How to Choose the Right Sofa Size for Your Home

Ever bought a sofa that looked great in the store but ended up swallowing your whole living room? It happens a lot because most people skip the simple measuring step. In this guide we’ll walk through the exact numbers you need, so you can walk away with a couch that fits, looks good, and feels comfortable.

Measure Your Space First

Start with a tape measure and a piece of paper. Measure the length of the wall where you plan to place the sofa, then note the distance to any doors, windows or other furniture. Leave at least 5‑10 cm of breathing room on each side – that’s where you’ll walk around and where you’ll place side tables. If you have a narrow hallway, check the door width too; a wide sectional might not get through.

Next, think about the depth. Most standard sofas are 90‑100 cm deep, but a deeper seat can feel cramped in a small room. A good rule of thumb is to keep the sofa depth no more than half the room’s width. For a 4‑meter wide room, aim for a sofa under 200 cm deep.

Height and Seat Comfort Matter

Seat height isn’t just about looks – it affects how easy the sofa is to sit on and get up from. A typical seat height is 45‑48 cm. If you have kids or people with limited mobility, consider a slightly higher seat (around 50 cm) for easier access.

The backrest height should match the people who will use it most. A lower back of about 60 cm works well for lounging, while a higher back (70‑80 cm) offers more support for reading or watching TV. Keep your TV stand height in mind; you don’t want the couch to block the screen.

Now that you have the basic numbers, compare them with the sofas you’re eyeing. Most product pages list overall dimensions – length × depth × height. If the site doesn’t show them, ask the seller. Use the same tape‑measure logic you applied to your room to see if it will fit.

Another tip: think about modular pieces. A two‑piece sectional can be rearranged to suit a changing layout, while a single sofa gives a clean, focused look. If you love the flexibility of a corner sofa, remember the left‑hand versus right‑hand facing rule – pick the orientation that leaves the traffic flow open.

Finally, check the floor space needed for accessories. A coffee table should be about 30‑45 cm away from the sofa edge, and side chairs need extra room to slide in and out. By mapping these zones on your floor plan, you’ll see whether the sofa you love leaves enough room for the rest of the living room.

Choosing the right sofa size isn’t a guess; it’s a quick series of measurements and a couple of common‑sense checks. Do the math, match the numbers to the product specs, and you’ll end up with a couch that feels just right – not too big, not too small, and perfectly positioned for everyday life.