Interior designers and Feng Shui experts alike will often argue about sofa placement. Perhaps the greatest battle of all comes down to whether one should be placed against a wall, with the vast majority saying yes, for both aesthetic and functional reasons. In Matt Damon's living room, however, things are done differently.
In his former Pacific Palisades home, Matt broke the biggest rule in the living room feng shui rule book. He left a gap between his wall and modular sofa (much like this one from Amazon), and the result makes perfect sense.
By moving his sofa away from the wall, he creates a clear lounging area in his open-plan living room. The area, anchored by the L-shaped sofa, functions as an intimate, cozier space for conversation, while the space behind it is used to display art or enjoy coffee on one of the accent chairs.
Shop the Matt-Inspired Edit
Sink into cloud-like comfort with this plush, boneless sofa, designed with high-density foam for relaxed, everyday lounging. Ideal for movie nights or unwinding, it features an 18.8" seat height for a natural sitting position, while curved armrests offer subtle support with an ergonomic feel.
Upgrade your lounging with this four-seater modular sofa. Covered in textured boucle, it features relaxed seat and back cushions for a comfortable, stylish look. Its modular design lets you easily create the perfect arrangement for any living space, whether you place it against your wall or not.
Create a calm, refined living room with this textured cream pillow, finished with subtle fringe detailing for added depth and interest. It looks beautiful on any neutral sofa, just like Matt's.
Crafted from 100% premium polyester microfiber, these fuzzy blankets feature long-hair fabric on one side and soft, skin-friendly mink fleece on the reverse. Expertly stitched with durable seams, they’re an easy addition to any layered, texture-rich living room.
Crafted with a sturdy, lacquered metal frame, this round decorative tray provides a refined base for displaying small objects, art books, or candles with understated style (just like Matt's display).
This pillow adds refined, textural elegance to any couch or armchair. It features a reversible design with an ivory bouclé front and a beige linen reverse, adding depth and dimension to your living room.
In Feng Shui, the living room sofa is best placed against a solid wall to provide stability and a sense of support, while leaving a small gap for airflow. This creates the 'command position,' where you can clearly see the door and room entrance without sitting directly in line with it, as experts explain.
'Whether you’re working with a small flat or a spacious family home, making your sofa a statement can enhance the comfort, flow, and style of your lounge. The position of your sofa doesn’t just impact how your room looks – it can also affect how it feels. Lean on feng shui principles by placing it against a solid wall with a clear view of the door, creating calm, control, and flow,' comments Laura Migales, an interiors expert at Cult Furniture.
However, as Matt Damon reminds us, there are some rules made to be broken, and some experts are convinced.
'Bringing your sofa into the centre of a room can create a more inviting, conversational layout,' explains Shelley Fish, the creative lead at Aurelo.
'It also allows the furniture to breathe, showcasing its sculptural form from all angles. art with flow, not furniture. Think about how you move through the space and let that guide placement. In smaller rooms, positioning a sofa slightly away from the wall can actually make the room feel larger and more intentional.'
Breaking some conventions, especially in Feng Shui, can be a risk. However, Matt's space invites us to try something new and perhaps improve the flow of your room beyond the sofa. I admit, I'm convinced.
