Choosing a sofa is one of the biggest decisions in any living room, and the most common mistake isn't the colour. It's the size and the configuration. A sofa that's too big blocks the walkway and swallows the room. One that's too small leaves the room feeling unfinished and the family fighting for a seat.
This guide covers how to measure, what size sofa you need, when to choose a 2-seater, 3-seater or modular sofa, how to bring in armchairs, which fabric suits your home (and your city), and the rules our designers follow every day in our Port Melbourne showroom.
All of our sofas are fully customisable: size, depth, configuration, fabric or leather, seat comfort and leg finish, so your sofa fits your room, the way you live and the climate of your city. Book a free design consultation.
How to measure for a sofa
- Measure the wall or zone where the sofa will sit, from corner to corner or to the edge of a door or window.
- Mark the footprint on the floor with painter's tape, including the depth. Live with it for a day and walk around it.
- Check the walkways. Leave 80–90 cm for main paths and at least 60 cm for minor ones.
- Measure the way in: front door, hallways, stairs, lifts and tight corners. Measure the sofa's diagonal depth, not just its height. Modular sofas solve most access problems.
- Note the windows, heaters, power points and TV position, so the sofa doesn't block them.
What size sofa do I need?
As a rule, a sofa should take up about two-thirds of the wall it sits against, and no more than about three-quarters. Leave at least 30–45 cm at each end for a side table, lamp or simply breathing space.
| Sofa type | Typical width | Seats | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Armchair | 70–100 cm | 1 | Reading corners, balancing a sofa, conversation |
| Loveseat / 2-seater | 140–180 cm | 2 | Apartments, studies, bedrooms, opposite a 3-seater |
| 3-seater | 190–240 cm | 3 | Most living rooms; the all-rounder |
| 4-seater / grand sofa | 240–300 cm | 4 | Large living rooms and open-plan spaces |
| Chaise or L-shaped sofa | 240–320 cm × 150–180 cm | 3–5 | Lounging, TV rooms, corner walls |
| Modular / sectional | Any, from 2 modules up | 3–8+ | Families, open-plan homes, tricky access, changing needs |
| Curved sofa | 220–380 cm | 3–6 | Large rooms, floating layouts, conversation |
| Measurement | Guide | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Seat depth | 55–60 cm (deep lounging 65 cm+) | Shallower for upright sitting and shorter people; deeper for lounging |
| Overall depth | 85–100 cm (deep sofas 100–120 cm) | Decides how far the sofa comes into the room |
| Seat height | 40–46 cm | Lower feels relaxed; higher is easier to get up from |
| Back height | 70–90 cm | Low backs keep a room open; high backs give head support |
| Sofa to coffee table | 40–50 cm | Close enough to reach, far enough for legs |
| Coffee table length | About two-thirds of the sofa | Keeps the grouping in proportion |
| Sofa to TV | About 1.5–2.5 × the screen size | Comfortable viewing without turning your head |
| Main walkways | 80–90 cm | Room to move without squeezing past |
2-seater, 3-seater or modular: which is right?
When to choose a 2-seater
Choose a 2-seater for a smaller living room, an apartment, a study, a bedroom or a sitting room off the main space. A 2-seater is also the classic partner to a 3-seater in an L-layout, or opposite another 2-seater for a symmetrical, conversation-first room.
When to choose a 3-seater
A 3-seater suits most living rooms. It seats a couple comfortably with room to stretch out, and three adults for a movie. If you can fit only one sofa, a 3-seater plus one or two armchairs is the most flexible combination.
When to choose a modular sofa
Choose modular if you have a large or open-plan room, a big family, a corner to fill, tricky access, or you think you'll move house. Modules can be rearranged into an L-shape, a U-shape or two separate sofas, and you can add a piece later. The trade-off: modular sofas take more floor space and need a room that can handle their depth.
| Configuration | Pros | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| 2-seater | Compact, easy to place, pairs well | Can't stretch out; may look lost in a big room |
| 3-seater | Versatile, fits most rooms, easy to style | Middle seat is often the least used |
| Chaise sofa | Lounging space without a full sectional | Fixed left or right side; check before ordering |
| L-shaped / corner | Maximum seating along two walls | Can block flow if the room is narrow |
| U-shaped modular | Seats a crowd; very social | Needs a large room; can feel enclosed |
| Curved | Sculptural, encourages conversation | Needs space around it; harder against a wall |
Explore more configurations in our modular sofas collection, including the Valenté Modular Sofa by kwerk, the Trend Module Lounge and the Rove Modular Sofa.
