The positioning of your sofa in the living room can greatly affect the ambiance of the space, making it feel either cramped and unwelcoming or more spacious than it actually is. According to Kayleigh Stafford, a sofa and interiors expert at Snappy Sofas, one common mistake people make with their sofas and other large furniture is placing it directly against a wall.
She describes this arrangement as "uninspiring" and notes that it can create a "boxed-in" feeling in the room. "While you might think this would open up the room and create more space, it actually does the opposite and creates a boxed-in feeling. The space feels smaller and usually doesn't work as well for your family," she explained.
Furthermore, pushing a sofa against the wall often results in an empty, unused space in the middle of the room that can feel uninspiring. Instead, Kayleigh recommends placing the sofa a few inches away from the wall to create the illusion of space and depth, making the room feel more open.
If the room is large enough, consider pulling the sofa out to the center of the room and using it to divide a living and dining area. Kayleigh added, "This helps each of your spaces to flow and creates a more connected space. Adding a large rug can define the living area and create a more unified look."
"The use of a footstool or pouffe in front of the sofa can also help to create a structured and conscious design for your living space.", reports the Express.
It's crucial to utilise any corners in your room effectively. For instance, if your sofa needs to be positioned in a corner, then L-shaped pieces are an excellent choice to maximise the space, she suggested. Alternatively, angling your sofa or pairing it with matching chairs in a curved layout can contribute to a more balanced feel in your room - and is a fantastic way to make the most of the available space.
The perfect sofa placement will ultimately depend on your space and traffic flow. Kayleigh also advises ensuring it doesn't obstruct pathways or create awkward navigation.
With these tips, however, you should be able to find the ideal placement for your sofa and consequently, create a spacious, functional and aesthetically pleasing space for you and your family to enjoy.