Throughout my nearly decade-long career in interior design, I've had the pleasure of assisting various e-design clients in crafting their ideal sitting rooms. Among the numerous inquiries I receive, one question stands out: "Which sofa or sectional sofa suits these spaces best?" This common query has fueled my desire to create a blog diving into this topic, providing detailed recommendations while clarifying prevalent misconceptions.

In my experience, I've noticed widespread confusion surrounding sofa choices, prompting me to address these misunderstandings alongside offering some tailored suggestions. I want to explore each sitting room type—whether it's the formal living room, a generously sized living area, a cozy family room, a sun-soaked sunroom, a fun-filled basement recreation space, or a relaxed lounge room.

Join me as we navigate through these distinct spaces, examining the most fitting sofa or sectional sofa options that seamlessly blend comfort, style, and practicality for every corner of your home.

California Casual style living room with two sofas facing each other with two accent chairs. This living room was designed by Joshua Jones, JJones Design Co.

Formal Living Room

When you walk into a home boasting multiple sitting rooms, chances are the living room takes the spotlight as the initial space you encounter. For many, this area is earmarked as the formal living room—a place sans television, intended to craft a first impression for guests and typically meant as a haven for adult gatherings where conversation takes precedence over kids' play.

When conceptualizing this space, consider the art of socializing. It's about creating an ambiance where people can comfortably engage in face-to-face conversations. In such a formal setting, my recommendation leans towards sofas rather than sectional sofas. The setup largely hinges on room size and design aspirations. You might opt for two sofas positioned facing each other, fostering an inviting environment for conversation. Alternatively, a single sofa paired with a couple of accent chairs arranged face-to-face can achieve a similar effect.

For more spacious living rooms, a symmetrical arrangement with two sofas facing each other, flanked by two accent chairs, can infuse an air of elegance and symmetry.

Luxury California casual style living room with multi-seating areas that was designed by Joshua Jones. Rendering by Stuccco.

Large Living Room

Some homeowners are fortunate enough to possess a living room that extends beyond the average size, offering ample space to create multiple seating areas. I've had clients who either had generously sized living rooms or were willing to sacrifice dining space to expand their living areas, envisioning more than one seating enclave for entertaining purposes.

The setup of your living room ultimately dictates whether incorporating both sofas and sectional sofas would work. Take, for instance, a previous e-design project where I introduced a curved sectional sofa alongside a separate seating area with a sofa strategically placed next to a display glass cabinet. In this instance, my clients—a large family with a vibrant social circle—desired a space accommodating multiple seating zones while exuding both coziness and opulence.

The key here lies in the layout and the overall aesthetics of the home. Depending on these factors, a harmonious blend of sofas and sectional sofas or a mix of sofas and chairs can be the perfect fit. However, I advise against opting solely for a massive sectional if you aim to maintain a more formal appearance rather than an overly casual vibe.

Mid-century modern style high rise living room with a sectional sofa, designed by Joshua Jones. 3D rendering by Stuccco.

Single Living Room

If you're here pondering the scenario of living in a home with just a single sitting room—a living room or a great room—rest assured, I've got you covered. The ideal seating solution for this space largely depends on your home's size and layout.

For those residing in cozy, smaller homes with limited space, a sofa would be my top recommendation. It offers both seating and comfort without overwhelming the area. A smaller form factor sectional with a single chaise, tucked into a corner, can also work in a small space.

Now, if your living room boasts an average size, there's room to play around. You could consider a sofa paired with a couple of chairs or a loveseat to optimize the space and accommodate a few more seating options without crowding the area.

Lastly, if you find yourself in a more spacious living room craving ample seating for family gatherings, entertaining, or simply lounging while watching TV, a sectional sofa might be the perfect choice. Its expansive and customizable design allows for versatility, offering plenty of room for relaxation.

Family Room

The family room often plays the role of a secondary sitting area, alternatively referred to as the 'den' or 'TV room' by some. Interestingly, some homeowners opt for the term 'family room' to distinguish it from the primary living room, particularly if it's situated a bit farther from the foyer, requiring a brief journey from the front door.

This space typically serves as a cozy hub for watching TV, bonding with family members, and occasionally doubles as an entertaining spot, conveniently positioned near the kitchen—an area where guests frequently congregate. However, the ideal furniture choice hinges significantly on the room's layout.

