Sectional Sofa Layouts That Make a Small Living Room Look Bigger

Arranging furniture in a small living room can be a decorating challenge. With limited square footage, every piece needs to earn its place. A sectional sofa seems like an improbable option for a petite space. However, with some strategic layout techniques, a sectional can actually make a small living room appear more spacious.

By choosing the right size, placement, and style, your oversized couch can become an asset. Clever sectional arrangements open up floor space for walking paths and additional furnishings. Visually, the proper layout draws eyes outward, maximizing the perception of room size. With a few tips and tricks, you can enjoy all the seating and style of a sectional, even in a tight living room.

Corner Placement Maximizes Floor Space

One of the best sectional sofa placements for a small living room is tucking it into a corner. This positioning encloses the seating on two adjacent walls, which helps contain its visual bulk. By anchoring your sectional in the corner, you free up the rest of the floor area for additional furnishings or walking paths.

Corner placement also allows you to angle part of the sectional inward. This creates a welcoming, cozy seating area without monopolizing the entire room. Friends and family can relax and socialize, while still leaving space to circulate elsewhere. This corner layout is especially effective for L-shaped sectionals or chaise end sectionals.

Position Near Focal Point

Another strategic placement for a sectional in a small living room is arranging it to face the focal point. This could be the television, a fireplace, or even a set of windows with an attractive view. Positioning the sectional to showcase one of these design elements incorporates the seating into an existing decorative scheme.

Visually, pulling the sectional forward helps tie it to the focal feature. This draws attention outward, keeping eyes from focusing on the tight quarters. It also provides a natural gathering place for viewing the TV or gazing out the windows. Site lines from the centered sectional to the anchors on each side make the whole room feel more expansive.

Use Sectional to Divide Open Floor Plan

For small living rooms connected to an open floor plan, the sectional sofa can also help define the spaces. Use the sectional as a divider between the living room and adjacent rooms, like the kitchen or dining area. This delineates the different zones while still allowing them to flow together. The sectional helps contain the seating area, giving separation without totally closing it off.

Visually, this dividing technique makes both areas feel enlarged. The sectional forms a border, framing each space rather than squeeze them. This open floor plan layout is especially suited for large, U-shaped sectionals. Place the open end facing the adjoining room to maintain an inviting flow between. Just be sure to leave enough clearance on each side for entering and exiting each zone.

Choose Compact, Low-Profile Sectionals

To maximize the sense of openness, select sectional sofas designed specifically for small spaces. Look for compact sectionals around 5-7 feet in length. This provides reasonable seating without overpowering the room. Low arm and back heights also maintain an airier, less bulky appearance.

Avoid overstuffed cushions and rolled arms, which expand the sectional's footprint. Thinner cushions and low track arms blend more seamlessly into the surrounding space. Some small-space sectionals even have removable arm options. This allows you to customize the layout to best suit your room.

Brands like IKEA, Macy's and Pottery Barn offer apartment-sized sectional styles suited for tight living rooms. The Radley sectional from Macy's is one slim option with high customer ratings. Review sites like Apartment Therapy also feature small-space sectional recommendations.

Stick With L-Shaped and Corner Sectionals

In terms of sectional configurations, L-shaped and corner designs work best for petite living rooms. Their efficient footprints allow flexible positioning against walls and openings. L-shaped sectionals can slide perfectly into a corner or recess. Corner sectionals create a cozy seating area that maintains an open interior pathway.

Modular and adjustable sectionals are also useful for tight spaces. These separate into multiple pieces with customizable orientations. You can arrange the chaise or corner wedge on the right or left to fit your exact layout. Just position the various modules closest together in one area so they don't spread out too far.

Avoid Floating Sectionals

One sectional layout to avoid in a small living room is floating it alone in the center of the space. Without anchoring it against a wall, the sectional tends to look marooned. This isolates the seating zone in an already confined area.

Centrally placed sectionals also disrupt natural circulation routes through the room. People have to walk awkwardly around the perimeter to navigate past. Plus, viewing the TV or fireplace from this disjointed angle distorts sight lines.

Layer Stylish Accent Pieces

While choosing a compact sectional aids the small room cause, you can further enhance the look with stylish accents. Plush throw pillows and cozy blankets make the sectional even more eye-catching. Drape these accessories across the sofa to provide bursts of color, texture and pattern.

Ottomans and poufs are other excellent sectional complements for small living rooms. Tuck one beside each end as makeshift tables or extra seating. Small storage ottomans also add hidden organization capacity. Place an accent chair or two facing the sectional to delineate a refined conversation area.

With these layers of luxe soft goods and companions, your petite sectional becomes a posh focal point. Drawing attention to the seating gives it an outsized design impact. The alluring styling tempts you to sink right in and relax.

Use Legs or Lift Sofa

Certain sectional construction details also create a lighter, less imposing aesthetic. Exposed wooden legs give the sofa visual lift, preventing it from looking too heavy. This allows more floor space to peek through underneath, maintaining an open ambiance.

Lifting the sectional completely off the floor has a similar effect. A raised floating layout keeps the space below open. Make sure to select a sofa with a quality frame that can handle this cantilevered support. Built-in storage drawers in the base add bonus function.

Raising the sectional makes vacuuming underneath easier too. For small living rooms where floor space comes at a premium, this is a distinct maintenance advantage. Elevating the sofa also promotes better air circulation to keep dust bunnies at bay.

Maximize Every Inch

When working with a small living room, every inch of space counts. Consider using a storage ottoman as a footrest or additional seating option. This can provide extra storage for blankets, pillows, or other items, freeing up floor space and keeping clutter at bay.

If your living room has limited floor space, consider utilizing wall space to your advantage. Install floating shelves or a mounted TV to free up space on your coffee table or entertainment center. You can also add decorative wall art or a gallery wall to add visual interest without taking up valuable floor space.

While a sectional sofa can serve as a focal point, you can still create distinct zones within your living room. Use area rugs, decorative poufs, or plants to define separate seating areas, making the most of your space. This can also help to visually separate the living room from adjacent spaces.

Consider investing in multifunctional furniture pieces, such as a storage bench or a convertible sofa bed. These items can provide additional seating or storage space without taking up more square footage.

With some creative furniture arrangements and layout considerations, you can successfully incorporate a sectional sofa into a small living room. Use the design techniques of corner placement, focal point positioning, compact size, and accessorizing to maximize both seating capacity and visual space. A sectional offers a cozy spot for lounging with lots of stretch-out room.

By following these tips, you can enjoy the plentiful seating and contemporary style of an oversized sectional--even in the tiniest of living rooms. Your space may be small, but smart sectional plans ensure it still looks and feels open, airy and effortlessly chic.