Furniture trends come and go, but low-slung furniture is one look that continues to stand the test of time. Inspired by mid-century modern design and minimalist interiors, low-profile sofas, chairs and beds offer a laid-back aesthetic that feels perfectly suited to contemporary living. Their relaxed proportions create a sense of openness and comfort, making rooms feel both spacious and inviting.
Whether you decide to embrace the trend wholeheartedly or simply introduce a few low-profile pieces into your existing scheme, low-slung furniture can bring a stylish, modern and effortlessly relaxed feel to almost any interior.
Why has low-slung furniture become so popular?
The popularity of low-slung furniture has grown significantly in recent years, alongside the rise of contemporary interior styles such as Japandi, Scandinavian and mid-century modern design. These design movements place an emphasis on simplicity, comfort and a strong connection with the surrounding space, all qualities that low-profile furniture naturally supports. Lower furniture creates an open, uncluttered appearance that many homeowners find calming, particularly in today’s fast-paced world where the home is increasingly seen as a sanctuary from everyday stresses.
The trend also reflects changing lifestyles. Modern homes are often used for a variety of purposes, from working and entertaining to relaxing and spending time with family. Low-slung sofas, chairs and beds encourage a more informal way of living, prioritising comfort and relaxation over traditional, formal arrangements. As open-plan layouts continue to grow in popularity, many homeowners are also drawn to the way low-profile furniture helps maintain a sense of spaciousness and visual flow throughout the home.
Low-slung furniture and ceiling height
One of the biggest advantages of low-profile furniture is the way it can alter the perceived proportions of a room. By keeping seating and beds closer to the floor, more wall space remains visible above them, which naturally draws the eye upwards and can make ceilings appear higher than they really are. This visual trick is widely used by interior designers to create a greater sense of openness and airiness.
Low-slung furniture can be particularly beneficial in apartments, loft conversions, period cottages and other homes where ceiling heights may be limited. Rather than filling the room with bulky, oversized pieces, lower furniture helps maximise the available space and prevents the room from feeling cramped or top-heavy. In larger rooms, low-profile furniture can also create a luxurious, gallery-like feel, allowing architectural details, artwork or large windows to become the main focus.
What classes as low-slung furniture?
In order to qualify as low-slung, chairs, beds and sofas should have a lower profile than traditional furniture. While ‘standard’ furniture typically measures around 17 to 19 inches from the floor to the bottom of the seat, low-slung furniture usually measures only 12 to 18 inches. Perfect for a laid back lifestyle, this lower profile creates a sense of intimacy.
Low-slung furniture is often raised on slim legs of wood or metal, emphasising clean lines and a minimal look. It is usually in a fairly plain style, lacking ornate detailing or heavy patterns. This all adds to a contemporary look.
The decreased height means that visually these pieces work well in small spaces. They’re also conducive to open plan living spaces, as the lower height means that they don’t break the flow of the room.
Best interior styles for low-slung furniture
Low-slung pieces work especially well in a range of contemporary interior schemes. In Japandi interiors, they reinforce the style’s emphasis on calm, simplicity and natural materials, helping to create serene spaces inspired by both Japanese and Scandinavian design principles. Mid-century modern rooms frequently feature low-profile sofas and lounge chairs with slender wooden legs, making this style a natural partner for low-slung furniture.
Contemporary minimalist interiors also benefit from the clean lines and understated appearance of low-profile pieces. Their streamlined silhouettes help maintain a clutter-free aesthetic while still providing comfort and functionality. Even industrial-style spaces can be softened by introducing low-slung seating, which adds warmth and creates a more relaxed and inviting atmosphere. Because of their versatility, low-profile pieces can easily be incorporated into eclectic interiors too, balancing bolder decorative elements without overwhelming the space.
Choosing the right low-slung sofa
Not all low-profile seating offers the same level of comfort, so it is important to look beyond appearance alone when making a purchase. Before buying, consider factors such as seat depth, seat height and cushion firmness. Deep seats create a relaxed lounging experience, but they may not suit everyone, particularly taller people or those who prefer a more upright sitting position.
Cushion support is equally important. A sofa that sits low to the ground but provides firm, supportive cushioning can be far more comfortable for everyday use than one with overly soft cushions that are difficult to rise from.
If possible, visit a showroom and try several designs before making a decision. Since low-slung furniture encourages a different seating posture from traditional sofas, taking the time to test various options can help ensure you choose a piece that suits both your lifestyle and comfort preferences.
