Interior designer reveals why a specific type of furniture has become the darling of architects and decorators — and how it can completely transform your living room.
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Whether in urban apartments, compact lofts, or even spacious homes with integrated areas, one of the most common requests I get from clients is always the same: “I want my living room to look bigger, without losing style.” The good news? It’s totally possible with the right furniture — and there’s one item that has dominated contemporary projects: the sofa with exposed legs.
Yes, this is the decor trend that’s taken over in recent years, and it’s easy to see why.
Why has the high-leg sofa become a trend?
Minimalist, elegant, and functional, the sofa with visible legs creates the illusion of space by freeing up the visual gap between the floor and the furniture’s base. This simple detail allows light to circulate more freely and brings a sense of lightness and flow to the room.
Additionally, the elevated design makes cleaning easier and perfectly aligns with the principles of Scandinavian design and modern style — two current decor favorites.
Main benefits:
- Visually enlarges the space
- Adds lightness and sophistication
- Facilitates energy flow (great for Feng Shui)
- Matches various styles: modern, retro, minimalist, Scandinavian, and contemporary
Real-life project examples
In the projects I develop, I’ve found that high-leg sofas in neutral tones like light gray, beige, or off-white work perfectly as versatile pieces. They suit both small living rooms and integrated spaces with dining areas or gourmet balconies.
In a recent project for a 60 m² apartment in Vila Madalena (São Paulo), I used a light wood-legged sofa with a slim frame, paired with a glass coffee table. The result was instant: the space felt lighter, visually clearer, and gave off a contemporary vibe that the residents loved.
How to use this trend without going wrong?
- Opt for light tones – Sofas in fabrics like raw linen, off-white bouclé, or light gray cotton further enhance the sense of spaciousness.
- Combine with neutral rugs and a transparent coffee table – The fewer visual blocks, the stronger the effect of openness.
- Choose wooden or slim metal legs – Avoid thick and heavy legs. Subtle ones keep the focus on lightness.
- Lighting is key – A well-designed lighting scheme, with floor lamps or side lamps in strategic spots, will highlight this type of furniture even more.
Pro tip
If you want to take your living room design even further, pair the high-leg sofa with a wall-mounted shelf or floating bookshelves. This enhances the verticality of the space and keeps the floor visible — another guaranteed trick to amplify spatial perception.
The sofa with exposed legs is more than an aesthetic trend: it’s a smart solution for those looking for a more modern, elegant, and visually spacious living room. The craze over this furniture type isn’t just a passing fad — it reflects the growing demand for functionality, lightness, and good design.
And best of all: you don’t need to renovate or spend a lot to embrace the idea. A single furniture piece can shift the feel of your space and transform your living room into a more pleasant, sophisticated, and up-to-date environment.
This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
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