High Profile vs. Low Profile Couch - Which is Right for You?
If you are trying to choose the right back height for a new modern sofa, it helps to understand how sofas are measured. A sofa’s fit comes from a combination of seat height, seat depth and back height, and the pitch (angle) of the back matters too. Here are a few tips to help you pick the ideal back height for your new sofa.
Low profile sofas
Sofas with a low profile tend to look more modern and sophisticated. They can also create an illusion of space in a smaller room. If your ceilings are 8 feet high or lower, a low profile couch can make the ceiling feel higher than it is.
Collar Sofaby Woud · See product
Flora Sofaby Woud · See product
Saba Sectional Sofaby Mobital · See product
Ellipse 3 Seater Sofaby Ethnicraft · See product
For shorter adults, a low profile sofa is often the most comfortable, because the seat height is slightly lower than average. When seated, your feet should rest flat on the floor with your knees bent at about 90 degrees, which also makes it easier to get up. Very low seats can be harder to get out of, though, so older family members may prefer a seat that isn’t too low.
High profile sofas
High profile sofas give more support to the upper back, shoulders and even the head. People who sit deeper into their cushions, including taller and heavier adults, often find a higher back more comfortable. Seat depth and the angle of the back are just as important for getting the fit right.
Dalton 3-Seater Sofaby Mobital · See product
Era Sofaby Normann Copenhagen · See product
Noda Modular Sofaby B&T · See product
Plenum Sofaby Fritz Hansen · See product
A higher sofa is often the best option for taller people because their knees can bend at a more comfortable angle. Shorter people may find a high-backed sofa less comfortable to sit on, but it can be very comfortable for lying down or napping. Some modular sofas, like Noda by B&T and Era by Normann Copenhagen, are offered with both high-back and low-back options, so you can choose the height that suits you.
In homes with high ceilings, a high-backed sofa is a great choice and can become a focal point in the room.
Usage considerations
To decide which option is best for your home, start with the tallest person in your household. If you are petite, a shallower seat and lower back may work fine. If you are taller, you will likely need a higher back to properly support you.
Your new sofa should help keep your back in proper alignment. To support your lower back without compromising your shoulders, look for a back height roughly 12–16″ higher than the seat.
The most important thing to keep in mind is your own comfort. If you plan to use the sofa often, there is no point choosing one that looks good but doesn’t support your back. And there’s no rule that all the seating in a room needs the same seat height. Feel free to mix and match to create the right balance of heights in your space.
Don’t forget about other measurements
Back height matters for both style and comfort, but don’t forget the other dimensions. Seat depth plays a big part in how comfortable a sofa feels. Seats that are too deep can be uncomfortable for upright sitting, so if you entertain often, choose a moderate seat depth so guests can sit and stand easily. For more on this, see our guide to soft vs. firm couches.
Accent pillows can also make up for a sofa’s dimensions when you have guests over, giving everyone extra back support.
Not sure which back height is best for you? Ask one of our furniture experts, or browse our modern sofa collection.