We've Tested 30 Couches—These 7 are the Best for Small Spaces
Written by: Aliving Home
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Published on
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Time to read
11 min
Anyone with limited space knows that choosing the right couch can be challenging. A sofa that’s too large can dominate the room, leaving little space for other essentials, while one that’s too small might not offer enough seating for you and your guests. Before making a purchase, assess your room’s layout and measure the area where the couch will go to ensure a perfect fit.
“When selecting a sofa for a Small Living Room, I always consider bench cushion designs first, as they maximize seating space,” says Jess Klein, principal interior designer and founder of Jess Klein Studio in Boston. “Sofas with multiple seat cushions can reduce actual sitting space due to their divisions. It’s also important to think about who will be using the sofa most—if you’re on the taller side, focus on seat height and depth rather than just overall length to ensure maximum comfort.”
In addition to Klein, we consulted interior design experts like Cynthia Chan from Aliving Home, Peter, CEO of Aliving Home, and Jason Xu, director of merchandising at Aliving Home, to gain deeper insights into choosing the best small living room furniture for compact spaces.
To find the best couches for small spaces, we researched and tested various options based on key factors like dimensions (all of our top picks are less than 90 inches wide), upholstery type, and seating capacity. Each sofa on our list is designed to offer both comfort and functionality without overwhelming a Small Living Room.
For a closer look at how we conducted our testing, check out our detailed evaluation process below.
This sofa combines comfort and functionality, making it a great fit for a Small Living Room.
Keep in Mind
Due to its power recliner feature, it may need to be placed near a power outlet.
When it comes to high-quality sofas, the Aerostretch Three-Seater Power Recliner checks almost every box: it's stylish, available in multiple colors and fabrics, and is one of the most comfortable sofas we’ve tested. Measuring 84 inches wide, it’s compact enough for a smaller space while providing plenty of room for midday naps or lounging with a loved one. If you’re looking for a complete living room set, the brand also offers a matching armchair.
The Aerostretch sofa is designed with space efficiency and comfort in mind. Unlike traditional sofas, it features a wall-hugging recliner mechanism, allowing it to fully recline while positioned close to a wall. This makes it an excellent choice for Small Living Rooms or compact spaces.
One of its standout features is the drop-down middle seat, which transforms into a convenient storage tray with built-in cup holders, perfect for holding drinks, snacks, or even a laptop during work or movie nights. This multi-functional design enhances both practicality and ease of use.
Beyond just comfort, this modern reclining couch is engineered to support spinal health. The ergonomically designed seats help distribute body weight evenly, reducing pressure on the spine and lower back. The plush cushioning and reclining function provide superior lumbar support, making it a great option for those who experience back discomfort after long periods of sitting.
As for delivery, we appreciated being able to schedule a time window to ensure someone was home to receive the sofa. The packaging was sturdy yet easy to open with a box cutter, and each piece was wrapped in protective plastic to prevent damage during transit. Assembly was straightforward, though we found that having two people made it easier to secure the components properly.
Product Details: Dimensions: 84.3 X 37.7 x 36 inches. | Upholstery Material: Top-Grain Leather, Polyester | Number of Seats: Three or Two
Best Budget
Andover Mills Campbelltown Sectional
Why You Should Get It
This compact sectional is perfect for smaller spaces, offering flexibility with a detachable ottoman that can be placed on either side.
It’s a great space-saver and provides a comfortable seating area, even in tight rooms.
Keep in Mind
The cushions may appear slightly flattened and wrinkled upon arrival due to packaging.
The sectional is a great fit for smaller spaces, measuring just 77 inches in length. The ottoman piece adds versatility, allowing you to position it on either side of the sofa for a more sectional-like feel. Plus, the removable seat covers make cleaning easy, a nice bonus for long-term maintenance. For a budget-friendly price of around $600, the frame feels sturdy, and overall, the couch is well-constructed.
As the cushions come vacuum-sealed for shipping, they may not fully regain their shape immediately and might need some extra attention, like steaming, to get rid of wrinkles. Additionally, customization options are limited to color selection, so if you're after a more personalized look, this may not be the best option.
For those on the shorter side or with limited space, this sectional offers great value in terms of price and quality. However, taller individuals may find the size a bit too compact for long-term comfort. It’s ideal for small apartments, secondary seating, or if you're looking for a budget-friendly option.
Product Details: Dimensions: 35.1 x 77.6 x 27.2 in. | Upholstery Material: Polyester, Nylon | Number of Seats: Three
Best Sleeper
Joybird Briar Sleeper Sofa
Why You Should Get It
The pull-out bed is incredibly comfortable, and you can opt for a memory foam upgrade for extra softness.
Keep in Mind
The sofa’s seating capacity felt a bit more cramped than advertised.
The Joybird Briar Sleeper Sofa is a sleek, compact design with thin arms and soft cushioning. It’s available in two sizes: a queen-size sofa that expands into a bed (79 inches wide) and a twin-size option that’s essentially a large chair (52 inches wide).
One of its biggest advantages is the variety of 18 colors available, ensuring you’ll find the perfect match for your space. The upholstery is both pet-friendly and stain-resistant, and even after our dog left muddy paw prints, it was easy to clean.
Converting the sofa into a bed is simple and quick, and we found the mattress comfortable right from the start. We especially appreciated the option to upgrade to a memory foam mattress for extra comfort. After a year of use, all our guests have praised how comfortable the bed is.
The sofa itself, however, is a bit firmer and took some time to soften up with use. It’s not the most plush option, so if you're hoping for a super soft seat, this might not be the best choice. Additionally, while Joybird claims it can seat three to four people, we found that two adults fit comfortably but three might be a squeeze.
Product Details: Dimensions: Queen: 79 x 36 x 35 in. Twin: 52 x 36 x 37 in. | Upholstery Material: Performance Fabric, Velvet | Number of Seats: One cushion; fits two adults
Best Slipcover
IKEA Uppland Sofa
Why You Should Get It
The upholstery is stain-resistant, making it easy to clean.
Keep in Mind
Although the covers are washable, they should not be tumble dried.
The IKEA Uppland Sofa is an excellent choice for those who want a couch that’s easy to maintain. The removable slipcover can be washed whenever needed, and if you want a change, you can swap it out for a different color to give the sofa a fresh look.
Right from the start, we found the sofa incredibly comfortable. The foam cushions are plush and supportive, perfect for lounging or taking a nap. After a year of daily use, it still looks brand new. The stain-resistant fabric is a huge bonus—during testing, we spilled juice and the stain came out completely after one wash. Plus, the back cushions are reversible, so you can easily flip them to avoid flattening or hide any stains.
The sofa arrived in a single box, which minimized packaging waste, and assembly was quick—less than an hour. If you prefer, you can opt for professional assembly for an extra charge.
At 88 inches, this is the largest sofa we’d recommend for smaller spaces, but we had no issues with the size. The only thing we wished for was that it was a sleeper sofa, which we would gladly pay extra for. The IKEA Uppland comes with a ten-year warranty and is available in 13 colors, ranging from neutral tones like white and gray to bold hues like rust and turquoise.
Product Details: Dimensions: 88 x 36 ¼ x 36 ¼ in. | Upholstery Material: Polyester | Number of Seats: Three
Best with Ottoman
Edloe Finch Park Sofa
Why You Should Get It
The removable seat cushions are easy to clean and the webbing provides extra support.
Keep in Mind
The couch doesn’t offer much neck or head support.
The Edloe Finch Park Sofa paired with the optional Park Ottoman is a great pick for upgrading small spaces. With its plush velvet upholstery and supportive foam seat cushions, it’s both stylish and functional. You can choose between brushed gold or matte black legs, depending on your aesthetic. We tested the blue velvet version, but it’s also available in rust, green velvet, vegan leather, or white boucle.
At 82 inches wide, this sofa strikes a perfect balance for smaller living rooms while offering comfortable seating for two adults. We were impressed by the fabric’s durability—it stood up well after a year with a kitten and handled crumbs and spills with ease. The upholstery is easy to maintain and didn’t stain, although a few cat scratches left subtle marks, which blended seamlessly into the velvet texture.
