Choosing the right sofa is never easy. You’ll have to decide on fabrics, finishes, and features, plus the décor style that best suits your space. Yet before you make any of these choices, you must determine which sofa size will work with your room. Here, Adirondack Furniture explains everything you need to know about choosing the best sofa size.
The Perfect Scale
Design experts agree that a measuring tape is the best place to start. You need to know how much space is available and how your sofa will fit in. That’s because a sectional can dominate a smaller area, while an apartment-size sofa, no matter how stylish, looks out of place in a large, open room.
Sofas are available in a wide array of sizes, ranging from about 6’ to 7’ on average. Carefully measure the area where you plan to place your sofa to make sure it will fit and match the scale of existing chairs, tables, and other décor. A good rule of thumb suggests your coffee table should be no more than 1/2 to 2/3 the size of your sofa, and accent tables should rise to about the same height as its arms.
One more measuring tip: check the width of your exterior and interior doorways. While you can often temporarily remove legs or even take a door off its hinges, you won’t want to choose a sofa that’s too wide and/or deep to enter your home!
The Flow of Space
Consider this scenario: the entryway to your entertainment room is a rounded archway, but your couch blocks half of it. It’s difficult to enter the room, and the space feels boxed in and closed off.
By choosing the best sofa size for the space, you can ensure easy movement and make the most of any architectural features. Look for sofas that leave plenty of room to enter and exit doors, open windows, and access built-ins, like bookshelves or entertainment centers. You’ll also need ample space between the sofa and other furniture. In fact, most interior decorators recommend leaving 30” to 36” between pieces so guests can sit close enough to chat but still have plenty of room to move comfortably.
The Way You’ll Use it
Size also matters when it comes to the way you use a sofa. If you’re creating a seating area in a master bedroom or furnishing a more formal space, a smaller sofa or even a loveseat looks more sophisticated. On the other hand, a home theater or family room is the perfect place for a larger sofa or sectional that lets you stretch out to binge-watch your favorite shows or take a nap on a Sunday afternoon.
And don’t forget the people who will use your sofa. Taller individuals often find larger sofas with deeper seats more comfortable, as they offer additional room for longer legs. If you or a loved one has trouble rising from a seated position, a lower seat could cause problems. In this case, look for a taller sofa that makes standing and sitting easy.
Find the Best Sofa Size for Any Space at Adirondack Furniture
Still have questions about the best sofa size? Visit Adirondack Furniture in Syracuse or East Syracuse today. Our friendly team will help you find the perfect sofas and other living room furniture for any space. From Amish-made furniture to contemporary looks and traditional styles, we’re confident you’ll find everything you need to create a welcoming, comfortable home.
