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The Spruce / Lecia Landis
Sofa shopping for small spaces can have you feeling like Goldilocks: You need something you can squeeze into a room, but you don't want to sacrifice comfort (and leg room!) in the process. Luckily, there are many options out there for apartment dwellers and small home buyers, even reversible sectionals and modular pieces that can shift according to your evolving needs (such as when you're hosting overnight guests).
And if your small sofa takes up a lot of real estate, interior designer Tori Jones recommends making it extra special. "Go for a beautiful, richly colored upholstery fabric, layer it with a patterned throw, and load it up with a mix of pillows," she says.
During our testing and research process, we considered flexibility and utility in addition to ease of assembly, comfort, durability, quality, and value. That's right—small sofas can still make a big statement.
Best Overall
Room & Board Metro Two-Cushion Sofa
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Room & Board
Highly customizable
Seamless delivery service
Extremely comfortable
Clean and casual look
Expensive
Undeniably comfortable, refined, and durable, the Room & Board Metro Two-Cushion Sofa hits the mark on all fronts. It earned a perfect score across every category and we can’t recommend it enough. We love that you can customize just about every aspect of this couch—including its seat depth, size, upholstery, and leg finish—so you can get the perfect sofa for your space. This product also comes with full-service delivery for $99, which we found to be seamless, efficient, and pleasant.
We got the sofa in charcoal twill upholstery and were impressed with just how thick and durable the material felt. And no matter your decor style, we think its clean, casual, and streamlined design will elevate your space. Although its price tag definitely isn’t cheap, we found that the sofa looks and feels a lot more high-end than it is, as the hardwood frame makes for a very sturdy construction. While other small sofas may shift around on your floor, the Room & Board Metro Two-Cushion Sofa stayed put no matter what.
Additionally, this sofa was extremely comfortable, boasting cloud-like cushions that provided the perfect balance between plushness and support. The blend-down seat cushions are made with high-resiliency foam which is wrapped in fiber, feather, and down for sink-in comfort that’s perfect for lounging, napping, and sitting for long periods of time.
Price at time of publish: $1,999
Size: 88 x 38 x 34 inches | Materials: Hardwood, foam, fiber down blend | Weight Capacity: Not listed
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The Spruce / Donna Freydkin
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The Spruce / Donna Freydkin
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The Spruce / Donna Freydkin
Best Sectional
Mercury Row Merwin Reversible Sectional
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Wayfair
Easy assembly
11 microfiber or microsuede fabric color options
Versatile arrangement options
Clean-line design
Unsecured ottoman
If you're short on space but longing to kick your feet up, consider a small sectional. We especially like the Morpheus Reversible Sectional from Mercury Row. The floating ottoman allows you to complete the L-shape sofa at either end, giving you more flexibility with design and greater guest accommodation.
It has a nice, simple shape and sophisticated linen-like upholstery—not to mention 11 color options—so it coheres with most décor styles. But most importantly, it's absurdly comfortable. The cushions provide the perfect balance of firmness and plushness, and the wide, flat armrests can function as a makeshift side table for, say, a laptop or a snack bowl. And we love that there is just enough give to the cushions, while also retaining their shape and support.
Price at time of publish: $1,000
Size: 36 x 82.5 x 59.5 inches | Materials: Solid wood, microfiber/microsuede upholstery | Weight Capacity: 600 pounds
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The Spruce / Sarah Vanbuskirk
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The Spruce / Sarah Vanbuskirk
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The Spruce / Sarah Vanbuskirk
Best Sleeper
Room & Board Bruno Convertible Sleeper Sofa
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Room&Board
Available with or without mattress topper
Very comfortable cushions
High-quality construction
Modern and sleek look
Expensive
Fairly heavy
Maximize your space as well as your sofa’s functionality with a sleeper sofa like this one from Room&Board. Despite its compact size, it quickly and easily transforms into a queen-sized bed, which is ideal for overnight guests. During our at-home tests, we were impressed with the sleek, modern, and simple design of the sofa, which matches a wide range of decor styles. The cushions, which are constructed with encased coils surrounded by high-resiliency foam, feel very plush and offer a ton of comfort.
Converting the sofa into a bed proved to be extremely simple and intuitive, requiring very little effort. Plus, it comes with a convenient storage area for bedding or a mattress topper, which you can purchase as an add-on. Over the course of one month, we found that it held up beautifully in a household with children and pets, with no signs of wear and tear. However, we did notice that at 212 pounds, this sofa is fairly heavy, so you probably won’t be able to move it around too much. And while this product is definitely expensive, we think its versatility, quality, style, and durability make this a top-notch pick if you’re looking for a compact sleeper sofa.
