What to Look For in a Small Couch

A small couch can make a big impact in your home. When choosing a sofa, look for important considerations such as size, comfort, as well as design.

"The right sofa can be the centerpiece of your living space and the focal point of your interior design," says Tori Jones an interior designer. This love seat in tan would be a great option for a neutral or modern space.

Size

Knowing what to look for when selecting a standard couch can aid you in finding the perfect piece for your home. Couch dimensions are important for style, comfort, and practicality. Use the benchmarks to evaluate the standard sizes of couches for small living rooms and select a smaller sofa that suits your style.

The number of people that will be seated on your sofa should also be considered when selecting a sofa size. A sofa intended for two adults may need more cushioning than a couch designed for five or four adults. Think about how often you intend to use your sofa. The wear and tear that comes from family movie nights and hosting guests may require a different construction and upholstery material than a couch that is used sparingly.

Painter's tape can be used to measure the area where you intend to place your sofa. This visual guide allows you to see how the sofa will fit and then make any necessary adjustments. Also, be sure to leave at least 30 inches of walk space in the front of the sofa to ensure it doesn't obstruct your living room.

While it is possible to alter the sofa to fit in the space, this process isn't easy and requires the help of an expert. When measuring the footprint of a sofa, you should consider the height and depth of the seat cushions, as well as the height of the back cushion. To get an accurate measurement you can employ straight edges to draw an arc from the back of the sofa to the front edge of the seat cushion. Alternately, you can determine the depth of the diagonal by placing a straight edge on the highest point on the back of the sofa and measuring from the opposite bottom corner up to the point at which the lines created by the straight edge and your couch meet.

Comfort

The comfort factor is crucial when it comes to choosing a smaller sofa. A good sofa will transform your living space into a comfortable retreat, perfect for reading the latest book or watching a film with family. Consider the seat depth and the height of the back cushions when searching for the most comfortable sofa. Natasha Adams is a lifestyle and home writer for Better Homes & Gardens. She says that these commonly overlooked dimensions are vital to comfort.

You'll also need to decide if you prefer a fixed back, a scatter back or cushioned version. Fixed backs are more formal. Scatter backs are more casual and have a more relaxed appearance. Cushioned couches are ideal for homes with children and pets as they're easy to clean.

If you're looking to make your new couch to be the centerpiece of your living area, go for a stylish leather model. This is a durable material that will endure years of use and looks stunning. It's also available in a variety of different colors making it a great choice for modern and contemporary design styles. If you're seeking something more traditional or classic, a leather sofa could be a better option.

Another key element in determining the comfort of your small couch is the upholstery fabric. Pottery Barn offers a large selection of fabrics to choose from, so you're certain to find the one that will fit in with your space. A performance fabric sofa is a good choice for families with pets or children. It's easy to clean and stain-resistant.

If you're worried about a couch's overall durability, search for models that have been certified by the Greenguard Environmental Institute. This means that the couch is in compliance with certain environmental standards, including low VOC emissions and a lack of off-gassing. The Greenguard program also includes an insurance policy that protects against fire, stains, and smells for up to 10 years. In addition, many manufacturers offer an additional year of protection through their own warranties. They are listed in the fine print of the product's specifications.

Style

If you are looking for a compact sofa, select one with lots of style. A sofa with a sleek shape can give your space a more airy feel, while a modern button-tufted design provides a sophisticated design. The fabric on this sofa is a soft gray shade that can be combined with a variety of colors. The seat is deep and comfortable to lounge on. Traditional track arms complement this couch.

This sofa has a console in the middle that can be lowered to provide multiple functions for your movie watching experience. The console has an integrated wood table, dual reading lamps, a magazine pouch and two additional cupholders. The console also features a 110V power outlet as well as USB ports for quick charging. The sofa is covered in durable corduroy. It has side pillows for added comfort.

A settee is another excellent option for those with small spaces, since it occupies less floor space than a traditional sofa. This Pottery Barn settee is perfect for lofts and studio apartment because it can accommodate up to three people. The lighter-gray upholstery makes a great accent to any room, and the detailed stitching adds a touch of elegance.

This small couch's adjustable sectional can be arranged either on the left or right side. It is therefore a great choice for a variety of living rooms. The luxurious design of this sofa is enhanced by its subtle, comfortable cushions. The sectional makes a great option for a modern or transitional style home.

Before you buy a new sofa, you should measure the length and width of your space to make sure that it will fit. If you're purchasing an L-shaped or corner sofa piece, it's especially important to take the height of your doorway into account when measuring. If the topmost part of the sofa is too high for a doorway, consider buying a set in pieces that are separate or ask your retailer about shipping options. Making a plan ahead can help you avoid a lot of grief later on.

Storage

There are many storage options available for your couch which is an essential piece of furniture. Some storage options are as simple and easy as adding few baskets for magazines, remote controls, and other items to be within reach. Others are integrated into the furniture and are used for multiple purposes. The Linsy Rubik III, for example is a sofa that can be made modular that comes with two large drawers to keep the clutter in your living room under control. It also comes with an outlet for charging that makes it easy to charge your devices.

There are sofas that can be transformed into beds for children or guests like the Joybird Briar. This futon-style sleeper couch is available in a variety of sizes and upholstery fabrics to suit your taste and space needs. Alternately, you can opt for a small storage ottoman that can also be used as an end table and comes with plenty of storage space for blankets, pillows and other items.

There are sofas that have open cubbies that can be used to store things such as blankets, throw pillows, and even books. This is a great method to store items that you don't need often but don't want to get rid of. This is a great option for larger items that you need to keep out of sight, but still easily accessible. For instance, heavier outdoor equipment or sports equipment.

A sectional with a set reversible storage chairs that fold out into beds is a popular option. These are perfect for those who host guests on a regular basis or for families with children. They are usually easy to set up and can be moved around the room as seating requirements change over time.

A storage sofa can be a great choice for apartments and condos where space is limited and you must be creative with your decorating. They are available from retailers like IKEA Room & Board West Elm and others in a variety of colors and styles.