Sometimes less is more!
Downsizing to condo and apartment living has much to offer in terms of energetic city living, beautiful views, and minimal property maintenance. Not to mention, you don’t need the excessive amount of furniture that would be necessary to fill a suburban home.
While living in a smaller space offers simplicity, it does come with some limitations. As you optimize your storage space and plan a minimalist furniture arrangement, the one thing you should not have to downsize is comfort!
Whether you live in a shoebox apartment or California mansion, a sofa is arguably the most essential piece of any comfortable living room. Although sofas are known to take up some space, there are many small or apartment-sized sofas that provide massive comfort while only taking up a modest amount of surface area.
As a leading manufacturer of quality and comfortable upholstery furniture, our clients at La-Z-Boy Ottawa & Kingston often ask us about our selection of sofas for small spaces.
This article will outline the characteristics of sofas suited for small spaces, tips on how to properly measure your space, and our best sofas at La-Z-Boy for small spaces.
Table of Contents ...
1. Characteristics of Sofas Suited for Small Spaces
3. Best La-Z-Boy Sofas for Small Spaces
*PLEASE NOTE: Some furniture styles mentioned in this video are discontinued.*
Characteristics of Sofas Suited for Small Spaces
Whether you are shopping at La-Z-Boy or an alternative furniture store, there are certain features to look out for as you seek a sofa ideal for your small space:
- Small Frame
- Narrow Arms
- Lower Back
- Wall Away (Reclining) - A sofa that can recline with zero or minimal clearance.
- ‘Apartment Sized’ - An apartment sized sofa is a good middle ground between a loveseat and sofa. On average, an apartment sized sofa is about 20 to 30 inches shorter than a regular sofa. It may be slightly shallower in depth as well.
Average Dimensions
Besides the characteristics listed above, look for sofa measurements within a few inches of these small sofa dimensions:
| Body Depth: 37.5 Body Height: 39 Body Width: 78 |
Seat Depth: 20 Seat Height: 21 Seat Width: 66 |
Measuring Your Space
Finding a quality, stylish, and small sofa is only half of the equation.
Every small space is unique and it is important you ensure that the sofa you choose is ideal for YOUR small space.
As such, it is a good idea to measure your room before shopping for a sofa. With detailed measurements in hand, you will have a much better idea of the space you are working with and the room you can afford to allocate to a sofa.
While taking room measurements may seem like a daunting task, it is very manageable once broken down into simple steps.
- Gather your Tools - To measure your space, you will need a tape measure, paper, a pencil, and a handy helper.
- Make a Rough Outline of the Shape of the Room
- Wall Measurments (Height and Length)
- Include Doors, Openings, & Window Measurments
- Document Any Additional Details
For more detailed instructions, take a look at the article How to Measure a Room for Furniture.
With this sketch of your room, make note of the space that is currently occupied, and take note of how much space you have left for your new sofa. Measure this leftover space and use it as a parameter for the dimensions of your sofa.
*Don’t forget to account for the space between furniture.
While you are now equipped to choose a sofa of the right size, you also want to ensure that you are not sacrificing quality. To ensure that your sofa still offers excellent comfort and longevity, look out for the following characteristics:
- Construction
- Reclining Mechanism
- Functionality
- Fabric Durability
- Cushion Density
To learn more about choosing a sofa, take a look at our in-depth Sofa Buyer Guide.
Best La-Z-Boy Sofas for Small Spaces
At La-Z-Boy, we take pride in our vast selection of sofas. We offer something for every style, budget, and space … including small spaces.
Below is a list of our best sofas suited for smaller spaces. This includes both stationary and reclining sofas to choose from.
Stationary Sofas
1. The Bexley Sofa
The Bexley Sofa is designed for easy mix- and match-ability. Whether you’re designing a whole new room, or adding a sofa to existing pieces, Bexley blends right in, with its clean, tailored lines and welt trim detailing. Slightly flared, key-shaped arms frame its three roomy seats for a unique, yet uncomplicated silhouette.
The Bexley is also made with patented ComfortCore® cushions provide just the right amount of support for a long or short sit. Includes two 18” accent pillows.
