Shopping The 11 Best Couches for Small Spaces of 2023 Long day? Kick back on one of these apartment-friendly couches. By Nor'Adila Hepburn Nor'Adila Hepburn Nor'Adila Hepburn is a commerce writer who specializes in writing content for 6+ and 7+ figure commerce brands. She's been writing in-depth buying guides for Better Homes & Gardens since 2023. Learn about BHG's Editorial Process Published on March 13, 2023 Share Tweet Pin Email In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Our top picks Reviews The Bottom Line What to Know About Them Your Questions, Answered Who We Are We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Better Homes and Gardens / Brian Kopinski Anyone with minimal space knows that finding a small couch can be tricky. One that’s too big can easily overwhelm a room, leaving little space for other furniture. Go too small and you and your guests won’t be able to sit comfortably. Before you buy, take stock of the room’s layout and measure the area where you want the couch to sit. “A good rule of thumb is to choose a sofa that is no longer than 6 to 7 feet in length for a small space. If you're working with an especially tight space, you may want to consider a loveseat or a sectional sofa that is designed to fit into a corner,” says Tara Spaulding, an interior design coordinator for Patio Productions. For this article, we looked at couches up to 86 inches wide. Yasmine El Sanyoura, a home designer at Opendoor, emphasizes that comfort should be key. “Select a couch that can serve as the grounding anchor piece in the living room whether you’re unwinding in solitude or looking to feel rejuvenated,” she says. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Pottery Barn Big Sur Sofa at Pottery Barn Jump to Review Best Budget: Corrigan Studio Loveseat Sofa With Charging Ports at Wayfair Jump to Review Best Splurge: Williams Sonoma Whidbey Sofa at Williams-Sonoma Jump to Review Best Leather Couch: Rivet Aiden Leather Sofa at Amazon Jump to Review Best Sectional: Apt2B Taylor Reversible Chaise Sofa at Apt2b.com Jump to Review Best Modular Couch: Allform Sofa With Chaise at Allform.com Jump to Review Best Outdoor Couch: Joss & Main Outdoor Patio Sofa at Wayfair Jump to Review Best Velvet: Burrow Nomad Sofa at Burrow Jump to Review Best Sleeper: West Elm Henry Sleeper Sofa at West Elm Jump to Review Best Modern: Joybird Eliot Apartment Sofa at Joybird.com Jump to Review Best Overall Pottery Barn Big Sur Square Arm Deep Seat Upholstered Sofa Pottery Barn View On Pottery Barn Why You Should Get It: This sofa is extra deep and cozy, meaning it works well for families or households with multiple roommates.Keep in Mind: It may not be firm enough for some. We put Pottery Barn’s Big Sur Square Arm Sofa at the top of our list because of its plush cushioning and extra-wide design. The couch also has wide square arms so you can prop up a laptop, snack bowl, or even your feet. Made from performance fabrics available in a variety of textures, the couch is easy to clean and a practical choice for families or pet owners. And if you’re looking for a sofa that lowers your eco-footprint, the couch uses recycled steel for the springs and soy-based foam core in the cushions. In terms of design, Big Sur gives you plenty of customization options. You get three sizes to choose from, the smallest being 77 inches wide. It comes in more than 50 colors as well as plain or textured fabrics in twill, linen, velvet, and basketweave. You can also opt for a one- two- or three-cushion configuration for the seating. Some shoppers may find the cushions too dense for their tastes, but if you’re looking for a comfy napping couch, we say go for it. Price at time of publish: from $2,069 Product Details: Dimensions: 77 x 47 x 37 inches | Materials: Down blend, engineered wood | Weight Capacity: 275 pounds per seat | Care Instructions: Spot clean. Best Budget Corrigan Studio 65" Modern Fabric Loveseat Sofa With Charging Ports Wayfair View On Wayfair Why You Should Get It: Thoughtful details such as included pillows and USB ports make it stand out from similarly priced models.Keep in Mind: This budget couch has limited color and customization options. This Corrigan Studios loveseat proves that buying a new couch doesn’t have to be overwhelmingly costly. At about 65 inches wide and priced under $500, this is the ideal pick for a small space if you’re on a budget. While it may come off as plain at first glance, the blank canvas easily lets you spice up the look with a couple of vibrant throws. The included matching pillow provides additional comfort and visual interest. One extremely useful and unexpected feature is the inclusion of two USB ports on the side of the couch that allow you to charge your phone, laptop, or tablet. In addition, you can find pockets on both sides of the armrests that hold magazines, books, or remote controls. Given the price tag, don't expect this sofa to offer the same