Small Place Style With Custom Couch Cool

Finding the Perfect Fit for My Tiny Spot

I’m just your average person trying to make the most of my small living space. As a 30-something city dweller, I’ve learned that maximizing every square inch is key. And when it comes to furniture, the sofa is the star of the show – it needs to be the perfect combination of style and function.

I’ll admit, the sofa hunt has been a journey. I’ve plopped down on so many options, trying to find that just-right balance of comfort and aesthetics. Too deep, too firm, too bulky – the struggle is real! But I refused to settle. My little place deserves a showstopper of a couch that’s also an absolute dream to lounge on.

After countless hours of research, test-driving, and umming and ahhing, I think I’ve finally found my match made in furniture heaven. And you know what they say – when you find “the one”, you just know. So let me take you on my quest for the perfect small-space sofa. Grab a cup of coffee and get comfy, because this is a story worth telling.

As Emily Henderson says, buying a sofa online is like “trying to hit a baseball with your eyes closed” – there’s just so much information you need in order to make the right choice. That’s why I made it my mission to physically try out as many options as possible, from budget-friendly to high-end.

The IKEA Adventure

I’ll start with IKEA, because let’s be honest, that’s probably the first place most of us look when shopping for affordable and compact furniture. I have to admit, I was a bit skeptical at first – I mean, how could those flat-pack wonders possibly measure up to the luxurious, made-to-order sofas I’d been eyeing?

But boy, was I pleasantly surprised. SofaSpectacular, the custom sofa company I ended up going with, actually recommended I check out IKEA’s selection. They said the quality and comfort can be surprisingly good, especially for the price point.

So I headed to my local IKEA store, ready to dive in. The first one that caught my eye was a rich blue velvet beauty. I plopped down and was immediately comfy, but then the debate began – do I sit upright with no back support, or just go for a full-on lounge? “It’s a great couch for the loungey people or for the people who like to sit criss-cross-apple-sauce on their sofas,” the review noted.

As a self-proclaimed lounger, I knew this one could work for me. And the sleep test proved it – the back cushions are easy to remove, creating an awesome crash pad. Plus, at 5’7″, I had plenty of room to sprawl out. The only downside was the price, which at £1,600 was a bit higher than I was hoping to spend on an IKEA sofa.

Next up was a more mid-century inspired leather option. The back support was great, and Ajai from the review said her 6’4″ husband would love the deeper seat. But the leg sleeves had us a bit perplexed – did they look a little chilly?? Either way, it scored a 7/10 for me.

Then came the iconic Söderhamn – the sofa that made IKEA a household name. Ajai is a big fan, calling it the “perfect lounger/ploppable sofa” with a great depth. The only thing holding it back from a perfect 10 was that some of the reviewers thought it could be a tad too firm.

The real standout for me, though, was the Vallentuna. This modular beauty lets you customize the depth by moving the back cushions up or down. Genius! The comfort level was a 10/10, and I loved how it could accommodate both my 6’2″ roommate and my petite 5’2″ frame. The only potential downside was the fabric, which looked like it might show dirt easily.

Digging Deeper

While the IKEA options were definitely a solid start, I knew I had to explore beyond the Swedish giant to find my perfect match. So I hit up some of the other big-name retailers, determined to leave no sofa unturned.

West Elm was next on my list. Their Harmony sectional caught my eye – the reviewers called it “practically unoffendable” with its classic, comfortable design. But at 46″ deep, I worried it might be a bit too much for my small space.

The Harris from West Elm also intrigued me with its luxe blue velvet and extra-deep cushions. However, after reading about the brand’s history of quality issues, I decided to steer clear. As one Vox article put it, their sofas “start out comfortable but the cushion material is very poor and does not keep its shape.” Yikes, not what I want to hear!

Crate & Barrel was next on my list, and their Leanne Ford collection immediately caught my eye. The Decker sofa had such a cool, eclectic vibe – definitely a statement piece. But the reviewers weren’t totally sold, with one calling it “a messy bed chopped in half.” Hmm, maybe not the polished look I’m going for.

Then I spotted the Axis from Crate & Barrel. The higher legs give it an airy, sophisticated feel that I thought would be perfect for my small living room. And the reviews raved about the comfort and durability – a solid 9/10 in my book.

The Custom Sofa Discover

After scouring all the major retailers, I still felt like something was missing. Sure, I had found some great options, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that the truly perfect sofa for my space was still out there. That’s when I stumbled upon the world of custom sofas.

I was inspired by designer Whitney Leigh Morris’ custom outdoor sofa – the way she maximized every inch of her tiny backyard with a perfectly proportioned, versatile piece. If she could do it for her petite patio, surely a custom sofa could work wonders for my living room, too.

So I started researching custom sofa companies, and that’s when I discovered SofaSpectacular. Based in the UK, they specialize in creating made-to-order sofas that are tailored to your exact needs and space. Intrigued, I hopped on their website and started exploring.

What I loved most was the level of customization they offered. Not only could I choose from a variety of sizes, shapes, and configurations, but I could also pick the perfect fabric, leg style, and cushion fill to suit my preferences. It was like having a personal furniture designer at my fingertips!

After spending way too many hours (in the best way) browsing their options, I finally settled on the Jasper Sectional. The clean lines and plush down-alternative cushions had me sold from the start. And the fact that I could customize the depth to fit my cozy living room? Icing on the cake.

Putting it All Together

When the Jasper arrived, I was giddy with excitement. SofaSpectacular had really delivered – the quality was top-notch, and the fit was perfect. No more awkward gaps or uncomfortable perching for me!

As I sank into the plush cushions, I felt all my stress melt away. This sofa was made for lounging, yet it still looked polished and put-together. The single seat cushion meant no nooks and crannies for things to get lost in, and the compact size ensured it didn’t overwhelm my space.

But the best part? The Jasper’s versatility. With its clean, contemporary silhouette, it works just as well for casual movie nights as it does for hosting friends for cocktails. I love how I can arrange the modular pieces to suit my mood or the occasion. Sometimes I go for a more traditional setup, other times I get creative and turn it into a cozy sectional. The possibilities are endless!

And let’s not forget about that all-important comfort factor. The down-alternative fill strikes the perfect balance – it’s plush enough to sink into, but still provides the support I need. No more fidgeting or back pain for this gal.

In the end, my custom sofa journey was well worth the effort. Sure, it took some time and research to find the perfect fit. But now I have a sofa that checks all the boxes: stylish, comfortable, and tailored to my tiny-but-mighty living space. It’s the centerpiece my home has been missing, and I couldn’t be happier.

So if you’re on the hunt for your own small-space showstopper, take it from me – don’t settle! Keep an open mind, do your research, and don’t be afraid to think outside the (big box store) box. With a little creativity and the right custom solution, your dream sofa is out there waiting for you.