Can a corner sofa work well in a small living room?

How do you decide whether you need a corner sofa or a standard sofa for your room? What style is best suited to your interior? What colour should you choose? Do you want a sofa that converts to a bed? These are just a few questions to consider when choosing furniture for your living room. Corner sofas became very fashionable in the 90s and have become even more popular now in today’s modern homes. Often seen as furniture for larger spaces, with clever positioning they can be ideal in smaller rooms too as they allow for increased seating when separate sofas and chairs take up more space.

So, what should we pay attention to when looking for a corner sofa?

When choosing a corner sofa, the first thing to consider is its dimensions. Not only should you look at the length but also the depth – will it impact on doors opening? And also, the height, will it sit nicely under the window or intrude on your natural light? When selecting the right size, it is good to consider not just the number of people who live in your home, but also guests. Do you enjoy entertaining? Do you have children who always bring friends home? It is always better to choose the biggest sofa you can - that suits the space without overwhelming it - because even if you don’t always have lots of people in your house, it’s a great place to stretch out for extra relaxation whilst reading or watching TV.  

An important factor while searching for your ideal corner sofa is what upholstery fabric to select. It is essential the fabric is hard wearing and therefore has good abrasion resistance, to ensure it will keep looking great for many years to come. The colour is equally important as this is a substantial investment that you will be living with and using daily. Do you want to make a vibrant colour statement or choose a more muted and timeless shade?

Another feature of a corner sofa, which may influence the choice, is whether you feel you need a sleeping function too. There are some great options for corner sofa beds if you need extra functionality in your living room or spare room. Most come with the added benefit of having a storage compartment too, which is ideal for storing extra bedlinen, throws and blankets. 

What style should you choose for your corner sofa?

Elegance is something that many homeowners want to achieve for their interior. A corner sofa can be sizeable, but that doesn’t mean it can’t still be elegant. It is important to remember that the corner sofa we choose should form a coherent whole with the rest of the living room decor. A retro style is still incredibly popular as it offers a simple shape that fits into most rooms with ease, especially when it has natural wooden legs and frame. This always adds a cosiness that most people want to create. Another idea is to look at a modular corner sofa, elements of which can be added or taken away to grow into your space and family requirements. They are also a great option if you have access issues. Often overlooked is how successfully the sofa can be delivered into your room. For anyone with tight corridors and awkward corners, this is a great option. The Puzzle modular corner sofa is a great example with its rounded shape and organic curves exuding a minimalist feel, for those who don’t like clutter.

Whether you choose a modern and contemporary model or a more traditional shape, some of the most important elements are ensuring that; the aesthetics of your corner sofa make you feel happy, it’s comfortable to sit on and it’s appropriately sized for the space it is placed in. This is where an L-shaped sofa is ideal, as it will not create the impression of being overwhelmed and therefore works especially well in small rooms. 

When looking for a corner sofa for a small living room you should also pay attention to:

• whether it will be right- or left-handed,
• legs - a sofa with taller metal or wooden legs will create the illusion of more space,
• additional features such as a storage box for a sofa bed,
• the quality of the upholstery.

What size should I choose?

Whilst we can’t decide for you, there are certain elements to consider. Do you want the sofa to be the main dominant focal point in the room, or would you prefer a more subtle look? Do you want space for additional tables or lounge chairs? Do you need your room to work as a dining area too? Then, maybe you need more space for this than the sofa? Consider how you live now and how you want your new room to function. Whether you need it for your living room, office or guest room, there will be a size to suit. 

When looking for the right size of corner sofa, it is good to consider:

• the square footage of the room,
• the number of people who will use it,
• the ability to lie down comfortably,
• the height of the room,
• the dimensions of the doors and window placements,
• whether space is required for other furniture, e.g. armchairs and tables
• space around the sofa

What colour should I choose for a corner sofa?

What is the most fashionable colour of the moment for a corner sofa? The advantage of interior design is that most colours can be perceived as ‘on trend’ when used in the right way. Vibrant colours, dark shades, and more muted tones – they can all be seen in the most fashionable interiors. So, just chose a colour that you like – simple advice but so true. The Baron in dark green is ideal for a dramatic, but more traditional look, whereas the Milan corner sofa in a cool grey gives a contemporary look. If you were looking for a more retro feel the Finn is perfect with its button back cushions and elegant metal legs, and the James corner sofa when chosen in a Blush Pink will give a light and modern look. The fabric choice will also influence the colour selection too. A velvet has great light reflecting properties, while a flat weave will give you a more consistent shade. Look for additional finishes that will complement the colour choice, such as metal stud detailing or a wooden frame. It is worth remembering that fashionable is open to interpretation and whatever you decide that is, then that will be the perfect choice for you and your home.