level of customization as pricier options. It’s available in two nice neutral colors—dark gray and beige—and there are no alternative fabrics to choose from. But if you need a couch for two with removable cushions, this sofa does the trick. Price at time of publish: $300 Product Details: Dimensions: 64.56 x 25.59 inches x 27.16 inches | Materials: Solid wood, foam | Weight Capacity: 500 to 600 pounds | Care Instructions: Spot clean Best Splurge Williams Sonoma Whidbey Sofa Williams Sonoma View On Williams-Sonoma Why You Should Get It: Choose between polyester foam core and ultra soft down cushions depending on your preference.Keep in Mind: Professional home cleaning is recommended to keep the couch in top form. The generously padded Whidbey Sofa from Williams Sonoma is a welcoming option to dive into after a long day. Thick rolled arms and solid oak feet give the couch a sturdy appearance that indicate it’s built to last. This couch is a nice choice for small spaces as the smallest option is 70 inches wide. There are also over 70 upholstery types to choose from including linen, weave, performance fabric, leather, and velvet options. Another nice feature is the ability to customize the cushion fillings. While the standard cushions feature a polyester foam core which is good for firmness, you can also opt for down filling if you prefer a softer feel. The seats are designed with coiled springs for durability and have a maximum capacity of 800 pounds. Despite the price, it’s one of the best couches for small spaces we’ve seen so far given the high quality of the materials and the pleasant design. Price at time of publish: from $2,395 Product Details: Dimensions: 70 x 40 x 33 inches | Materials: Solid oak, down or polyester foam core fill | Weight Capacity: 800 pounds | Care Instructions: Spot clean Best Leather Couch Rivet Aiden Mid-Century Modern Leather Sofa Amazon View On Amazon Why You Should Get It: You can select from three leather colors to best match your space.Keep in Mind: The material may show scratches and wear-and-tear over time. This sofa from Rivet is worth thinking about if you want a leather option for a small space. This 86-inch couch is a little wider than other options, but can seat up to three people comfortably if you have a bit more wiggle room in your space. There are three color options in the leather material, with a few additional colors available in other fabrics. We particularly love the look of the tapered wooden legs for a mid-century feel with the added bonus of making your room appear more spacious. You also get a pair of matching bolster pillows to add more comfort and style. Leather is relatively pet-friendly as it won’t absorb liquids as much as fabric couches. Your dog or cat may also find it more difficult to claw through the tough leather material, though visible wear-and-tear is always a possibility. Wipe down with a dry cloth to spot-clean. At 110 pounds, this couch feels surprisingly light and can be easily moved around. Price at time of publish: from $1,103 Product Details: Dimensions: 86.6 x 36.2 x 30.3 inches | Materials: Wood, foam | Weight Capacity: Not listed.| Care Instructions: Spot clean Best Sectional Apt2B Taylor Plush 3pc Modular Reversible Chaise Sofa Apt2B View On Apt2b.com Why You Should Get It: The three pieces of this sectional can be rearranged into your ideal layout. Keep in Mind: Each couch is made to order, so delivery times can be long. When you need to maximize your space, consider a sectional sofa like the Taylor Plush 3pc Modular Reversible Chaise Sofa from Apt2B. This couch offers 43 hypoallergenic fabric options, so you should be able to find the right color and material to suit your decor. The total length is 76 inches wide, but includes three pieces—two 38 inch corner seats and a 38 inch square ottoman—that can be divided to create a dynamic seating arrangement. Each piece is able to withstand up to 700 pounds. At 38 inches, the seat depth is fairly spacious, so if you’re taller this might be a nice option. All cushions (except the one on the ottoman) are detachable and reversible, so you can easily clean and rotate them for even wear. Additional pieces in the Taylor collection are available to purchase separately should you eventually have more room down the line. Keep in mind that this couch is made to order, so it’s a bit more expensive than other options, and delivery can be up to 6 weeks. Price at the time of publish: $3,998 Product Details: Dimensions: 108 x 68 x 36 inches | Materials: Down, solid wood | Weight Capacity: 700 pounds per piece | Care Instructions: Dry clean cushion covers The 9 Best Beach Chairs of 2023 for Lounging in the Sun, According to Testing Best Modular Couch Allform 3-Seat Sofa With Chaise ALLFORM View On Allform.com Why You Should Get It: The brand offers many customization options and a free 100-day trial.Keep in Mind: No additional pillows or cushions are included (but are