Price at time of publish: $2,699
Size: 79 x 42 x 34 inches | Materials: Polyester upholstery, foam | Weight Capacity: Not listed
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The Spruce / Donna Freydkin
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The Spruce / Donna Freydkin
Best Velvet
Article Abisko Sofa
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Article
Contemporary design
Firm yet comfortable
Easy to clean
Straightforward assembly
Expensive
Limited color options
Just because you're hunting for a small sofa doesn't mean you can't choose one that makes a big statement. Nothing screams "luxury" quite like a velvet sofa, especially in a striking shade like pacific blue or yarrow gold. The Article Abisko Sofa is 91 inches wide, so it’s at the longer end of small sofas—perfect if your primary concern isn't squeezing into a small space. If you’re in the market for a sofa that’s both stylish and functional, then you’ll love the contemporary and elegant look of the Abisko Sofa.
When we ordered this couch for ourselves, the delivery was easy, on time, and as expected. However, you may need multiple people to carry the boxes inside. Additionally, assembly took around 20 minutes and proved to be straightforward and painless. In terms of comfort, this couch isn’t as plush as some of its competitors. However, its firmness and support actually made it surprisingly pleasant to sit on for long periods of time. We found it to be extremely comfortable to lounge or nap on, which earned this couch a perfect score in this category.
Throughout the testing period, we found that the couch held up exceptionally well over time. Even with frequent use, the upholstery was very easy to clean and care for, making it a great option for households with kids and pets. And while we loved the velvet upholstery of the Article Abisko Sofa, you can also opt for fabric made from a blend of cotton and linen. So despite the steep price tag of this sofa, we think it’s well worth the investment considering its stylish design, comfortable upholstery, and overall durability.
Price at time of publish: $1,399
Size: 28 x 91 x 35 inches | Materials: Velvet, soft and composite wood, foam | Weight Capacity: Not listed
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The Spruce / Abigail Wetzler
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The Spruce / Abigail Wetzler
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The Spruce / Abigail Wetzler
Best Budget
Corrigan Studio Ellaria Sofa
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Wayfair
Affordable
Comfortable
Easy assembly
Limited color choices
If you want to cover all the bases without breaking the bank, the Ellaria sofa from Corrigan Studio is a great bet. It's comfortable and affordable, and it doesn't scrimp on style. Unlike other budget options that provide the same amount of comfort as a covered bench, this sofa comprises thick foam cushions and soft velvet upholstery. At 74 inches wide, it's a good fit for most small spaces but still conducive to serious lounging, napping, and TV binging. There are two color choices available: a neutral gray that will suit most environments and an emerald green if you're looking for a statement piece that pops.
Price at time of publish: $866
Size: 74 x 31.5 x 34 inches | Materials: Solid/manufactured wood, plastic, velvet upholstery | Weight Capacity: 600 pounds
Best Splurge
Crate & Barrel Gather Deep Leather Apartment Sofa
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Crate & Barrel
Compact form
Deep seating
High quality leather
Expensive
Compact and luxurious, the Gather Deep Leather Apartment Sofa from Crate & Barrel is the perfect choice for those looking to splurge but are short on space. Made of high-quality, aniline-dyed Italian Lynx leather, this stylish sofa is comfortable, soft, and cozy—even though it's a shorter width, the 43-inch extra deep seating provides plenty of room to curl up to read or watch movies. Although it has a modern look, you can add your own pillows or throw blankets and it will fit into almost any decor. There are longer lengths available if you have the space, as well as three leather color choices—Toffee, Gun Metal, and Smoke—and a matching ottoman.
Price at time of publish: $3,999
Size: 76 x 43 x 26 inches | Materials: Aniline-dyed Italian leather, engineered hardwood | Weight Capacity: Not listed
Best Modern
Carson Carrington Klaipeda Mid-century Modern Sofa
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Walmart
Sleek midcentury aesthetic
Sturdy construction
Easy to clean
Might be too firm for some
The Klaipeda sofa from Carson Carrington evokes the seductive interiors of the 1960s, yet its clean lines offer timeless appeal. What's more, the tufted back and tapered wooden legs create a high-end feel. The Klaipeda is 65 inches wide—considerably cozy but not too small for two. Durable and easy to clean, this couch packs style and substance. It comes in five color options, so you're sure to find one that suits your space.
Price at time of publish: $1,035
Size: 65.5 x 30 x 33.5 inches | Materials: Solid wood, polyester upholstery | Weight Capacity: 600 pounds
Best Slipcovered
Pottery Barn Buchanan Roll Arm Slipcovered Sofa
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Pottery Barn
Wide range of color and upholstery choices
Compact size
Removable legs
Some fabric choices are not machine washable
The Buchanan Slipcovered Sofa is a great addition to a small living room that gets a lot of use. Durably constructed, it has a corner-blocked frame and sinuous springs, so it can handle endless hours of lounging and energetic game watching. And since it comes in a wide variety of upholstery and color options, it can be customized to fit into any room or decor. The solid rubberwood legs are removable when needed and have adjustable levers to provide stability on uneven floors.
