Understanding Couch Specifications When Shopping For One

How tall should my couch legs be?

The overall height of your couch, including the backrest and frame, should sync with the height of its legs.

  • Lounge Leg Height: The legs determine the visual balance, with the height of the legs affecting the overall aesthetics of the couch.
  • Comfort and Aesthetics: A well-proportioned couch not only contributes to comfortable seating but also ensures that the piece complements your space’s design.
  • Ease of Seating: The right leg height allows for seamless sitting and standing, preventing strain on your knees and back.
  • Ideal Seat Depth: Coupled with the seat depth, the leg height determines the ease of getting on and off the couch, contributing to overall comfort.
  • Visual Openness: Higher legs create a sense of openness and airiness, making them suitable for smaller spaces.
  • Harmonious Flow: Lower legs can provide a cozier vibe and might be preferable in larger, more relaxed settings.

How much couch space per person?

Space is of the essence. Ensuring everyone enjoys their personal comfort zone is key.

  • Personal Space: Aim for about 22 to 24 inches of couch width per person to provide comfortable personal space.
  • Social Comfort: For more relaxed gatherings, allocate slightly more space – around 30 inches of width per person – to encourage a comfortable bubble.
  • Versatile Arrangements: Consider the number of people you regularly accommodate and the couch’s purpose, adjusting spacing accordingly.

What does it mean when a couch is left facing?

A left-facing couch refers to the orientation of the seating arrangement when facing the front of the couch. In this configuration, the arm of the couch is on the left side when facing it, while the right side generally has no arm or has a different feature like a corner piece (no arm). A left-facing couch is usually part of a multi-piece couch like a 2pc or 3pc sectional; you’ll commonly see a corner piece or chaise on the right side of a left-facing couch. The overall gist, however, is that it means that the arm is on the left side when facing it. When selecting a left-facing couch, keep in mind room dimensions and existing furniture arrangements.

What are standard couch widths?

  • Loveseat: Typically around 48 to 72 inches wide, loveseats offer cozy seating for two or a spacious spot for one person.
  • Standard Sofa: Ranging from 72 to 96 inches wide, standard sofas provide comfortable seating for three people.
  • Sectional Sofa: Widths can vary widely, but common sectional configurations start around 96 inches and can extend to over 120 inches, offering ample seating for a larger group or sprawling comfort.

Do sofa dimensions include legs?

  • Sofa dimensions typically include the main body of the sofa, including the arms and backrest, and they most often include the height of the legs. This means that when you see the dimensions listed for a sofa, it refers to the space the sofa occupies from the floor to the top of the frame.
  • Pillow Height: The back pillows may extend beyond that height for a measurement that most retailers call “pillow height” or “overall height.” When you’re considering the delivery of a couch, you want to consider the height because it is essentially the same as the width of the piece as it will travel through your doorway. In fact, when it comes to delivery, you should consider all measurements.
  • Example: A Couch Is Listed At 30″H And It Says That It Has 5″ Legs. That Means That, If The Legs Can Be Removed (Or Are Delivered Already Removed), The Effective Height Of The Piece (Or Width Traveling Through A Doorway) Will Be 25″H. This Is Small Enough To Fit Through Most Doorways.

Other Important Couch Measurements Explained

  • Seat Height: is basically the distance from the ground right up to the tippy-top of the seat cushion where you plunk yourself down. And hey, don’t forget, we’re talking the whole shebang here, including the couch’s legs or base.
  • Seat Depth: stretches from the front of the cushion, where your knees get cozy, all the way to the back cushion’s edge, which supports your back. Now, for those with a “touch of height-challenge”, a shallower seat depth is the secret sauce. It lets your knees flex in peace while you lounge. Remember, you’re the master of seat depth manipulation with the magic of toss pillows. Shrink it, extend it—your call. Conversely, deeper Seatserfect for sinking in and escaping the day’s grip while shallower seats exude that formal flair.

In conclusion, it’s vital to consider more than what your mom is going to think of your new couch when she comes to visit… consider these important factors when choosing your new throne!

author avatar
Alex Back, CEO of Couch.com CEO
Alex Back is the founder and CEO of Couch.com. Previously, he was the co-founder and COO of the popular furniture brand, Apt2B, which was acquired by a large US retail furniture chain in 2018. He worked to integrate Apt2B, one of the very first online furniture retailers on the Shopify platform, into the operations of the 100 year old larger business entity and was deeply immersed in the business operations of both online and brick and mortar retail for 4 years before leaving in 2023 to start Couch.com. Working in various parts of the furniture industry since 2004, he has 20 years experience in retail sales, e-commerce, marketing, operations, logistics and wholesale manufacturing and distribution. He's worked extensively with partners such as Costco, Bed Bath and Beyond and Amazon and his work has been highlighted in many publications such as Forbes, CNN and HGTV, among others as seen on his Muckrack profile. Alex is delighted to bring his experience and authority on couches and the furniture industry to this platform, along with many of his industry colleagues who are helping him keep the Couch.com audience informed and engaged on a daily basis.

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