available for purchase separately). If you’re looking for a modular coach made from recycled materials, the Allform Loveseat with Chaise is worth considering. We chose this as one of the best couches for small spaces because it’s only 63 inches wide with a removable chaise that allows for more legroom than your typical loveseat. One of the major selling points is that the loveseat can be made exactly how you like it, right down to the color of the legs. Seven color options are available, plus you can choose from a range of performance fabrics and leathers. You can also decide which side you prefer the chaise to be on. Matching square or lumbar pillows, weighted blankets, and ottomans are available for purchase separately. If you're not satisfied with your couch, you can get a full refund if you return it within 100 days. It's also backed by a lifetime warranty that lets you replace the hardwood frame if there are any defects. Bottom-line, while not the most luxurious option on our list, it’s a useful couch that works well in small spaces and is comfortable for everyday lounging and relaxing. Price at the time of publish: $2,806 Product Details: Dimensions: 63 x 34 x 61 (chase depth) x 38 (arm depth) inches | Materials: Pine wood, polyfoam and fiber | Weight Capacity: 300 pounds per module | Care Instructions: Wipe clean The 9 Best Office Chairs, According to Lab Testing Best Outdoor Couch Joss & Main Melrose 76.55'' Wide Outdoor Teak Patio Sofa with Cushions Wayfair View On Wayfair Why You Should Get It: It comes with three weather-resistent accent pillows for added comfort and style. Keep in Mind: The frame is low, which might make it uncomfortable to sit on if you are extremely tall. We often see rattan associated with outdoor furniture, but the Melrose Outdoor Teak Patio Sofa is crafted from weather-resistant teak wood. This makes it highly resilient, so you can keep it outdoors year-round. The sofa comes with waterproof polyester upholstered seats and is stylish enough to be used indoors or out. At 76 inches wide, it seats up to three people comfortably without overpowering a small patio or deck. It comes with four removable cushions and three small accent pillows that are waterproof and resistant to stains, mildew, and color fading. The cushion covers can be taken off and thrown in the washer for easy cleaning. Polyester upholstery can handle the occasional light downpour, but if you want to keep the cushions in pristine condition for a long time, consider bringing them indoors during heavy rains or strong winds. One thing to note is that this couch is low to the ground, which might make it uncomfortable if you or someone in your family is especially tall. However, you can purchase extra cushioning to help raise the seat height. Price at the time of publish: $3,024 Product Details: Dimensions: 76.55 x 35.62 x 26.77 inches | Materials: Teak wood, foam | Weight Capacity: 880 pounds | Care Instructions: Machine wash covers Best Velvet Burrow Nomad Velvet Sofa Burrow View On Burrow Why You Should Get It: The couch is surprisingly pet-friendly for how luxe it looks, and the brand offers free shipping.Keep in Mind: Velvet material may require some extra maintenance. The compact Burrow Nomad Velvet Couch earned its place among the best couches for small spaces thanks to a sustainable birch hardwood frame and performance velvet fabric that not only looks striking but is effective at covering up stains and marks. Velvet is also a pet-friendly material due to its tight weave and low pile, which makes it hard for cats or dogs to scratch through. You get five color customizations with this 85-inch wide sofa including jade, midnight blue, and gray. Plus, it has six wood or metal leg finishes. Though matching bolster pillows are available, you’ll have to buy them separately. A convenient USB charger port and a 72-inch power cord make this the sofa you need for relaxing while browsing on your device. While Burrow does not offer white-glove delivery service, the couch comes in clearly marked individual boxes to help you DIY the assembly. The only downside is that the velvet may require more maintenance than other materials as it tends to collect hair and lint. Price at the time of publish: $1,695 Product Details: Dimensions: 85 x 35 x 33 inches | Materials: Birch wood, hardened steel | Weight Capacity: 350 pounds per seat, 1010 pounds total weight | Care Instructions: Spot clean Best Sleeper West Elm Henry Sleeper Sofa West Elm View On West Elm Why You Should Get It: This medium-firm couch is a great choice to suit a variety of preferences.Keep in Mind: It's very heavy and may be hard to move around. Sleeper sofas are often associated with clunkiness and discomfort, but the Henry Sleeper Sofa is sleek and inviting. It’s a luxe couch that feels soft enough for a snooze, but firm enough to sit on for hours. The addition of a sleeper is convenient for squeezing overnight guests into a small