Price at time of publish: $2,399 for 79" Width, Performance Everydaylinen™, Oatmeal
Size: 79 x 39 x 37 inches | Materials: Polyester-wrapped cushions, various fabric choices | Weight Capacity: Not listed
Best Deep-Seat
Crate&Barrel Oceanside Wide Arm Deep Seat Apartment Sofa
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Crate&Barrel
Wide variety of upholstery options
Casual and sleek design
Deep seats and wide arms
Expensive
There’s nothing quite like the feeling of sinking into a deep-seated sofa after a long day. The Crate&Barrel Oceanside Wide Arm Deep Seat Apartment Sofa has 43-inch-deep seats, offering ample room to lounge. We love the sleek design of the low-profile sofa, which features one-inch legs and generously wide arms (which are perfect for propping a book or plate on). The soft-yet-structured cushions are made with a plant-based polyfoam, and the frame is made of FSC-certified sustainable wood from responsibly-managed forests.
We love how customizable the couch is, as Crate&Barrel offers 248 upholstery fabrics, including linen, textured weaves, velvet, and chenille. There are even stain-resistant, indoor/outdoor suitable, and durable options, which you can filter through upon purchasing. So although this sofa may come at a steeper price, we think it’s worth the investment considering its stylish design, responsible manufacturing, and extensive upholstery options.
Price at time of publish: $1,899
Size: 77.5 x 43 x 23 inches | Materials: Wood, plant-based polyfoam, feather-down blend, synthetic blown-fiber, polyester-cotton performance fabric | Weight Capacity: Not listed
Best Reclining
ANJ Lyquinn 79” Vegan Leather Reclining Sofa
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Wayfair
Contemporary design
Stain resistant upholstery
Full extension recline
Assembly required
If you prefer to lay back in a recliner but don’t have much space, the Lyquinn Vegan Leather Reclining Sofa from Wayfair may just be your best bet. We love the sofa’s contemporary design, and it’s sure to add a classic look and subtle sophistication to any room. To recline, simply extend the footrest and pull the manual handle until you reach your desired position.
The sofa is made with a solid wood frame, supportive foam cushions, and faux leather upholstery that’s made from polyester. Plus, the upholstery is stain-resistant, waterproof, and easy to clean, which is a great sign of the sofa’s durability. It even features a built-in cupholder for added convenience. And although the recliner requires some assembly, the entire sofa is packaged into one compact box for a simple tool-free assembly that takes less than 20 minutes to complete, according to the manufacturer. What’s more, this sofa offers a ton of bang for your buck at just $820, which is a reasonable price for a model like this.
Price at time of publish: $820
Size: 79 x 41 x 37 inches | Materials: Solid wood, metal, foam, cotton, faux leather (polyester) | Weight Capacity: 900 pounds
Best Loveseat
CB2 Fitz Channeled White Boucle Loveseat
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CB2
Charming and unique design
Wide variety of upholstery options
Compact design
Expensive
Custom upholstery may have long shipping time
If you’re especially pressed for space, you may want to consider opting for a loveseat instead of a traditional sofa. The CB2 Fitz Channeled White Boucle Loveseat is a deco-inspired statement piece sure to add a charming vintage look to any room. You can either choose from white boucle or green velvet stocked upholsteries for a faster shipping time, or pick from 25 custom options. Note that custom upholstery may take longer to ship.
The sofa is made with an FSC-certified hardwood frame and wire spring suspension for a solid and responsibly designed base. And at just 72.5 inches wide, this loveseat is the perfect size to seat two people comfortably. While it’s a bit on the pricey side, its unique design and vast customization options make it worth the splurge.
Price at time of publish: $1,599
Size: 72.5 x 33 x 28 inches | Materials: Wood, acrylic, polyester | Weight Capacity: Not listed
The Room & Board Metro Sofa tops our list of small sofas because it’s comfortable and highly customizable, allowing you to select a sofa that caters to your individual tastes and evolves with your changing needs. If you're specifically looking for a sectional, the Mercury Row Morpheus Reversible Sectional is worth checking out. It has a sleek, modern design and comes in a variety of colors—all at a great price.
How We Tested the Small-Space Sofas
Multiple products in this roundup, including the Room & Board Metro Sofa and Article Abisko Sofa, were tested in our homes in order to see how the sofas held up over the span of six weeks. We sent the sofas to our volunteer testers’ homes to note how they performed in real-world situations after consistent use. We asked testers to consider the ease of assembly, comfort, durability, quality, and value. Testers took note of each product’s sturdiness, firmness, and upholstery texture. Additionally, they observed whether or not the couch changed in shape or texture over the course of the testing period.
