Many people may avoid sectionals in small spaces, fearing they’ll make the room feel cramped. However, the right sectional can actually make a small space feel bigger and more inviting.
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Modern sectionals are sleek, stylish, and customizable to fit any space. Don’t let a small living room keep you from the cozy sectional of your dreams!
Advantages and Disadvantages
To avoid disappointment and post-shopping regret, our design pros recommend following the rule: measure twice and move it once!
First, measure the space where you plan to place your sofa to ensure the sectional fits easily without having to jam it in (don’t forget to measure doorways, too!).
With any significant purchase, a pros and cons list is invaluable. Save yourself and your wallet from unnecessary stress by weighing the advantages and disadvantages before bringing home a sofa that may not fit your needs or design.
Advantages
- Increased seating options without additional furniture
- Stylish options to fit any style or fabric choices
- Reduced clutter and less bulky furniture
- Visually creates distinct areas in open-concept spaces.
Disadvantages
- Limited arrangement options are possible depending on the living room and sofa.
- Some models, particularly modular sectionals, can run on the expensive side.
- Sectionals can be space-specific (a consideration if you plan to move in the future)
When figuring out sectional placement in your home, take note of household items you’d need to easily access or avoid, like doorways, windows, heaters, and outlets.
Moving a sofa whenever you need to turn on a lamp, plug in a phone, or access a heating vent will quickly become frustrating. Measure window height if the sofa will be placed under a window.
Design planning can feel overwhelming, especially when you know what you like but aren’t sure where to start. Below are five favorite sectional placement options for small living rooms!
1. Cozy Corner
Create an inviting and cozy corner with a 2-seater L-shaped sectional sofa, perfect for small spaces.
Nestling the sectional against the walls opens room for an accent chair or plant, utilizing awkward corner spaces.
To avoid a rigid atmosphere caused by too many angles, you can soften your living space with a round accent rug and coffee table.
2. Focus of Attention
If you’re unsure where to start designing your living room, begin with a focal point like a fireplace or flat-screen TV. Arrange your space for maximum use and create a welcoming atmosphere.
Once you determine the focal point, the rest of your design will fall into place. A sectional highlighting this area is especially useful in open-concept rooms and studio apartments.
By styling an appealing atmosphere with hanging planters on the wall and warm accent lighting, a sleek sectional will be the star of the show!
3. Conversation Centerpiece
If you’re more of a relaxed, chatty type of person, a design setup that revolves around a conversation might be right up your alley.
A sectional palace across from comfy armchairs and a round coffee table will be the hub of your future heart-to-hearts.
4. Entertain with Ease
If you have a smaller living room with an open concept design, a four-seater sectional creates a multi-dimensional space.
Anchoring your sofa against an accent wall draws the eye in without cluttering the room. Pair it with a solid rectangular coffee table that accommodates guests without feeling bulky.
5. Lean Back and Relax
Whether you’re coming home from a long day at work or waking up to a lazy Sunday, a setup like this will inspire you to lean back and relax.
By pairing two sofas—a smaller sectional and a snug loveseat—you’ll create a soft and welcoming space.
Sofas of a similar fabric create a cohesive seating area, and placing them directionally across from each other fosters organic conversation.
This setup creates a homey atmosphere that begs for deep discussions and inviting books.
Finding That Perfect Sectional Placement
Before tossing your old sofa, consider where you’d like to put a sectional in your new space.
What type of atmosphere or ambiance should the living space embody? What will the primary purpose be for the living space?
Sectional placement can seem daunting in any area, particularly in a living room of a smaller size. We hope these placement pointers encourage you to enter the structured sofa world.
For more sectional sofa inspiration and design advice, try these posts –
9 L-Shaped Sofa (Sectional) Living Room Layout Ideas
How To Measure A Sectional Couch [Detailed Guide]
Really helpful!