Designing a Small Living Room with a Large Sectional
the BetaEver considered a large sectional in a small living room? This light, bright living room is anchored by a large blue gray sectional and accented with natural wood and white highlights. Tour this gorgeous rustic modern living room and find out why a sectional might be the best piece for your family room.
I still remember hunter green patterned velour, puffy back, reclining sectionals that completely dwarfed even the largest of rooms… and I shudder.
But sectionals have come so far since I was a girl in the early 90’s. And I am thrilled to show you how a HUGE sectional was actually the answer to our rather-on-the-small-side family room.
Thank you to Article for providing furniture for this space. I am thrilled to offer a review of Article’s Cube modular sofa and Timpani ottoman. As always, text and opinions are my own.
Design plans to maximize seating in living room:
Let me start by stating the obvious to my regular readers: I’ve never really shown this room on the blog before. When we first moved in, we had the tv on a bench in front of the window, two oversized brown leather pieces floating opposite the tv, a bookcase tucked into the corner, and an old tufted ottoman in the center. They all looked beautiful in our old living room (where the tv hung on the wall above the fireplace), but in this room they were awkward and totally inefficient. The room felt cramped, and we could still only seat 4-5 people.
So we completely redid the fireplace and created a bookcase nook for the tv (you can read all about that project here), which realigned the room much more logically. But even with the addition of a wingback chair, we could still only seat 5 people really comfortably. Since we are now a family of 6, that proves to be rather disappointing.
Let me give a little disclosure: I realize this is not a tiny living room by any standards. But for a big Texas house, where we regularly try to sit 10-12 adults, it’s not large either. The room is about 13’x13′ with two walls of huge windows (which I LOVE, but they do make furniture placement tricky) and – thanks to our fireplace renovation – one wall of cabinetry and fireplace. The fourth “wall” is open past the bar area to our kitchen table.
So I set out with two main goals for this living room makeover: add more (and more efficient) seating AND create a light, bright feel.
And the key to this space was actually not smaller furniture, but bigger furniture… Crazy, right?
Review of the Article Cube modular sofa and Timpani ottoman:
Using a large sectional in a small living room:
(Update: the Cube has been retired, but the Beta seems very similar.)
A couple of years ago, I chose a couch from Article for a client (aka my little brother 😉 ), and I was so very impressed. I was a little hesitant about ordering furniture that I couldn’t touch beforehand (they sell exclusively online), but their low delivery price and easy return policy made it a no brainer… and the couch ended up being perfect: the quality, the style, and the price were incredible. So I began looking at Article when I was thinking about a new couch for my living room, and was so pleased to find this sectional and to partner with them on this project. The Cube is a very generous (both deep and wide) modular sofa, sold either as a three-piece set or piece by piece (ours is two ends, two middles, and one corner to make the giant L… and I do mean giant).
Despite its large size, its low profile made it perfect for our walls of windows. The previous couch (which was not particularly high-backed) kept bumping into the plantation shutters and forcing them closed. The view is straight out to our backyard, and it is one of the best parts of this room – and you know how I feel about all the natural light – so the height of the Cube is absolutely perfect. The low profile also helps accentuate the room’s high ceilings and makes it feel so much larger even though much more floor space is actually covered by the sectional.
Even better, it can comfortably seat SO MANY people! Our entire family can practically lay end-to-end… not that my kids have tried or anything – ha!
And the fabric has a gorgeous linen look but seems so very durable – a huge factor when I’m choosing furniture that my kids will be using regularly. To make that easier, Article even has durability scores of the fabrics on their site; they recommend looking for fabric sofas with a Martindale rub test of at least 25,000 rubs… and the Cube surpasses that by a long shot with a score of 100,000. The couch is firm enough that you don’t fall into it and get stuck (which is important given how low it is), but it’s wonderfully comfortable to sit for hours – working on your laptop or watching a movie.