Benefits of low-slung furniture
It can be more comfortable. The lower seating position is more casual and less formal. Low chairs and sofas are designed for lounging in, perfect for relaxing and socialising.
Low-slung furniture can help you create a clean, modern look. Pair it with eye-catching artwork or textured rugs to add interest.
It helps you to optimise space, and helps prevent a room from looking too cluttered.
Can make ceilings appear higher and spaces feel larger by leaving more wall area visible above the furniture.
Works especially well in open-plan layouts, preserving sightlines and maintaining the flow between different zones.
Complements a wide range of interior styles, including Scandinavian, Japandi, minimalist and mid-century modern schemes.
Creates a cosy, intimate atmosphere that encourages relaxation and casual living.
Often features simple, timeless designs that are less likely to date quickly.
Disadvantages of low-slung furniture
The main issue with low-slung furniture is that it can be more difficult to get up from! This makes it less-than-ideal for people with reduced mobility.
It’s designed to be less obtrusive than conventional furniture, which may lead to your space lacking a focal point. You can counteract this by bold colour choices, or by adding an alternative focal point such a mirror.
Can make a room feel lacking in a focal point if not balanced with artwork, statement lighting or decorative accessories.
May not be practical for every household, especially those with elderly family members or very tall people.
Tends to collect dust, pet hair and debris more easily because it sits closer to the floor.
Some designs offer less under-furniture storage space than raised, conventional pieces.
Deep, relaxed seating may not be comfortable for activities such as reading, working or formal entertaining.
Very low pieces can sometimes feel impractical in family homes with young children or energetic pets.
If you’re moving from conventional furniture to low-slung pieces, then make sure you look at a variety of designs before you commit. It’s particularly important that you actually sit on them before purchase, to make sure that the more relaxed seating position is for you.
How to style a room with low-slung furniture
When decorating with low-slung furniture, it is important to maintain balanced proportions throughout the room. Because the furniture sits lower to the ground, the eye can sometimes be drawn too strongly towards the lower half of the space, making the room feel visually flat. To counter this, incorporate elements that add height and encourage the eye to travel upwards.
Oversized artwork, statement mirrors, floor lamps, tall houseplants and open shelving can all help create visual balance. Layering textures through cushions, throws and rugs will add warmth and ensure the space feels cosy rather than sparse.
In open-plan rooms, a large rug placed beneath low seating can help define separate living zones while maintaining the airy, uncluttered feel that makes low-profile furniture so appealing. Mixing natural materials such as wood, linen, wool and rattan can further enhance the relaxed, contemporary aesthetic.
Caring for low-slung furniture
Because low-slung furniture sits closer to the floor, it can be more exposed to dust, pet hair and everyday debris than conventional furniture. Regular vacuuming beneath and around the furniture will help keep it looking its best and prevent dust from accumulating in hard-to-reach areas.
Furniture raised on slim legs is generally easier to clean underneath than pieces that sit directly on the floor. If you have pets or young children, choosing durable, stain-resistant upholstery fabrics can also help maintain the furniture’s appearance over time. Rotating and plumping seat cushions regularly will help preserve their shape and comfort, while following the manufacturer’s care instructions for cleaning and maintenance will ensure your furniture continues to look stylish for years to come.
Low Slung Furniture Picks
Here are some of our top picks of low slung furniture.
Large Hambledon sofa, Darlings of Chelsea. Create a stylish focal point in your space with a Hambledon sofa. With low, sumptuous seat cushions, it exudes comfort to help you relax in style. Handmade to order in a choice of fabrics, available from Darlings of Chelsea.Madrisana acacia and rattan woven chair, Nkuku. This appealing, low-seated Madrisana woven rattan and wood chair has a soothing, neutral quality. The attractive natural grain and warm tone of its acacia wood frame pairs beautifully with the woven rattan seat and back. The angle of the legs is set for a reclining seat position, giving you no option but to relax. Available from Nkuku.Harwood chair, Sofas & Stuff. A low-height slipper chair with a petite, armless design, perfect for adding a decorative touch to a sitting room or bedroom. Its shallow seat is ideal for reading or relaxing, and the low back complements its refined look. Self-piped edges add a subtle detail. Available in a choice of different fabrics, from Sofas & Stuff.Hendricks accent chair, Where Saints Go. The Hendricks accent chair is a statement lounge chair with a low profile. Solid oak arms in a tubular shape give the chair a modern look while speckled grey fabric upholstery keeps things timeless. Available from Where Saints Go.