How to integrate armchairs
Armchairs make a living room feel finished and sociable. They add seats without adding bulk, and they let you bring in a second colour, texture or shape.
- Add armchairs when your room can't fit a second sofa, you want a conversation layout, you need to balance a large sofa, or you want a reading corner.
- The classic layouts: a sofa with two armchairs facing it across the coffee table; a sofa with one armchair at an angle (an L); or two armchairs side by side, sharing a small table.
- Keep the distances right: armchairs should sit within about 2.5 m of the sofa so people can talk without raising their voices, and close enough to reach the coffee table or a side table.
- Match the heights, not the fabrics. Keep seat heights within a few centimetres of the sofa. The fabric and shape can contrast: a velvet or bouclé chair beside a linen sofa looks considered.
- Angle them slightly in towards the centre of the room rather than squarely facing the wall or TV.
- Swivel chairs are perfect in open-plan rooms, where you can turn between the conversation and the view or the kitchen.
Find the right partner for your sofa in our armchairs collection, from the Virginia Armchair to the Gatsby Pleated Armchair. Classic sets like the Winston Chesterfield come as a 3-seater, 2-seater and armchair.
Sofa layout rules: the must-dos
- Measure twice, and tape the footprint on the floor before you buy.
- Size to the room, not to the showroom. Showrooms are big; sofas look smaller there.
- Anchor with a rug large enough for at least the front legs of the sofa and every chair to sit on it.
- Create a focal point (a fireplace, a view, artwork or the TV) and face the seating towards it.
- Leave 80–90 cm walkways and 40–50 cm between the sofa and the coffee table.
- Float the sofa away from the wall in larger rooms, with a console behind it, to create a cosier zone.
- Sit before you buy. Check seat depth, cushion firmness and back support for everyone who'll use it.
- Choose the fabric for your life, then the colour.
Sofa mistakes: the must-don'ts
- Don't buy a sofa that's too big for the wall, or too deep for the room. You'll lose your walkway.
- Don't push all the furniture against the walls. It makes the room feel like a waiting room.
- Don't block windows, doors or heating vents.
- Don't forget access. Doorways, stairs and lifts decide what you can get in.
- Don't use a tiny rug that floats in the middle of the seating.
- Don't match everything. A sofa, two armchairs and a footstool in the same fabric can look flat.
- Don't choose pale, delicate fabric for a home with young kids or pets unless it's a performance fabric.
- Don't ignore the sun. Strong Australian sunlight fades natural fibres and dries out leather.
How to choose the right sofa fabric
Start with how the sofa will be used, then look at durability, cleaning and sunlight. Here are the main considerations, and why they matter.
- Who uses it, and how often. Kids, pets and daily use need a hard-wearing, easy-clean fabric. A formal sitting room can take a more delicate one.
- Durability (rub count). The Martindale rub test shows how many rubs a fabric survives before wearing. Look for 25,000+ for everyday family use and 40,000+ for commercial spaces.
- Cleaning. Check the cleaning code (W, S, W/S or X). Removable, washable covers are a bonus.
- Sun and light. North- and west-facing rooms get strong sun. Choose solution-dyed or UV-resistant fabrics, or mid-tones that hide fading.
- Climate and comfort. Breathable fabrics feel cooler in humid summers; wool and velvet feel warm in cold winters.
- Pets. Tight weaves resist claws; avoid loose loops and open weaves.
