How do we decide the right sofa size for a compact living room?

We start by noting how you use the room and then measure it; as a practical rule we keep the sofa length to no more than two-thirds of the longest wall, which for small living rooms (about 10-15 m²) commonly means sofas around 1.6 m to 2.1 m.

What measurements should we take before shopping for a sofa?

Measure the room’s full length and width, the clear path from door to door (or door to balcony), and the span of the main focal wall in centimetres, and also note skirting boards, heaters and plug sockets; for delivery, measure the tightest points of the route into your home.

How deep should a sofa be in a narrow living room?

For narrow rooms we favour shallower sofa depths (around 75-85 cm) or standard depths up to 95 cm; shallower frames or raised-leg designs preserve floor space and sight lines while deep lounge sofas (95 cm+) need significantly more floor area.

What clearance do we need around the sofa for comfortable traffic flow?

Aim for at least 60-75 cm of clear space between the sofa and opposing furniture such as a coffee table or TV stand to allow comfortable movement, and reduce arm width or bulky side tables if you have a narrow channel alongside the sofa.

What delivery checks should we do before buying a sofa?

Confirm the sofa’s width, height and diagonal depth and measure the tightest point of the delivery route (lift shaft, corridor or stair turn), and add a 5-10 cm safety margin when comparing product specification pages.

Choosing the right sofa size for a small living room

Start with how you use the room

When a living room is compact, the sofa becomes both a seating anchor and a traffic consideration. We begin by asking how the room is used across a typical week: quiet evenings for two, watching TV with family, entertaining once a month, or doubling as a work corner. That everyday use shapes the size and shape we should consider.

Measure, then measure again

Before you look at styles, take these three measurements at home: the full length and width of the room, the clear path from door to door (or door to balcony), and the span of the main focal wall where the sofa will sit. We recommend measuring in centimetres and noting skirting boards, heaters and plug sockets. For narrow rooms, measure a doorway and corridor to confirm how a sofa will be delivered through your home.

A simple sizing rule we use

A useful starting rule is to keep the sofa length at no more than two-thirds of the longest wall it sits against - this often leaves space for side tables and circulation. For a small living room (about 10-15 m²), that commonly translates to sofas in the 1.6 m to 2.1 m range. When in doubt, prefer slightly smaller: we can always add a comfortable armchair or an ottoman later.

Shape and depth: why both matter

Sofa depth affects how much floor the sofa claims front-to-back. Standard depths range from 80 cm (shallower, good for small footprints) to 100 cm+ (roomier, better for lounging). In compact layouts we favour shallower frames or raised-leg designs that keep sight lines open and make the room feel bigger.

Shallow sofa (≈75-85 cm depth): better for narrow rooms and formal seating.
Standard depth (≈85-95 cm): balanced comfort and presence.
Deep lounge sofa (95 cm+): generous but demands more floor space.

Try modular or compact two-seaters

We often recommend a compact two-seater or a small modular unit for tight spaces - these give us room to reconfigure seating for visitors and often come with options that include storage or a chaise that can sit on either side.

Visual breathing room matters

Low-back sofas, narrow arms or exposed legs reduce visual weight. A sofa that sits clear of the wall (even 10-20 cm) can make the space feel less boxed in. For practical shopping, browse our Livingroom & Bar category to compare shapes and sizes across brands and price points. Livingroom & Bar

Plan traffic flow and furniture relationships

A well-sized sofa still needs room to move around. Aim for at least 60-75 cm clear between the sofa and opposites (coffee table, TV stand) for comfortable movement. If you have a narrow channel alongside the sofa, reduce arm width and avoid bulky side tables.

Pairing with tables and storage

Match the sofa to smaller-scale coffee tables (low and narrow) and consider vertical storage - thin chests or wall shelves - to keep floorspace free. If a side table is essential, our short guide on Choosing a side table for your living room can help you pick the right scale. Choosing a side table for your living room

Delivery and doorways

Before you finalise a purchase, confirm delivery measurements: sofa width, height and diagonal depth. Measure the tightest point of the route into your room (lift shaft, corridor or stair turn). We recommend adding 5-10 cm as a safety margin when you compare product spec pages.