Olivia Harvey is a freelance writer and award-winning scriptwriter from outside Boston, Massachusetts. She’s a big fan of scented candles, getting dressed up, and the 2005 film adaptation of Pride and Prejudice starring Keira Knightley. You can make sure she’s doing okay via…read more
In my role at Apartment Therapy, I’m most passionate about making my home look beautiful and organized and helping our readers do the same — often at a discount. Although I cover my fair share of newsy pieces, my work focuses on long-form service articles that help our audience…read more
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Stumped about where to begin decorating your small apartment? Having a cozy space doesn’t mean there isn’t room for big ideas. Try our 15 essential hacks to transform your apartment.
15 decorating tips for small apartments
1. Swap out your large dining table
A large table can act as a statement piece for a dining area. However, unless you plan on hosting guests regularly, it can also occupy a significant amount of space. Instead, choose a smaller table with the same aesthetic impact.
Round tables are the best option for smaller spaces. Lacking sharp edges, these tables are easy to navigate and add a more open feel to the space.
If you’re really keen on saving space, you can also swap a static table for a foldable alternative. Some folding tables can be molded into various shapes and sizes – perfect for all occasions.
2. Choose multifunctional furniture
Some say that having a smaller space means choosing fewer forms of furniture. With some clever design choices, though, this doesn’t need to be the case. Multifunctional furniture can help you optimize your space while offering the flexibility you need.
For example, instead of a standard coffee table, choose an option with a lift top. As well as a resting place for your drinks and knick-knacks, this offers valuable storage space to keep your space clutter-free.
Some forms of multifunctional furniture even go a step further, offering smart features such as built-in charging ports. Consider your space and the functions most important to you, then see which furniture will be best-suited for you.
3. Declutter your kitchen
Kitchens are often home to large, bulky items. While essential, these items can make small spaces feel cramped. Luckily, a simple declutter can give your kitchen a new sense of spaciousness.
Better still, there are plenty of space-saving furniture hacks to get you started. Try the following tips.
Add over-the-door storage – Hang racks on your doors to store tins, spices, and other kitchen essentials.
Manage chords – Cable organizers can keep chords out of the way.
Add floating shelves to vacant walls – These offer a less bulky form of storage, helping you move clutter away from counters.
4. Rethink your windows
Windows don’t only provide natural light. Think a little outside the box, and they can become the focal point of a room.
For example, with some DIY, you can install a window seat. Add some paint and trim to blend with the aesthetic of a room, and some plump cushions for extra coziness. Lastly, install some low-profile bookshelves above for added character.
You now have the perfect reading nook!
5. Make use of empty spaces
Does your apartment contain unused blank spaces? These areas are prime real estate for some customization! Get creative with empty spaces by adding some of the following ideas
A gallery wall – Gallery walls are perfect for those who love to collect artwork. Here, you’ll display all your favourite pieces together, adding a vibrant, eye-catching touch to your space.
A bookshelf – If you love reading, an empty space can be a great place to store a bookshelf. Add an armchair and a small table for a snug reading nook.
6. Brighten up your apartment
Light is an essential factor for creating a pleasant living environment. Not only can a poorly lit space have you bumping into things, but it can also negatively impact your mood.
Begin by considering how can create maximum natural light. Are chairs or tables blocking windows? If so, rearrange them. Equally, give the panes a clean to prevent dirt from obscuring the sun. Introduce mirrors to darker spaces to reflect light and brighten the area.
Lastly, consider how lamps and overhead lighting can be used to create a sense of mood. Using dimmer switches or different shades of color can enforce your desired vibe.
7. Rent instead of buying furniture
The biggest downside to renovation is cost. When a good coffee table alone can set you back $300, it’s not hard to see how budgets can quickly disappear. That’s why many people opt to rent rather than buy their furniture.
When renting, you avoid the upfront cost and instead pay in installments over a pre-defined period. Best of all, rental furniture can usually be returned at any time and swapped for a separate item.
For those worried about maintenance, some rental providers even offer rent to own furniture. Under this form of plan, you own your furniture when payments are complete.
8. Put up glass shelves
Traditional shelves aren’t always friendly on the eye. Big, bulky units can take up space while detracting from your desired aesthetic.
Glass shelves are a more visually appealing alternative. They’re transparency also creates the illusion of extra space, and adds more natural light to brighten a room.
