How to choose a sofa that fits your room
Size, depth, shape, colour and fabric: how to choose a sofa that fits your wall, your walkway and the way you actually sit.
Updated November 1, 2026 · 4 min read
Measure first: a sofa around two-thirds the length of its wall, leaving 75–90 cm of walkway and about 40–45 cm to the coffee table. Choose the seat depth for how you sit, then the colour for the light in your room, and the fabric for your life.
Size
- Length: around two-thirds of the wall it stands against looks balanced.
- Walkway: keep 75–90 cm free for the main path through the room.
- Coffee table: about 40–45 cm from the front of the sofa, roughly two-thirds of its length.
- Access: measure doorways, stairs, corridors and lift doors before ordering.
Depth and height
A seat depth of roughly 55–60 cm suits people who sit upright; 65 cm or more is for curling up and lounging. Lower backs keep a small room open; higher backs feel more enclosed and cosy.
Shape
A straight three-seater suits most living rooms. A corner sofa works when it can sit against two walls without blocking a door or walkway. In tight rooms, a sofa on visible legs with slim arms gives you more seat for the same footprint.
Colour
In a bright room almost any colour works; in a darker room, mid-tones such as olive, rust or warm grey look richer than pale beige. A colour that matches the rug exactly tends to disappear; a tone or two away from it looks intentional.
Fabric
- Linen and cotton: breathable and relaxed, but they crease and can stain.
- Performance fabrics: the practical choice with children, pets or red wine.
- Velvet: deep colour and soft to touch, it shows marks but is often hard-wearing.
- Leather: lasts for decades and ages well; it can feel cold in winter.
Not sure which sofa your room wants? room redesign draws it in your room and finds the real sofa in stores in your country. Ask for a different colour or fabric and the design and list follow.
Questions people ask
How big should a sofa be for my living room?+
Around two-thirds the length of the wall behind it, with 75–90 cm left for walking past.
What seat depth is most comfortable?+
About 55–60 cm for sitting upright and 65 cm or more for lounging.
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