How To Place A Sectional In A Small Living Room

A sectional is designed specifically for extra seating, comfort, and relaxation. It instantly welcomes you and allows for full reclining, whether that’s on a sectional sofa or couch.

Since sectionals consist of two-joined sections, you’ll need a decent amount of space to ensure the sectional is positioned correctly, especially in a small living room where space is of the essence.

The type and size of the sectional will also influence its placement in the room.

To decide where to place the sectional, focusing on the focal point in the space will ensure a smooth flow and movement in the space.

An L-shaped or chaise sectional is best placed in the corner or center of the room and might benefit the most when placed near a window, before a fireplace, or in the middle of the room if it’s an open plan. 

There are many factors you can go over before choosing a sectional for your small living room which I’ve included below. You’ll also discover the top layouts for the sectional and ways to style them.

They are as follows:

Factors to Consider before Choosing a Sectional

1. Size

One critical aspect you must consider when purchasing a sectional sofa is the size.

The important thing to look out for is whether you have enough space for the sectional in your living room.

If you already own a sectional, taking accurate measurements of your living room space is vital.

This will give you an ideal picture of how to go about it to avoid creating a space that feels cramped and bulky.

You should start by considering how many people you want to sit on the sectional. This will help determine how big the sofa should be.

See also: What Size Rug Goes with a Sectional? (Sizes For All Types)

2. Budget

You will also need to consider your budget. You can get a sectional for as low as $500-$800, or you can spend up to $4,000 for a nicer model.

You can also look for other solutions, such as folding futons and modular furniture that you can place in spaces of various sizes.

3. Buying online vs. In person

Before you go shopping, it is important to understand that there are differences between the convenience of buying online versus shopping in person.

In-person shopping allows you to get an idea of materials and styles as well as test out the comfort and feel on your own.

Online shopping is best for convenience, but you won’t be able to test the sofa before purchasing.

Be sure to do extensive research on the various models that fit your criteria, both online and in person.

4. Style

Make a list of styles that you find appealing and those that are out of the question.

Reading reviews about different models is also a great way to get an idea of their comfort and durability.

You should aim for a comfortable and sturdy piece, especially if you have the option of sitting on the sectional for a while.

So, How Do You Place a Sectional in a Small Living Room?

1. Consider the Focal Point

The focal point is the one thing you should consider when putting in your sectional.

The focal point is the area and wall that you want to draw attention to and make it stand out from the other areas of the room.

It might be your TV wall or your fireplace. If there is a focal point, you should place the sectional on the opposite side.

It will be useful to have a sectional across from the TV for comfortable viewing rather than having it positioned against the wall next to the TV or facing a window.

This will allow for the focal point to stand out from your seating and allow for a more dramatic impact when sitting on your sofa. 

2. Place your Sectional Against the Wall

Make the most out of the space by placing your sectional in the corner of the room or against the wall.

This will allow you to take full advantage of the entire area and make the sectional look more like a piece of furniture and less like a sofa decoration.

If possible, consider placing it across from a window so that it offers even more natural light and has lots of air circulation.

3. Break it Up

If you have a larger sectional that looks too big for your space, try breaking it up into two or three pieces.

By placing sofa tables in between the seating areas, you will come up with a new seating arrangement. This will allow you to break the space up and keep everything looking sleek.

4. Use Sectionals with Low Back and Arms

Another idea to place a sectional so that you make the most of the space is to use sectionals with relatively low backs and no arms or something similar to this:

This design will allow you to have the furniture close to other pieces of furniture and create an illusion of a larger space.

This will allow you to gain back some space that will help create unique seating options.

More Potential Layout Options:

Corner placement – One of the top positions for an L-shaped sectional is in the corner of the room against a wall. This frees up a large area of the room and still gives you the chance to add other items to the space. Whether it’s a home or a small apartment, this position will work really well even in a high-traffic area as such.

In the center – For an open plan layout, the sectional can be used to divide the space between two areas of the decor. This layout is ideal for a smooth, sophisticated, and modern look that still works even in a small living room.

Against or across from the window – A sectional facing the window or placed against the window will provide a beautiful view and background with a great source of natural light. Lounging in this area will increase the feel and ambiance of the space. Since the sectional is in this location and not placed in the middle of the space, it allows for free movement. 

Styling a Sectional in Small Living Room

1. Color Scheme

After placing your sectional, the next most important thing is to be creative in terms of a color scheme.

For example, a black sofa with white accents and pillows will give off a sleek and modern look.

Light colors like beige and red pillows may look more natural, relaxing, and comfortable.

These options are just some of the things that you can take into consideration when deciding how to place your sectional in your small living room.

2. Limit the Throw Pillows

When styling your sectional, try limiting the number of throw pillows you use.

By limiting the pillows, you will be making sure that they are not taking up valuable space.

Instead of placing a lot of cushions, you should focus on choosing one or two that match your color scheme and offer enough comfort. This will allow the room to look cleaner and neater.

3. Go Seasonal

Consider creating a seasonal look in your living room.

A sectional is one of the best furniture pieces to use in a small living room, and this is because you can easily change its style during different seasons of the year.

During summer, you can add color and light to the space by using puffy pillows.

During winter, you can place warm blankets or throws over the cushions for a cozy look that aligns with the season’s theme.

4. Surround The Sectional With Interesting Items

A small end table with a lamp and a pot plant can be placed next to the arm of the sectional.

For creating a cozy nook, placing an arching floor lamp will illuminate the space.

Place a small coffee table just in front of the sectional to help create this warm and appealing feature in your small living room.

These small additions are considered finishing touches that bring the space together. 

What Do You Put Behind a Sectional?

There are many great items you can put behind a sectional but to narrow the list down, placing a console table, sofa table, bench, or chest of drawers are great options that provide extra seating and storage. Having a large pot plant could also work or a large floor lamp on one side behind the sectional. 

Final Thoughts

A sectional can work to give you that ultra cozy and relaxed vibe even in a small space.

The best way to make a sectional functional and practical in a small living room is to place it in the corner of the room or against a wall. 

This provides ample space in the middle of the room, making the living room feel less crowded and more spacious.

To highlight the sectional, placing it across from the window will ensure adequate lighting and a cool breeze while sitting, relaxing, or entertaining. 

If you’re really tight on space, consider getting an armless sectional with low backs. This way, you can decorate with side tables or plants that will help the overall visual. 

This sectional will also help reduce the size, making it easier to fit in different locations in a small living room. 

The best way to go about it is to consider the specific dimensions of your space and the best available spots and go from there.

Other posts you may enjoy:

How To Decorate A Living Room Without A Sofa

How To Fill The Space Above Your Sofa (Amazing Ideas)

Where Is The Best Place To Put A Sofa? (& How To Style A Sofa)