Arranging furniture in a small living room can be a decorating challenge. With limited square footage, every piece needs to be carefully considered to maximize both comfort and visual space. Sectional sofas offer versatile seating options, but their expansive size can overwhelm petite rooms. By incorporating layout tricks and design ideas, you can install a sectional sofa in your modest living room without sacrificing style or functionality.
From strategic placement to scale and color, we will explore techniques to make your small living room appear larger and more spacious when furnishing it with a sectional sofa.
Choose the Right Sectional Size and Shape
When selecting a sectional, proportion and dimensions are key. A sectional that spans over 90 inches across will dominate a room under 300 square feet. Seek out more compact sectional styles with arms that hug the frame instead of jutting out.
Low profile arms, tight backs, and smaller overall footprints keep the piece streamlined. Scale down as needed for your room. A petite loveseat paired with a corner section is lighter visually than a giant wraparound sectional.
The sectional’s shape also affects how it occupies the space. L-shaped and U-shaped sectionals are ideal for tucking neatly against one wall, minimizing their presence. A chaise sectional lined up wall-to-wall can close off flow.
Floating Sectional Sofa Away From Walls
Placing your sectional sofa away from the walls, also known as floating, instantly makes your living room appear more expansive. Floating opens up floor area around and behind the sectional, adding breathing room.
Use a large area rug beneath a floating sectional to define the seating arrangement while keeping it airy. The rug’s color and pattern will also draw attention down instead of horizontal space being occupied.
Position Perpendicular to Longest Wall
Situating your sectional perpendicular to the room’s longest wall capitalizes on the layout. This allows traffic to pass behind the sectional easily and you can readily access each seat without crawling over others.
Perpendicular placement also enables you to anchor one part of the sectional on the wall for stability. Leave breathing space on the other side. This configuration promotes openness by not having the sectional sprawl across the entire width.
Incorporate Visual Tricks
Certain visual elements can make a small living room appear more expansive when thoughtfully layered into your sectional layout:
- Floating wall shelves on the wall above the sectional add airy space.
- Tall floor lamps behind the sectional elongate the view.
- Mirrors reflect light and views, enhancing the perception of size.
- Light wall colors lend an airier, more open ambiance.
Select Leggy, Transparent Furniture
When choosing complementary furniture, opt for leggy, transparent pieces that take up less visual space. For example:
- Glass coffee and side tables allow more floor visibility.
- Accent chairs with exposed legs maintain an airier flow.
Solid wood block furniture crowded near the sectional will make the room feel smaller.
Scale Down Additional Furniture
To keep additional furnishings from overwhelming your small living room, seek slender and streamlined silhouettes. For example:
- Petite console tables take up less room than bulky TV stands.
- Narrow media centers have a lower profile.
- Small end tables with slim, minimalist bases take up less space.
Direct Focus Upwards
Drawing the eye upwards lends height to a small living room, expanding its perceived size. Decor techniques to elevate the view include:
- Tall statement art above the sectional for visual lift.
- Floor-to-ceiling drapes make the ceiling appear higher.
- Suspended pendant lights over the sectional create airiness.
Keep Additional Decor Minimal
Since small living rooms have less surface area, limiting decorative accents helps maintain an uncluttered, streamlined look. Follow these tips:
- Avoid clutter on the sectional itself and coffee tables.
- Use simple throws and sparse pillow arrangements.
- Select streamlined frames and sleek vases for visual calm.
With mindful dimensions, savvy layouts, and decor tricks, you can install a sectional sofa in your petite living room without it overwhelming the space. From floating layouts to scaled-down furnishings, the tips above will maximize both seating comfort and visual square footage.
Thoughtful sectional plans tailored to modest rooms create intimate, cozy spaces. By incorporating these ideas, your small living room with a sectional sofa will feel fresh, expansive, and pulled together.