L-shaped design with a comfortable backrest, positioned directly across from the television. This common living room setup isn’t necessarily a poor choice, but it may not fit everyone’s way of life. Here are eight alternatives:
1. Varied approach: A combination of sofas, armchairs, and chairs.
Who says all furniture must come from the same collection? You can mix various chairs and armchairs alongside the sofa for an appealing setup, especially if they share a unifying element, like the black covering from Lange Geller Kuehl Interiors.
2. Blended with the dining area: kitchen sofa.
Perfect for fostering interaction, this design works well when living and dining coexist in one space. As long as the sofa’s height is adequate, it can create a warm and inviting environment.
3. Chic alternative: daybed and ottoman.
Primarily designed for relaxation alone, this type of seating can swiftly transform into a sofa when guests drop by, simply by adding a few sizable cushions.
4. Comfortable pair: wing chairs.
If your living space is mainly used by two people, you might not require a sofa at all. Interior designer Juana Fritsch from raumkonzepte suggests that two inviting armchairs for reading or watching TV can be more functional, freeing up space for essential items.
5. For unwinding: XXL armchair.
Experience ultimate comfort! An XXL armchair (Ease by Paola Lenti) is perfect for relaxing solo (or with a partner). If you have visitors, creating a cozy dining space could be a smarter choice than a lavish sofa setup.
6. Move to relax: rocking chair.
There’s nothing quite as soothing as a gentle rocking motion. Combine it with your favorite music or a good book – and you’ll find yourself in a delightful personal retreat!
7. Vibrant option: rocking sofa.
Gone are the times when colorful flower-patterned rocking sofas were solely for outdoor use. This stylish piece proves there’s a more refined way to enjoy a swinging seat! A “free-hanging sofa” definitely encourages leisurely afternoons.
8. Scenic spot: window seat.
If you’re fortunate to have a large window with a lovely view, avoid placing a sofa in front of it! A much better option is a custom-built bench filled with cushions and pillows where you can comfortably spend hours.
Asked by the experts: What is the necessity of a sofa?
There are numerous reasons to consider the function of a sofa. What does this piece of furniture represent, and what significance does it hold?
Is a sofa required? Interior designer Cornelia Augustin responds to this inquiry with an enthusiastic “yes, indeed.” Irina Resetnic from district8 offers a more cautious view: “It’s a highly personal choice that entirely depends on your individual living requirements,” she states. Both experts elaborate on why a sofa may be needed or not.
The sofa as a representation of a homely vibe
Historically, during my great-grandmother’s time, the living room was reserved for special occasions or guests. Rather than serving a formal role, the living room has evolved into a space for relaxation.
Consequently, the role of the sofa has transformed as well. The emphasis is no longer on the elegance of upholstery, but rather on comfort and a sense of relaxation.
“Cocooning and comfort are what the sofa embodies,” Cornelia Augustin explains. “I use the sofa to kick back, lie down, cuddle with my children, or even to tuck in a sick child.”
Irina Resetnic adds: “It’s about having a space to escape from the daily grind,” where the act of reading or doing nothing takes a backseat.
Sofa as a piece of furniture
“A sofa allows for the expression of your unique taste.” However, finding the right one is often challenging, according to Augustin.
Sofas are typically located in the living area, a gathering space for family and friends to enjoy each other’s company. Yet, they can also be found in a teenager’s room or the kitchen. With open-plan living spaces, the transitions become seamless.
“Sofas can also enhance the entrance area. Aesthetically pleasing shapes and details are key here. The sofa will probably need to be a bit narrower in this context,” Augustin notes, highlighting her recent trend of incorporating sofas into home offices. Relaxed coffee or tea breaks can then be enjoyed in a casual setting.
Choosing armchairs over sofas?
The traditional formula is 3-2-1, meaning three-seat sofas and two-seat ones. Nowadays, armchairs often stand alone. “An armchair can serve as a substitute for a sofa only if it is spacious enough and allows for legroom,” notes Augustin, who recommends considering a chaise longue for this purpose.
Resetnic emphasizes: “For an armchair, being able to sit half-reclining or fully reclined is essential. Thus, the chair’s width becomes significant.”
