Sofa Series (3 of 3): Legs or No Legs? The Sofa Debate You Didn’t Know You Were Having

Part of the Sofa Series – a three-part guide to making the right choice for comfort, style and real life.

Some design choices are obvious – colour, size, fabric, shape. Others seem minor at first glance until you realise they change everything. Sofa legs fall into that latter category.

Whether your sofa stands tall or sits close to the floor can dramatically affect how it looks, how it feels in the space, and how it behaves in your day-to-day life (yes, sofas do have behaviours). From cleaning to style to room proportion, there’s more to those little legs than meets the eye.

Here’s what to consider before you commit.

1. Sofas With Legs: Airy, Practical, and a Bit Fancy

Sofas with visible legs – whether tapered, turned, or sleek and modern – tend to create a sense of openness. They elevate the piece, both literally and visually, and can make a room feel more spacious and refined.

Pros:

• Easier cleaning: You or your robot vacuum can glide under with ease.

• Visual lightness: Particularly useful in smaller rooms or where natural light is limited.

• Better air flow and less dust build-up (especially in humid environments).

• Timeless detail: Legs often add character, particularly in mid-century or traditional designs.

Cons:

• Lost socks and mystery crumbs: Things will end up underneath, and you’ll see them.

• Less grounding: Some find leggy sofas feel less cosy or ‘anchored’, especially in large spaces.

• Delicate detailing: Spindly or overly decorative legs may feel flimsy over time.

Design tip: If you want a leggy sofa that still feels comfortable and grounded, choose a solid wood or block leg with a slightly recessed base – it gives lift without looking like it might float away.

2. Sofas Without Legs: Grounded, Cosy, and Committed

Legless sofas – or those with concealed bases – sit low to the floor and tend to have a more solid, sculptural presence. Think of them as the yoga instructors of the sofa world: grounded, serene, and not easily shaken.

Pros:

• Cosy aesthetic: Perfect for open-plan or loft-style interiors where a sofa can feel lost in space.

• Comfortable for sprawling: No risk of kicking your shin on a decorative leg mid-lounge.

• Sleek silhouette: Great for contemporary or minimalist interiors.

Cons:

• Cleaning challenges: Anything that goes under, stays under (until you find it six months later).

• Heavy: Difficult to move or adjust once in place.

• Visually bulky: In small rooms, a legless sofa can feel like it’s eating the space.

Design tip: If you're going for this style, balance it out with lighter elements around the sofa – a glass coffee table, open shelving, or a high-legged armchair can prevent the space from feeling bottom-heavy.

3. Proportion and Style: Why Legs Change the Whole Room

Sofa legs affect not only the sofa itself, but how the entire room feels. A tall-legged piece might complement a light, Scandinavian interior, while a low-profile, grounded design fits beautifully into a bohemian or coastal setting.

Ask yourself:

• What’s the scale of the other furniture?

• Do I need visual space under the sofa to make the room feel open?

• Do I want the sofa to be the focal point, or should it blend in?

Getting the leg style wrong won’t ruin your room – but getting it right will elevate everything around it.

4. Practical Matters (Yes, These Count Too)

Beyond aesthetics, sofa legs have surprisingly practical consequences:

• Vacuuming: Do you clean under furniture regularly, or pretend dust doesn’t exist? Be honest.

• Storage: Sofas with legs might allow for discreet under-sofa boxes or baskets. Legless sofas? Not so much.

• Pets and kids: Small pets may hide under high-legged sofas; toddlers might try too. Consider a height that’s safe and manageable.

• Flooring protection: Avoid plastic legs (they often scratch). Opt for felt pads under wood or metal legs to prevent damage.

And finally – measure your vacuum’s height. Yes, really.

Final Thoughts

Sofa legs might seem like a minor detail, but they affect everything from style to functionality. Whether you want clean lines, cosy vibes, or simply less to hoover around, your choice of leg style can make or break your satisfaction in the long run.

Choosing a sofa is about the sum of many small parts – and the legs, it turns out, are not so small after all.

Missed the earlier posts in this sofa series? Catch up here:

• Sofa, So Good? What No One Tells You Before You Buy One

• Tall, Short, Stiff, Sinky: Finding a Sofa That Actually Suits Your Body

And if you enjoy interior advice that’s thoughtful but never dull, read the rest of my blog or subscribe to my newsletter. It’s less “trending now” and more “let’s actually make your homework for you”.