Sofa Size Guide: How to Choose the Right Sofa for Your Space
Updated July 2026 · By the DuraCrafts team
A sofa is the biggest thing in most living rooms — and the piece people most often get wrong. Here's how to size it right the first time.
Sizes
Typical sofa sizes
| Type | Typical width | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 2 seater | ≈150–185cm | Apartments, studies, second living areas |
| 3 seater | ≈200–240cm | The family workhorse |
| Modular / chaise | from ≈260cm | Big rooms AND tricky access — arrives in sections |
| Recliner / electric | varies | Allow 25–50cm extra depth reclined; power point within reach |
Always check the exact dimensions on each product page — designs vary.
Layout
The space rules that actually matter
Top-down view · the three distances that make a living room work
- Walkways: at least 60–75cm of clear space on the sofa's traffic side.
- Sofa to coffee table: 40–45cm — close enough to reach, far enough for knees.
- Sofa to TV: about 2–2.5× your screen's diagonal (a 65″ TV ≈ 3–4m).
- Proportion: a sofa ideally spans about two-thirds of its wall.
- Rug: front legs on the rug; rug wider than the sofa.
Comfort
Dimensions people forget
- Seat depth: 50–60cm suits most people — deeper = loungier, shallower = more upright support.
- Seat height: 40–47cm is easiest to get in and out of — matters for older family members and anyone with knee trouble.
- Recline clearance: for recliners and electric slide-outs, confirm the reclined footprint on the product page, not just the upright size.
- Assembly: many of our sofas arrive with the legs unassembled (varies by product) — they're quick to fit once the sofa is in the room, and it lowers the carry height through doorways.
The best trick
Mark it out before you buy
Tape the sofa's footprint on your floor with masking tape and live with it for a day. You'll know immediately if it's too big — before it's in your lounge room.
Then check the delivery path with our Will It Fit? measuring guide — and remember, if access is tight, a modular sofa usually solves it.
Want a second opinion before you order?
Lodge a query or request a callback and we'll talk you through any sofa's real-world dimensions, fabric and modular options — wherever you are in Australia. In Melbourne? You're also welcome at our Ferntree Gully showroom (free parking).
Contact us Visit the showroomIn-stock items dispatch in 2–8 business days from our Melbourne warehouse · Delivery across most of Australia
Our policies & important notes. This guide is general information to help you plan — it isn't a substitute for your own measuring and research. Sofa dimensions and assembly requirements vary between designs, so always confirm the exact dimensions on each product page (and the packaged carton size where relevant) before ordering, and satisfy yourself that the product suits your space and needs. Accurate measurement and product selection are the customer's responsibility. Returns for change of mind, incorrect measurement or unsuitable selection are not product faults and are handled under our Returns Policy — conditions and fees may apply. Nothing on this page excludes or limits your rights under Australian Consumer Law. Please review our Returns & Refund Policy, Shipping Policy and Terms of Service before ordering, or lodge a query / request a callback — we're happy to help before you buy.