Sofa dimensions: which size, seat and density to choose?

The dimensions below were taken from the technical specifications of sofas in The Cool Republic catalogue in September 2026 (254 two-seater models, 194 three-seater models, 50 four-seater models). The range covers 80% of models, the median is the most common value. For a specific model, the product page is authoritative.

Sofa dimensions: what manufacturers measure

Four dimensions matter. The width is measured from one armrest to the other. The overall depth runs from the front edge of the seat to the back of the backrest. The overall height is that of the backrest, cushions included. The seat height, decisive for comfort, is measured from the floor to the top of the cushion, unoccupied.

Two-seater sofa dimensions

A two-seater measures 136 to 200 cm wide, median 170 cm. Compact models of 135 to 150 cm, such as The Cool Republic's Sora (135.5 cm) or Ferm Living's Rico (148 cm), suit studios and bedrooms. Overall depth: 80 to 102 cm.

Three-seater sofa dimensions and three-seater sofa length

This is the best-selling format. The length of a three-seater sofa ranges from 200 to 294 cm, median 225 cm; depth from 80 to 103 cm, median 92 cm; overall height from 68 to 85 cm. Three adults sit comfortably from 210 cm onwards with slim armrests (Rico three-seater, 210 cm) and from 225 cm with padded armrests (HKliving's Retro).

Four-seater sofa dimensions

The four-seaters in the catalogue measure 220 to 340 cm, median 245 cm, with a depth of 82 to 104 cm. HKliving's Retro four-seater is 245 cm: this is the threshold from which four adults genuinely fit.

Corner sofa dimensions

A corner sofa is described with two lengths: the long side (from 247 cm for Bolia's modular Caro to 355 cm for Zuiver's Prosper) and the depth of the return or chaise longue section (87 to 190 cm). Check the direction of the corner, 'left' or 'right': the product page specifies whether this is read sitting down or facing the sofa.

Sofa height, sofa seat height and sofa width

Overall height ranges from 68 to 85 cm: a low backrest (67 to 72 cm) lightens the room, 80 cm and above supports the head. Seat height concentrates between 37 and 48 cm, median 40.5 cm on two-seaters and 44 cm on three-seaters. Seat width per person is around 60 cm: a 225 cm sofa with two 20 cm armrests offers three 62 cm seats.

The format that suits your room can be found in the two-seater sofas, the three-seater sofas and the four-seater sofas.

The first buying mistake is a matter of centimetres. Take three measurements.

The supporting wall. Subtract 30 cm on each side from the available width to allow for circulation or placing a lamp: a 3 m wall accommodates a 240 cm sofa. If the sofa is in the middle of the room, leave 60 cm behind it, 80 to 90 cm if it's the main passageway (a rule of thumb used by interior designers).

The depth of the room. Add together the depth of the sofa (90 cm on average), 40 to 45 cm to the coffee table, the table itself (80 to 120 cm) and a passageway of 60 cm: a living room with a depth of 3.20 m is the lower limit for a sofa facing a TV unit.

Access. Measure the doors (often 73 or 83 cm), the staircase and the lift. A one-piece sofa will fit if its depth or height, with legs removed, is less than the passage width; otherwise it must go through diagonally. When access is narrow, opt for a modular sofa with each element measuring 80 to 110 cm. Mark out the footprint on the floor with masking tape and live with it for two days: compact formats can be found in the 2-seater sofas.

Seat height. Between 42 and 46 cm, the feet rest flat and the knees form an angle close to 90°: this is the comfort zone for reading, entertaining or eating off your lap, and the range of the family models in the catalogue (Retro by HKliving 46 cm, Blossom by Zuiver 45 cm, Hackman by Dutchbone 46.5 cm). Between 37 and 41 cm, the seat is low, lounge-style: the Mags Soft by HAY (37 cm) or the Rico by Ferm Living (41 cm) invite you to sink in, but getting up requires momentum. Above 47 cm, the seat is high and firm, appreciated when the back or knees are fragile.

Seat depth. Between 55 and 60 cm, you sit upright, back supported, feet on the floor. Between 60 and 70 cm, you tuck your legs up; beyond 70 cm, it's a reading seat that requires bolster cushions. The Quilton by HAY (77 cm) is the most enveloping in the selection.

One test only: sitting right back, the hollow of the knee should extend slightly beyond the edge of the cushion. If your feet no longer touch the floor, the seat is too high or too deep for you. Classic seats are brought together in the straight sofas.

Density for sofas: benchmarks in kg/m³

The density of polyurethane foam is expressed in kilograms per cubic metre (standardised measurement method NF EN ISO 845). Upholsterers' benchmarks: below 25 kg/m³, the foam sags within two or three years; from 25 to 30 kg/m³, it is suitable for a backrest; from 30 to 35 kg/m³, it makes a good everyday seat; from 35 kg/m³ upwards, it is called high-resilience (HR) foam, which regains its shape after each use. Reputable manufacturers specify differentiated layers: Ethnicraft indicates layers ranging from 23 to 34 kg/m³ in the backrest for the N701, HKliving uses HR foam mixed with feathers on the Retro range.