Bexley Sofa Dimensions (in inches):
| Body Depth: 35.5 Body Height: 37 Body Width: 78.5 |
Seat Depth: 20.5 Seat Height: 21 Seat Width: 67 |
The Bexley is also available as a loveseat and a queen sleep sofa. For more detailed information, take a look at the in-depth Review of the Bexley Furniture Family.
2. The Emric Sofa
The latest addition to the La-Z-Boy family is the Emric Sofa. One of the unique things about the Emric, as well as the Emric apartment-sized sofa, is the fact that it is built with a single king lumbar pillow and with one single-bottom cushion. This adds to its modern and contemporary design, making it clean in appearance.
What's more, the Emric also has high legs, which adds more flair to this already unique sofa. Normally, pillows provided from stationary sofas are double-picked blown fibre pillows for each side. But the single king lumbar pillow offers more support for not just one person, but two!
Emric Sofa Dimensions (in inches):
| Body Depth: 39 Body Height: 38 Body Width: 80.5 |
Seat Depth: 20 Seat Height: 21.5 Seat Width: 68.5 |
3. The Kennedy Apartment Sized Sofa
The Kennedy Apartment Sized Sofa features the same style and comfort as the standard sized Kennedy, but on a narrower scale. It’s sandwiched between the sofa and loveseat and may be just the right size at 8” smaller than the sofa and 14.5” wider than the loveseat. A combination of clean lines, narrow track arms, welt trim, and decorative legs give it a classic, understated style that blends easily with any decor. Alike other stationary La-Z-Boy sofas, the Kennedy is crafted with Premier Construction.
The Kennedy is constructed with ComfortCore® seat cushions. These cushions consist of 7-layer zoned cushion technology with a mix of 1.8 and 2.5 density foam offers added support for the spine, hips and behind the knees.
Kennedy Apartment Sized Sofa Dimensions (in inches):
| Body Depth: 38 Body Height: 39 Body Width: 69 |
Seat Depth: 20.5 Seat Height: 21.5 Seat Width: 59 |
For total space optimization, the standard Kennedy Sofa is also offered as a sofa bed. The sofa bed is offered in either Full size or Queen size. This may also be ideal for maximizing your space. Read an in-depth Review of the Queen Kennedy Sofa Bed for more information.
4. The Piper Sofa
The Piper is crafted with Premier Construction. Piper's sleek, streamlined style fits in with just about any decor from ultra-modern to comfortably casual. Simple, smooth Premier standard seats offer long-lasting comfort and support while the elegant, modern arms and decorative wood legs bring just a touch of an upscale vibe.
The Piper is constructed with ComfortCore® seat cushions. These cushions consist of 7-layer zoned cushion technology with a mix of 1.8 and 2.5 density foam offers added support for the spine, hips and behind the knees.
Piper Sofa Dimensions (in inches):
| Body Depth: 37 Body Height: 37.5 Body Width: 82 |
Seat Depth: 22.5 Seat Height: 21 Seat Width: 67.5 |
For more detailed information, read a detailed Review of the Piper Furniture Family.
Reclining Sofas
5. The Finley Power Wall Reclining Sofa
The Finley Power Wall Reclining Sofa fits the bill with modern lines, sleek track arms, and a tall foam back that gives it a neat and structured look. The ultra-plush chaise seat and leg rest cradle the body in a continuous zone of comfort. Simply use the convenient 4 button controls on the outside arms to raise the leg rests.
As a wall reclining sofa, the Finley can recline mere inches away from the wall making it ideal for small spaces.
The Finley has foam backs, ultra plush chaise seats (a softer seat is achieved by adding an extra layer of 12 lb polyurethane foam on top of the foam core) and footrests.
Finley Sofa Dimensions (in inches):
| Body Depth: 38 Body Height: 43 Body Width: 80 |
Seat Depth: 21.5 Seat Height: 19.5 Seat Width: 70.5 |
For more information, take a look at the Review of the Finley Furniture Family.
