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Cramped Living Room? These Are the 14 Best Couches for Small Spaces
We New York-based editors know the struggle all too well...
While some might call the kitchen the heart of a home, we would argue that that title actually belongs to your couch. (Because, let’s be honest, would you rather be cooking or kicking back? We both know the answer.) Still, the process of shopping for a sofa can be stressful. There’s so much to consider and so many options. Add in space constraints, and most people would be tempted to quit before they even start. Okay, so the sprawling sectional of your dreams isn’t in the cards just yet, but don’t despair. From surprisingly cushy loveseats to deep sofas that can convert into guest beds, there are plenty of great sofas for small spaces available.
“I love the problem-solving that comes with a smaller space,” says interior designer Deidre Webster. “And I’m okay with letting a tiny sofa look tiny. I like to layer in patterns, colorful art, and dark paint colors and create a small space layered with stories and character.” For Webster, this often starts with choosing a statement sofa. (Her favorite is the Danish Banana style from the 1940s.)
That said, you don’t have to be a maximalist—or an interior designer—to find an amazing compact sofa. Ahead, we found the 14 best sofas for small spaces to suit every style and budget.
Pros
- Lots of color options
- Throw pillows included
- Washable slipcovers
Cons
- Some reviewers note slipcovers shrink in wash
Backed by over 1,200 reviews and an average 4.7-star rating, Joss & Main’s Lucia couch is our top pick for any small space. This countryside style will easily match a rustic theme, but it’s versatile enough to work with a variety of aesthetics. It’s made to order, so it requires zero assembly, plus it has a cushy slip-covered design and down-fill pillows that offer just the right amount of sinkage.
Dimensions: Width: 82.5 inches; depth: 40 inches
Colors: 87 options
Customer review: “Excellent quality, exactly what I had been searching for. I was concerned it would take over the room; instead, it makes the room seem larger.”
Novogratz Brittany Sofa
Pros
- Multifunctional design
- Good value
Cons
- Some reviewers think it’s too firm
If you’re seeking an affordable couch for your first place, we recommend this option. The tufted design costs under $350, and it also doubles as a futon for houseguests to sleep on.
Dimensions: Width: 81.5 inches; depth: 34.5 inches
Colors: 23 options
Customer review: “For such a cheap price, I wasn’t expecting a lot, but I’m impressed. This sits in my home office and is just comfortable enough to use for seating there; not too plush, but not like a rock, either. I’ll plan on adding a foam mattress pad when guests use it.”
Pros
- Cloud-like comfort
- Removable covers for easy cleaning
- Modular
Cons
- Some reviewers note it’s not liquid-resistant
Still set on owning a sectional? You can make some styles work for small spaces by getting creative with the layout. For instance, try Sundays’ cloud-like version to divvy up the bedroom and living area in a studio apartment. The three-piece design is outfitted in performance-grade fabric to handle wear and tear, too.
Dimensions: Width: 76 inches; depth: 76 inches
Colors: 6 options
Customer review: “The most comfortable and beautiful couch I’ve ever owned! Movie nights have never felt better. The couch is beyond cozy, stunning, and easy to clean.”
Interior Define Ella Sleeper Sofa
Pros
- Lots of options for customization
- Multifunctional
Cons
- Long delivery time
If space is tight, there’s a good chance you don’t have a spare bedroom for guests. Interior Define’s sleeper is the next best thing. It folds out into a twin-sized bed and is completely customizable, with options to choose everything from the fabric to the cushion fill and even the type of mattress.
Dimensions: Width: 64 inches; depth: 43 inches
Colors: 130 options
Customer review: “We’ve had our Ella sofa for about four months and I have been very pleased! It’s comfortable, sturdy, and easy to vacuum up hair from my cats.”
Allmodern Kearney Upholstered Loveseat
Pros
- Spill-resistant fabric
- Quick to ship
Cons
- Sits low to the ground
Webster loves a curved couch, noting that the shape can make even the smallest design feel like a stylistic choice. This top-rated version is even more luxurious in a few rich velvet finishes.
Dimensions: 60.62 inches; depth: 30.7 inches
Colors: 7 options
Customer review: “Absolutely love almost everything about this sofa! Just the right color, soft fabric, and fits my space well.”
Pros
- Comes with bolster cushions
- Quick to ship
Cons
- Cushions require regular fluffing to retain shape
Between its warm caramel color and untreated leather finish, this Article option will only look softer, cozier, and more vintage-y over time.
Dimensions: Width: 72 inches; depth: 38 inches
Colors: Charme Tan, Charme Charcoal, Oxford Black, Oxford Blue
Customer review: “I don’t even know where to start to articulate how much we love this sofa. It’s perfect. Texture, feel, quality, design, comfort. Everything is five out of five.”
West Elm Avalon Channeled Sofa
Pros
- Lots of color and fabric options
- Hand-upholstered and assembled
Cons
- Cushions might be too firm for some preferences
“I love styles with a channel tuft upholstered in a bold color,” says Webster. “Although they’re small, they hold a lot of visual weight.” Not only does this retro-leaning West Elm style come in over 100 colors, but it also has a kiln-dried wood frame that’s made to last.