Probably the only thing I might change if I had total control is I tend more towards warm grays than cool. Our walls, which are Sherwin Williams Agreeable Gray, are my favorite – light gray with some warm tones – and our kitchen cabinets are a darker warm gray. The gray blue of the sectional really is beautiful (and actually complements our marble in the kitchen really well). I think it will be a very forgiving color: light enough to help the room feel bright (remember one of my goals?), but dark enough to hide the inevitable grime of young kids. Article also offers the Cube in white (which I would love, but I don’t find it practical at this stage in our family’s life) and a Thunder Gray (which was actually my original choice, but the Glacier Blue was available more quickly and I liked the idea of a lighter color). All that to say, it’s a lovely color but definitely a blue gray, not a warm gray.
(Update: Note that the Cube has been retired, but the Beta seems to have similar options.)
The best coffee table for a large sectional:
Since I’ve had at least one little one in the house learning to walk for the past six years, I’ve been a big fan of tufted ottomans used as “coffee tables.” But I’ve never loved one as much as I love this. The Timpani in Charme Tan is incredibly gorgeous. The modular sofa is the piece that makes the room work, but the ottoman is the piece I am smitten by: the beautiful light brown real leather, the stitching in such a pretty pattern, the slight tufting… it’s all perfect. And totally baby friendly.
I think the round shape makes it feel like there’s much more floor space and feels balanced no matter how far it is from the corner of the sectional…
And mom doesn’t have to go batty when it gets pushed askew by the littles. 😉
How to decorate around a huge sectional:
Suffice it to say, I love how our family room turned out. And I’m excited to share with you more details about the space (UPDATE: see the rest of the details here!)…
But this post has gotten really long! So I’m going to save all the other decorating details for part 2. In the meantime, what do you think? Do you struggle to get enough seating in your living space? Do you have a small living room? Do you think (counterintuitive though it may seem) that a large sectional might be your answer? I’d love to know!
And if you found this helpful and think others might, too, be sure to pin it!
I am OBSESSED with this sectional!
Me too. 😉
Everything looks amazing and so welcoming what size is the rug
Thank you! The rug is approximately 8’x10′. 🙂
Where is this rug from?
It was from Overstock originally, but it looks like they no longer carry that exact one (I bought it about four years ago). It was called the Safavieh Florenteen in Gray/Ivory, and the closest thing they now have is called the Safavieh Florenteen in Ivory/Gray. It sounds similar, but I think the two colors are swapped, so the overall effect may be a little bit warmer (more ivory, less gray). I hope this helps! Here is an affiliate link to the ivory/gray one: https://rstyle.me/n/c3xdgxb5bux
Can you tell me the demensions of your sofa? It looks very similar to mine 131×131 and I’ve been debating what size rug I need!
I don’t know exactly because this style is discontinued, but you can piece together what you would need from the Article website to determine the rug you would need. https://www.article.com/collection/432/gaba
.. I love your couch. I’ve thought about a sectional but our room is 16 x14 with an entry door, windows and the ugliest large firepace ever. Not sure it would work. I live in Canada so my options are less than yours (even ordering on line) But I am going to go looking now. Thanks for your inspiration. I love almost everything you post.
Happy New Year!🎉🎉🎉Lynne
Happy New Year! I hope you land on something that works great with your space!
This sectional looks so beautiful in your living room, Rachel! And it seems like a perfect seating solution for all those cute kiddos!
Thank you so much, April! They sure do seem to love it. 😉
My question to is about the fabric. Is the fabric a fabric where it can be spot cleaned or scotch guarded from little ones or a red wine spill? I love it but that’s my determining factor thanks! and love your space
I totally understand! Fabric is fabric. It’s never going to be as durable or clean-able as leather… but I’ve been pretty pleased with this one. I have used Resolve (which is a carpet/upholstery cleaner) on many spots, and they have definitely improved. I have not tried scotch guard, nor have I actually removed any of the pillow cases to wash (which is possible… I just worry they might not match the body of the couch perfectly if I did so). I have four little kids, and it’s the first place they run to after they get up from the kitchen table, so it has taken a beating. Ha! It’s not perfect, but I’m still pleased with it. I hope that helps!
Really Beautifully done! Very serene. You did such a nice job.
Thank you so much, Natalie! We are loving the new space. 🙂
This is beautiful!
I have a similar set up in front of my fireplace but I’m having trouble figuring out if I can add another piece. Can you tell me the spacing between the fireplace and the sofa?