In cases of smaller or oddly shaped family rooms, I often recommend a sofa over a sectional sofa to optimize the available space. For decently sized family rooms, there's flexibility in your options. You might consider a sofa paired with chairs, or perhaps a combination of a sofa and a loveseat, supplemented by additional chairs based on the room's dimensions. Another viable option is a sectional sofa, offering both ample seating and a cozy atmosphere.

In generously sized family rooms, a substantial sectional sofa can become the focal point, providing plenty of seating options for relaxation or accommodating larger gatherings.

Modern eclectic style basement with a large sectional sofa with two bold color accent chairs. This space was designed by Joshua Jones.

Basement Recreation Room

A finished basement often unveils an expansive space suitable for what many dub as the 'basement living room'—a hub commonly known as the 'recreation room'. This area tends to be a canvas for bold and fun décor choices, often diverging from the overall style of the house. It serves as an inviting spot for family gatherings or a separate retreat for kids and teenagers.

This multifaceted space becomes the go-to area for families and close friends to unwind, whether it's for a collective movie night or merely a spot for the younger members of the household to hang out away from the primary living spaces. In most instances, a sectional sofa is my top recommendation for this space, as it offers an ideal setting for individuals to recline and relax while enjoying a movie or engaging in leisurely activities.

For basements that are on the smaller or medium side, a compact sectional sofa might fit well. However, if space constraints pose a challenge, opting for a sofa complemented by lounge chairs can still create a comfortable and functional setup.

Sunroom

In some homes, the sunroom stands out as a unique space adorned with numerous windows, flooding the area with abundant natural light. It serves various purposes—often becoming the designated social room for intimate gatherings or a serene retreat for those seeking solace and a quiet reading spot.

Sunroom projects I've encountered are typically more compact than the standard family or living room, presenting a charming coziness. In most cases, my recommendation for this space leans towards a sofa or loveseat paired with a chair or two, striking a balance between comfort and functionality.

If your sunroom measures up to the size of other sitting rooms in your home, you could consider opting for a larger sofa complemented by a couple of accent chairs to enhance seating capacity. In certain scenarios, a small sectional sofa might also suit the space.

For instance, in a sunroom project I completed for Joshua's Top Picks, which deviated from the typical sunroom dimensions, I opted for a leather sofa alongside two accent chairs. This setup not only accommodated ample seating but also left room for live plants, infusing a greenhouse-like ambiance into the space.

California casual style teen lounge with a sectional sofa designed by Joshua Jones.

Lounge Room

For those fortunate enough to possess additional sitting areas in their homes, whether it's a loft, alcove, spare room, or any extra space you're unsure how to utilize, consider transforming it into a 'lounge room'. This room serves as an inviting spot for relaxation, socializing, or simply unwinding.

Lounge rooms vary in size and purpose. Some may solely accommodate chairs without a sofa or sectional sofa, while others offer enough space to incorporate these larger seating options. I've had the opportunity to collaborate with clients grappling with surplus space conundrums, unsure how to utilize these additional rooms that come with the property.

In such instances, I often suggest transforming these spare spaces into lounge rooms, providing them with a distinct purpose and encouraging utilization. To create a sense of completeness and utility, I typically recommend a cluster of chairs paired with a central coffee table. Alternatively, if the space permits, a small sectional sofa or sofa can add functionality and comfort, making the room feel more inviting and purposeful for anyone who steps in.

Mid-century modern style living room with a sofa with a pair of accent chairs. It was designed by Joshua Jones. 3D rendering by Stuccco.

In exploring the diverse landscape of sitting rooms, from formal living rooms to basement recreation areas, sunrooms, and beyond, it's clear that each space holds unique characteristics and demands distinct seating considerations. Whether it's the sophisticated ambiance of a formal living room, the cozy comfort of a family room, or the versatility of a lounge room, the right choice of sofa or sectional sofa plays a pivotal role in shaping these areas. From suggesting sofas for intimate settings to advocating for sectional sofas in spacious entertainment zones, the goal remains consistent: to harmonize comfort, style, and functionality in every sitting room.

If you're seeking assistance in transforming your sitting rooms into personalized, functional spaces, I'm here to help. Through virtual interior design services, I offer tailored guidance to curate inviting and aesthetically pleasing sitting rooms that align with your lifestyle and preferences. Whether you're looking to resolve a specific seating challenge or envisioning a complete makeover, my expertise in virtual interior design aims to elevate the essence of your home's sitting areas. Let's collaborate to craft sitting rooms that reflect your unique style and make your spaces truly yours.

Jan 3 Comfort & Style: Finding the Right Sofa for Every Sitting Area