Choose one sofa for a small living room of 20m2 may seem complex to some of us. It's also a great opportunity to create a warm and functional space. We know that the living room is the heart of the home, where you spend precious moments. A suitable sofa will transform your small space into a real cocoon. If you're wondering Which sofa for a 20m2 living room?, here is our advice for choosing the couch which combines comfort, style and space optimization.
Our article in brief:
Furnish a small 20m2 living room with the sofa An ideal space requires strategic choices to create a functional and welcoming space. Here are our tips for choosing the right one sofa for a 20m2 living room :
- Choose a sofa with a maximum depth of 90 cm and tall, thin feet to create a feeling of space
- opt for a compact straight sofa, a 2-in-1 convertible model or a small corner sofa that intelligently exploits corners
- Place the sofa against a wall in your 20m² living room to free up the central space and facilitate movement
- Choose some light and neutral colors which visually enlarge the space while creating a warm atmosphere
In this article
How to deal with a 20m2 living room?
In a small living room of 20m2, you will have understood, every centimeter counts! This limited space therefore requires special attention to create an atmosphere that is both functional and welcoming. 20m2 living room therefore requires meticulous organization to avoid the clutter effect that can quickly arise.

The main challenges of a small living room are circulation, furniture arrangement, and the sense of space. Before making any purchases, we recommend carefully measuring your space and considering the ideal layout. In a compact living-dining room, each piece of furniture must be carefully chosen to maximize the available space while maintaining comfort and aesthetics.
The different types of sofa for a 20m2 living room
The compact straight sofa: the classic solution for a 20m² living room
THE two or three seater straight sofa remains a safe bet for small living rooms. With average dimensions of 170 cm in length and 55 cm in seat depth, it fits easily into a small space while offering optimal comfort. Its rectilinear shape allows it to be placed against a wall, thus freeing up the central space of the room.

This type of sofa adds a welcoming touch to your living room while maintaining a fluid flow of movement. More compact than a corner model, it adapts perfectly to the narrow configurations of a 20m² living room and allows for flexible arrangement of the rest of the furniture.
The convertible sofa: the ingenious 2-in-1 solution
For optimizing space in a small apartment with a 20m2 living room, the convertible sofa is a smart option. It combines two essential functions: a comfortable relaxation space during the day and a sleeping solution at night. Modern mechanisms allow for a quick transformation in just a few seconds.

This multifunctional option is particularly recommended for studios or small spaces where each piece of furniture must be designed to maximize functionality. This way, you gain a guest room without sacrificing your daily living space.
The corner sofa: making smart use of corners
Contrary to popular belief, a A small corner sofa can be perfect in a 20m² living room.It enhances often under-exploited corners and naturally creates a separation between different functional areas in a living room-kitchen for example.

The main advantage of this type of sofa is its chaise longue, which offers additional comfort without taking up too much space. Many models include storage under the seat, ideal for hiding throws, cushions, or magazines and thus maintaining order in your small living room.
What dimensions should I choose for a sofa in a 20m² living room?
For a 20m² living room, The proportions of the sofa are crucial. We recommend a maximum depth of 90 cm and a height of no more than 85 cm. A model that is too large will reduce the circulation space, which is crucial in a small living room.
Which sofa for a 20m2 living room? | Ideal width | Recommended depth | Benefits for small space |
---|---|---|---|
2-seater sofa | 140-170 cm | 80-90 cm | Compact, easy to place |
3-seater sofa | 180-220 cm | 80-90 cm | Capacity, comfort |
Corner sofa | 200-240 cm | 80-90 cm | Optimization of angles, storage |

To create a feeling of space, choose a sofa on tall, thin feet which allows the floor below to be seen. This trick adds visual lightness and also makes cleaning easier. Avoid overly wide armrests that take up space unnecessarily.
Our tips for arranging a sofa for a 20m² living room
In a 20m² living room, furniture arrangement plays an important role. Place your sofa against a wall in your living room to free up space and make it easier to move around. If possible, position it perpendicular to a window to take advantage of natural light, which visually enlarges the room.
- Exploit the height with wall shelves that free up floor space while providing storage
- Limit the number of furniture by favoring a few multifunctional pieces rather than several small pieces of furniture
- Invest in folding or expandable solutions like a lift-up coffee table that transforms into a dining table
For optimal space saving, also consider poufs and stools with integrated storage that can serve as extra seating while hiding magazines, blankets or board games.
Create a harmonious atmosphere in your living room space
Choosing colors and materials to visually enlarge your small living room
THE light and neutral shades like beige, taupe or light gray visually enlarge the space. For your sofa in a 20m2 living room, These colors bring brightness and a feeling of space. You can also opt for discreet patterns inspired by wallpaper trends which will add character without visually overloading.

When it comes to materials, choose easy-care fabrics like cotton or polyester for everyday use. Velvet adds a touch of warmth, while linen creates a natural, light feel, perfect for a small living room.
Delineate functional areas elegantly
In a small space combining the living and dining areas, defining the zones is essential. Use a rug under the sofa to visually define the relaxation area. Vary the light sources, using more subdued lighting in the living room and more functional lighting in the dining area.
- Install a adjustable lighting to adapt the atmosphere according to the times of day
- Uses light curtains or an openwork screen to create a flexible separation between spaces
- Play with the height levels to visually differentiate areas

Complementary furniture: what pieces should you pair with your sofa for a 20m² living room?
To complete your couch without overloading your 20m2 living room, choose a space-saving coffee table or end tables that slide in easily. Opt for a hanging TV stand or one with thin legs, shallower and narrower than your sofa to maintain visual balance.
Rather than a second sofa that would take up too much space, add a small armchair or a few poufs. These easy-to-move extra seats offer valuable flexibility in a limited space while maintaining the comfort of your guests.

Folding chairs or stackable stools are ideal for the dining area. You can easily store them away when not in use, freeing up space for comfortable movement around your living room.
Our selection of sofas ideal for transforming your 20m² living room
For a living room in a refined Scandinavian style, we love the two-seater models with minimalist lines and light wood legs. Their compact dimensions (around 160 cm wide) and their airy design bring lightness and elegance to a small living room.
In a more contemporary style, convertible sofas with adjustable headrests offer optimal comfort for relaxation while easily transforming into an extra bed. Their often modular design allows them to be precisely adapted to your space.

Lovers of industrial style will appreciate the compact models in leather or imitation leather with black metal legs. Their graphic lines and their reduced seat depth make them perfect allies for small spaces while bringing character to your decor.
Here's what you need to know to know Which sofa to choose for a 20m2 living room :
- For tight budgets : the two-seater straight fabric models with integrated storage offer practicality and optimal value for money
- For a sustainable investment : high-end modular sofas adapt to your changing needs and space
- For design lovers : the signature pieces with clean lines will bring a distinctive touch to your small living room
Whatever your choice, remember that the ideal sofa for your small living room must combine aesthetics, functionality, and proportions that fit your space. With these tips, you can create a cozy, comfortable cocoon, even in a small space.