space. Mattresses are available in twin and queen sizes, and there are more than 50 fabric and color customizations to choose from. Reversible cushions can be flipped and fluffed to freshen up their appearance. Bear in mind that there are no leather versions of this couch available, if that’s your fabric preference. Sleepers are typically heavier than other sofas, so you may want to opt for West Elm’s white-glove services to unpack and assemble your purchase—especially if you live in an apartment building. Price at the time of publish: from $1,499 Product Details: Dimensions): Twin Sofa: 61 x 36 x 36 inches Sleeper: 61 x 89 x 36 inches; Queen Sofa: 79 x 36 x 36 inches; Sleeper: 79 x 89 x 36 inches | Materials: Solid wood, foam padding | Weight Capacity: 600 pounds | Care Instructions: Spot clean Best Modern Joybird Eliot Apartment Sofa Joybird View On Joybird.com Why You Should Get It: At 64 inches, this pick is great for a studio apartment or small sitting room.Keep in Mind: Joybird does not offer free shipping. The Joybird Eliot Apartment Sofa doesn’t require you to fork over a ton of money to furnish your space. It’s a favorite of Spaulding’s, who recommends it to anyone who wants a “clean and modern design with a slim profile.” This modern sofa comes in a variety of sizes, with 64 inches being the smallest width. Due to the small footprint, we think it’s an especially good choice for a studio apartment. Sophisticated tufted detailing will stand out in any space, and the couch comes with soft cushions and has extra back support. We love that this sofa comes with tons of customization options. You can choose from close to 100 colors and fabrics, including pet-friendly and spill-repellent safeguard fabrics. The couch is constructed with a strong kiln-dried hardwood frame, which reduces the chances of the wood warping or deteriorating. While it may be on the firm side for some, it’s an attractive option for a cramped living space. Price at the time of publish: $2,299 Product Details: Dimensions: 64 x 33 x 33 inches | Materials: Solid wood, polyurethane foam core | Weight Capacity: 225 pounds per seat | Care Instructions: Spot clean Best Slip-Covered Birch Lane Amari 65'' Slipcovered Loveseat Birch Lane View On Birchlane.com Why You Should Get It: Slip covers make this couch a breeze to clean—and are easy to swap out if you get bored of the current look.Keep in Mind: Seat depth is average and may not be suitable if you’re very tall. Rolled arms and a bottom skirt may remind you of grandma’s house, but this iteration from Birch Lane is an updated rendition of the classic style. This look has actually become trendy in recent years thanks to the resurgence of farmhouse decor. This couch is a treasure for so many reasons. It’s super-compact, luxuriously comfortable, and a breeze to clean when the fabric is stained or soiled. And because it measures 65 inches in width, it’s one of the best couches you can buy for a small space. With 41 different fabrics, you can easily customize this pick to fit your decor. And if you’re unsure which color is right for you, request free fabric swatches to compare options (in fact, we highly recommend doing this whenever possible). The Amari features removable 21-inch deep, down-filled cushions and seats two people. The back cushioning is removable, too. While it’s not advised to throw the fabric covers in the washing machine, you can still hand-clean them with a mild solvent or a vacuum. Price at the time of publish: $1,044 Product Details: Dimensions: 65 x 40 x 31 inches | Materials: Solid and manufactured wood, plastic, down | Weight Capacity: 500 pounds | Care Instructions:Spot clean The Bottom Line The Big Sur Square Arm Deep Seat Upholstered Sofa is our top pick because it’s pillowy, attractive, and compact. If you need a cheaper option, we recommend the Corrigan Studios Modern Fabric Loveseat Sofa for comfort and elegant style at an unbeatable price. What to Know About Couches For Small Spaces Before Shopping Dimensions According to Spaulding, take into account room size and the scale of your other furniture when buying a couch for a small space. Be sure to measure front doorways, hallways, and stairwells that the sofa has to fit through when being delivered. To help make this process smoother, some retailers package the sofa parts in smaller boxes, therefore requiring assembly once you get them home. Materials The most common couch fabrics are leather, microfiber, velvet, linen, polyester, and what’s known as “performance fabrics.” To choose the best material for you, always consider the maintenance and care required and how it fits your lifestyle. For example, performance fabrics and leather are designed to be “stain-resistant” and “easy to clean,” says Spaulding. They can usually be cleaned with mild detergent or a dry or damp cloth. On the other hand, if you opt for linen, dry cleaning will help you avoid shrinkage. In addition to