For decades, mathematicians have grappled with the “sofa problem,” a deceptively simple question concerning the largest two-dimensional shape that can be moved through a right-angled corridor. Recent work suggests significant progress towards determining the true area of this optimal shape, potentially culminating in a solution to a problem that has intrigued researchers since the 1960s. While a definitive answer remains elusive, the latest findings narrow down the possibilities considerably and offer new insights into the boundaries of geometric optimization.