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Practical examples and layout ideas

Here are realistic setups we regularly specify for South African small living rooms (approximate room sizes shown to make the choices tangible):

3.2 m x 3.5 m room - a 1.8 m two-seater with 85 cm depth sits comfortably against the longest wall, leaving space for a slim coffee table and a narrow media console.
2.8 m x 3.0 m room - choose a 1.6 m shallow-depth sofa with exposed legs and add a pouf that can be moved for guests.
Open-plan studio - a compact modular sofa (1.7-2.0 m) used as a low divider helps define the lounge without closing off the kitchen area.

Material, colour and maintenance choices

In small rooms we prefer fabrics and colours that reflect light and hide everyday wear. Mid-tone neutrals, textured weaves and performance fabrics work well for South African homes - they feel warm without showing dust or pet hair quickly. Removable cushion covers make cleaning easier, and choosing a sofa with slightly raised legs simplifies floor cleaning underneath.

Where to look on Bash

When you’re ready to shop, filter by width and depth on our Couches page to compare pieces that meet your measured constraints, and use product filters for leg height and arm style. Couches gives a helpful cross-section of sizes and fabric options, and you can combine that with select pieces from Coffee Tables to visualise the full layout.

A short checklist before you buy

Measure the room, doorways and delivery path in centimetres.
Decide the sofa role: daily lounging, TV viewing, or occasional seating.
Choose depth according to available floor space and seating preference.
Allow 60-75 cm circulation in front of the sofa and 30-45 cm between sofa and side furniture where possible.
Check fabric performance, cushion fill, and whether covers are removable for cleaning.

Small-room styling tips we use

Keep legs visible, pick a single dominant colour for large items, and use mirrors or taller lamps to lift the eye. A rug sized to include the front legs of the sofa helps anchor the seating without making the floor look smaller.

Final thought - design for everyday life

We favour choices that suit how you actually live each week rather than chasing a showroom look. A slightly smaller sofa that works with your daily routine, cleans easily and moves through your doorways will serve you better than a larger piece that fits only on paper. When you want to explore options, start with our Livingroom & Bar and Couches collections to compare styles and dimensions. Livingroom & Bar

Sources

The Spruce - How to Measure a Room for Furniture
House & Garden South Africa
Apartment Therapy - Small Living Room Layouts
South African Institute of Building (planning & standards reference)

Choosing the right sofa size for a small living room

Measure first

Why Choose Bash?

Free Delivery

30-Day Returns

Nationwide Support

Why Choose Bash?

Free Delivery

30-Day Returns

Nationwide Support

Choose shallow depth

Style for lightness

Start with how you use the room

Measure, then measure again

A simple sizing rule we use

Shape and depth: why both matter

Try modular or compact two-seaters

Visual breathing room matters

Plan traffic flow and furniture relationships

Pairing with tables and storage

Delivery and doorways

Practical examples and layout ideas

Material, colour and maintenance choices

Where to look on Bash

A short checklist before you buy

Small-room styling tips we use

Final thought - design for everyday life

Sources

Mmaphefo

Ukhona

Sambesiwe

Kamo

"Micayla"

Sabelo

Meagan

Bat

Anotha

Tshepiso

Elisa

Nqobile

Nicky

Melaney

Thina

Gwayimane

Phumelelo

Fenkie

Roxanne

Charlize

Refilwe

Dimane

Seth

Neil

Kirsti

Fatima

Nicolette

Ronel

Inge

Valerie

Adri

Chadley

Makhosonke

Mabel

Simo

Sharon

Nobuhle

Angelique Davis

Thabile

Arlene

Kgomotso

Kgosi

Steven

Kago

Reitumetse

Anina

Azwihangwisi

Marlene

Nkensane

Moreblessings

Palesa

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