Beneath the cushions, the suspension absorbs impact: elastic straps on a wooden or steel frame, pocket springs for a livelier bounce, down cushions (Bolia Scandinavia) for softness.

How to tell if a sofa is good quality: the Martindale test

The abrasion resistance of a fabric is measured in Martindale rubs (standard NF EN ISO 12947-2). Fabric manufacturers' benchmarks: 15,000 rubs for occasional use, 20,000 to 25,000 for everyday use, 30,000 and above with children or pets, 50,000 and beyond for so-called 'contract' fabrics. In the catalogue, the Pure fabric on Bolia's Hayden is rated at 24,000 rubs, the bouclé on the Sora at 30,000, the polyester on Zuiver's Prosper at 50,000 and Bolia's Caro in recycled Revi at 100,000. Models whose modules can be replaced individually are in the modular sofas.

The straight sofa

The simplest format to place: a 150 to 260 cm block, against the wall or in the centre of the room, with the widest choice of materials, from the Rar by Normann Copenhagen (170.5 cm) to the Hackman by Dutchbone (264 cm). See the straight sofas.

The corner sofa

It occupies a corner or delimits the living room in an open-plan space. Allow for a long side of 250 to 350 cm and a return of 90 to 190 cm (the Prosper by Zuiver measures 355 x 126 cm), so a room of at least 18 to 20 m². See the corner sofas.

The modular sofa

Independent elements (armless chairs, corner units, poufs) that you assemble and reassemble: it fits through any staircase and follows you when you move. The Caro by Bolia (247 x 87 cm in the corner version) or the Sneak modules by HKliving (94 cm wide each) can be completed one element at a time. See the modular sofas.

The sofa bed and the sofa bed dimension

The sofa bed with mechanism (Sigmund by Innovation Living) keeps the appearance of a 200 cm sofa and unfolds a 160 x 200 cm sleeping surface on a pocket-sprung mattress: the right choice for regular sleeping. The sofa bed with wooden structure (Roots by Karup Design, 160 x 105 cm as a sofa, 160 x 200 cm as a bed) is lighter and more economical, with a 10 to 15 cm futon for occasional use. For daily use, require a 12 cm mattress and 140 cm width for two. See the sofa beds.

The fabric: polyester, bouclé, wool

Woven polyester dominates the catalogue: hard-wearing, light-stable, it can be cleaned with dry foam. Bouclé (Sora, Rico by Ferm Living) adds texture and hides small marks, but catches cat claws. Wool (Bridge by TIPTOE, 95% virgin wool) regulates temperature and resists dry stains. Natural fibres come together in cotton sofas.

Velvet

Smooth or ribbed, most often in polyester, it captures light and gives depth to muted colours (brick, olive, cream). It shows wear on the seat and picks up pet hair. See the velvet sofas.

Linen

Often blended with cotton (Pure fabric on the Hayden by Bolia: 60% cotton, 40% linen), it has a supple drape and a creased appearance that ages well. Cool in summer, it is prone to repeated rubbing: reserve pure linen for a quiet living room or removable covers. See the linen sofas.

Leather

A grained or full-grain leather (Scandinavia by Bolia in Quattro leather, Outline by Muuto in cognac leather) ages beautifully and can be maintained with a damp cloth. It won't forgive soft foam: the Scandinavia combines leather and down, the Outline a moulded foam on an aluminium frame, for firm seats 58 to 62 cm deep. The leather sofas in the catalogue are mostly straight models designed by Bolia: see the Bolia sofas.

Two strategies: a neutral sofa (beige, sand, warm grey) whose cushions and rug change with the seasons, or a bold-coloured sofa that becomes the statement piece, surrounded by neutrals.

What colour to pair with a dark green sofa

Dark green pairs well with medium woods (oak, walnut), brass, beige and terracotta; cool grey dulls it. Mustard, rust or off-white cushions. See the green sofas.

What colour to pair with a dark grey sofa

Anthracite needs warmth: undyed wool rug, light wood coffee table, ochre or dusty pink cushions, touches of matt black. See the HKliving sofas, which offer most shades on the same frame.

What colour cushions for a beige sofa

Beige accepts almost anything; the most successful remains tonal (sand, caramel, chocolate) livened by one strong colour, olive green or teal, across three to five cushions in two sizes (45 × 45 and 50 × 50 cm). See the beige sofas.

What colour to pair with a red sofa

A red or brick sofa calms down with white or pale grey walls, dark woods and touches of deep green; ochre, powder pink or brown cushions.

HKliving (Netherlands) offers the deepest range in the catalogue: Retro and Sneak collections in 2-, 3- and 4-seater versions, corner and modular configurations, in around thirty fabrics, all on a common structure (seat height 46 cm, seat depth 60 to 65 cm). See the HKliving sofas.