Dimensions: Width: 68.5 inches; depth: 40.25 inches
Colors: 100 options
Pros
- Fast delivery
Cons
- Dry clean only
We usually don’t offer more than one recommendation from a brand per story, but Article’s options are too good to ignore. This loveseat has an angular profile that won’t make your space look cluttered. Meanwhile, the deep cushions are filled with a high-resiliency foam for support.
Dimensions: 67 inches; depth: 35 inches
Colors: Seasalt Ivory, Forest Green, Seasalt Gray
Customer review: “The Burrard loveseat was a perfect match for my tight space. It is very comfortable and looks great!”
Pros
- Reviewers say it’s easy to assemble
- Fast shipping for a made-to-order piece
Cons
- Cushion covers aren’t removable
Offering all the charm of a rare vintage gem without the high price, this compact couch packs a punch. It comes in nine striking patterns and has detailed legs made of solid pine for extra character.
Dimensions: Width: 47 inches; depth: 34 inches
Colors: 9 options
Customer review: “Without arms, it feels airy and adaptable, but it’s very substantial and comfortable, easily accommodating two adults and a small child or two.”
Pros
- Comes in multiple configurations
Cons
- Only one color option
- Reviewers note it’s easy to clean
If your idea of the perfect sofa involves deep, plush cushions, Castlery’s armless loveseat is the way to go. The feather-filled seats are almost 50 inches deep, with a sleek Japandi look that’ll fit in seamlessly with a minimalist space.
Dimensions: Width: 66.9 inches; depth: 45.7 inches
Colors: Performance Alpine
Customer review: “I can’t tell you enough just how much I love this couch. It’s even more comfortable and spacious than I envisioned, with cloud-like but supportive cushions that will make your cat nap turn into an all-day affair.”
Sabai The Evergreen Loveseat
Pros
- Good color options
- Individual pieces can be replaced directly through Sabai to prolong the couch’s lifespan
Cons
- Made-to-order shipping
- No back pillows
Yes, this sloped sofa is stunning, but perhaps the best part about it is that it’s entirely eco-friendly. From recycled upholstery to certified high-resiliency foam and non-toxic materials, every part of this piece was designed with sustainability in mind.
Dimensions: 64 inches; depth: 36.25 inches
Colors: 13 options
Customer review: “Not only does it elevate our space with its timeless beauty and plush comfort, but it also echoes our commitment to a greener world.”
Albany Park Kova Sofa
Pros
- Removable cushions with hypoallergenic fill
- Quick to ship
Cons
- Reviewers note the cushions tend to slide around
If you love to host or are simply prone to spilling, you’ll want a sofa that’s up to the task. This compact option comes in a range of performance materials—including basketweave and bouclé styles—that are designed to be stain-proof and hypoallergenic.
Dimensions: 85.5 inches; depth: 39 inches
Colors: 13 options
Customer review: “This sofa is perfection. I could easily sleep here all night. The frame is sturdy and feels high quality. The seats are so nice and wide, and the back and arms have this nice wide armrest area that's almost like a little shelf for your book or phone if you don't have a table nearby.”
Pros
- Customizable
- Easy to assemble
- Quick to ship
Cons
- Cushions are on the firm side
While we love that this pick is customizable (you can choose the seat color, leg finish, and even tack on a matching ottoman), its real draw is its built-in side table. The wooden surface is sturdy and has enough room to hold a stack of books or few glasses of wine.
Dimensions: 74.5 inches; height: 28 inches; depth: 31 inches
Colors: 6 options
Customer review: “This side table is a fantastic addition to my living space! It attaches securely to the couch, making it super convenient for holding drinks, remotes, or a laptop. The design is sleek and modern, and the quality feels sturdy and well-made. Assembly was easy, and it fits perfectly without taking up too much space.”
Pros
- Ultimate space-saving option
- Eco-conscious upholstery options available
Cons
- Might not fit multiple people
If you really don’t have the room for a couch, consider a chair and a half—a unique seating option that’s basically a hybrid between an accent chair and a loveseat. This version is extra deep and has memory foam pillows, so you can still get comfortable.
Dimensions: Width: 51 inches; depth: 45 inches
Colors: 14 options
What to consider when shopping for a small space-friendly couch
Size. Choosing the right size couch depends on the actual dimensions of your space, but in general, we recommend selecting options no more than 90 inches wide to prevent them from looking bulky. Most of the options on our list are in the 60-inch range.
Room layout and scale. “It’s all about having the right size in a smaller room,” explains Webster. “People tend to think furniture needs to be up against a wall, but in a smaller space, it’s nice to float a sofa in the room and have an interesting table or cabinet behind it. It almost creates two rooms each with an intentional purpose.”
To that end, be sure to examine the back of the sofa for interesting curves or features (like a woven backing or wooden slats) that allow it to stand alone. Additionally, consider the height of the sofa to ensure something like a console table would fit behind it.
Price. Since a sofa will be one of the more visible furniture items in a studio or multipurpose living area, Webster recommends making it your investment piece, if you can swing it. “For smaller spaces, it’s sometimes worth the splurge to go custom and get one that will make the space functional,” she says. Or, try your luck at an estate sale—Webster says you can always get a cheaper piece reupholstered to make it look more expensive.
Meet the Expert
- Deidre Webster is the principal and lead interior designer of Minneapolis-based firm Studio Day.
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