The Best Couches and Sectionals for Small Spaces
Updated: Dec. 12, 2021Even in the smallest spaces, there's room to make a big splash. Shopping for a comfy couch or lounge-worthy sectional can be more fun than you think!
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Buying a Couch for Your Small Space
Designing the layout of a tiny space can be a challenge. But it can also provide an opportunity to stretch your creative wings.
When searching for the perfect couch or sectional for your small living area, consider these tips from interior design professionals:
- Forgo a bulky couch, which can dominate a space, for petite love seat or two-person “snuggler” chair;
- Go with neutral, light-colored upholstery to make a room feel fresh and airy;
- For long, narrow rooms or odd-shaped areas, an L-shaped sectional opens up the space and creates a cozy corner seating area;
- Look for multi-purpose or stowaway sofas, especially when furnishing a studio apartment;
- Keeping clutter to a minimum instantly makes a room feel bigger.
To optimize your space, here are our picks of the best couches and sectionals for small spaces.
Ginger 3-Piece Sectional
The Family Handyman Getaway has about 1,000 sq. ft. of floor space, so we had to choose furniture that complements the space and doesn’t leave us short of space for entertaining guests. Built on a sturdy wood frame, this three-piece sectional comfortably seats a few friends, and thanks to the clean lines, it doesn’t overwhelm the room.
Lilo Velvet Chesterfield Round Arm Loveseat
Mid-century modern furniture is as cool today as was back in its heyday. Designs conceived in the 1950s and 60s possess an economy of style that lends itself to tight quarters. The Lilo Velvet Chesterfield Round Arm Loveseat reflects that pared-down sophistication. Mirroring the era’s iconic look, the couch features rounded arms and back, gold stainless steel legs and plush velvet upholstery in a rainbow of retro colors.
Birch Lane Loveseat
Comfortable seating is a must no matter what size living room you have. Once you sink into this 60-inch Birch Lane rolled arm loveseat, you may not want to get up.
Big enough to comfortably seat two or let one person stretch out a but, this loveseat is made in the USA and features springs and heavy-gauge steel wire to prevent sagging. Foam cushions are reversible and removable for care and maintenance. It’s also available in a variety of colors.
Jaddarrian Sofa Bed
If you’re in the market for a hide-a-bed sofa, you’re probably short on space. Maximize every inch with the Jaddarrien Sofa Bed by Ebern Designs. Unlike many convertible couches which tend to be boxy or bulky, this sleeper cleverly opens up like a book. The modern design and linen upholstery looks great in any room.
IKEA Söderhamn Modular Sofa
Save money without skimping on style and function with IKEA’s Söderhamn modular sofa. This beautifully designed, three-piece sectional has unlimited configuration potential. The three pieces can be arranged however you see fit: in an L-Shape against the wall, set in a series of groupings and with or without armrests. You decide.
Harbuck Reversible Sofa and Chaise
For versatility, comfort, style and space efficiency, the Harbuck Reversible Sofa & Chaise is an outstanding find, especially given its affordable price tag.
Clean contemporary lines with plenty of depth to slouch in, the sleek sectional features an interchangeable ottoman/chaise that can be set up on either side.
Best for Studios
Living in an apartment without walls to separate the living and sleeping area is a design challenge faced by millions of city dwellers. We like the Hillsdale Staci Daybed with Trundle as a solution. It not only doubles as a bed and a sofa, it hides a trundle underneath for when friends or family stay the night. Talk about stretching your sleeping capacity!
Best Murphy Bed
Maintain critical floor space with double-duty furnishings like the Colquitt Murphy Bed by Zipcode Design. Inside a manufactured wood cabinet is a full-size bed (mattress not included). Flip the bed up and out of sight and spread out to study, work or entertain. When it’s bedtime, the simple-to-operate, dual-piston mechanism safely lowers the bed to the floor.
Of course, you could build your Murphy bed!
