The sofa is the piece of furniture we use most in the whole house. We read on it, watch films, welcome friends and, let's be honest, enjoy the odd nap. That is also why it is the purchase that raises the most doubts: a sofa that is too big overwhelms the room, one that is too small falls short, and an uncomfortable one is a mistake you pay for every day for years.
In this Pino & Jacaranda guide we explain how to choose a sofa step by step: how to measure the space, how many seats you need, which shape to choose, which seat depth and height are most comfortable, which filling is best and how to place it so the living room can breathe.
In this article
1. Measure before you fall in love
The most common mistake when buying a sofa is choosing it from a photo and measuring afterwards. Before looking at models, grab a tape measure and note three things: the length of the wall or area where it will go, the walking space you want to leave around it and, very importantly, the width of the doors, hallway and lift it will have to fit through.
The measurements you need to know
Key idea: mark the outline of the sofa on the floor with masking tape and leave it for a couple of days. It is the most reliable way to check whether the size is right and whether you can move around it comfortably.
2. Seats and shapes: which sofa do you need?
Rather than the number of people who live at home, think about how you use the living room: whether you like to lie down, whether you entertain often or whether the sofa has to define an open-plan space. These are the most common options and their usual sizes:
Sofa types and approximate sizes
- Two-seater (150-180 cm): perfect for small living rooms, studios or as extra seating in a bedroom or study.
- Three-seater (190-240 cm): the most versatile. It fits most living rooms and pairs beautifully with one or two armchairs.
- Four-seater or more (240 cm and up): for large living rooms and families who spend a lot of time together on the sofa.
- With chaise longue: ideal if you like to lie down. Check the side (right or left) according to the position of the window or the TV.
- Corner or U-shaped: makes the most of corners and creates a very cosy seating area, but needs space so it does not close off the room.
- Curved: adds movement and softens the space. It works wonderfully in open-plan rooms, where it does not need to rest against a wall.
If your living room is small, look for sofas with simple lines, slim arms and exposed legs: seeing the floor beneath the sofa makes the space feel larger. You will find more tips in our article on decorating small spaces.
3. The seat: depth and height
Two sofas of the same width can feel completely different when you sit down. What makes the difference is the seat depth (from the front edge to the backrest) and the seat height (from the floor). Always check these two measurements on the product page.
Which seat suits you best?
If people of very different heights live at home, a medium-depth seat with loose back cushions is the best solution: you can add or remove cushions to adjust the depth for everyone.
4. Filling, frame and covers
What you cannot see is what decides how long your sofa will last. Always ask about the filling of the seats and backrests, and about the frame material.
Most common fillings
- High-density foam: firm, keeps its shape well and is easy to maintain. The most practical for daily use.
- Feathers or fibre: very cosy, with that lovely lived-in look, but the cushions need plumping often.
- Mixed (foam wrapped in feathers or fibre): the best of both worlds: firm support and a soft feel.
As for the frame, solid wood means sturdiness. And if you have children or pets, it really pays to have removable covers: being able to wash or change them extends the life of the sofa and lets you refresh the living room without replacing the furniture.
5. Upholstery and colour
The fabric affects the feel, the maintenance and the style. Linen brings freshness and that natural Mediterranean air, cotton is pleasant and easy to care for, and velvet adds warmth and a sophisticated touch. We explain it in detail in our guide to the differences between linen, cotton and velvet sofas.
When it comes to colour, think of the sofa as the base of the living room: neutral tones stand the test of time and let you play with cushions and throws according to the season. If you want to be bolder, earthy tones and soft greens are the ones that suit a Mediterranean home best.
6. How to place the sofa in the living room
A good sofa in the wrong place loses half its charm. Before deciding, think about what you want to look at: the window, the fireplace, the TV or simply the conversation.
Keys to placing it well
- Pull it slightly away from the wall: a few centimetres are enough to let the room breathe.
- In open-plan spaces, use it to define areas: a sofa with its back to the dining area creates two zones without building walls. A console table behind it completes the look.
- Anchor it with a rug: at least the front legs should sit on it. We explain how to choose one in rugs that transform a home.
- Create a conversation area: one or two armchairs facing the sofa invite people to sit and chat.
- Mind the lighting: a floor lamp next to the sofa for reading and an ambient lamp on the side table.
And to finish dressing it, nothing beats good cushions and a throw. We share seasonal ideas in our article on autumn textiles for the living room, and help you avoid the most typical mistakes in 10 common living room decorating mistakes.
Checklist before buying your sofa
- Measure the wall, the walking space and the access: doors, hallway and lift.
- Mark the outline on the floor with masking tape.
- Decide on seats and shape according to how you use the living room.
- Check the seat depth and height.
- Ask about the filling and the frame.
- Consider removable covers if you have children or pets.
- Choose a base colour you will love for many years.
Frequently asked questions about choosing a sofa
What size sofa do I need for my living room?
As a guide, the sofa should take up about two thirds of the wall it sits against and leave 60 to 90 cm of walking space around it. In an average living room, a three-seater between 190 and 230 cm is usually the most balanced option.
Which seat depth is most comfortable?
It depends on how you like to sit. Between 50 and 55 cm is a classic seat, comfortable for conversation and easy to get up from. From 60 cm upwards the sofa is more enveloping and lets you curl up or lie down.
Sofa with chaise longue or corner sofa?
A chaise longue is ideal if you like to lie down and have a medium-sized living room. A corner sofa makes better use of corners and offers more seats, but needs a large room so it does not take away walking space.
At Pino & Jacaranda we believe a good sofa is not chosen with the eyes alone: it is chosen by measuring, sitting down and thinking about the life that will happen on it.
Because the best sofa is the one you never want to get up from.