The matching ottoman was a great bonus, offering a spot to kick up our feet that was just as plush as the sofa cushions. The back cushions and side pillows are reversible for added convenience, though the seat cushion isn’t, which could lead to uneven wear over time. Initially, the cushions felt firm, but they softened over time without becoming lumpy, developing a comfortable, worn-in feel. Despite this, we didn’t experience any neck or back pain.
Our main issue with the sofa is its short back, which doesn’t provide adequate neck support. Because of this, it’s better suited for lounging rather than sitting upright for long periods.
Product Details: Dimensions: 82 x 35 x 35 in. | Upholstery Material: Velvet, leather, or boucle | Number of Seats: One cushion; fits two adults
Best Leather
Sixpenny Aria Leather Sofa
Why You Should Get It
The deep, plush seating makes it ideal for lounging and sinking into comfort.
Keep in Mind
It requires more maintenance compared to other sofas we tested.
The Sixpenny Aria Leather Sofa comes in two sizes—72 inches and 84 inches wide. While it’s narrower than most options on our list, its 42-inch depth offers plenty of room for sinking into the cushions, making it perfect for lounging. However, it might take up more space than expected in smaller living rooms.
The leather upholstery has a suede-like feel and is available in two classic light brown tones as well as a trendy blue option. You can also choose between feather down or poly fill for the cushions. We went with the poly fill and found it comfortably plush, ideal for sinking in after a long day.
Though it’s designed as a two-seater, the sofa is spacious enough to comfortably seat three people. During our testing, the center remained supportive and we never felt the frame through the cushions.
We were impressed by the overall quality—after a year of use, the cushions retained their firmness, and there was no noticeable wear or fading. Even after our toddler spilled yogurt, a quick wipe with a paper towel removed the stain entirely. That said, the leather does require regular upkeep, including brushing to maintain its appearance and natural oils, so it might not be the best choice for high-maintenance households.
Product Details: Dimensions: 72 x 35 x 42 in. | Upholstery Material: French nubuck leather | Number of Seats: Two
Best Modular
Burrow Block Nomad Sofa
Why You Should Get It
The modular design allows for future expansion with additional pieces.
Keep in Mind
It’s a firm sofa that’s better for sitting upright than for lounging.
If you're planning to move or update your space in the future, the Burrow Nomad Modular Sofa is an excellent choice. With its customizable design, you can easily add extra pieces or change the layout to fit your needs. We tested the 85-inch sofa, which comfortably seats three, but there’s also a smaller 60-inch loveseat. For those who want a more expansive setup, you can add chaise lounges to create a sectional.
The foam cushions offer firm support and maintain their shape even after a year of use. While this means the sofa may not be the best for lounging or napping, it’s a great option if you prefer sitting upright.
The Olefin upholstery we tested was highly durable and easy to clean—simple soap and water removed stains effortlessly, and tougher stains can be cleaned with bleach. You can choose from seven performance fabric colors, six leg finishes (three wood, three metal), or opt for leather or velvet in different shades.
Assembly was a breeze. Following the clear instructions, two adults were able to put the sofa together in under 30 minutes with no tools required.
Product Details: Dimensions: 85 x 35 x 33 in. | Upholstery Material: Performance Fabric (Olefin), Leather, Velvet | Number of Seats: Three
Conclusion
Choosing the perfect sofa for a small living room can greatly impact the comfort and functionality of your space. The key is to find a balance between size, comfort, and design. Whether you're looking for a budget-friendly option like the Andover Mills Campbelltown Sectional, a space-saving recliner like the Aerostretch Three-Seater, or a stylish modular option like the Burrow Block Nomad Sofa, there are plenty of options available to suit your needs. Consider the sofa's dimensions, the upholstery material, and how it fits with your lifestyle before making your decision. The right choice will provide you with both comfort and style without overwhelming your space.
Aliving Home-A world of luxury furniture, where designand functionality unite.
The Author: Aliving Home
As an functional and aesthetic furniture company, we are passionate about transforming spaces into inspiring, functional, and aesthetically pleasing environments. With over 10 years of experience in the industry, we have honed our skills in both creative design and compelling storytelling. Our love for design extends beyond the visual elements; We strive to understand the unique stories and needs of our clients, capturing the essence of each project through our writing.
