4 ways to style your small sofa

If you love interior design as much as we do at Cover My Furniture, you’ve probably spent time flipping through interior-style magazines or browsing home inspo websites. It’s always fun to look at other people’s beautifully designed rooms when you’re making your own design plans, but sometimes they can feel a bit out of reach – especially when they look much bigger than your own space.

The good news is that having a stylish and comfortable living area isn’t about how much space you have – it’s about making the most of it! If you’ve read our blogs before, you’ll know how much of a difference some fitted sofa covers can make to your space and your sofa. However, if you’re still working out the best way to arrange your furniture, we’ve got some simple ideas to help. With the right layout, you can make your space feel bigger, brighter, and more inviting – no matter its size!

Make the most of Scandinavian design

Scandinavian interiors have been flourishing since the 1950s, and they haven’t slowed down since – and for good reason. Their clean, minimal style makes any space feel more open and inviting, but you don’t need to swap out your sofa to achieve the look. The right approach to colours, textures, and accessories can help you bring Scandi style into your home while keeping your existing furniture.

Start by focusing on light, neutral tones for your settee covers- think soft greys like French Grey, warm whites like Olive, and muted beiges like Sesame. A simple switch to our fitted sofa covers in these shades will instantly brighten the space and create that signature airy feel that’s synonymous with Scandi. You can also add lightweight throws and textured cushions in natural materials like cotton or linen, which will also enhance the look without making the room feel cluttered.

Keeping your space open is another key element. If possible, try rearranging your furniture to create a sense of flow, leaving clear pathways and avoiding bulky pieces blocking natural light. Choosing simple, functional storage solutions – like baskets or floating shelves – can help keep the room tidy without adding visual weight. And finally, bringing in a few houseplants or light wood accents will add warmth and balance, completing the Scandi-inspired feel without the need for a brand-new sofa!

Use symmetry to create a balanced look

Symmetry is a simple but effective way to make a room feel calm, organised, and visually appealing – especially in long or narrow living spaces. By arranging two slim sofas opposite each other, or placing a single sofa at the far end of the room, you can create a layout that feels intentional and well-proportioned. This setup will improve the flow of the room and make it feel more open and inviting, which is perfect if you’re working with limited space.

And you guessed it, when you’re trying to make a room look larger, the name of the game is that pale shades help reflect natural light. So, if you’re going to paint your walls, keep it on the lighter side. Also, if you want to add extra depth, then layering with soft textiles like cushions or a throw in similar tones can keep the look cohesive without making the room feel smaller.

Make the most of your space with a corner sofa

If you’re working with a smaller living area, a corner or L-shaped sofa can be a great way to maximise seating without overcrowding the room. Unlike a traditional two or three-piece suite, a corner sofa makes efficient use of space by tucking neatly into a corner or along a wall, freeing up more room for movement. If you have a little extra space, adding an armchair or footstool can provide some extra seating without making the room feel cramped.

In an open-plan layout, a corner sofa can also be used to help define different areas within the space. Positioning it to face a focal point, like the fireplace, TV, or a set of patio doors, creates a natural flow and keeps the room feeling organised. If your living room shares space with a kitchen or dining area, the shape of the sofa can act as a subtle divider, separating the two zones without the need for bulky furniture or partitions. And again, to enhance the sense of openness, we’d choose a fitted sofa cover in a light, neutral shade, which will help reflect natural light and keep the space feeling bright and airy.

Why does the shape of your sofa matter?

When it comes to actually fitting a sofa into your space, it doesn’t always have to come down to “I have room” or “I don’t.” Sometimes, it’s about the shape of the sofa itself. If you have a larger sofa that’s just a bit too bulky for your room, you might be able to replace it with one that’s the same size but has thinner legs, more compact arms, or a fixed back. These features can help the sofa fit more comfortably into your space without overwhelming it.

Another option to consider is going for a deeper sofa instead of a wider one. It may seat fewer people, but it can still be just as comfortable and will make your space feel more inviting without taking up too much room. This way, you can give your room the look you want without needing to completely stray from your original design plans.

If you’ve already got the perfect sofa and you just want to make it work better in your space, you’re in the right place. At Cover My Furniture, our fitted sofa covers will transform your sofa to match your new and improved living room. Whether you’re aiming to create a lighter, more spacious feel or simply refresh your style, we’ve got you and your sofa covered!

Choosing your covers is easy. Just take a look at our stunning selection of fabrics and shades using our filter system. If you like, you can even pick up to five free fabric samples, and we’ll send them right to your door to help you choose. Once you’ve made your choice, simply follow the instructions on our How it Works page, and you’ll have them in no time!

Got any questions, or looking for something specific? Don’t hesitate to get in touch. You can reach out to our friendly team through the contact form on our website or give us a call on 01772 901507. We’re always happy to help!