6. The Colby Duo Reclining Sofa
Take a close look at the Colby duo® Reclining Sofa and you’ll find this easygoing favorite has the unexpected power to recline. Part of our award-winning duo series, Colby features graceful rolled arms, decorative wood legs, padded outer arms and a padded outer back.
Colby Duo Sofa Dimensions (in inches):
| Body Depth: 37 Body Height: 41 Body Width: 85 |
Seat Depth: 20 Seat Height: 22 Seat Width: 71.5 |
You can learn more about the Colby Duo Furniture Family with this review article.
7. The Pinnacle Wall Reclining Sofa
The Pinnacle Wall Reclining Sofa has an easygoing style. Sink in and enjoy its plushy pillowed back and padded rolled arms. The chaise seats and leg rest cradle your body in a continuous zone of comfort. Depending on your preference, the Pinnacle sofa is available in stationary and power.
Moreover, the Pinnacle sofa is also a wall recliner allowing it to recline mere inches from the wall.
Cushion Information:
The Pinnacle has a blown fibre back, standard chaise seats and footrests.
Pinnacle Sofa Dimensions (in inches):
| Body Depth: 38 Body Height: 41 Body Width: 81.5 |
Seat Depth: 20 Seat Height: 20 Seat Width: 68.5 |
For more information on the Pinnacle features, take a look at the Review of the Pinnacle Recliner.
8. The Brooks Reclining Sofa
The Brooks Reclining Sofa offers a casual blend of comfort and function, with an updated look that’s cleaner and less overstuffed than you’d expect.
Convenient latch releases on the outside arms allow you to easily adjust the left and right backs and legrests for personalized reclining comfort, or recline without raising the legrests for even more comfort options.
A thinner back and smaller arm posts give Brooks a modern, tailored silhouette that blends well with a variety of room styles.
For more information, check out a Review of the Brooks Furniture Family.
Brooks Sofa Dimensions (in inches):
| Body Depth: 40 Body Height: 41 Body Width: 84 |
Seat Depth: 21 Seat Height: 21.5 Seat Width: 66 |
Options & Upgrades
At La-Z-Boy, everything is customizable to be uniquely yours and fit seamlessly into your space.
Depending on the original design of a unit, La-Z-Boy furniture can be customized in many different ways including upholstery, nailhead trim, welt trim, and leg finish. Further, each unit has their own available upgrades, such as power, headrest, lumbar, heat & massage.
Although these available options and upgrades vary depending on the piece of furniture, the one aspect that is ALWAYS customizable is the upholstery cover.
Each of the sofas mentioned in this article are customizable in over 800 fabric and leather options. We have something for every style and budget.
Not to mention, La-Z-Boy also offers a wide selection of premium-grade specialty fabrics.
Stain Resistant
Innovative iClean technology surrounds each fabric fiber, creating a barrier that repels spills before they turn into stains.
Pet Friendly
Tested and formulated to withstand the scratches and wear that a pet can cause, to ensure a durable and easily washable fabric.
Antimicrobial
Antimicrobial properties surround each fiber to protect against mould, mildew, and odour-causing bacteria.
Performance
Superior stain and fade-resistant properties make these fabrics easy to clean and incredibly durable.
Eco-Friendly
Conserve Sustainable Fabrics are soft, durable, and made from recycled water bottles.
What's Next?
With characteristics to look for, tips on how to take measurements, and some excellent options to choose from at La-Z-Boy, you are now well equipped to find the perfect sofa for your small space.
As you shop for your new sofa, keep in mind that it is also important that your sofa fits YOU! Our consultants at La-Z-Boy will not only help you find a small sofa that meets your needs and preferences, but they will also fit you for a sofa that is best for your unique body shape.
Suppose you are looking at incorporating your new small recliner into an existing space or are redecorating an entire room. In that case, you may also consider taking advantage of our complimentary design services. Our skilled interior designers will ensure that the recliner you choose suits the style and size of your space.
Visit us at a local Ottawa or Kingston location to get started today. If you prefer to plan in advance, schedule an appointment online.
We look forward to meeting you and helping you find your perfect small sofa!
Related Links:
Top 5 La-Z-Boy Recliners for Small Spaces