We love the historic charm of Salt Lake City. The red brick bungalows of Sugar House, the Tudors in The Avenues, and the cottages in Liberty Wells are full of character. But if you own one, you know the struggle: the living rooms are small.
Modern furniture is often “oversized,” while 1920s homes were built for smaller scale pieces. A common question we get at Sterling Furniture is: “Should I force a sectional into my small living room, or stick with a sofa?”
Here is the breakdown to help you decide.
The Case for the Sofa + Chairs Combo
For most historic SLC bungalows, this is the classic winner.
- Visual Flow: A sofa paired with two accent chairs allows for “pass-through” traffic. In older homes, the living room is often a thoroughfare to the kitchen or bedrooms. You don’t want to block the path.
- Versatility: You can angle chairs toward the fireplace or the TV, and easily move them when you have guests.
- The Trick: Look for “apartment scale” sofas (75–84 inches long) rather than the standard 90+ inches.
The Case for the “Small Scale” Sectional
Yes, you can put a sectional in a bungalow, but you have to be careful.
- Corner Utilization: If you have a dead corner (away from the entryway and fireplace), a small L-shaped sectional can actually maximize seating better than a sofa. It utilizes the corner space that usually goes to waste.
- The “Chaise” Option: A sofa with a reversible chaise gives you the comfort of a sectional without the massive footprint. This is often perfect for narrow, rectangular living rooms common in the 9th and 9th area.
Crucial Tips for Historic Homes
- Watch the Depth: Standard sofas are often 40-42 inches deep. In a small room, that eats up too much space. Look for frames that are 36-38 inches deep. You get the same comfort without crowding the room.
- Legs Matter: Choose furniture with exposed legs (off the floor). Being able to see the floor underneath the sofa tricks the eye into thinking the room is larger. Avoid heavy, skirted furniture that goes all the way to the floor.
- Measure the Door: Historic homes have narrow doorways! Ensure your furniture has removable legs or is modular so our delivery team can actually get it inside.
Stuck on a layout? Snap a few photos of your living room and bring them into Sterling Furniture. We specialize in custom orders and can help you find the perfect fabric and frame size to respect your home’s history while keeping you comfortable.