Sofa Ideas for
Open Plan Living
Choosing the right sofa for an open plan living space is more than just a design choice – it’s about creating a functional and stylish environment that complements your lifestyle. At Oliver Matthews, we specialise in crafting bespoke sofas that fit perfectly into your home, with options to suit every open plan layout and aesthetic.
Whether you’re looking for a corner sofa to define your living zones or a sectional sofa to maximise seating, we’ll help you find the best solution.
In this guide, we’ll explore some inspiring sofa ideas for open plan living, featuring expert insights to help you make the most of your space.
Create Zones With a Sofa
Creating distinct living zones in an open plan layout can sometimes feel challenging, but the right sofa can make all the difference. An L-shaped or corner sofa is an excellent way to define spaces, such as separating a cosy living area from the dining space, without the need for walls or bulky dividers. It creates a natural boundary while maintaining the open and airy feel of the layout.
Our Loxley range offers the perfect solution for this. With its versatile design, the Loxley allows you to craft the ideal configuration for your home. Whether you need a spacious sectional sofa to anchor a family-friendly living zone, a standalone 3-seater sofa for a streamlined look, or a comfy armchair to complete your setup, the Loxley adapts effortlessly to your needs. Combining style and functionality, it helps you achieve a seamless flow between different areas in your open floor plan.
Choose a Bold Pattern
In an open plan living space with a neutral colour scheme, a statement sofa featuring a bold pattern can transform the room into a vibrant and stylish space. A patterned sofa not only adds a pop of personality but also creates a striking focal point that draws the eye and defines the living zone. For instance, a colourful floral print can beautifully contrast with a backdrop of white and pale grey, while a bold striped design can add a contemporary edge to a monochrome room.
At Oliver Matthews, we offer over 5,000 designer fabrics, giving you endless possibilities to create a sofa that suits your style. Whether you’re looking for eye-catching prints, geometric patterns, or rich, textured fabrics, our bespoke sofas, such as the Astor range, can be tailored to reflect your vision. Choosing a bold pattern personalises your open plan living space and enhances its character, ensuring your sofa stands out as a true statement piece.
Entertaining Space With Wrap-Around Furniture
If you’re looking to create a family room or a dedicated entertainment space, the right sofa is key to making it functional and inviting. A large wrap-around sofa design is the ideal choice, as it hugs the walls of the room and provides ample seating for everyone. This layout ensures that family and guests alike can sit comfortably, whether you’re watching a movie on TV, playing console games, or simply enjoying a cosy evening together.
Our Knightsbridge range is a perfect example of a sofa designed for entertaining. With its generous proportions and luxurious style, the Knightsbridge offers plenty of seating without compromising on elegance. Its substantial design makes it an excellent choice for open plan layouts, where it can define the entertainment area while blending seamlessly with the overall aesthetic. Whether you need a grand wrap-around sectional or a spacious 4-seater sofa with accompanying armchairs, the Knightsbridge is built to accommodate your lifestyle and elevate your home.
Adding Multifunctional Features
In an open plan living space, multifunctional furniture is a game-changer. Sofas with built-in storage or sofa beds allow you to maximise functionality and style without sacrificing valuable space. These versatile pieces are especially useful in homes where the living room serves multiple purposes, such as entertaining guests or doubling as a sleeping area.
A sectional sofa in an open floor plan is a great example of multifunctional design. Not only does it provide plenty of seating, but many sectional sofas also feature hidden compartments for storing blankets, cushions, or everyday items. This helps keep your open plan living area tidy and organised, making the most of the available space.
Incorporating multifunctional furniture into your design is one of the best sofa ideas for open plan living. It allows you to create a space that’s practical for daily use while remaining stylish and inviting for family and guests alike.
Lighting and Layout Tips for Open Plan Sofas
Lighting and layout play a crucial role in creating a cohesive and inviting open plan living space. When positioning your sofa, consider its relationship to natural light. Placing a sofa near large windows or glass doors allows you to take full advantage of natural sunlight, brightening the space and making it feel more expansive. A corner sofa in an open plan living room, for example, can be positioned to enjoy the light while defining a comfortable seating zone.
In addition to natural light, layered lighting is essential for functionality and ambience. Floor lamps placed behind or beside the sofa provide task lighting for reading or relaxing, while pendant lights can highlight the seating area and create a focal point in the room. If your open plan space includes a dining area, use lighting to differentiate zones—hang a statement light over the dining table and softer lighting near the sofa to emphasise relaxation.
When planning the layout, aim for a natural flow that maintains open walkways and clear sightlines. A sectional or open plan sofa idea is to angle the sofa slightly toward the focal point of the space—such as a fireplace or TV—while ensuring it doesn’t obstruct movement between areas. Thoughtful lighting and a well-planned layout work hand in hand to elevate your open plan living space, making it as functional as it is stylish.
Find the Right Sofa for Your Open Plan Living Space
Creating a harmonious and functional open plan living space starts with choosing the right sofa. From defining zones with a corner sofa to adding a bold patterned statement piece, the perfect sofa can transform your home into a space that reflects your style and meets your needs.
Whether you're prioritising comfort, versatility, or design, investing in a well-chosen sofa ensures your open plan layout remains both practical and visually stunning. With thoughtful planning and inspiration, your sofa can be the centrepiece of a home that’s perfect for relaxation, entertaining, and everything in between.
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luxury sofas & chairs to find the right seating for your open plan living space!