- Look and feel. Texture changes how a room feels: linen relaxes, velvet adds glamour, bouclé softens, leather tailors.
| Fabric | Pros | Cons | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Performance fabric (polyester or acrylic) | Stain- and fade-resistant, very durable, easy to clean | Can feel less natural than linen or wool | Families, pets, rentals, commercial spaces |
| Velvet (polyester) | Rich colour, soft, durable, easy to vacuum | Pile can crush or show marks; attracts pet hair | Living rooms, statement sofas, hotel lounges |
| Bouclé | Soft, sculptural, on trend | Loops can snag; pale colours mark | Adult households, accent chairs, low-traffic rooms |
| Linen and linen blends | Breathable, cool, relaxed and natural | Creases, stains easily, fades in sun | Coastal and relaxed homes, humid climates |
| Cotton | Soft, breathable, affordable | Stains and fades; wears faster | Slipcovers, low-use sofas |
| Chenille | Soft, cosy, hard-wearing, hides wear | Can pill; avoid loose weaves with pets | Everyday family sofas |
| Wool and wool blends | Naturally durable, flame- and soil-resistant, warm | Can feel scratchy; higher price | Cooler climates, commercial lounges |
| Leather (full or top grain) | Very durable, wipes clean, ages beautifully | Cold in winter, warm in summer; can scratch; sun dries it | Families, studies, classic and modern interiors |
| Outdoor (solution-dyed acrylic) | UV-, water- and mould-resistant | Less soft than indoor fabrics | Sunrooms, alfresco, beach houses, hospitality |
Residential vs commercial: what's the difference?
| Residential | Commercial (hotels, offices, hospitality, retail) | |
|---|---|---|
| Rub count | 15,000–25,000+ depending on use | 40,000+; 100,000+ for heavy use |
| Fire safety | Not usually required | Often required; confirm the standard for your project |
| Cleaning | Spot-clean, removable covers | Bleach-cleanable or stain-resistant finishes |
| Fabric choice | Any, matched to lifestyle | Commercial-grade performance velvet, wool, vinyl or leather |
| Frame and foam | Comfort-led | Higher-density foam and reinforced frames |
Which fabric suits your city?
| Climate | Choose | Avoid or take care with |
|---|---|---|
| Melbourne, Hobart, Canberra (cool winters, changeable) | Wool blends, velvet, chenille, leather | Thin cottons that feel cold |
| Sydney (humid summers, mild winters) | Linen blends, performance weaves, top-grain leather | Heavy, non-breathable synthetics in sun-filled rooms |
| Brisbane, Gold Coast, Darwin (hot and humid) | Breathable performance fabrics, solution-dyed acrylic, mould-resistant finishes | Untreated linen and leather in direct sun |
| Perth, Adelaide (dry heat, strong sun) | UV-resistant and solution-dyed fabrics, mid-tones | Bright natural fibres near west-facing windows |
| Coastal homes anywhere | Outdoor-grade or performance fabrics | Silk and delicate velvets (salt air and sand) |
Need a sofa that works indoors and out? The Pearl Sofa is designed for both.
Sofa FAQs
How do I know if a sofa is too big for my room? If it takes more than about three-quarters of the wall, cuts walkways below 80 cm, or sits closer than 40 cm to the coffee table, it's too big.
Is a modular sofa better than a 3-seater? Modular is better for big rooms, families and flexibility. A 3-seater is better for smaller rooms and simple layouts, especially paired with armchairs.
Should my sofa go against the wall? In small rooms, yes. In larger rooms, float it 30 cm or more away and add a console table behind.
Should the sofa and armchairs match? No. Coordinate them by colour, tone or style, and keep the seat heights similar.
What is the most durable sofa fabric? Performance fabrics, commercial-grade velvet, wool blends and full- or top-grain leather.
What is the best sofa fabric for pets? Tightly woven performance fabric, microfibre or leather. Avoid bouclé loops and open weaves.
Leather or fabric? Leather is easiest to wipe and ages well. Fabric gives more colour and texture choices and stays more neutral in temperature.
How deep should a sofa be? 85–100 cm overall suits most rooms. Choose deeper only if you love lounging and have the floor space.
How long should a good sofa last? A quality hardwood frame with high-density foam can last 15 years or more, and can be reupholstered.
Can I customise my sofa? Yes. Every Cocolea sofa can be tailored in size, configuration, fabric or leather, comfort and finish.
Design your sofa with Cocolea
Visit our showroom at 400 Plummer Street, Port Melbourne, to sit in our sofas and lounges, feel fabric samples and plan your layout. Or book a free design consultation and we'll help you choose the right size, configuration and fabric for your room, your lifestyle and your city.
Warmest Regards,
Dorina Cocolea