The sofa is often the largest piece of furniture in a living room, which makes its placement crucial in defining the space—enhancing it rather than overcrowding or weighing it down.
In some rooms, the perfect spot for the sofa is immediately obvious, while in others, especially those filled with various furniture pieces, finding the right placement can be more challenging. Generally, the sofa should be positioned facing the room’s focal point, but what if there isn’t a natural focal point?
Here are a few tips to help you determine the best place for your sofa in your living room!
Consider the Balance of the Room
Whenever arranging furniture, balance should be a priority. If too many visually heavy objects are placed on one side of the room, the entire space can feel unbalanced.
Since sofas tend to be large and visually dominant, they require a complementary piece of similar weight to maintain balance in the room. This is why you often see two armchairs positioned directly in front of a sofa, such as the Nuvola Sofa by Gervasoni, which—with its soft, inviting lines—works well in various layouts. Another option is a console table with a TV mounted above it.
Don’t Block the Natural Flow of the Room
Sofas are significant furniture pieces, and their placement greatly impacts the flow of movement in a space—how people navigate through the room.
No one should have to maneuver awkwardly around furniture to move between rooms or within the same space. There should also be no obvious obstacles that make movement difficult.
Make sure to position your sofa in a way that allows for easy circulation, avoiding tight spaces or “labyrinth-like” layouts. Also, ensure there is enough distance between the sofa and other furniture pieces to prevent narrow pathways or cramped walkways.
Give the Room Some Breathing Space
A common tendency is to push sofas directly against the wall.
In some rooms, this is necessary due to space limitations. However, in most cases, there is enough room to pull the sofa away from the wall and experiment with different layouts. If you have the space to do so, try out a few creative arrangements. Here are some ideas:
In Front of a Window
While you should never fully block a window, placing a sofa in front of one can be a stylish choice—provided that the sofa’s back is relatively low. Make sure to leave about 10-12 inches (25-30 cm) of space between the sofa and the window to allow breathing room for curtains and a more open feel.
Facing the Fireplace
In most rooms with a fireplace, the fireplace naturally becomes the focal point. Since furniture should be oriented towards the focal point of the space, placing your sofa in front of the fireplace is an excellent choice.
Facing Another Sofa
Visual balance is key, and one of the best placements for a sofa is directly opposite another sofa, ideally a matching one. For example, two Ghost Sofas by Gervasoni create a symmetrical and harmonious environment. While this layout may not work in smaller rooms, it is a fantastic option for larger spaces where furniture can be arranged more freely.
Facing a Door
This positioning isn’t for everyone. In general, placing a sofa directly in front of a door is not ideal, as it shouldn’t obstruct entryways, and people walking behind the sofa can be disruptive. However, if there is enough space, and the back of the sofa features an attractive design or upholstery, this setup can work beautifully.
It’s important to leave sufficient clearance for easy movement, and if you choose this layout, consider minimizing visual obstacles to maintain an open feel.
In the Center of the Room
For those who love innovative layouts, placing a sofa in the center of a large living room can be an exciting choice. A chaise lounge or a backless sofa can work well as a room divider, helping to create cozy conversation areas.
Create a Conversation Area
Your sofa’s placement should encourage conversation and interaction, as the space will be used for chatting, watching TV, and hosting guests.
The ideal positioning is one that faces the TV or entertainment area—but not too closely. This way, you and your guests can comfortably watch movies while still having space for engaging conversations without distractions.
Experiment with Modular Sofa Arrangements
Due to their shape, modular sofas are often placed in corners. However, they can also work beautifully when arranged away from the walls. A great example is Lirico by Driade, which offers flexible configurations that adapt to various room layouts.
Since modular sofas provide ample seating, they are often used in rooms with fewer other furniture pieces—allowing more freedom to experiment with placement. Try giving the sofa modules some space by positioning them in the center of the room, ensuring there is enough clearance to walk around them comfortably.In some cases, modular pieces can even function as room dividers, creating a visual separation between different areas of the living space.