This spacious standalone piece is akin to a small sofa and occupies considerable space. Experts concur that it can also function as a sofa.
The Sofa as a Retreat
“There are various alternatives to a sofa. The main requirement is having a space for seclusion. That’s what defines a home,” Resetnic emphasizes.
Whether one reads a book on a soft windowsill or gathers with friends and family on cushions next to the fireplace ultimately comes down to personal choice.
“Age certainly influences this matter. Young people often find that a cushion with a tray in front suffices for creating a cozy sofa corner,” adds Augustin.
The sofa influences ambiance
“A room transforms with every addition. We introduced urban elegance into the space with white walls and plaster, complemented by a cream sofa adorned with button-stitching,” Augustin explains.
The interplay of all items greatly impacts the mood of a room. The sofa is merely one component. “The combination of soft, warm lighting and the textures of objects makes the room feel inviting,” Resetnic elaborates.
The Sofa as a Social Space
“The sofa serves as a social hub that can be established in both small and large rooms,” Resetnic emphasizes.
There are numerous methods to create this communal space within your home. “It’s wonderful when the entire family can gather on the sofa,” concludes Augustin.
Please maintain a safe distance: optimal measurements for chairs and tables.
Which table dimensions are appropriate? How much space remains alongside the wall? Here are all the necessary guidelines regarding the height, length, and width of dining tables and chairs.
What matters when dining together? When it comes to etiquette, the answer lies in the appropriate table setting. A chef will make decisions about the selection and preparation of the meal. For a carpenter, an essential consideration is that the dining table and chairs complement each other and accommodate the guests who will be seated.
A meal will only be truly pleasurable if the height of the chairs and table is proportionate, the table size matches the number of diners, and the desired dining area is adequate. But what constitutes the right table size? How much clearance should there be between the chairs and the wall? We have compiled the essential measurements for a dining table for your convenience. It’s advisable to grab a ruler while planning—just remember to test it out too!
Height measurements for tables and chairs:
Approximately 30 centimeters should separate the table from the chair. The lower arm should rest perpendicularly to the table’s edge. This means the distance between the table surface and the seat should be around 30 centimeters. A minimum of 20 centimeters should exist between the bottom edge of the table and the seat, allowing for legs to be crossed without hitting the knees.
The seat of the chair should be a minimum of 40, ideally between 44 and 46 centimeters high—dependent on your stature and the height of the table. Common chair designs typically measure around 45 centimeters. They are designed with the average person’s height in mind, ensuring that the legs rest at a 90-degree angle on the floor. Taller individuals generally prefer a seat height of 50 centimeters or higher. It’s also important to consider that upholstery compresses somewhat.
The table height should measure between 74 and 78 centimeters from the floor. Correct posture can help avoid back issues. Sitting comfortably at the dining table should allow you to maintain an upright back. For individuals of average height, forearms can rest perpendicularly on the table surface.
To ensure compatibility, the table and chairs should be tested together.
Regarding table and chair specifications:
The 45-centimeter area of the seat surface can vary significantly in width and depth. The minimum depth for a seat should be 36 centimeters, while the minimum width should be 30 centimeters. A typical seat width measures approximately 45 centimeters. Wider options tend to be more comfortable; however, fewer chairs can fit around the table. Chairs with armrests require additional space as the width of the backrest must be considered.
Space:
For each chair, you should allocate around 60 centimeters of table width, and at least 80 centimeters per chair for use with wheelchairs, walkers, etc. In any case, maintain a distance of about 50 centimeters towards the narrower center of the table. Using placemats can help determine the appropriate size even if a ruler isn’t handy, ensuring enough space between each setting so that diners seated next to each other do not obstruct one another.
Table Leg Clearance:
The space between the table legs is just as crucial as the table surface itself. Two 45-centimeter wide chairs should have a distance of 92 centimeters between them to prevent any contact or obstruction with the table legs. However, the presence of table legs can be inconvenient when sitting down. Therefore, it’s advisable to plan for a bit more space and choose a table with legs positioned at the corners. Depending on the thickness of the table legs, a distance of about 140 centimeters can be expected on a tabletop measuring 160 centimeters long, allowing two chairs to fit comfortably between them.
