Should Sofas Be Placed Against The Wall

Should Sofas Be Placed Against the Wall?


When arranging a living room, it’s often best to place the sofa first. Where will you put it? For years homeowners and renters have been setting up their sofas against the wall. It seems like such a natural spot! But there are designers who say that sofas should “float” and that placing one against the wall is a rookie mistake. So what’s the best arrangement? Well, that might depend on your preference and space.

Keep these considerations in mind when choosing the perfect spot for your sofa.

    The Room’s Size

    • Measure Room Size Before Choosing a Sofa
      Photo credit: Pinterest

    If you have a large, spacious living room, placing your sofa in the middle can keep the room from looking bare. A small living room, on the other hand, might appear larger with the sofa placed against the wall.

    Your Home’s Layout

    • Consider the Home Layout for Placing Couch
      Photo Credit: Hemingway and Hepburn

    With open-floor layouts, it’s important that each room is clearly defined with furniture. If you don’t have walls separating rooms, float your sofa to create one. You can also use your sofa to create a clear walking path and direct traffic.

    Living Room Activities

    • Make Space for Living Room Activities with Designer Sofas
      Photo credit: Apartment Therapy

    Sofas can also be used to define areas within the living room. If you want to use one half of your room for movie watching and the other half as a game room for the kids, use your sofa to divide the two areas.

    Wall Decor

    • Place Couches In Front of Wall with Photo Frames
      Photo credit: Home-Dzine

    A long unadorned wall can cause a room to look incomplete. If your wall needs that something extra to keep it from looking bare, push your sofa against it. You can also float the sofa just a little bit off the wall for a similar effect.

    Other Living Room Furniture

    • Living Room Sofas, Shelvings, Fireplace & Decor Accessories
      Photo Credit: Cote de Texas


    Sometimes a sofa can look great both off and against the wall; if this is the case in your space, then its placement is a matter of personal preference. What is important, however, is that you don’t push all of your furniture against the wall. People often do this, not realizing that it looks uninviting to guests and makes conversing rather difficult.

    What about you? Do you think sofas should be placed against the wall? Write a comment and let us know!



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    • Author Wendy Weinert

    • Wendy Weinert


      Wendy Weinert is an HGTV addict and avid DIYer. When not working on a craft project, as an interior design blogger and enthusiast, she is passionately helping people beautify their environment by providing insightful advice and inspiration.