Great question! Spacing is always hard. There are 25″ from the couch to the cabinet (the cabinet doors are 23″ wide, so they still have clearance to open fully). The fireplace hearth is only about 16″ from the corner of the couch, though. It would be too tight for a walkway, but since we only ever go there to start a dvd or something, it’s never been a problem. I hope this helps!
It’s really stunning! I actually love the blue-grey of it and think it ties in beautifully with your marble. Such a perfect mix of warm and cool tones. Brilliant choice!
Thank you, Krista!
Hi,
To me the space doesn’t look small at all..Probably because of the neutral tones and the natural light that is coming in along with the light tone sectional….Space seems and looks light and airy.
Great job with the overall decor’
Shelly
Thank you so much, Shelly! I feel the same way about the size. I know 13×13 isn’t tiny (I’ve had smaller living rooms in the past 😉 ), but it’s not giant either… but the light colors and layout make this space feel so big, don’t they?
The sofa is gorgeous, Rachel and it looks so cozy! I love that it’s modular – easy to move around! Nice choice! Will have to check them out!
Thanks, Jenna! You’re right, I love that we can rearrange if need be. And yes, everything I’ve seen from Article has been amazing – you should definitely take a look!
Wow, I love this sectional, Rachel! I agree, a huge sectional is perfect for that space! I have the same problem with odd furniture placement in my living room but you would never know by looking at the space now that you had any issues. Because it’s perfect! The color is perfect too and I’m loving that ottoman.
Hugs, Jamie
Thank you so much, Jamie! Sometimes it takes a while to find that perfect layout, but it’s so good when you do, isn’t it? 🙂
One thing I’ve learned (the hard way, unfortunately) is that a room full of furniture with visible legs makes any room look cluttered, no matter what size it is. No legs showing on your sectional, the end table or the ottoman coffee table was a wise choice.
Great point, Mandy! I hadn’t thought about how the lack of legs kept it feeling clean, but you’re absolutely right. Thanks for the encouragement!
We have a large sectional in our family room and I wouldn’t ever want to do with it one in this area. It is just my husband and I at home now and we can each stretch out on our side to watch tv read or play on our laptops. When the family with all 9 grandchildren come over there is plenty of room for everyone since there is additional seating in the room. Not that they ever all sit at the same time! Sectional are like mini vans ….indespensible
“Sectionals are like minivans…” Ha! Best comment of the day! I wouldn’t part with my minivan for the world. 😉 . Thanks, Kathy!
I love this room! It’s light and airy and very inviting. Perfect!
Thank you so much, Nancy!
I’m overjoyed by this! I wish there was a way to show you photos of our home! My husband painted a client’s home Agreeable Gray and will be painting our home the same.
We purchased a ranch style home almost 4 years ago and have slowly renovated/remodeled. We tore down a wall between the family room and kitchen and now have a wide open space. The new kitchen island is litereally in the center of our home (measuring 5 x 11); which is painted a mixture of Agreeable Gray and Midnight Fog (sort of a slate blue/ gray).
My family room size is roughly the same as yours and does have a brick fireplace. Furniture placement is difficult and I baulked at the idea from my husband to get a sectional because all I’ve ever imagined was over-sized, bulky leather; knowing that it would make te space feel closed in…especially because of the dark brick fireplace.
This may be an answer for both of us getting what we’d like! Even with the ottomon (that I could put a tray on), I wouldn’t feel like I’m giving up end table space.
I do have a question (after so much rambling): I looked on Article’s site at the sectional that you have. For the two ends, there is a 3rd “open” cushion. Is that also what you have in addition to the corner? If so, how did you add a back cushion to it?
I did see/read the breakdown of what you ordered, but not sure how that is offered on their website. (hopefully that made sense!)
thank you for reading my long comment and I do wish that there was a way for me to send you a photo or two of what I’m working with! haha!
I’m so so glad you found this so helpful, Kela! Apologies for the slow reply; I was reaching out to Article to ask about the product changes because – as you said – I ordered each piece separately, but they don’t have that option at the moment. My contact said that they are updating the Cube line right now, but they should have all the separate pieces available again later this year. I hope this helps, and good luck with your space!!