Even better, glass shelves work as the perfect display piece. They’re perfect for showing off bottles, cocktail glasses, and trophies.
9. Stick with appropriately sized furniture
Bigger doesn’t always mean better. While a large couch might seem good in theory, in practice, it may not be the best fit. It’s always better to choose items that work well within your space, and don’t leave an area feeling restricted or cluttered.
Pick furniture that helps make a room feel bigger. For example, slimline furniture reveals more of the floor, giving a sense of space.
Before choosing furniture, always measure your space carefully. This way, you’ll have a better sense of the optimal dimensions for each item.
10. Rearrange your furniture
Sometimes, the answer isn’t introducing new furniture, it’s making the most of the items you already have. A simple rearrangement of furniture can completely transform a space.
Need convincing? Try some of the tricks below.
Divide rooms – Use bookshelves or cabinets to give a sense of separate spaces between rooms.
Consider the flow – It should be easy for people to move from one end of the room to another. Create a clear path around furniture so people can pass through easily.
Arrange around a focal point – This could be a television, fireplace, or window.
11. Repurpose your guest room
Who says rooms should be designed around a single purpose? When you’re working with a smaller space, there’s no point in a room that goes unused most of the time. Luckily, with multipurpose furniture and the right layout, guest rooms can be transformed from one purpose to another in minutes.
For example, why not swap out standard beds and install a Murphy bed? Throw in a desk and chair, and suddenly, you have an office. It’s the perfect solution for those who work from home or like a separate space to follow their creative muse.
12. Disguise your utilities
Every apartment needs a heating system. But radiators, pipes, and air con units aren’t usually pleasing on the eye. When you’re trying to cultivate a certain look, it’s often better to disguise your utilities.
Radiator covers, for example, can be purchased for a low cost and fitted easily. These covers come in a variety of designs and can suit most aesthetics.
Of course, if you’d rather not see your utilities at all, you can simply hide them from view. Opt for some low-hanging curtains or reposition to a table to conceal unwanted objects.
13. Use more mirrors
Wish your apartment felt bigger? The good news is that there’s an age-old trick that can help you: install more mirrors. Not only do mirrors reflect more light, but they also make spaces feel larger and more open.
For the best impact, try to position your mirrors near a light source. This adds a sense of atmosphere and enforces the illusion of scale.
If you have a hallway, another option is to place mirrors at the far ends of the hall. This creates a ‘tunnel effect,’ so your hallway feels like it stretches on into the distance.
14. Plan for the future
When decorating, think about what your future needs might be. If you’re expecting roommates, children, or pets in your apartment, it’s better to future-proof. Opt for an adaptable space that can be transformed easily when needed.
We’ve talked about the advantages of renting vs buying furniture. If you need to easily adjust your space in the future, renting may be a solid option. You can swap items whenever you need to fit with your changing needs.
It’s worth choosing furniture that is easy to move and transport. An ottoman on wheels, for example, could be moved from the living room to a bedroom if you need extra storage (eg, for a kid’s room).
15. Choose large-scale art
The right artwork and frame can make your home look and feel more luxurious. Choose wisely, though, and it can also create the illusion of size. If you’ve got tall ceilings, for example, choose large-scale art that influences people to look up.
If you don’t have a tall ceiling, try to choose artwork that invokes a sense of scale. For example, a painting that displays a vast landscape or a tall building.
Re-imagine your apartment
Rather than a challange, think of decorating your small apartment as an opportunity. As we’ve explored here, there are plenty of ways you can reimagine your apartment. So, go through our list and see which examples apply to you. Then, get started!
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
As a shopping editor, I keep a close eye on whether a brand is launching a Black Friday sale or an “early” Black Friday sale. Aside from the obvious — early sales can only take place before the Friday after Thanksgiving — early Black Friday discounts aren’t quite as strong. However, not all sales that start before Black Friday are “early” sales! Some retailers give you access to their best prices well ahead of the official start of the holiday shopping season, and that’s exactly what’s happening at one of our favorite DTC furniture brands.
Yes, the Article Black Friday sale is already live, so you can shop now with the peace of mind that you’re securing the deepest discounts (up to 40% off!). Our editors are big fans of the Vancouver, Canada-based home furnishing company that offers a range of decor styles, including mid-century modern, at accessible prices. I browsed through the sale selection and pulled out the pieces that made me stop mid-scroll, including a unique outdoor sofa and a floor lamp that’s just waiting to win you compliments.
