Putting a couch in the right spot can make a room feel bigger, cozier, and more functional. It’s not just about where the sofa looks good – it’s about traffic flow, TV viewing, and how you use the space day‑to‑day. Below are easy, hands‑on tips that work for any living room, whether you’re in a cottage or a city flat.
Start with the room’s focal point. Most living rooms have a TV, fireplace, or a large window that draws the eye. Position the couch so its front faces that focal point, but keep at least a two‑foot walking path behind it. A quick rule from our "Perfect Sofa‑to‑TV Distance" post is to place the sofa about 1.5 times the TV screen size away – for a 55‑inch TV, that’s roughly 6‑7 feet. This distance gives a comfortable view without straining the eyes.
If you have a corner sofa, angle it slightly off the wall to create a natural conversation zone. Our "Arrange Cushions on a Corner Sofa" guide suggests keeping the corner open for foot traffic and sliding a side table in the nook for drinks.
Once the location feels right, think about the look. Adding a few decorative cushions can break up solid fabric and add color. Follow the 2‑1‑1 rule: two larger pillows, one medium, and one small for a balanced feel. For a round coffee table, match its diameter to about two‑thirds the length of the sofa – a tip we covered in "Perfect Size Guide for Round Coffee Tables".
Don’t forget the rug. If you place a rug under the coffee table, make sure the front legs of the sofa sit on it. This anchors the furniture and keeps the space grounded. When you’re unsure, try a piece of masking tape on the floor to outline the rug area before buying.
Lastly, test the setup. Sit down, watch a short video, and walk around. If you feel cramped or can’t see the TV clearly, shift the sofa a few inches. Small tweaks often solve big issues. With these simple steps, your couch will feel like it was built for the room, not the other way around.
Think your couch belongs flat against the wall? Not so fast. This article digs into why pulling your corner sofa away from the wall can totally change your living room’s look and feel. We cover everything from better traffic flow to improved comfort, plus a few decorating tricks you probably haven’t thought of before. Get smarter about space, light, and style with practical tips you can try right away.
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