Thank you SO MUCH for contacting Article to see what is what! I’ll be keeping an eye out for the updates!
You are so welcome!
the idea of looking at larger pieces for a small room is how i will be shopping for some new pieces for our really small MULTI PURPOSE room. thanks for the new way of looking at a challenge. Lets hope our outcome will be as beautiful as yours. or at least very close to the happy room you have created.
I’m so glad you found this inspiring, Brenda!!
I love your sectional and it does not look that big, it made a great area with your kitchen to spend with your family.Like the ottoman too.
Thank you so much!
RACHEL, HAVE YOU EVER THOT OF PAINTING YOUR TV WIRES? IN THIS CASE, PAINT THEM TO MATCH YOUR BOOKCASE COLOR. I HAVE PAINTED EVERY SINGLE ELECTRICAL WIRE IN MY HOME, SOME WHITE, SOME DARK BROWN , SOME ARE EVEN PAINTED WITH 2 COLORS…ONE TO MATCH THE WALL COLOR AND THEN WHEN IT GETS ON THE FLOOR, THAT SECTION OF WIRING IS PAINTED THE FLOOR COLOR. I ALSO COIL EXCESSIVE WIRES INTO A 2-3 INCH CIRCLE, ATTACH THE COIL IN 2 PLACES AND PAINT ALL OF THAT INTO THE PROPER COLOR. MY EXCESSIVE WIRES ARE ALSO ‘TIED’ TO THE TABLE LEGS AS THEY RUN DOWN THE LEG. WIRES CAN ‘DISAPPEAR’ WITH JUST A LITTLE EFFORT AND THOT.
That’s a great idea!
I love this room. I’m not normally a fan of the sectional. But this is great. It looks so well and fits just right.
Thank you so much, Audrey!
This room is s open looking in spite of the smaller size. I like it. I like your comments about high ceilings. Learned something. Tell me how your plant is working out. Do you stand on the sofa? Does it ever drip? I love plants and know their problems.
Thank you! Yes, I stand on the sofa to water the plant, and so far it has been very successful. I water very carefully with a measuring cup that has a spout so it doesn’t spill, and the silver bowl doesn’t have any holes. So far it has been a success! 🙂
Maravillosa!!
I love how bright it looks …just like the Mediterranean wonderful light.
Thank you so much!!
WHERE did you get that chair in the corner?! I would love to find a sectional/sofa with that type of finish (the hand nailed look).
It is a great chair, isn’t it? 🙂 It was a Homegoods find a few years ago.
Hi there! I love this room! I am looking to decorate with a sectional that ends at a media wall as well and was wondering how many inches are between the end of the sectional and the media wall/cabinet? Thank you!!
Sorry for the delay; I kept forgetting to measure the space. 🙂 It’s 25″ of clearance. My cabinet doors are 23″ wide, so there’s just 2″ of clearance when they are open. I hope this helps!
Beautiful room! Where are your floors from?
Thank you! You can get the details on our floors here. Hope this helps!
Is your paint color full strength agreeable gray or half strength? Such a gorgeous airy room!
Thank you! It is full strength, but we get a lot of natural light, which does make it look lighter than it would in a more enclosed room. Hope this helps! 🙂
Love the area rug. Where did it come from?
Thank you! It was from Overstock originally, but it looks like they no longer carry that exact one (I bought it about four years ago). It was called the Safavieh Florenteen in Gray/Ivory, and the closest thing they now have is called the Safavieh Florenteen in Ivory/Gray. It sounds similar, but I think the two colors are swapped, so the overall effect may be a little bit warmer (more ivory, less gray). I hope this helps! Here is an affiliate link to the ivory/gray one: https://rstyle.me/n/c3xdgxb5bux
Love this look;) I’m curious where your Paris print and frame is from? I love it!!! Xoxo
Thank you so much! It’s actually from my Etsy shop. You can get a link to it and all the details in the follow up post here where I describe all the decor in the space. I hope this helps!
Very nice! I am impressed with your work and got some great ideas to design my living room. You made my day with this great article. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you! I am so glad it inspired you.
