Svetlana Kosareva, chief designer at Hoff, explains how to balance comfort and style when selecting a sofa for a compact living space. Her guidance focuses on practical sizing, thoughtful color choices, and the way a sofa fits into the daily rhythm of a small apartment.
The starting point when choosing a sofa for any tight floor plan is its footprint. A sofa should leave room to move, not dominate the entire room. Hoff’s in‑house observations show that in small apartments buyers first evaluate the sofa’s size, then consider its design and color. In many layouts, a typical compact living area calls for a sofa around 140 by 180 centimeters, often paired with a dining zone, while studios tend to work well with models near 90 by 140 centimeters. These measurements help preserve flow and allow for easy swiping of foot traffic and daily activities.
Beyond size, color plays a key role in how spacious a room feels. Kosareva recommends light upholstery for small spaces, because dark tones tend to draw the eye and visually shrink the area. A sofa in a pale shade can blend with light walls, creating a seamless, airy feel. And with modern finishes, light fabrics can be safeguarded against stains thanks to protective impregnation, so fear of light colors should not hold someone back.
Pattern is another consideration. Large prints on a compact sofa can become a focal point that makes the room feel smaller. If a pop of brightness is desired, decorative cushions in bold hues offer a simple, flexible alternative without overwhelming the space.
Sofa shape matters a lot in tight quarters. Rectangular silhouettes tend to look larger than their actual size, but Kosareva suggests opting for pieces with soft, rounded corners and smooth curves. These forms have gained popularity, as they soften the room and improve perceived space. For many small rooms, straight-edged corner sofas can be impractical because they often require substantial footprint. A sofa with slender legs helps the floor remain visually visible, which enhances the sense of space and simplifies cleaning under the furniture.
Functionality is essential in a small home. A sofa that can double as a sleeping surface is a common choice for maximizing daily utility. When a model folds flat, it typically occupies far less room than a traditional sofa bed. The trick is to leave enough clear space in front of the sofa so movement and daily activities aren’t hindered. If the room is narrow, unfolded configurations can press against opposite walls, so selecting a design with a compact sleeping option is important. Some compact sleepers feature spring beds and a sturdy metal frame for reliable support, ensuring that guests rest comfortably without sacrificing living space.
In short, the right sofa in a small apartment blends scale, color, and form with practical flexibility. The design should feel light and unobtrusive while providing essential comfort and a touch of personal style. The chair–sofa ratio, the breath of the space, and easy maintenance all feed into a smart choice that stands up to daily use and occasional overnight guests. A thoughtful selection makes a small home feel welcoming, organized, and genuinely livable.
Notes on layout preferences show a preference for pieces that integrate easily with the room’s existing elements. The idea is to strike a balance between visual appeal and practical space management, ensuring the sofa complements rather than competes with other furniture. By focusing on size, color, shape, and multifunction, homeowners can create a living area that feels larger, brighter, and more inviting without sacrificing comfort or function.