🪧 Rule #14 — Allow space between the sofa and the wall for lightness
💬 “If the sofa hugs the wall, the room feels like it’s holding its breath.”
🎯 Why This Rule Makes Rooms Feel Bigger
It sounds counterintuitive: pulling furniture away from the wall actually makes the space feel larger and more intentional. When a sofa floats even 10–20 cm off the wall, it creates visual breathing room, improves flow, and makes staging look designer (instead of “just moved in”).
🛋️ How to Float a Sofa the Right Way
- Keep it subtle: Even a 10–15 cm gap can create depth without wasting space.
- Use a console table: Fill the gap with a slim console or bench for added function and style.
- Anchor with a rug: Ensure the sofa still feels connected to the layout — a well-sized rug ties everything together.
- In open-plan rooms: Floating the sofa can create a defined living zone, separating it from dining or kitchen areas.
Example: In a Bondi apartment, we pulled a bulky grey sofa 20 cm off the wall and added a narrow console with a plant and books behind it. The space instantly felt more premium and airy — like a styled magazine shoot.
🧠 What Buyers Actually Feel
They don’t think:
“Oh, great spatial distancing!”
They feel:
“This room feels bigger.”
“This is well-designed.”
It’s about selling a home that feels effortless and elevated, not cramped or purely functional.
✨ Quick Fix Snapshot
Before: Sofa jammed up against the wall — flat and lifeless.
After: Sofa pulled forward with a slim console and decor behind it. Suddenly: depth, style, and flow.
🗣️ Agent’s Take
“Pulling furniture off the walls sounds minor, but the effect in photos and opens is massive. It makes the home look designer-ready.” — Alex H., The Agency
❌ Mistake to Avoid
Don’t overdo it. Floating too far wastes space and can look awkward. Keep it practical and balanced — just enough to give the room depth without disrupting walkways.
🧭 What’s Next
◀ Previous: Rule #13 — Angle furniture in corners for better flow
▶ Next: Rule #15 — Use rugs to define zones in open spaces
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