Creating a cosy living room isn’t just about fluffy cushions and soft lighting—it starts with how you arrange your sofas. The way you position your seating can completely change the mood of the room. Too spread out? It feels cold and disconnected. Too crammed? Suddenly, there’s no room to breathe. But when it’s done right, a well-arranged sofa setup makes you want to curl up, kick off your shoes, and stay awhile.

Whether you’ve got a roomy open-plan area or a snug little lounge, here’s how to work with your space and make it feel as warm and welcoming as a hug from an old friend.

Think Conversation, Not Just TV

Let’s start with this: the goal isn’t just to point everything at the television (even if we all love a good Netflix binge). A cosy living room encourages conversation and connection.

Instead of lining sofas and chairs along the walls, pull them in. Arrange seating so that people can easily chat without raising their voices or twisting uncomfortably. A U-shape or L-shape layout works wonders for this—especially if you’ve got a modular or a sectional sofa.

We styled a customer’s small apartment using a compact two-seater and a single armchair angled slightly inward with a round coffee table in the middle. It felt instantly more intimate—like a space that said “sit down and chat,” not just “sit and scroll.”

Use Rugs to Anchor the Space

A rug might not seem like part of your sofa arrangement, but trust us—it’s the secret ingredient. A well-sized rug anchors your seating area and brings all the pieces together visually. It defines the “living zone” and helps everything feel more pulled in and cozy, especially in open-plan homes.

One of our favourite setups used a plush, oversized rug under a low-profile lounge and two chairs. Everything sat comfortably on the rug, and the room felt like its own little bubble of warmth—even with high ceilings and a wide floor plan.

Don’t Forget the ‘Gap’

You’d be surprised how often people push sofas flat against the wall thinking it makes the room feel bigger. Truth is, leaving a small gap—just 10 to 15 cm—between the wall and your sofa creates a sense of depth and softness. It feels more intentional, more styled. Like your sofa has room to breathe.

Even in tight spaces, a little pull-forward can work magic.

Mix Sofa Sizes and Shapes

Not every living room needs a matching 3-seater and 2-seater set. Sometimes, mixing things up gives the room more personality and comfort.

Try pairing a main sofa with a single accent chair or a low armchair with a small side table beside it. This kind of layout adds flow and keeps the space from feeling blocky or boxy.

We helped a family style their lounge using a comfy corner chaise paired with a leather occasional chair and a timber stool as a side table. It wasn’t “traditional,” but it looked lived-in and warm—like a space designed for real people.

Float Your Sofa (If You Can)

Got space in the middle of the room? Try floating your sofa away from the walls. It’s a great way to define a living area without putting up actual dividers.

We once worked with a couple who had a long, rectangular living room and weren’t sure how to make it feel cozy. We turned their modular sofa inward, placed a narrow console table behind it, and added a warm rug underneath. The floating arrangement instantly gave the space structure and made the room feel much more intimate.

Bonus: that console table behind the sofa became the perfect spot for books, candles, and a soft table lamp—adding even more coziness to the mix.

Add Soft Touches Within Reach

Once your sofas are arranged, bring in the cozy layers—blankets, cushions, footrests, and side tables with soft lighting. Place a throw over the arm of the sofa. Add a small ottoman nearby where someone can rest their feet or place a tray.

Think about how the space feels to sit in. Are the armrests comfortable? Can someone place a cup of tea within reach? These details take your living room from stylish to snug.

One of our customers told us they started lighting a candle on their side table each evening after we styled their sofa corner—and now it’s their favourite part of the day.

The Right Sofa Arrangement Just Feels Right

When the layout works, you’ll know. The space will feel balanced, welcoming, and easy to live in. People will naturally sink into the seats and stay a little longer. You won’t need to ask guests to “make themselves at home”—they’ll already feel like they are.

Cosy isn’t about how much space you have—it’s about how you use it. And a well-arranged sofa setup? That’s the heart of it all.