The Bulky Furniture Trend That Can Work In Small Spaces Too. Here's How

As with most trends, what's considered fashionable in home decor is cyclical. Fads come and go, only to return again decades later. One furniture trend from the '80s is currently making a major comeback: oversized sofas. While a large, plush couch may seem like an obvious choice for a large living room, the good news is that it can also be a great fit for a smaller space when styled correctly.

To make a sofa work seamlessly in a small living room, start with meticulous measurements. While it's important to know the square footage of the room you're shopping for, you should also consider ceiling height, as well as the placement of any windows and doors, as these will impact how big you can go. Another important factor to keep in mind is clearance. You should be able to easily move around the couch without having to squeeze by or bump into things. As interior designer Jen Baxter told Homes & Gardens, leave at least 18 inches between the sofa and other furniture, but aim to get to between 30 and 36 inches of space, if possible. Color, shape, and placement will also play a pivotal role in ensuring a large sofa doesn't make a small space feel cramped or uncomfortable.

While it may seem counterintuitive, a large couch can certainly work in a small living room. Opting for a plush, oversized sofa will bring cozy comfort to any size space and, when chosen correctly, won't overwhelm it. A modular sofa is a great option, as it can be added to, moved around, and pared back, as needed. 

As a general rule, light hues help a space feel airy and large, so a neutral shade is also ideal for a small space. A small living room can be made to feel bigger with the right couch color and white, beige, and grey top the list. Another top tip is to pair a large sofa with smaller accent pieces. To ensure the room doesn't become cluttered, shop for smaller complementary items, like a sleek coffee table or small ottoman. By the same token, pare back unnecessary pieces, like vases, decorative books, and sentimental tchotchkes.

Placement can also make or break this trend. While it's common to push everything against the wall, that can actually make a space feel smaller. Instead, consider placing your cushy sofa in the center or at an angle, as diagonal lines add visual interest. Finally, a strategically placed mirror can also make a huge difference. "A large mirror behind or across from your large couch can make your living room look double its size," interior designer Nishtha Vashist told Livingetc.