I love your a site! I also have a grey sectional and your post has given me so many ideas for the space. I recently bought a fiddle leaf from world market and although I love it, it seems too short 🙁 how tall is your tree?
Thanks!
Thank you so much! I’m so glad you found this helpful. 🙂 My fiddle leaf is probably 6′ tall at its highest point. I have seen a few different sizes from World Market, though, so if yours seems too short, you might check to see if you can get a taller one? Good luck!!
Love the sectional! Any idea where you can purchase the end tables?
The wood log side table is a DIY, but I’ve seen similar ones at Wayfair (affiliate link): https://rstyle.me/n/c5nbuxb5bux
I love the color and feel of the room. Where is you rug from. I love the detail and color!
Thank you so much! Unfortunately, the rug is several years old, and I am not sure if they will be getting more back in stock, but here is an affiliate link: https://rstyle.me/n/c8yuxgb5bux . It’s been a great rug!
Wow, just got to love the area and design (To manage an ample seat for everyone in just a small space) Great Idea. By the way, love the light from the windows and the colors are inviting. 👍👍👍
Thank you!
Where did you get the tree trunk side table?
Hi! You can find a similar item at West Elm with this affiliate link: https://rstyle.me/~a0kpR
Rachel, I absolutely love your living room! It’s a very similar layout to ours. We just purchased our home in August the previous living room furniture just doesn’t go. I went to the Article, and it looks like that sofa has been discontinued. Do you know if they’ll be bringing it back. I really like the exact color and shape you’ve got!
Thank you so much, Jessica! I checked with Article, and it looks like they are not bringing the Cube back. However, my contact says that the Gaba is essentially the same as the Cube (but with improvements like more durable fabric). I hope this helps!!
Nice article Your post helped me greatly to choose exactly what I was looking for my newly decorate home from long time. Keep it up.
Thanks, Russell!
I’d love to know how the sectional has held up with the kids over the last year! Do the separate pieces slide around or do they stay tightly connected? Thanks so much!! I’m searching for the perfect sectional, but I’m worried about moving pieces with this one!
Great questions! We’ve been really happy with the sectional. My only complaint is that it’s hard to keep fabric totally clean with four little ones… but that’s not really the couch’s fault. 😉 As far as sliding, it really doesn’t move at all (if anything, I struggle when something goes under the couch because it’s really hard to get it!). We have the front legs on a rug, though, and the back is against the wall on both sides, so it might slide more if you had it floating in a room. I hope this helps!
Excellent blog with so much details. I love the couch color and living room is so beautiful. I was looking for a sectional couch similar to this from very long time. Where can i buy the exact couch (grey blue) or similar to this couch. i couldn’t find the link at your shop links. Can you please guide me out.
Article has actually retired the sofa we have and replaced it with the Gaba, which I’m told is very similar. Hope this helps!
Thanks you! Will check it out 🙂
Hope it helps!
The “end table”, is it a faux wood slip cover?
No, it is a wood stump. Here are a few similar items (affiliate): https://rstyle.me/n/c5nbuxb5bux
Trying to find the second part of this post. I’m sooo interested in showing my hubby more of the layout. I have a large husband and a small house, so it looks cramped all the time to me with all our oversized furniture. Do you think a 6’6” 375lb man would fit comfortably on this sofa? I’m worried it would be to low for when he sits. Decor is one of our biggest arguments…I want to make 2021 the year where I am happy with our home.
I hear you, Amanda! Compromising with family on design is always a challenge. I think it depends on whether he likes low seating. It’s a nice, deep seat (which my tall friends appreciate), but it is pretty low. This was what we wanted since our windows come down extra low… but it may not be comfortable for everyone. You are welcome to check out the second part of this post here. I hope this helps!
What floor are in your living room?
Hi Mandi!
You can read all about our flooring choices here: https://www.maisondepax.com/wide-plank-oak-floors/
Can I ask what you did for lighting? We are wanting something similar in our living room, but struggling to place lamps! Thanks!
I can see that, especially as you lose a corner with the sectional. We have overhead lighting as well as large windows that provide a lot of light during the day. We do have a small sconce in the corner that is hung over some art for some cozy interesting light.