What to Look for in a Sofa for a Small Space
Look
While the width of a standard sofa ranges from 84 to 88 inches, a standard loveseat measures about 52 inches wide. In between these poles are small sofas, ranging from 68 to 80 inches wide. Either of these options can work well in a small space, according to interior designer Tori Jones of Tori Jones Studio. "If the room is tiny and the sofa takes up most of the real estate, go for comfort," she says. "Don't do anything spindly or leggy. A classic Bridgewater sofa—inviting, fully upholstered—is what I'd suggest."
Alternatively, she recommends choosing a shallow sectional or banquette wrapping a corner (or corners) of a room to maximize seating. "With this, you can add an occasional table and a single accent chair and call it a day," she notes.
Material
You want to choose something that's comfortable and durable and also consider how much use your piece will get and how much maintenance you're willing to put into your investment. If kids and pets aren't clambering onto your couch, you might be able to get away with a linen option. With pets or children, you're going to want a more stain-resistant option like microfiber. Its tight weave makes liquids bead up on the surface, giving you more time to tackle a spill before it sinks in.
Velvet is also, perhaps surprisingly, easier to clean than many alternatives. When choosing a velvet couch, just be sure to select one with a minimum rub count of 15,000+. (This rating is a testament to the number of abrasions the fabric can withstand before showing signs of wear.) With velvet, you'll also have to consider ways to reduce exposure to sunlight to avoid premature fading.
Unlike most other upholstery materials, leather and faux leather can get better with age as they develop a nice patina. However, these materials are more susceptible to scratches and puncturing and might not be the best option for those with pets or kids.
Style and Shape
Sofas come in myriad styles and shapes, from the buttoned-up chesterfield (no back cushions) to the laid-back Lawson style with detached back cushions. Your preferences will depend on your taste, but you'll also want to consider the intended use and anticipated traffic. A small chesterfield may go great in a foyer, bar area, or sitting room that receives occasional guests, but you may not want to rely on it for relaxation.
It's also good to note that today's market supplies plenty of small sectionals or modular pieces that can approximate the generous seating of sectionals through add-ons like ottomans or chaises.
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How should you measure a sofa?
To measure a sofa, determine its width, height, and depth. For moving or delivery purposes, you also might need to determine the diagonal depth, which can tell you whether the sofa can pass through an entryway when positioned on its end. The width can be determined by measuring the widest part of the sofa, typically from arm to arm.
To determine the height, measure the back at the highest point; if you're trying to determine whether the sofa will pass through an entryway, you can discount the height added by legs as long as they screw on.
Measure the depth from the outside edge of the seat to the back of the couch. Diagonal depth can be calculated by placing a straight edge from the top of the back of the frame to the front of the arm; you'll then measure from the bottom back corner up to the point where it intersects the line created by the original straight edge.
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What's the difference between a sofa and a loveseat?
A loveseat can accommodate up to two people, while a sofa typically supports between two and four. Given the slight overlap of a loveseat and a two-seater sofa, the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, though a standard loveseat measures about 52 inches wide while the standard small sofa is somewhere between 68 and 80 inches wide.
While loveseats are often paired with a larger sofa to maximize seating capacity in a space, they can be used as a primary sofa in small spaces.
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How can you maximize space in your living room?
When trying to maximize the space in your living room, consider positioning your sofa a few inches off the wall, according to Carlie Rice, social media manager at Havenly. “It sounds counterintuitive and people may laugh at you but just do it,” she says. “It will guarantee that your space looks bigger and creates a more intimate setting.” In addition, Rice recommends choosing vertical shelving for your decor and furniture pieces that double as storage space.
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The Spruce / Michelle Becker
Why Trust The Spruce?
For this roundup, Jessica Joblin consulted reports from our product testers as well as outside customer reviews. She considered criteria such as size, comfort, style, ease of assembly, and durability (of the structural materials as well as the upholstery itself). With the exception of the sleeper sofa, all of the featured sofas are 79 inches wide or smaller.
Joblin also spoke with interior designer Tori Jones of Tori Jones Studio for additional decorating and styling insight. Having worn multiple hats—from editor to art director and decorator to creative lead—over the course of her decade-long career, Jones knows the ins and outs of designing small spaces.
Bianca Pineda contributed additional research and reporting. She spoke with Carlie Rice of Havenly for tips and tricks on how to maximize your small living space. Pineda covers bedding, bath, and home decor for The Spruce.
What Is The Spruce Approved?
Here at The Spruce, we want to ensure we fully stand behind every product we recommend and that when we say something is the best, we mean it. You might have noticed The Spruce Approved badge next to the products on this list. Every product with this badge has been rigorously tested in person and carefully selected by our expert team of lab testers and editors. In most cases, we buy all these products ourselves, though occasionally, we get samples provided to us directly by companies. No matter how we procure products, they all go through the same tests and must meet the same strict criteria to make the best-of cut.