A Japanese floor sofa is a low, legless seat used for relaxing, reading, gaming, and even sleeping. Nowadays, we’re seeing these floor sofas gaining popularity across Australia because of their clean look and space-saving design.
Made Minimal is a Brisbane-based team that focuses on stylish, functional furniture for modern homes. Our team enjoys comfort and style as much as you do, and we’re not immune to the appeal of these Japanese floor sofas.
So, in this article, we’ll explain how a floor couch functions, who it suits, and why it might be the perfect fit for your living room. If you’re after a more relaxed, open feel at home, keep reading.
First, we’ll look at what a Japanese floor sofa is and who it suits.
What Is a Japanese Floor Sofa, and Is It Right for You?
As we mentioned already, a Japanese floor sofa is a legless, cushion-based seat that rests directly on the ground. People use them for relaxing, lounging, reading, gaming (and sometimes sleeping).
Let’s look at how they work and whether one might suit your lifestyle.
Defining the Japanese Floor Sofa
Floor sofas sit low, usually between 10 and 13 centimetres off the ground. Most have soft foam or cotton padding. But many models also feature adjustable backrests that can recline to different angles or fold completely flat (hence, some use them for sleeping).
The design comes from traditional Japanese zaisu (座椅子) chairs, which have been used on tatami mats for hundreds of years. Traditionally, they were simpler in design. Most had a basic wooden frame with a straight backrest and minimal padding (just enough to provide support while sitting on tatami mats).
Over time, cushions called zabuton were added for extra comfort, but the focus remained on practicality and supporting a natural, upright posture on the floor. Modern floor sofas borrow these ideas (low height, back support, and relaxed floor-level design) while adding softer foam, adjustable recline, and contemporary fabrics for today’s homes.
Common Use Cases in Daily Life
You might be surprised how easily a floor sofa can fit into everyday life. Here are a few ways Australians are using them at home.
Netflix and Gaming Zone
A floor sofa lets you sink into a relaxed position while watching TV or playing video games. The adjustable backrest means you can sit upright for gaming or recline when you want to unwind (almost like a gaming chair).
Meditation and Mindfulness Corner
Sitting close to the ground engages your core and back muscles, improves posture, and encourages mindfulness. This can help reduce stress and improve focus, which is why it’s popular in meditation and yoga.
Many people also find floor seating slows movement and thought and makes them feel more relaxed.
Sleepovers and Guest Beds
As we’ve explained before, some floor sofas fold flat to create a sleeping surface. So if your friends or family stay overnight, you can offer them a comfortable spot without needing a spare room.
Extra Seating for Socialising
When guests come over, floor sofas add flexible seating without taking up too much space. They’re easy to move around or store when you’re finished.
Overall, a floor sofa works well for anyone who wants a relaxed, low-profile option for daily use.
Floor Sofa vs. Couch vs. Sofa Bed
You already know what a standard couch provides: firm support and sits higher off the ground, so it’s easy to get on and off. A sofa bed adds a pull-out mattress for guests, but this extra feature can take up more space and make it heavier to move.
In contrast, a floor sofa stays low to the ground and offers more flexibility without the bulk. Many models even fold flat for easy storage, which makes them especially suitable for smaller homes.
Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Consider One
Floor sofas suit young adults, renters, and families with small children. The low height also makes them safer for toddlers who like to climb on furniture.
That said, people with joint pain or limited mobility may struggle to get up from ground level. If that sounds like you, raising the sofa by putting it on a low platform or short risers can make it easier to use.
How to Select the Right Sofa Bed or Floor Couch for Your Living Room
Selecting the right floor sofa starts with knowing your space, comfort needs, and daily habits. And a good fit will depend on your room size, material quality, and how you plan to use it. Below, we’ll share some practical tips to help you choose.
Measuring Your Space for the Perfect Fit
Start by measuring your living room before you shop. We recommend using painter’s tape to mark out the sofa’s size on the floor, then walk around it to check there’s enough room to move. You’ll want at least 75 to 90 centimetres of clear space for walkways.
Now, most floor sofas range from 120 to 180 centimetres wide, which is good for apartments and smaller rentals. But if your room is on the tighter side, you can choose a smaller or split floor sofa that comes in sections. Just move or rearrange these pieces to fit different layouts.
For example, you can pick a smaller or sectional floor sofa to fit your room. One piece can go against a wall while the other serves as extra seating.
Finding the Right Level of Comfort and Support
A soft sofa might feel great in the store, but thin padding tends to flatten over time. So, look for memory foam or high-density foam that holds its shape with regular use.
Adjustable backrests are also worth considering because they let you switch between sitting upright and reclining. Pair this with a good lumbar support to reduce back strain during longer sessions.
Matching Style with Materials
You can find floor sofas in different textures like cotton, linen, and velvet. Cotton feels soft, breathes well, and washes easily. Linen is a bit stronger and resists pilling over time. And if you want a richer look, velvet can add elegance but needs regular brushing to stay fresh.
For colours, neutral tones like grey or beige blend into most rooms and match different decor styles easily. Or you can pick bolder shades, like deep blue, emerald green, or burnt orange, to give your sofa more personality.
Keep in mind that your material choice will affect both durability and cleaning.
Practicality: Storage, Portability, and Setup
If you move often or live in a compact home, a foldable floor sofa will give you more flexibility. These designs collapse flat for easy storage or transport, which suits renters and multipurpose rooms.
Lightweight models are also easier to move when guests arrive or when you want to rearrange. Some even include storage pockets for remotes or books. And for sleepovers, a convertible floor sofa that unfolds into a bed will give you two functions in a single piece of furniture.
Make Your Living Room More Comfortable With a Floor Sofa
So, what do you think? Could a floor sofa work in your space?
A Japanese floor sofa brings together comfort, space-saving design, and a clean modern look. You can use it as a sofa bed for guests, a relaxed reading spot, or just a cosy place to unwind after a long day. And now you know that most quality floor sofas tick all the boxes for support, versatility, and style as well.
If your current living room feels cluttered, bulky, or hard to relax in, a floor sofa might be the simple change you need to create a comfortable space. We think it suits our compact Aussie homes especially well.
Ready to find yours? Browse our range of furniture at Made Minimal and see what fits your space.
