Where To Place A Sectional In A Small Living Room

While living rooms are one of the most widely used spaces in your home, a small living room can pose a challenge, especially when it comes to furniture. Sectional sofas offer a unique spacious seating option but may often be too big for a small living room. Finding the right placement for a sectional sofa in a small living room can seem like quite a challenge. To help you out, we brought you a complete selection of placement options for your sectional sofa.

Many experts recommend a corner or back wall placement of sectional sofas in small living rooms. This seems to work well in many small living rooms, but there are some exceptions. Sectionals can also be quite versatile and can be rearranged to fit your needs and space. We will discuss several ways to place your sectional sofa in a small living room including:

  1. Back wall placement
  2. Corner placement
  3. Obtuse angle placement
  4. Window placement
  5. Sidewall placement
  6. Separated sectional placement
  7. Center of the room placement
  8. Sectional as a room divider
  9. Shelf placement
  10. Pony wall placement
  11. Bar placement

Finding the perfect place for your sectional sofa in your small living room is likely only one of the many questions that will arise. You may find yourself wondering if sectional sofas are good for a small living room and whether it should be located in a corner. You may wonder how much space you need for a sectional and what other furniture goes with a sectional. We will answer all of these questions and discuss other closely related topics. Just keep reading!

A gray sectional sofa with gray throw pillows inside a modern and luxurious living area, Where To Place A Sectional In A Small Living Room

11 Places To Put A Sectional In A Small Living Room

Many small living rooms seem to only allow for corner or back wall placement. For those living rooms with alternative layouts, there are some other options.

1. Back wall placement

Canvas with patterned paintings, white sectional sofas with black throw pillows and a glass coffee table

Depending on the size of your living room, placing a  sectional sofa against your back wall can be a great option. If your sectional fits into the space of the width of your back wall, it can create a cozy nook to sit.

Modular sectionals can be arranged to fit your needs. This particular sectional has been arranged with chaises on either end of the sofa, and it fits perfectly on a back wall.

2. Corner placement

Brown sectional sofa with brown throw pillows and wooden flooring

Stationary sectional sofas are designed in one shape and cannot be rearranged to fit your space. Corners are often the best place for stationary sectionals because of their 90-degree angle shape.

Corner placement of sectional sofas allows for more space in the rest of your room. Placing your sectional in a corner will allow space for a coffee table or an extra chair in your living room.

3. Obtuse angle placement

For rooms that don't have 90-degree angled corners, furniture can sometimes pose a problem. In an oddly shaped room, a sectional can be the perfect piece of furniture.

This unique shaped sectional fits perfectly into the obtuse-angled corner of this living room. Leaving a small gap behind your sectional creates a space for extra lighting such as a floor lamp.

4. Window placement

A light blue sectional sofa with a skeletal coffee table with a small snake plant inside a white living area with a huge picture window

Windows can add extra light and an expansive illusion to your living room. Placing your sectional in front of your window or windows can add the look of extra space in your room.

This L-shaped sectional couch looks elongated against this row of windows. This sectional placement also allows for the perfect view of your outdoor space.

5. Sidewall placement

A light rustic designed living area with a white sectional sofa with white throw pillows

Placing one side of your L-shaped sectional against a wall is a great option. This placement option leaves space for walking or decorating behind the opposite side.

Placing a side of your sectional against a wall still leaves space in the room for other decor or furniture. Walking space may be a necessity, especially in a small living room.

6. Separated sectional placement

A luxurious open space living area with wooden flooring, carpeted area with gray couches and patterned throw pillows

Modular sectionals are made to arrange according to your needs. Because modular sectionals can be moved around, they can also be separated with another piece of furniture, like a table or shelf.

Separating your sectional sofa will make it look less like a sectional and more like a pair of couches. This can make a great place for snacks and drinks while hanging out in your living room.

7. Center of the room placement

Round sectionals can be tricky to place in your space, especially if your space is small. Center placement can be the best placement for a rounded sectional.

The key to placing your sectional in the center of your living room is to keep from enclosing the sofa with other furniture. It should still have an open feel to it.

8. Sectional as a room divider

A bright and luxurious living area with a black rug, gray sectional sofa and a matching round metal coffee table

An L-shaped sectional can also be placed in the middle of the room. This sectional placement can create a divider for spaces such as a dining room/living room combination.

The long side of your sectional can be placed along the border of the room for a separate effect. A rug is also useful to enhance this effect.

9. Shelf placement

A small sectional sofa with different colors of throw pillows and wooden flooring

Sectionals can occupy a lot of space in your small living room, leaving little space for accent furniture like shelves. Placing your shelf up against your sectional is a great way to save valuable space and give your living room an elegant look.

Shelves are usually placed against walls, but the back or side of your sectional can also be a great place for your shelf. By placing your shelf up against your sectional, it can look like an extension of your sofa.

10. Pony wall placement

Open space living area with carpeted flooring, a pony wall behind the gray sectional sofa

A pony wall can be the perfect place for your sectional sofa. This short wall is the perfect height to overlook the edge of your sectional.

A pony wall can provide the perfect backdrop for the back of your sectional. This placement can be especially effective when your pony wall leads into your kitchen, creating almost an extension of the kitchen into your living room.

11. Bar placement

Similar to pony wall placement, placing your sectional under your bar can be a great way to incorporate your living room and kitchen. This particular placement allows for interaction between those cooking or prepping food in the kitchen and those sitting in the living room.

Because your sectional is often located directly across from your television, this placement can come in handy to watch some television from the kitchen. A small end table can complete this look.

Is a sectional sofa good for a small living room?

While a sectional sofa may not seem ideal for a small living room, it can be a great option. A sectional can provide plenty of seating, even in a small space.

Arranging your furniture in a particular manner within your space can make all the difference. Compact sectionals can be the perfect option in a small living room.

Does a sectional have to be in a corner?

Corners are often wasted space in your room. By placing a piece of furniture in this space, it becomes usable space.

Corner placement of a sectional may be the best option for creating the illusion of additional space in your small living room, but it isn't the only option. Placing your sectional in an area with the least amount of traffic and facing the entrance to your room is often the best choice.

How much space do you need for a sectional?

Sectionals come in several models, shapes, and sizes. While there are no standard dimensions for sectionals, you should measure the overall length and width before placing your sectional in your living room.

You can use tape to mark off a squared area around a rounded sectional to ensure that all parts of the sofa fit comfortably in your space. Plan on leaving about 15-18 inches between your sectional and coffee table.

What furniture goes with a sectional?

Furniture usually serves one of two purposes in your living room—functional or decorative. Living rooms have traditionally been a space to relax and unwind with your loved ones.

If your family enjoys snacking while watching television, you may consider some end tables or a coffee table along with a TV. For those who enjoy visiting in a more tranquil space, consider adding plants and decorative shelving for art and pictures.

Final thoughts

A gray sectional sofa with gray throw pillows inside a modern and luxurious living area

Your living room should be one of the most comfortable spaces in your home. Seating plays an important role in providing a cozy space for family time or entertaining.

Sectionals can provide ample seating and be an inviting piece of furniture for your family to gather around the television or coffee table for a game. We hope that the above selection of where to place your sectional in a small living room has inspired some decorative options for your home.

Before you go, here are some other articles that may be of help to you:

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