Smart Layout: Arranging a Sectional in a Small Living Room
Sectional sofas are a fantastic way to maximize seating and comfort. But arranging them in a small living room can be tricky. The good news is that sections fit in no matter what the design aesthetic or era of your home. Whether you're arranging modern furniture, trying to achieve Scandinavian hygge, working with an industrial vibe, or simply want to incorporate a contemporary look, this guide offers creative and practical tips for making the most of your sectional in a small living room.
1. Choose the Right Size and Shape
Sectionals come in all shapes and sizes. One of the most obvious go-tos for smaller spaces is the compact sectional. Opt for smaller, low-profile sectionals that don’t overwhelm the room. This often looks like the love-seat size sofa with a simple chaise lounge extension. A great option is the Mix Sectional 3-Seater.
The most common sectional is the L-shaped sectional. These are perfect for corner placement and help define the seating area without wasting space. They are strict with their structure and add more seating without spreading it out too much. To get this look, we recommend the Mulholland Bi-Sectional.
Finally, the modular sectional is the best option for multi-purpose rooms and really small spaces where you need to customize the size of the sofa. Consider a modular furniture system like the Eave collection from Audo Copenhagen so you can rearrange pieces as needed for versatility.
2. Use the Corners to Your Advantage
The corners are of your space are your friend! Placing the sectional in a corner makes efficient use of available space and pushes the largest piece of furniture in your room off to the side so it doesn't dominate.
This layout opens up the center of the room, creating a more breathable and functional environment. It also allows you to incorporate other essential living room pieces like coffee tables and lounge chairs without worrying about crowding.
3. Pair with the Right Coffee Table
Choosing the perfect coffee table for your living room is vital to maximizing space and achieving the design and layout you want. The rules are fairly simple: select a round or oval coffee table to promote flow around the sectional and make sure the coffee table is proportional—about two-thirds the length of the sectional for balance.
4. Keep Pathways Clear
A functional living space needs enough walking room. Leave at least 30 to 36 inches of space for walkways around the sectional. If the sectional is in the corner of the room, this space should be created between the sofa, coffee table, accent chairs, and lights. If your sofa is in the middle of the room, it's smart to ensure there is plenty of space behind and beside the sectional as well.
Now, exceptions can be made for smaller living rooms. If space is tight, 16 to 18 inches can suffice for smaller areas while maintaining functionality. If this is the case, we recommend using more compact furniture pieces in general and limiting the number of pieces you use.
5. Float the Sectional
Don’t be afraid to "float" the sectional away from walls to create distinct zones. This interior design trick turns your sectional into a room divider. Open concept living spaces can feel too big sometimes. Floating your sectional creates that distinction without adding walls.
Additionally, you can add a console table behind the sectional to create more storage and surface space for decor or lighting.
6. Use Rugs to Anchor the Layout
A properly sized rug helps define the seating area and brings the arrangement together. Once again helping to distinguish one area of the home from another, the area rug will also add warmth, help control sound, and be that final touch to the whole room's composition.
Remember, the rug should be large enough for at least the front legs of the sectional to sit on it.
7. Add Vertical Storage
Utilize vertical space with wall-mounted shelving or modular shelving systems to keep the floor open. Systems like String Furniture’s modular shelving add function without taking up precious square footage.
8. Maximize Lighting
Lighting is vitally important to all home designs. When arranging your sectional, light must be considered into order to keep the room functional and establish the perfect ambiance. Living rooms are a great room to use a variety of lighting types, so there are no wrong answers when picking living room lights.
For compact spaces, floor space is coveted real estate, and if you want to use a sectional, you'll want all the floor space you can get. We recommend using wall sconces or pendant lighting instead of floor lamps to save floor space. Select sleek modern lighting or Scandinavian lighting to keep the look light and airy.
9. Accessorize with Intention
Small spaces are easily crowded with odds and ends. Even if you want that maximalist look, it's still smart to accessorize with intention. Very simply, use a few well-chosen accessories—maybe base it off of emotional connection to the items, family significance, or functionality—to avoid a cluttered look. Consider industrial furniture elements like metal and glass for a stylish yet streamlined aesthetic.
10. Consider Multi-Functional Furniture
Our final tip is to consider multi-functional furniture for your smaller living space. One simple way to do this is to add ottomans that double as storage or seating. Another great choice is to use nesting tables which are great for flexibility in small spaces.
Shop Sectional-Friendly Furniture at HORNE
At HORNE, we offer a range of modern, Scandinavian, industrial, and contemporary furniture designed to work beautifully with sectional sofas—no matter the room size. From space-saving coffee tables to modular shelving systems, our curated collections make it easy to create a stylish and functional living space.
Explore our sofa collection today and full catalogue to find the perfect pieces to build a comfortable small living space with a sectional sofa!