Chair spacing: area behind each chair
The distance of the chairs from the table also varies based on the height of the individual sitting and their personal seating preferences. Additionally, when people stand up and sit down, the chairs need to be pushed back. There should be sufficient space for this; approximately 80-90 centimeters around the table’s edge is considered standard. If there is a sideboard or cabinet behind the chairs, it should have at least 125 centimeters of space. This ensures that the door can be opened easily even when the dining table chairs are in use.
Ample space behind unique chairs
The space needed behind chairs can increase if the table features wider chair designs, such as children’s chairs like the “Tripptrapp.” A minimum of 150 centimeters should be provided for wheelchairs to allow for easy maneuvering.
Table Shapes
Square Tables
Square dining tables are quite popular. It should be noted that they can lead to congestion. Therefore, the minimum edge length for four people should be one meter, with 1.20 meters providing a more comfortable arrangement.
Rectangular Tables
Long and narrow tables work well for seating arrangements where the seats are along the long side. A table surface measuring 80 by 120 centimeters is adequate for four people. A more spacious option would be a table with a width of 90 centimeters and a length of 160 centimeters. For comfort, a table length of 210 centimeters can fit six people comfortably.
If the table is sizable, additional guests can join unexpectedly. Additional chairs can be placed on each side, both on the long and short sides, allowing for four extra people at the table. With an approximate width of 50 centimeters allotted per person, it won’t feel too cramped.
Round Tables
Round tables create a friendly atmosphere. If you want to maintain a table depth of 35 centimeters and a width of 60 centimeters per person, the seating will feel relatively loose. However, caution is advised: as the table size increases, the distance between people sitting opposite each other may grow too great for effective communication.
Many round tables—and, of course, square ones—can be expanded with extension leaves.
Guidelines for optimal round table sizes:
2 people: diameter 60 centimeters
3 people: diameter 80 centimeters
4 people: diameter 90 to 110 centimeters
6 people: diameter 110 to 125 centimeters, ideally 150 centimeters
8 people: diameter 150 to 160 centimeters
Conclusion: Reasons to move the sofa away from the wall
There are several reasons to consider relocating your sofa away from the wall, enhancing the aesthetics and functionality of your living area:
Aesthetic Advantages:
– Creates an illusion of more space: Even a small distance can make a room feel larger and less confined, especially in compact living areas. This effect is particularly pronounced if the wall behind the sofa features a focal point, like a fireplace or large window.
– Enhanced movement flow: Positioning the sofa away from the wall improves traffic flow and circulation around the furniture, preventing the room from feeling like a corridor lined with furniture.
– Showcases architectural features: If your home has appealing molding, wainscoting, or other distinctive wall elements, moving the sofa forward will allow these details to be noticed rather than concealed.
– Improves balance and proportion: A sofa pushed against the wall may make a room appear unbalanced, especially if there’s ample open space elsewhere. Pulling it forward can help distribute visual weight more evenly.
– Adds layering and depth: The area behind the sofa can be utilized for layering decorative elements like a console table, plants, lamps, or artwork, enhancing depth and visual interest in the room.
Functional Advantages:
– Better acoustics: Moving the sofa from the wall can enhance room acoustics, especially with hard flooring. The gap behind the sofa can help absorb sound reflections, creating a more enjoyable listening experience for conversations or TV watching.
– Wall protection: Keeping the sofa a bit away from the wall can prevent scuff marks and damage, particularly in frequently used areas.
– Simplified cleaning: It’s much easier to vacuum and clean behind the sofa if it’s not pressed against the wall. This helps reduce dust accumulation and keeps the space feeling fresh.
– More relaxed conversations: Arranging the sofa away from the wall fosters a more intimate and comfortable conversation area, rather than seating everyone in a line against a wall.
Of course, moving the sofa away from the wall may not always be practical. In very small rooms, there may not be adequate space. However, if there is room to do so, it’s a straightforward change that can significantly improve the look and feel of your living area.