Configurations That Make 2 Sofas Work in Little Living Rooms

Arranging sofas in a small living room can seem like an impossible task. With limited square footage, it may feel as if there's no configuration that allows for ample seating while still having room to move around. However, with some strategic planning and the right sofa picks, small space dwellers can enjoy stylish and supremely livable rooms.

When scouring Pinterest, so many petite living rooms flaunt just one lonely loveseat. But for hosts who actually want to seat guests or families looking to cuddle up for movie nights, one measly sofa simply won't cut it. The good news? Several smart arrangements beautifully incorporate two sofas into even the tiniest abodes.

Choosing the Right Sofas

In compact living rooms, oversized roll arm sofas swallow up valuable real estate. Bulky, overstuffed styles make small spaces feel downright claustrophobic. Instead, consider smaller-scale sofas with exposed legs. This opens up the visual space underneath, creating an airier feel. For cozy yet casual appeal, relaxed slipcovered and linen sofas fit beautifully in petite rooms.

Our Favorite Picks

When sourcing sofas for pint-sized living rooms, we suggest sticking to the following criteria for size, style and dimensions:

• Under 78 inches wide
• Low profile with taller legs
• Tight back cushions
• Apartment-sized scale
• Cotton, linen or slipcovered

Armed with those sofa specifications, even the littlest rooms can stylishly house two seats with creative planning.

Opposite Facing Sofas

The most conventional layout positions two sofas across from each another. This face-to-face configuration allows for easy conversation and fosters interaction. It's especially handy for entertaining, as guests can make eye contact. Float sofas at least 36 inches from adjacent walls to keep the flowy, open look. Place a console table behind one sofa to prevent it bumping into the wall. Consider floating two smaller area rugs underneath to define each conversation zone.

Design Details

To prevent this traditional scheme from feeling boring or hotel lobby-esque, incorporate visual interest and dimension:

• Hang art on the wall between sofas as a focal point
• Position across from a fireplace to create an alluring vignette
• Add floor lamps or sconces to illuminate sofas
• Throw cozy pillows onto sofas to soften space

By embellishing on either side with great lighting, rugs and accessories, facing sofas feel warm, welcoming and intentionally arranged.

The Versatile L-Shaped Arrangement

For small living rooms with quirky dimensions or flow issues, embrace an L-shaped sofa layout. This clever configuration makes a room feel more expansive by removing bulky furniture from the middle of the floor plan. Sections angle to utilize corners that may otherwise go unused. This creates an intimate conversation nook without relegating seating to one sad couch. And by skillfully positioning an L-shaped sofa arrangement, awkward small living rooms suddenly boast better traffic flow and plenty of leg room.

Maximizing an L-Shape

To optimize floorspace, use the room's unique dimensions to determine the best L-shaped angle for your sofas. A narrow console wedged behind the recessed area prevents squashed toes and smashed fingers. For family movie nights, angle the TV so that everyone enjoys a comfortable viewing position. Incorporate an ottoman or bench between the two seats to bridge the divide. This handy hybrid merges the sectional look in a petite package, no awkward corner piece required!

Floating smaller rugs underneath each exposed sofa leg further defines the spaces within the L-shape layout. The two rugs work together to create a room within a room feeling. This trick neatly anchors seating areas without overwhelming the petite proportions. For additional visual balance, hang a piece of art over the recessed backrest of the L-shaped section. This draws the eye to that formerly awkward, neglected zone.

Supporting Your Small Space Sofas

Once sofa placement is pinned down, focus on supplemental furnishings that aid the overall flow and function of your living room. Incorporate storage ottomans and benches between or across from sofas to squeeze in extra seating. For petite rooms, shelving ranked horizontally behind sofas creates useful display space while contributing visual interest. Floating shelves highlight treasured objects without demanding precious floor area.

Through careful furniture selection and clever configurations, small living rooms can stylishly house two sofas with room to lounge. An L-shaped arrangement opens up floorplans, while opposite facing sofas encourage conversation. By factoring in room dimensions, sofa size and supplemental storage pieces, hosts enjoy livable rooms with ample seating. At the end of the day, creatively incorporating two sofas into tiny living rooms allows friends, family and pets to curl up comfortably together.