protecting your couch from stains, you should also consider the exposure to sunlight and moisture. According to El Sanyoura, “Certain fabrics like linen, cotton, wool, and silk covers can all fade over time. So be sure to consider living room placement and exposure to the elements when choosing which fabric is right for you.” Style Finding the best couch for a small space shouldn’t be hard as there are a variety of options in many shapes and sizes to consider. For example, you can find loveseats that are designed for two people, sectionals or modular couches that can be separated and reconfigured to fit a room, sleeper couches that can double as beds, plus armless couches that look modern and have a smaller visual (and possibly physical) footprint. If you want to stretch your legs, there are sofas and sectionals that include chaise lounges. Sometimes manufacturers will include matching bolsters or square pillows with the couch, but in cases where they don’t, you can always buy throw pillows or ottomans separately. Weight Capacity Weight capacity is an important factor if you want a couch that can seat multiple people comfortably and will last for many years. Manufacturers will sometimes display the weight limit, so you’ll know how many pounds your sofa can hold. And if you don’t see it online, you can always reach out to the manufacturer directly for that information. As a general rule, most couches can typically hold around 250 pounds per seat. The 6 Best Adirondack Chairs for Outdoor Lounging in 2023, According to Testing Care Instructions Since each fabric is different, the cleaning process depends on the sofa. In general, water, a mild dishwashing liquid, or vinegar are good for spot treating stains; for a deeper clean, you can dry-clean the sofa yourself or hire a cleaning service. You won’t be left in the dark, as most manufacturers will include specific care instructions that tell you exactly how to clean your particular sofa. For example, an ‘X’ usually indicates that the sofa should only be vacuumed, while an ‘S’ requires a solvent-based or dry-cleaning-only method. Whichever method you choose, it’s always a good idea to test your cleaner on a small, inconspicuous area first before you dive in and clean the whole couch. Your Questions, Answered How should I choose a couch for a small living room? El Sanyoura advises that before making a decision, factor in how you will be using the sofa, and what style is most comfortable for you ergonomically. “Thinking of who will use the sofa and how will help with decisions regarding things like the sofa seat depth, the height of the backs, and the need for armrests or even a chaise sectional,” she explains. According to El Sanyoura, you may also want to consider details like multi-functionality, logistics, fabrics, and style. Ask yourself: Do you want a couch that doubles as a guest bed or can be used for extra storage? Can you maneuver the couch in and out of a room or up a steep flight of stairs easily? Do you want practical fabrics for everyday wear, a luxe look, or a compromise between the two? The 9 Best Indoor/Outdoor Rugs for Adding a Touch of Cozy to Any Outdoor Space How can you tell if a couch is good quality? When shopping for a couch, it's always best to see it in person to accurately judge quality. However, if you choose to go the online route, El Sanyoura says that while it can be challenging to find a good quality couch online, it is quite possible to do so if you know what to look for. One of the first things you should do is look closely at the frame. You want to avoid “frames made of softwoods like pine, as they are less durable,” says Spaulding. Hardwoods such as maple, teak, and oak are superior options. El Sanyoura adds that you also don’t want to buy a sofa that has “a weak frame that seems wobbly or uses glue in place of nails or bolts.” Seat construction and the upholstery fabric have an impact on quality as well. “Spring-coil seat cushions are great for supporting more weight, as are high-density cushions,” says El Sanyoura. “It is also critical to pay attention to the upholstery, as the fabric plays an important role in the couch’s overall quality and durability.” The 6 Best Adirondack Chairs for Outdoor Lounging in 2023, According to Testing What is a good price for a couch? “This is entirely dependent on individual preference and budget, but I’d say a good range would be $1,500-$2000—especially for a high-quality sofa for a small space,” El Sanyoura says. “Certain styles like leather, linen, silk, and wool are pricey but tend to last longer.” Who We Are Nor'Adila Hepburn is a freelance writer who specializes in writing in-depth buying guides for Better Homes & Gardens. To find the best couches for small spaces, she consulted with Yasmine El Sanyoura, a home designer at Opendoor, and Tara Spaulding, an interior design coordinator at Patio Productions. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit