Sizing Advice: Finding the Right Sofa

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Buying a sofa is a big investment, not just for your space, but for your comfort and well-being. Much like choosing the right mattress or office chair, selecting a sofa that fits your body properly can impact posture, back support, and overall relaxation.

With so many different sizes, shapes, and features to consider, the process can feel overwhelming. To help, we’ve outlined five key factors to consider when finding a sofa that fits your body and lifestyle. Whether you’re petite, tall, or somewhere in between, this guide will help you narrow down the perfect fit.

We’ve also included expert recommendations from Lina Naija, a sales consultant at La-Z-Boy Kanata, who specializes in matching customers with the right-sized sofa.

Key Takeaways:

• Seat depth and back height are the most important dimensions for sofa fit.
• A poor fit can lead to discomfort, posture issues, or a lack of lower-back support.
• The right seat depth allows your knees to bend at 90 degrees with your feet on the floor.
• Cushion density matters because firmer foam supports key pressure points.
• Reclining sofas should be evaluated both seated and in the reclined position.
• Sit testing in-store is essential to finding the right match for your body type.

1. Your Height and the Sofa's Seat Depth

Finding a sofa that fits your height is one of the most important factors in achieving lasting comfort. The key dimension to pay attention to is seat depth, which is the measurement from the front of the seat cushion to the backrest. This determines how your legs are supported while seated.

Why Seat Depth Matters

When the seat depth is too short for your height, you may feel like you're sitting upright with minimal thigh support. This often results in tension along the lower back and legs. On the other hand, a seat that is too deep can cause your legs to extend forward awkwardly, making it difficult for your feet to reach the floor. This may cause slouching and poor posture over time.

What a Proper Fit Looks Like

A well-fitted sofa allows you to sit upright comfortably, with your:

• Feet resting flat on the floor
  
• Knees bent at a natural 90-degree angle
  
• Thighs and lower back are fully supported
  
  

The feet, knees, and lower back should feel naturally aligned when you're seated against the back cushion. If any of them feel strained or unsupported, the sofa likely doesn’t match your proportions.

Recommended Seat Depth by Height

Here is a general guideline to help you narrow down the ideal seat depth based on your height:

• Under 5’4”: Look for seat depths between 18 and 20 inches.
• 5’5” to 5’10”: Seat depths of 20 to 22 inches typically offer the best fit.
• 5’11” and Taller: Deeper seats, typically 23 inches or more, provide better leg support.
  
  

According to Lina Naija, La-Z-Boy consultant at the Kanata showroom, “Sofas with excessive depth may feel luxurious, but they aren’t always supportive for shorter users. It’s about balance. You want comfort without compromising posture.”

2. Foam Cushion Support and Firmness

Sofa dimensions are only one part of the equation. What’s inside the cushion matters just as much, especially when it comes to long-term support.

Foam density and firmness levels influence how well a sofa supports your body. Sofas that are too soft may feel cozy at first, but over time, they can lack structure and lead to lower back discomfort. Firmer cushions, on the other hand, help keep the body aligned and prevent excessive sinking.

La-Z-Boy sofas are made with five layers of high-quality density foam. These layered cushions are designed to slightly elevate your knees and bottom, support your lumbar region, and maintain shape and structure even after long periods of time.

“If you sit on a sofa and feel like you’re sinking into it with no support under your thighs or back, that’s a sign the foam may be too soft,” Lina explains.

La-Z-Boy offers memory foam upgrades for customers who prefer firmer seating. This upgrade helps retain cushion shape while giving extra support to pressure points.

To learn more about La-Z-Boy Seat Cushions, take a look at this article.

3. Reclining Sofas and Body Alignment

When shopping for a reclining sofa, it’s important to evaluate how the sofa supports your body in both seated and reclined positions. Unlike stationary models, recliners shift your posture and weight distribution, so proper fit requires extra attention.

In a fully reclined position, your lower back and hips should feel fully supported without sagging. The footrest should be long enough that your heels just fall off the edge without your feet dangling significantly. Ideally, the reclining position should resemble a neutral “zero-gravity” posture, relieving pressure from your spine and gently elevating your legs.

“If you’re tall and your feet hang far past the footrest, the recliner may not be long enough,” says Lina Naija. “We always recommend testing it in-store to make sure it suits your proportions.” 

For added comfort, La-Z-Boy power recliners include adjustable headrest and lumbar features that allow you to customize the fit to your exact needs. You can learn more about our Best-Selling La-Z-Boy Power Recliners by checking out this article.

4. Sofa Size Recommendations by Height

To make your search easier, Lina offers the following sofa recommendations based on different height ranges. These suggestions are based on customer feedback and years of hands-on experience fitting people to the right sofa.

Stationary Sofas

5’3” and Under

• Piper Sofa – Compact, supportive, and perfect for small frames.
• Kennedy Sofa – Slightly more modern, still excellent for petite users.
  
  

5’4” to 5’9”

• Bexley Sofa – Balanced seat depth and back height, great for average builds.
• Natalie Sofa – Traditional style, rolled arms, comfortable sleeper version.
  
  

5’10” and Taller

• Meyer Sofa – Wide and deep, ideal for longer legs.
• Paxton Sofa – Deepest of the options, excellent for extra-tall users or sprawling comfort.
  
  

Reclining Sofas

5’5” to 5’9”

• Jay Reclining Sofa – Medium depth with strong lower-back support.
  
  

5’10” to 6’2”

• Trouper Reclining Sofa – Roomy and supportive in both seated and reclined positions.
  
  

6’3” and Up

• James Reclining Sofa – Deepest reclining seat with extra leg support.
  
  

“Matching a sofa to your size ensures that comfort is long-lasting,” Lina notes. “It’s not just about the initial feel, it’s about how it performs over time.”

5. Always Do a Sit Test with Your Sofa

Even with guidelines and measurements, the most reliable way to ensure your sofa fits is to try it out in person. Every person has a unique posture and way of sitting. What feels perfect to one person might feel uncomfortable to another.

Here’s how to test a sofa for the right fit:

1. Sit upright with your back against the cushion. Check that your knees bend naturally.
2. Lean back and ensure your shoulders rest where the back cushions meet.
3. Evaluate the lumbar support; there should be no gaps in the lower-back area.
4. Make sure your head and neck feel comfortable, not pushed forward.
5. If testing a recliner, make sure your feet graze the edge of the footrest when reclined.
   
   

A proper sofa fit will feel like a natural extension of your body. You should feel supported in all the right places, without needing to adjust or add pillows for comfort.

What’s Next?

There you have it! The information in this article will help you find a recliner that is the best fit for you. With this newfound information, what is holding you back from getting a new sofa? Time to start shopping!

Visit us at one of our local Ottawa, Gatineau or Kingston showrooms or plan in advance by scheduling a visit. One of our sales consultants will be happy to help you get fitted for a recliner of your choice. 

If you’re interested in learning more about La-Z-Boy Sofas specifically, take a look at our comprehensive Sofa Buyer’s Guide.

Related Links

How Much Does a Sofa Cost at La-Z-Boy

5 Best Furniture Stores for Sofas in Ottawa/Kingston

5 Best Selling La-Z-Boy Sofas in Ottawa/Kingston