Luckily, there are many options out there for apartment dwellers and small home buyers, even reversible sectionals and modular pieces that can shift according to your evolving needs (such as when you’re hosting overnight guests). For this roundup of the best small sofas, we considered flexibility and utility in addition to comfort, durability, and style. That’s right—small sofas can still make a big statement. If your small sofa takes up a lot of real estate, interior designer Tori Jones of Tori Jones Studio recommends making it extra special. “Go for a beautiful, richly colored upholstery fabric, layer it with a patterned throw, and load it up with a mix of pillows,” she says. However you choose to style your small sofa, we’re here to make things a little easier. Read on for our top options. The Nomad sofa comes equipped with an easy latch assembly, so no tools, no problem. Our tester loved how simple it was to customize the size of the sofa using the latch mechanism: “As a military family member, I am always considering how versatile a piece of furniture will be in another home,” she said. “I assembled the Nomad using all three seats, but I could easily shorten it to a loveseat configuration if needed.” You can also purchase additional add-ons like a chaise or an ottoman, which allow you to create a sectional-style setup. Burrow offers many colors and fabrics to choose from, as well as different style options for arms and legs. We also appreciate the scratch- and stain-resistant fabric as well as the reversible cushions; though this model is pricier than others, you’re sure to get extended life out of it. The feature our reviewer most loved about the Nomad, however, is the built-in phone charger, which ensures your phone is always good to go, even on your laziest days. Price at time of publish: $1,595 Price at time of publish: $866 It has a nice, simple shape and sophisticated linen-like upholstery—not to mention 11 color options—so it coheres with most décor styles. But most importantly, it’s absurdly comfortable. The cushions provide the perfect balance of firmness and plushness, and the wide, flat armrests can function as a makeshift side table for, say, a laptop or a snack bowl. “I’ve had this sofa for several weeks now and it’s become my new favorite place to sit,” our tester said. “There is just enough give to the cushions, while also retaining their shape and support.” Price at time of publish: $1,000 Price at time of publish: $3,999 This sofa is a splurge. However, its durability also makes it a great investment. With a sturdy, corner-blocked wooden frame made of kiln-dried solid wood and heavy-duty upholstery, it’ll offer comfort for years to come. Plus, the velvet is rated 40,000 rubs, meaning it could even withstand the heavy use of a commercial environment, so bring on the children and pets. Price at time of publish: $1,299 Price at time of publish: $1,035 Price at time of publish: $2,399 for 79" Width, Performance Everydaylinen™, Oatmeal We love how the tuxedo arms have been updated for a more contemporary aesthetic. Though they maintain the classic button tufting and high arms (which are level with the back of the couch), they’ve been squared off to achieve crisper lines than the rounded arms of the original. Admittedly, this couch might not provide enough comfort to be an everyday go-to (such as for the nap or TV-binging couch). But it is a stellar pick for social occasions and guest seating. At 79 inches wide, you’ll be able to comfortably seat three. Price at time of publish: $1,140 Alternatively, she recommends choosing a shallow sectional or banquette wrapping a corner (or corners) of a room to maximize seating. “With this, you can add an occasional table and a single accent chair and call it a day,” she notes.
Material
You want to choose something that’s comfortable and durable and also consider how much use your piece will get and how much maintenance you’re willing to put into your investment. If kids and pets aren’t clambering onto your couch, you might be able to get away with a linen option. With pets or children, you’re going to want a more stain-resistant option like microfiber. Its tight weave makes liquids bead up on the surface, giving you more time to tackle a spill before it sinks in. Velvet is also, perhaps surprisingly, easier to clean than many alternatives. When choosing a velvet couch, just be sure to select one with a minimum rub count of 15,000+. (This rating is a testament to the number of abrasions the fabric can withstand before showing signs of wear.) With velvet, you’ll also have to consider ways to reduce exposure to sunlight to avoid premature fading. Unlike most other upholstery materials, leather and faux leather can get better with age as they develop a nice patina. However, these materials are more susceptible to scratches and puncturing and might not be the best option for those with pets or kids.
Style and Shape
Sofas come in myriad styles and shapes, from the buttoned-up chesterfield (no back cushions) to the laid-back Lawson style with detached back cushions. Your preferences will depend on your taste, but you’ll also want to consider the intended use and anticipated traffic. A small chesterfield may go great in a foyer, bar area, or sitting room that receives occasional guests, but you may not want to rely on it for relaxation. It’s also good to note that today’s market supplies plenty of small sectionals or modular pieces that can approximate the generous seating of sectionals through add-ons like ottomans or chaises.
Why Trust The Spruce?
For this roundup, Jessica Joblin consulted reports from our product testers as well as outside customer reviews. She considered criteria such as size, comfort, style, ease of assembly, and durability (of the structural materials as well as the upholstery itself). With the exception of the sleeper sofa, all of the featured sofas are 79 inches wide or smaller. To determine the height, measure the back at the highest point; if you’re trying to determine whether the sofa will pass through an entryway, you can discount the height added by legs as long as they screw on. Measure the depth from the outside edge of the seat to the back of the couch. Diagonal depth can be calculated by placing a straight edge from the top of the back of the frame to the front of the arm; you’ll then measure from the bottom back corner up to the point where it intersects the line created by the original straight edge. While loveseats are often paired with a larger sofa to maximize seating capacity in a space, they can be used as a primary sofa in small spaces. Jessica also spoke with interior designer Tori Jones for additional decorating and styling insight. Having worn multiple hats—from editor to art director and decorator to creative lead—over the course of her decade-long career, Jones knows the ins and outs of designing small spaces. Bianca Pineda contributed additional research and reporting. She spoke with Carlie Rice of Havenly for tips and tricks on how to maximize your small living space. Bianca covers bedding, bath, and home decor for The Spruce.
