How much sofa does a person actually need? A guide to making a decision
In the furniture industry, there are various benchmarks: a standard seat width per person, for example, is around 50 to 60 cm. A classic three-seater sofa measuring 170 cm, for example, therefore comfortably accommodates three adults if they are sitting politely next to each other.
However, anyone who has ever truly made themselves comfortable on a three-seater sofa knows: "room for three" very quickly becomes "room for one." I speak from experience. At home, we have a rather large corner sofa. It has a width of 250 cm, so theoretically more than enough space for two people and a dog.
Well. When we are all lying on the sofa here, the reality is often different: really, only one person can truly spread out. And that one person is usually not one of us, but the dog. This is also partly because we paid particular attention to comfort when purchasing it. And this shows that not all sofas are created equal.
A lot of space is important to me, but I also know a couple who do things very differently. They moved into a nicely large apartment last year. However, they took their old, small sofa with them and even had it reupholstered to match their new decor. It's one where two people can sit wonderfully. But really, nothing more than that.
When I once asked them if it didn't get too cramped for them in the evenings, they said: "Yes, but that's intentional."
They don't want to sink into the sofa side-by-side every evening and watch TV until late at night. Their small sofa prevents that quite reliably. You sit together, watch TV, or read a book. When you eventually get tired and want to lie down, you simply head to bed. That can have a lasting positive impact on your lifestyle!
So: How much sofa do you actually need? That depends less on how many people use the couch and more on how it is intended to be used. Alongside the width, seat depth and seat height also play a decisive role.
A greater seat depth starting from approx. 60 cm is wonderful if you like to put your feet up or want to lie sideways occasionally. Those who mainly want to sit upright are better served with less depth, as this supports the back better. For those who like both, there are now even sofas with adjustable seat depths, such as this model from BoConcept.
Seat height also makes a big difference. Those who sit slightly higher can usually get back on their feet more easily. As a rough guide, about 45 to 50 centimeters is considered comfortable. However, this is quite individual depending on your height. For a good sitting position, your feet should be flat on the floor, and your knees should be bent at approximately a right angle.
Ultimately, the size of the sofa must fit your own household, your own body, and your personal habits. When in doubt: try it out. If you would like to test your favorite before buying, you can book an appointment in our showroom here. And as a small personal tip from me: if you have a dog, it’s better to plan for one or two extra seats.
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