HAY (Denmark) publishes the Mags and Mags Soft, modular with low seating (37 cm) that have become classics, and the Quilton with very deep seats, in Kvadrat and Maharam fabrics. See the HAY sofas.

Muuto (Denmark) offers the Outline, a pared-back sofa with a low 69.5 cm backrest, in fabric, wool or leather, and the Connect Soft, a modular system. See the Muuto sofas.

Bolia (Denmark) manufactures to order: dozens of fabrics and leathers, down or foam cushions, oak, walnut or steel legs; the brand for leather sofas and large modular pieces. See the Bolia sofas.

Ferm Living (Denmark) has created the Rico, a sofa with rounded forms available from 148 to 260 cm in the same line, in bouclé, brushed or recycled fabric. See the brand Ferm Living.

Alongside them, Zuiver and Dutchbone for large formats, Karup Design and Innovation Living for sofa beds, Normann Copenhagen and Gervasoni for more specialist pieces.

Sofa to coffee table distance. Leave 40 to 45 cm between the edge of the seat and the table: enough room to stretch your legs, close enough to set down a glass. The table height should match the seat height to within 5 cm (40 to 45 cm for a standard sofa, 35 cm for a lounge sofa), and its length should be half to two-thirds the width of the sofa. Full details are in the coffee table guide and the coffee tables.

The rug. The two front feet of the sofa rest on the rug, which extends 20 to 30 cm beyond each armrest: a 225 cm three-seater calls for a 240 × 170 cm minimum, more often a 300 × 200 cm. In front of a corner sofa, the rug sits under the front feet on both sides. The rug size guide details each case, to be found in the rugs.

Above the sofa. Hang the bottom of a frame or shelf 15 to 25 cm above the backrest.

A 14 m² living room in a period flat

A 3.10 m wall and a double door: a 3-seater from 210 to 225 cm leaves 40 cm on each side for a floor lamp, and the wide door allows a single-piece unit. 41 cm seat height and 79 cm backrest to avoid weighing down the room: the Rico 3-seater by Ferm Living or the Retro 3-seater by HKliving.

A 35 m² open-plan living space with two children

The sofa separates kitchen and living room, so it needs a finished back and length for four. A corner unit from 300 to 355 cm (Prosper by Zuiver) or a 4-seater of 245 cm (Retro HKliving) in a fabric rated 50,000 Martindale rubs, with a 300 x 200 cm rug under the front feet.

A 25 m² studio where friends often sleep

You need a 140 or 160 cm sleeping area in a sofa under 200 cm. The Sigmund by Innovation Living (200 cm, 160 x 200 sleeping area on pocket springs) or, for a tight budget, the Roots by Karup Design (160 x 105 cm as a sofa, 160 x 200 cm futon). Allow 100 cm clearance in front for opening out.

Vacuum the seat and folds every two weeks with the brush attachment, following the pile direction on velvet. Turn and swap the cushions each month to distribute wear; plump up feather fillings. Keep the sofa more than 50 cm from a radiator and out of direct sunlight, which fades fabrics and dries out leather.

To clean a fabric sofa, test on a hidden area. A fresh stain is absorbed with a dry cloth, without rubbing, then warm water and mild soap, or dry foam on a non-removable cover fabric. Leather is cleaned with a damp cloth and nourished once or twice a year. A flattened foam can be replaced by an upholsterer if the frame and suspension are sound: that's the advantage of brands that sell cushions and modules individually.

What The Cool Republic orders show between January and September 2026 in the Sofas collection. Shares are counted by number of orders, not quantities, so that one large purchase does not weigh more than another.

What is ordered most in 2026

• Colours: beige (28%), green (21%), brown (14%).
• Materials: polyester (39%), pine (13%), cotton (9%).
• Types: sofa beds (44%), modular sofas (23%), straight sofas (17%).

Most requested brands

Share of orders: Karup Design (42%), HKliving (37%).

Most ordered models since January

• Ecru pine solid wood sofa bed Roots 140, Karup Design
• Beige cotton convertible futon sofa 140x95x60cm Buckle-up, Karup Design
• Beige cotton sofa bed 140x122x70cm Hippo, Karup Design
• Light pine and pink sorbet corduroy velvet sofa bed Folk, Karup Design
• 2-seater aged gold sofa Retro, HKliving

• Choosing a 200 cm three-seater for three adults: under 210 cm, only two people sit comfortably.
• Forgetting the 45 cm to the coffee table and the 60 cm walkway: a living room under 3.20 m deep cannot take a 100 cm deep sofa facing furniture.
• Ordering a 95 cm deep one-piece for a 73 cm door without checking the diagonal, feet removed.
• Choosing a 37 cm lounge seat when eating or working on your lap.
• Trusting the words 'high density' without figures: under 30 kg/m³ for the seat, the foam sags in two or three years.
• Choosing a fabric at 15,000 Martindale rubs with a dog or children: aim for 30,000 rubs.
• Buying the rug after the sofa without measuring: a 160 x 230 cm is too short for a 225 cm three-seater.