Sofa Distance: How Far Should You Keep Your Sofa From Everything?

Wondering why your living room feels cramped even though everything fits? It’s usually the spacing. The right distance between your sofa, coffee table, TV stand and walkways makes a room feel open, safe and comfortable. Below are the easy rules you can apply right now.

Space Between Sofa and Coffee Table

Most experts say 12‑18 inches (30‑45 cm) is just right. Anything less and your legs will hit the edge; anything more makes the table feel floating. Measure from the front edge of the sofa seat to the nearest edge of the table. If you have a deep sofa, lean toward the 12‑inch side. For a slim sofa, give a little extra room so you can walk around without bumping.

Tip: Use a piece of cardboard the same length as the recommended gap. Lay it on the floor, sit on the sofa and see if you can comfortably stretch your legs over it. If it feels tight, back up a few inches.

Distance to the TV Stand or Wall

The TV should be far enough to avoid neck strain but close enough for clear picture. A simple formula works: multiply the TV size (in inches) by 1.5 for the optimal viewing distance. So a 55‑inch TV sits best about 6.8 feet (2 m) away.

When the TV is on a stand, leave at least 4‑6 inches of clearance behind it for cables and airflow. If the sofa is directly opposite the TV, keep the sofa at the calculated distance and add a few inches for the coffee table gap. This way you won’t end up with a cramped feel or a “too far” experience.

Pro tip: Use painter’s tape to mark the viewing distance on the floor. Stand where you’d watch TV and make sure the sofa lines up with the mark.

Walkway Clearance

People need room to move. Aim for a minimum of 24‑30 inches (60‑75 cm) of clear path around the sofa. If you have a narrow hallway leading to the room, keep the sofa away from the door by at least the same amount. This prevents tripping and makes furniture rearranging easier.

When you place side tables, make sure there’s still a clear line for traffic. Side tables can be as close as 8‑10 inches from the sofa arm if you need extra surface, but never block the main walkway.

Quick check: Walk around the room with shoes on. If you have to step over anything, pull it back a few inches.

Why These Numbers Matter

Spacing isn’t just about looks. Proper distance reduces wear on furniture, improves comfort, and helps you see the TV clearly. It also makes cleaning easier – you can vacuum or mop without lifting the sofa.

Most people adjust spacing intuitively, but a few measurements can turn a cramped room into a relaxed lounge. Grab a tape measure, apply the 12‑18 inch coffee table rule, the TV distance formula, and the 24‑inch walkway rule, and you’ll see the difference instantly.

Ready to set your sofa distance right? Start with one area, measure, adjust, and repeat. You’ll end up with a living room that feels spacious, looks neat, and works for everyday life.